The Esslingen Bahá'í Assembly Dear Bahá'í Friends,
On behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge with deepest thanks and appreciation the receipt of your welcome message of the 18th instant.
He is, indeed, very happy to learn of the news of the progress of the Cause in Esslingen, and of the recent accomplishments of your Assembly in that center. The improvements that you have made in the Bahá'í Home will, undoubtedly, rejoice all the friends in Germany and will greatly encourage them to attend the next Summer School. He hopes that the believers outside Germany will also be attracted to your centre, and will thus contribute to the further growth and consolidation of your community.
The Guardian is continually supplicating on your behalf at the Holy Shrines, that Divine confirmations may strengthen and guide your Assembly in the discharge of its heavy duties and responsibilities.
He will also remember all the other friends in Esslingen, and will ask the Almighty to bless and inspire them all in the service of His Cause.
With most loving greetings and best wishes for a happy and prosperous season...
In the Guardian's own handwriting:
Dearly-beloved friends:
Your message brought joy and imparted strength and hope to my heart. I deeply value your constancy, your devotion, your unremitting labours, your notable services to our beloved Faith. I will continue to pray that your numbers may increase, your influence may deepen, and your hopes may be fuller and speedily realized. Persevere and never lose heart,
Your true brother,
Shoghi