From further conversation to finding friends with common interests

Jennifer called 800-22UNITE (800-228-6483) for more information about the Bahá’í Faith.  This is what she shared about herself.

“My mother has been involved in Bahá'í for many years [and] we were discussing a lot of things and she suggested it again to me so I decided to call. I like the idea of the betterment of relationship of cultures.”

The friends in the community were happy to call her back and meet with her. This is what they shared.

Jennifer attended our devotional on Saturday. She showed much interest, had questions about the brochures I gave her, and she has connected with a Bahá’í in the community with whom she has many similar interests.

 

"He was ready to declare when he attended our devotional"

Conner, who lives in a small town in North Carolina, inquired about the Baha'i Faith simply by calling 800-22UNITE and saying “Hi there, my name is Conner and I was looking for a local Baha’i community near me.” 

Conner decided to register his belief in Baha'u'llah having researched Baha'i Faith online after learning of it while in high school.  He was raised Catholic, and is excited to learn more.  He plans to attend Community College next year, so he will be moving soon. 

Here is one story about what made this declaration special, as told by the host of a recent prayer gathering. 

“He was ready to declare when he attended our devotional gathering and the Fireside that followed.  He simply asked something like, "What is the process for initiation into the Faith?"  After answering his question, a declaration card was given to him and explained.   He signed it right away, and stated a desire to engage in further study of the Faith when it can be arranged.  We had 16 people in our living room with no seat or room to spare.  We were Baha'i, Christian, Muslim; all together sharing in devotional prayer and discussion, and a meal afterwards. These devotional gatherings are truly wonderful and we are blessed to have such a heartwarming experience.”

 

Seeker unsettled by verdict of George Zimmerman trial finds comfort with Bahá’ís

When a terrible event happens in the world, one that saddens many hearts and brings tears to many eyes, we seek solace and comfort. One woman in Alabama contacted the Baha’is and shared about the impact of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial and the death of Travon Martin.

“Still unsure how to deal with the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, I sort of zoned out. Afterward, two movies caught my attention: one filled with injustice, immorality and bloodshed; the other [filled me with] despair, desperation and self-awareness. An actress in the latter movie was unfamiliar to me, so I researched her. Everything about her seemed at peace. Something I need right now! [The actress, a Bahai, wanted] to spread Bahá’í [teachings] to everyone. I then looked up the fundamentals of this lifestyle . . . ”

Upon receiving news of this inquiry, the local Baha’is contacted her and shared this about their visit together.

“I met with [her] yesterday morning for breakfast and we had a really good visit. I gave her a [book of] Bahá’í Prayers for Women, and a Who Are the Bahá’ís brochure, and a [few other materials that I thought would conform her]. We [talked about] Bahá’u’lláh, who He is, progressive revelation, ways to learn about the Faith, and [I did my best to ] answer questions she had. I [invited her to a local event] and told her I would be happy to go with her . . . She was surprised and happy to know there are Bahá’ís near her.”

A few days later, she attended a devotional gathering and met some Baha’is. She asked several more questions and said she would see us again soon.

 

Assisting Seekers of Truth – An “Amazing Experience,” Part 1

Last year, a self-described “outgoing” woman volunteered to follow-up in her Baha'i community with a seeker that was referred to her in her community. She describes the invitation to respond to a seeker who asked to learn more about the Faith as “...an amazing experience.”

In its 2010 Ridvan message, having enumerated the main developments in the global Baha'i community, the Universal House of Justice describes “yet another advance at the level of culture,” a change with “far-reaching” implications: the importance of accompanying souls on their journey. The Supreme Institution writes about the merits of “accompaniment”:

It signals the significant strengthening of a culture in which learning is the mode of operation, a mode that fosters the informed participation of more and more people in a united effort to apply Bahá’u’lláh's teachings to the construction of a divine civilization, which the Guardian states is the primary mission of the Faith

The Baha'i reached out to the seeker, also a woman, and invited her to her home. Along with her husband, together they began a conversation like Anna (in Ruhi Book 6), sharing fundamental verities of the Baha'i Faith. After one session of looking together at the content in the “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” (Ruhi Book 1), this Baha'i writes: “she declared.”

