It is not enough for the friends to make the excuse that
their best teachers and their exemplary believers have arisen and answered the
call to pioneer. A "best teacher" and an "exemplary
believer" is ultimately neither more nor less than an ordinary Bahá'í who
has consecrated himself to the work of the Faith, deepened his knowledge and
understanding of its Teachings, placed his confidence in Bahá'u'lláh, and
arisen to serve Him to the best of his ability. This door is one which we are
assured will open before the face of every follower of the Faith who knocks
hard enough, so to speak. When the will and the desire are strong enough, the means
will be found and the way opened…
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 21 September 1957
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Guidelines for
Teaching)
