Youth and junior youth ask: "Have you heard of Bahaullah?"

Youth are taking initiative in sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with their neighbors. Here is a description of a teaching project in Minnesota that has been organized and will be carried out by youth and junior youth. You can feel the excitement in every word, as well as the effort exerted by the friends who are striving to arise and serve.

Alláh-u-Abhá dear friends!!! I hope everyone is very well!

As many of you might've already heard, this Sunday our cluster is holding its first youth and junior youth-led intensive teaching campaign. Everything begins at 2:00 pm, where we will gather for prayers, last minute planning, and breaking up into teaching teams.

The plan is as follows: in pairs or small groups, the youth and junior youth will go out into a neighborhood. We will go from house to house, knocking on each door. We will conduct a survey consisting of a single, yes/no question: "Have you ever heard of Bahá’u’lláh or the Bahá’í Faith?" This question will be followed by "Would you be interested in learning more about the Bahá’í Faith?" (if they said yes to first question) or "Would you be interested in learning about the Bahá’í Faith?" (if they said no to the first question). Based on their answers, the youth will either give Anna’s presentation, give them a pamphlet, or thank the individual for their time, wish them a great day, and move on to the next house. In all cases, the youth will record on their notepads the number of "yes" and "no' answers to the first question, in addition to recording the house address, receptivity level, and subjects covered while speaking with them about the Faith. All groups will also be equipped with either cards or informational pamphlets to give to those who are interested in learning more.

The task force responsible for planning this day-long teaching event (which was comprised of two youth, two junior youth, and one adult) felt that this format of teaching was most conducive to individuals' varying comfort levels with direct teaching. For those who are more comfortable with teaching directly, they have the opportunity to do so when they find receptive souls. For those who are less comfortable with teaching directly on the spot, they have the option of providing the interested individuals with an informational card or pamphlet.

After a couple of hours of in the field teaching, the youth will re-gather for reflection and prayers, after which they will put the results of their reflections into action and return to the field, now going door to door in another part of the neighborhood.

For those who do not feel comfortable with going door to door at all but would still like to be involved, the youth will be in need of all the prayers they can get. We ask that all members of the community say prayers for the success of the youths' teaching efforts, that they pray for receptive souls, and to make the youth become as hollow reeds through which Bahá’u’lláh's love may flow to the neighborhood. Members of the community are welcome to come together and pray, or remain at their own homes and keep the youth in their prayers.

This is an exciting time for our cluster, and I know that many of us are both excited and nervous about this direct teaching experience. Remember, that "the source of courage and power is promotion of the Word of God," and that the National Spiritual Assembly of America will be praying for the success of our cluster's efforts. If we rely on their support and on the support of Bahá’u’lláh and the Concourse on High, there is no limit to what we can achieve. I'd also like to remind the friends that while this is initiative is being spear-headed by the youth and junior youth, we welcome the involvement and participation of the older members of the community as well.

We look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday at 2:00pm for the start of this exciting teaching event.

Much love to you all,

-S