They met again, and this time the newly-declared Baha'i confided with her and her husband that she had a tragic, personal loss several years prior, and how the Bahai Writings provided her with comfort during a difficult time.

Later, after she had declared, she shared with us that after seven years of feeling no comfort, she felt so assisted by the Baha'i Writings and felt she was reading the Word of God. She said that in that moment she had made her decision to become a Baha'i,  it seemed as if the Concourse on High was guiding us to put what she needed into her hands.

The Baha'i writes that, “we presented her with two Writings from Abdu'l-Baha” regarding consolation.

Through accompaniment together, the journey continued for this new believer, as she later attended her first unity Feast with the Bahia community, and her own husband joined her. The Baha'i teacher shared the joy she observed about these new friends...

They were both radiant at the end and she commented that she would have a sore face tomorrow from all the smiling. They were overwhelmed with the love and the diversity of the friends.

The Universal House of Justice assures the Bahais of the transformative effect that the quality of relationships have among friends, and our communities:

In relationships among the friends, then, this development in culture finds expression in the quality of their interactions. Learning as a mode of operation requires that all assume a posture of humility, a condition in which one becomes forgetful of self, placing complete trust in God...

Through this Bahai, we can begin to see the quality of this interaction on her service to another...

I am an outgoing person and I cannot imagine a more exciting and rewarding service than assisting those who are seeking the Truth.

To be continued: Part 2 of Assisting Seekers of Truth

Keetra's Prayer Party: the "potential is huge"

When Brad and Katy’s five-year-old daughter Keetra announced one day that she wanted to start a “prayer party,” they weren’t quite sure how to handle it. As you’ll see in the video linked below, they had never hosted a devotional gathering before.

Keetra’s father Brad even told her that she would have to make her own phone calls, with the hope (at that time) that he and Katy wouldn’t be embarrassed!

Two years later, Keetra still makes the calls, and her family continues to host the first Baha’i-inspired devotional gathering in their Arizona community.

In its 28 December 2010 letter, the Universal House of Justice writes that the Baha’i world’s “capacity to shape a pattern of life distinguished for its devotional character has risen perceptibly,” adding that:

In diverse settings, on every continent, groups of believers are uniting with others in prayer, turning their hearts in supplication to their Maker, and calling to their aid those spiritual forces upon which the efficacy of their individual and collective efforts depends.

As you’ll see in the video, one of the participants, Wendy, says that:

Everyone, I think, has a desire to be spiritual. And when I was a child, I felt as if I was questing for something. And maybe I still am, but I thinks it’s really good for the kids to have some outlet for that.

About the benefits of holding devotionals, Wendy adds:

I think the potential is huge. I think that pulling together in a spiritual manner really strengthens those bonds that we form with each other.

Here is the delightful video named “Keetra’s Prayer Party”:

Summing up what Keetra and her family have done, Wendy remarks:

Look at all of us who came together today because of Keetra. That’s an amazing thing for a kid to be able to do, for anyone to be able to do.

A Ready Soul

In Memorials of the Faithful, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells the moving story of a man named Hájí ‘Abdu’r-Raḥím-i-Yazdí, whom He described as “a precious soul, from his earliest years virtuous and God-fearing, and known among the people as a holy man, peerless in observing his religious duties, mindful as to his acts.” The Master continued:

His strong religious faith was an indisputable fact. He served and worshiped God by day and night, was sound, mild, compassionate, a loyal friend.

Because he was fully prepared, at the very moment when he heard the summons from the Supreme Horizon—heard the drumbeats of “Am I not your Lord?”—he instantly cried out, “Yea, verily!” With his whole being, he became enamored of the splendors shed by the Light of the World. Openly and boldly he began to confirm his family and friends.

