Dear Bahá’í Friends,
It is with exceeding gladness that we greet the dear friends of Lithuania on the historic occasion of their first National Bahá’í Convention. The emergence of the independent National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lithuania is a cause of rejoicing for the whole Bahá’í world. This precious victory for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is the fruit of the self-sacrificing endeavors of the devoted believers, whether native Lithuanians, pioneers or traveling teachers, who have raised up a dynamic national Bahá’í community where, just a decade ago, there were only two believers in the entire country. Looking even further back, we can see the foundations of this achievement in the travels of Miss Martha Root, who planted the seeds of Bahá’u’lláh's Teachings in her visit to Kaunas in April 1927.
A new chapter in the history of the Faith in your country is opening. You can render no greater service to your people than sharing the life-giving Message of Bahá’u’lláh with your fellow citizens. It is your high privilege to work toward the fulfillment of such a noble goal with ever greater vigor, confidence and courage. The continued expansion of teaching activities, the steady multiplication and consolidation of your Local Spiritual Assemblies, the encouragement of youth, the holding of regular classes for children, and the ever more effective use of your training institute―these stand out among your major tasks as you face a challenging future.
For outward developments to properly endure and flourish, they must be matched by inner spiritual growth. The process of drawing ever closer to Bahá’u’lláh in prayer and meditation, of deepening your grasp and appreciation of the fundamental verities of our Faith, of transforming your personal lives and conduct and fostering strong bonds of unity and love among the believers will enable you to reach unimagined heights and lay the foundation for a rich and active community life which, by its example, will draw the souls of others to its blissful shelter.
Rest assured that we shall pray ardently in the Holy Shrines that Bahá’u’lláh may bless and strengthen you with His divine confirmations and enable you to foster the sound growth and development of His Faith in your land.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)
