Working together to make connections

The following report from the Central region relates the story of a junior youth who declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh. She contacted the Bahá’ís through the national Seeker Response system; the friends not only connected her with believers and activities in nearby communities, but they also ensured that her parents were closely involved in the process.

Dear Ones,

I just had to share this. I had previously mentioned ___, a 13 year old girl who wanted to declare. This is an area where there are no Baha'is for many miles.

When she learned that she would need her parents to approve, she started talking to them about it and sharing the web sites. After several weeks she emailed back that she had their approval and they would sign the card. Then it was a matter of finding a Baha'i to travel the distance to enroll her. Two wonderful ladies took up the challenge. . . .

I was copied on all the email exchanges as they planned this outing and coordinated it with ___ and her parents. We were all praying that it would go well. That evening I got the following message:

Dear E,

It was a wonderful experience for us to meet ___ and her parents.

After we gave Anna’s presentation and answered the few questions the parents still had, we presented ___ with the registration form and she and her parents signed it. Her mom said they understood how important this was for ___ and that she was a very spiritual girl. Gifts of books and pamphlets were left for ___ and her parents.

We are going to get in touch with L who heads up the youth group in a nearby community. We are also thinking about taking ___ to Convention so that she can meet the youth there. When we mentioned that another community hosts an active youth group, the parents were delighted. Also they have children's classes and Ruhi classes going there. So we'll work with L to get that set up. It will take time, but all are interested in getting ___ acquainted with other Baha'is.

It was certainly a wonderful day and a great boost for us. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Luv'n hugs

L