The following story from a Bahá’í in Colorado Springs illustrates how some people are “fully prepared” to accept Bahá’u’lláh and are moved to declare their Faith very quickly after hearing His blessed name, and arise to serve Him:

Two Sundays ago, hardly anyone showed up for Sunday Devotions at the Bahá’í Center, and only three of us were there when Robert (Bob) walked in and said, “I’m here to attend your service!” He had been filling gas at the Shamrock station across the street when he noticed the Bahá’í Center sign for devotions, and decided to walk in.

After the devotional meeting, Bob stayed to listen to the usual introduction to the Faith followed by a brief discussion, and we answered his questions to the best of our ability. Bob is from Florida, and was in Colorado Springs on business. He said he had been searching for a while after giving up on his Baptist church, and it was in a Unitarian church where he heard about the Bahá’í Faith for the first time. Bob was very touched by what he heard during our discussion and asked, “What are you doing to get your wonderful message across to the world? It all just makes so much sense!” We answered, “We’re really trying our best; we’re even going door to door!” We gave him a standard welcome package containing an introductory CD.

Last Sunday Bob came back to the Center and said he had gone through all the materials thoroughly. This time he met more Bahá’ís and seemed even more impressed with the Faith.

Tonight, my husband and I invited him to dinner, and had a wonderful time with him. In the course of our visit I mentioned casually that when he goes home he should look up the Bahá’ís in his town and keep in touch with them. He surprised us by saying, “Oh! I didn’t tell you! I went online and registered as a Bahá’í! I looked up the Bahá’ís back in Florida, contacted them, and one of them welcomed me. It was so nice, and we made arrangements for me to meet them upon my return home.” Bob explained that after his last visit to the Bahá’í Center, he went online from his hotel room, further investigated the Faith, and  declared exactly nine days after hearing about Bahá’u’lláh! And he’s going home in two weeks to teach the Faith to his wife and seven year-old son!

Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá!

Using Different Language to Describe Devotional Gatherings

“Responding to the inmost longing of every heart to commune with its Maker,” said the Universal House of Justice in its 2008 Ridvan Message, in a passage describing the activities of the Bahá’ís around the world, “they carry out acts of collective worship in diverse settings, uniting with others in prayer, awakening spiritual susceptibilities, and shaping a pattern of life distinguished for its devotional character.”

A believer from the South Central region who has been holding a regular devotional gathering explains how her choice of language has shifted in more recent attempts to describe these gatherings to friends and neighbors.  This shift in language, she explains in the below note to some collaborators, is due to experience that has been gained in communities that are reporting increases in the core activities.

Now: I'm inviting everyone to a get-together; and each time has a theme.  (Before: I was calling it a 'devotional'.)

Now: The purpose is to strengthen the neighborhood by focusing on friendship and unity; we have opportunities at the get-together to talk about common spiritual interests, like 'gratitude' or 'being fearless' or ‘friendship'.  Also, we read from uplifting poems, quotations, and have music.  (Before: to pray together; it kinda of felt like 'church'.)

Now:  The vision is that additional folks in our neighborhood will arise to offer a weekly or monthly devotional.  They may just do it, or they may like to have training how.  The course called Reflections on the Life of the Spirit provides the training.  I'd like to start one in Oct. or Nov. on a Friday if there is interest.  I probably will not announce this at the get-togethers, but will talk with guests one-on-one.  (Before:  I'll provide everything: refreshments, music, quotes, home.  Even though I wanted folks to play music, bring quotes, etc., it was still mostly ME being in the center.  I believe it's important that no one person is in the center, that the spirit is in the center, and our love for each other.)

