The Hand of Providence

In the 2011 Ridvan message we are assured that the divine light “achieves a steady glow across whole neighbourhoods and villages as candle after candle in heart after heart is lighted by the Hand of Providence. “ We hear from two new believers, each of whom was touched by this light.

Jessica, a physician in Virginia, learned about the Faith through one of her colleagues. She had an opportunity to visit the House of Worship long before signing her card and was reciting Baha’I prayers because she found them soothing. With the New Year, Jessica felt it was time to declare her belief in Baha’u’llah. In response to materials sent after her online declaration, Jessica responded,

“Thank you so much for taking the time to forward this information. It’s very helpful. It’s funny because ever since we spoke, I have this calm, collected feeling like a spiritual calm over me. This is one of the most stressful times in my life, professionally, personally and emotionally. I think welcoming Baha’u’llah as a manifestation of God is somehow cleansing. "

Kayla of Washington state had never heard of the Baha'i Faith. She had grown up attending a Christian school and attending church with her family. She could not reconcile her own beliefs with the church’s teaching and stopped practicing as a youth. She had read about Gandhi’s philosophy and agreed with his thoughts about life. While at work a man came into the emergency room and listed “Baha’I” as his religious preference. She wasn't able to ask him about it because of his medical situation, but was determined to investigate it when she got home. She looked up the Faith on the internet and found the website. She read everything she could. Kayla said what struck her the most was Baha'u'llah's teachings that science and religion go hand in hand, that Divine Messengers appear throughout history to reveal God's Will to humanity, and the importance of equality and eradication of prejudices. She said it was such a relief to discover the Faith (a true "Eureka" moment!), and that Its teachings were what she has believed in her heart all her life.

When Kayla submitted her online registration she shared:

"I thank you for the kind offer to join you all in this faith. I have searched my whole life for a religion that feels right to me. I know inside that this is where I need to be. Again, thank you."