Studying the Word of God by phone

A vibrant and loving Bahá’í community life means more than just gathering for events. It means reaching out to the other believers—both recently declared and longtime—to nurture and empower them, whatever their situation. We have posted a number of stories on the blog about affirming a believer’s declaration over the phone. Here is a beautiful example of another type of “phone meeting”: two believers studying the Word of God together over the phone, systematically for 3 years. It has enhanced unity as well as assisted them to teach the Faith!

It is hard being alone—that is for sure. Here is something I am doing that maybe you can too. It all started 3 years ago. There is a believer in a nearby town who is wheelchair confined. So I started calling her every night at 7 pm and began reading to her, starting with one Bahá’í book. 3 years later here we are still reading almost every night. We usually read for a half an hour but sometimes more or less than that. We have gone through so many books. It's a great way to end the day and we both can discuss the Writings.

This believer has grown so much more courageous from this. While previously timid, she now mentions and teaches the faith every chance she gets. I will be calling her at 12:30 AM for the anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and we will observe this Holy Day over the phone. It keeps us both from being lonely and helps us both to deepen. It has been a very joyful experience.