Now: Focus on additional activities and service projects to bring neighbors together for the good of our families, each other, the neighborhood, and the environment.  Like the Junior Youth empowerment program.  I'm going to see if there is interest in being of service with:  Creek clean-up, erosion prevention of the creek, water catchment for the neighbors who live here, plus input and ideas and involvement from everyone will be welcome.  (Before: monthly devotional only, a stand-alone activity.)

Thank you for collaborating and accompanying me.  I look forward to continuing to learn, incorporating the learning, and seeing you very soon.

When Study and Service Are Carried Out Concurrently

That the Bahá’í world has succeeded in developing a culture which promotes a way of thinking, studying, and acting, in which all consider themselves as treading a common path of service -- supporting one another and advancing together, respectful of the knowledge that each one possesses at any given moment and avoiding the tendency to divide the believers into categories such as deepened and uninformed -- is an accomplishment of enormous proportions.  And therein lie the dynamics of an irrepressible movement. (Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 2010)

The Area Teaching Committee of California’s Monterey County cluster (A-stage) reports this story about a recent on-line declarant.

“J.” is in the US Navy and is currently stationed at _____. Following news of his on-line declaration and confirmation, the institute process was initiated with some twists due to local conditions. Since the [military base] is closed to civilians, home visits were not possible, so “J.” had home visits at the home of some nearby Bahá’ís. Bonds of friendship quickly developed through these home visits. “J.” showed great interest in advancing his knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith, so within a couple of weeks, he was enrolled in a Ruhi Book 1 course. Layers of accompaniment occurred throughout the course of study. The woman serving as tutor had recently completed Book 7, and this was her first experience as a tutor. She was accompanied by [another student] who had completed the sequence of courses and initially served as co-tutor. So not only was “J.” developing his capacities, but the capacity of a new tutor was also strengthened. Prior to completing his study of Book 1, we started talking with “J.” about hosting a devotional gathering for [his colleagues on the military base]. By the end of Book 1, “J.” hosted his first devotional gathering, and invited twenty of his colleagues! The devotional was hosted at the home of the nearby Bahá’ís, and all of a sudden the [military base], which formerly seemed to be closed, was now perceived as part of the neighborhood.  Since then, “J.” has participated in home visits in the target neighborhood for the cluster's Intensive Program of Growth, and he is planning his second devotional gathering.

“J.” will be leaving in December for his new assignment. While we will miss him dearly, he will be prepared to serve no matter where he goes. Thanks to him, we have seen what can happen "when study and service are joined and carried out concurrently."

Establishing Neighborhood Connections

The East San Diego County cluster reports that a number of individuals and teaching teams have gained experience forging connections between neighbors:

Informal gatherings in the home to foster friendship and community building have been effective.  The themes are many and varied.  Members of one teaching team invited neighbors to a neighborhood dessert, a Race Unity Day barbecue, a World Cup Final potluck, and a financial workshop.  One Bahá’í couple hosts neighborhood potluck evenings that take place four times a year; 25 to 30 neighbors participate, and one or two Bahá’í couples are invited to each potluck.  Another team has begun gatherings that are spiritual conversations about mental health.  At each meeting, readings from scriptures or a book are discussed.  Service to others, such as prayers and visits to the sick, was mentioned as an important element of community building.  The ______ teaching team has initiated seasonal (spring, summer, autumn, winter) neighborhood gatherings that have proved successful.

A neighbor of a Baha'i family in the ______ area sends a thank you card after attending a dinner at the home of the Baha'is and says, “I admire how you've moved into the neighborhood and met us all and have gotten us all talking.”

After a successful gathering in a ______ neighborhood with about 14 neighbors, the Bahá’ís of the neighborhood have already started planning follow-up visits to reinforce new relationships, dinners with families in smaller groups to get to know them better, and look for new ways of rendering service to their neighborhood.

Another ______ neighborhood just had their first gathering.  Over 16 neighbors attended and got to know each other.  One couple asked the host family about the Greatest Name above their door.  The first step as planned by the host family was to get to know their neighbors, then comes building friendships and finding paths of service to enrich their lives.

After a successful first gathering last cycle in a ______ neighborhood, a Health and Healing devotional was held this cycle.  At least one person from every household on the street attended the devotional with a total of nine neighbors and friends, and three Baha'is including the host family.  Each person read a prayer or writing on the topic of Health and Healing.  One of the neighbors commented later that perhaps we should have some discussion after each reading next time and said “...the energy was invigorating and joyous... brought the whole neighborhood together into a cohesive loving group”.  The Baha'i hosts are planning to continue this devotional for their neighborhood and their next step is to have a mini Ruhi-style question and answer format for discussion to see if there is interest in starting a study circle.

When we do what we are supposed to the results follow

 

In case you were wondering if the goal of vibrant communities with neighborhood-level core activities only happens after an intensive program of growth is launched, read this absolutely beautiful story from a C-stage cluster in the Central region.  In this case, an individual “felt the fear and did it anyway”, arising to serve, reaching out to their neighbors, working very hard and consistently to start a devotional meeting—and now there are several core activities in the neighborhood.  The struggles—and the confirmations—in the story speak for themselves.

Dear Friends,

I am writing to inform you of the following activities in my neighborhood.  Although I had been virtually inactive for the past few years, I was recently inspired on my recent pilgrimage, most specifically by the evening talk given by one of the members of the International Teaching Center, Mrs. Rachel Ndegwa.

While listening to her talk I gained a new understanding of what I needed to do when I returned to my community.  Indeed, I had such a burning desire to rush home to do service that I could barely contain myself in my chair and spent the rest of the pilgrimage planning and praying for what I would do when I returned.  More than anything I prayed for steadfastness, that my enthusiasm would not wane when I returned. . . .

Briefly my plan was to start a neighborhood devotional gathering.  When I returned I designed an invitation and the first devotional program.  Then I went out into my neighborhood.  I went alone.  Indeed I did not tell anyone about my plan except for my daughter who had accompanied me on pilgrimage.  I felt that I needed to do it alone—to prove to myself that this would and could work even in the most stripped-down fashion—all alone.  I remembered Martha Root's lonely travels and how much she accomplished.  And I remembered a prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about being alone and yet still serving.

I begged Bahá’u’lláh to allow me to just speak to people I saw on the street even though there were probably not going to be many on a Monday afternoon.  As I walked by my next-door neighbor's house, I saw that their two daughters, both young adults, were in the front yard.  I approached them, gave them the invitation and devotional program, invited them, and then chit-chatted about our dogs.  As I left their yard, I felt a sigh of relief and momentum build.  "That wasn't so hard," I told myself.  Within 25 minutes, I had handed out 5 invitations which was exactly my goal for that day!  In particular I felt good about one woman who seem to magically walk out of her front door as if waiting for me.  She had a lovely smile, and we greeted each other warmly.  She commented positively on the program, saying that she was gratified to see a quote from the Qur’án.  She told me she was Muslim.

I learned from this first outing that by saying, "Hi, I'm your neighbor," people let down their guard and listened to what I had to say.  These were my neighbors, and they were happy to greet a fellow neighbor.

The next few days went out again, but I was less successful in handing out invitations.  I felt disappointed.  The next day, I was awakened by a knock on the door.  It was my Muslim neighbor!  She came in and told me that she had shown the program to her husband.  She explained that her husband was in the process of establishing a non-profit organization to create a community center for youth.  She showed me a flyer which explained his plan and pointed to the bullet that said that they would like to provide classes on the history of world religions to youth.  She told me that her husband had sent her over to ask me if I would be willing to teach such a class.  I said, "Yes!  Indeed, let's start right away here in the neighborhood.  We don't need to wait for a physical center to be built."  She said, "okay" and we decided that her children would be the first students.  I was elated beyond words!

Two days later, this beautiful soul came to our first neighborhood devotions with all her beautiful children.  And we had our first children's class right away following the devotions.

In the meantime, that Wednesday, we had the first Ruhi Book 1 study circle in our home that my daughter had organized by inviting a couple of her friends with whom she had spoken about spiritual matters and who had shown receptivity.

Within 10 days of initiating our plans, our home had turned into a neighborhood gathering point hosting 3 core activities!  I was overjoyed and grateful beyond belief.  I offered many prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude.  I was also in awe of the process and the wisdom of our Institutions.

Three weeks passed and we continued having devotions, study circles which had grown to 5 participants, and children's classes which had grown to 9 children.  I realized that this enterprise was going to be one that required a long-term commitment, and a lot of hard work.

In the meantime, since the first day that I had gone out, I had re-visited my next-door neighbor.  I had found out from the daughters that the mother was ill.  I made her some freshly squeezed orange juice and knocked on her door.  Her husband answered and ushered me into the living room.  While on pilgrimage I had prayed specifically for this family.  Indeed, I prayed fervently on more than one occasion as I had always had a good feeling about them.  The daughters especially were very sweet girls and I had enjoyed my conversations with the mother.  So, that day, when I went into their home, it felt like a new beginning.

We spoke for nearly 2 hours.  I told her that I had recently returned from pilgrimage and had been praying for them.  I went home feeling very happy.

I continued to call this neighbor a couple of times a week.  One day, she said she would come over.  And she did.  When the time seemed right I explained about the study circle and said it is sort of like a Bible study.  She immediately showed interest.  I explained a bit more about it, and she said she would like to come.  I was pleasantly surprised.  She asked me if she could also bring her daughters and her son.  She explained that she had not been involved in her church for several years, but she would like her children to come also to receive spiritual education.  I explained that I also offered a children's class that her son would be welcome to attend, and she gladly agreed.

Today her son joined the children's class.  He was the only white boy in a class of 8; the rest are African Americans.  Even though the predominant ethnicity in this part of Indiana is white, the class has turned out to be mostly black.  The children all get along—here is this little boy sitting happily between two black children watching a movie after children's classes.

So far, 4 neighborhood families had participated in at least 1 core activity, and all core activities now have neighborhood participation.

I have left out many details.  There are other contacts and conversations that have not reached a point of fruition.  But all of this involves small, daily interactions with neighbors—people who share my block and with whom the possibility of creating a new kind of spiritual community in our neighborhood exists.  I feel that it is the small acts, the imperfections, the uncertainties that make the story so compelling—even as I have lived it and now recount it.

The main point of this story, and the main lesson I have learned, is that when we do what we are supposed to do results follow.  I consider myself to be an ordinary Bahá’í with plenty of flaws.  I had lost hope.  Then, by the Grace of God, I found the solution through the blessing of pilgrimage, and was not only confirmed by the actual experience as described above, but by the Ridvan Message that came out while I was in the midst of my efforts.

I have been so busy, that I still have not participated in other community activities such as the Feast or Holy Day gatherings.  I know that I will, but I have been actively engaged in what I know I need to do, and the confirmations keep coming.  I am sharing this story because many have told me that they are inspired by it and that I must share it.

I do not know what lies ahead, but I do know that what has occurred in the past 6 weeks is more than I ever imagined possible.

Teaching teams use variety of approaches

 

The third story from the recent expansion phase of New York City (A) is all about teaching teams and shows there are a variety of approaches that teams can take to teach the Faith.  Home visits, direct teaching, core activities, and of course lots of prayers—everything leads to making closer connections with our neighbors and community of interest.

We formed 3 teams of 2 and 3 people and visited the parents in the building whose children are participating in the weekly children’s class held there.  The response of the parents we visited was enthusiastic, and the children can’t wait to remind their parents of the next class. . . .

After the home visits, we gathered together to reflect, and then decided to pay a visit to one of our contacts, who lives in the building and has an office just around the block.  We went to his office and he was pleasantly surprised from this group visit and was most enthusiastic.  He quickly invited us in.  A family member was visiting him, who was also very enthusiastic and asked to be given an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith.  So one of the teaching team members shared a direct presentation.  It was a good meeting and we can’t wait to be back.

That evening, there was a devotional gathering at the home of one of the teaching team members.  One of the seekers present read the prayers avidly and said, “These prayers are so beautiful—I just want to keep reading them!”

The next day, we focused our outreach on our Spanish-speaking contacts.

Another teaching team took the following approach both days of the weekend:  They gathered together to say lots of prayers and then set up a table on the street to directly teach interested passerby.  This was followed by a devotional gathering in the evening for interested seekers to attend.

Matching the seekers with local friends

 

When seekers reach out to the Bahá’í community, we hope that our reaching back can be done as soon as possible.  But swift response is just part of the picture.  Ideally the friends try to “match” the seeker with a Bahá’í who is able to effectively connect with him or her due to background, interests, relevant skills learned through the institute process, etc.  And a great example comes from a report from an A-stage cluster in the Northeast region.  And it’s also a wonderful story of an interfaith endeavor.

It all starts with the original request made by seeker through the public Web site www.bahai.us.  His comment was, “I am a Chaplain Intern trying to reach a local Bahá’í Faith group in our county.  Our chaplain group would like to learn about the Bahá’í Faith and attend a Bahá’í Faith service.  Thank you for your help with this pursuit.” . . .

The regional seeker response specialist then mobilized local resources, who organized a combination devotional meeting and fireside.  She notes:  “M is my seeker contact for this cluster and she arranged for H to host the devotional gathering/fireside.”

The hosts then reported back on the meeting.

Here is my little report on yesterday's gathering.

First, we had the devotions:

We welcomed the 7 chaplain interns at the door and they were so grateful that we were opening our home. We had invited R and P as well.  We all went around and once more introduced ourselves. I thanked everyone for coming and expressed how wonderful it was that they were interested in serving Bahá’ís in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, etc.

We then explained the purpose and meaning of the devotional, our "service".  It was emphasized that this was just one way of doing a devotional and there were many other ways of doing one.  Two baskets were passed around, one had shorter quotations and the other had longer passages.  The group was told they could "pass" if they didn't want to read something, but everyone participated.  A music selection was played and everyone read their passage and we ended with another musical piece, the healing prayer.  Although our guests were from a Christian background, all but one of them selected passages from the Bahá’í Writings for their reading.  Our guests read so beautifully and with such feeling and understanding, it was a real joy.

R and P shared their recent experience of R's stay in the hospital and how the visit of a lay person deeply affected R and the process of healing.  This one individual had stopped by to see R.  When the visitor asked R what Bahá’í was, R found the strength to respond and had a long and loving talk with this gentleman.  R shared how by listening and being present, the visiting lay person helped give him new energy and joy.  He also read a favorite prayer of R's out loud for R.  P confirmed that after that visit, she was more open to letting others visit R.  The group was extremely interested in the experiences R and P shared, confirming for them how being present for someone and being an active listener can assist someone in such a situation.  They asked how Bahá’ís would like to be served and we agreed that the reading of prayers and writings would be much appreciated by all Bahá’ís.

Then the gathering became a fireside:

After the devotion we decided to show "The Light of Unity" DVD because it gives an overview of the Faith.  Again, it was so well received and our guests enjoyed the clarity of the vision of unity that was presented.  We had further discussion on several topics.  Finally, we went back into the kitchen for some more refreshments and socialized a bit more.  I had a special feeling from one of the guests, and as we continued to talk, she said "sign me up" - we plan on following up with her and meeting her sometime soon.  The original contact person stayed on longer and spoke at length with R

Both the chaplains indicated that they would like to bring future interns back to have the same introduction.  One offered some helpful tips to us as a community.  He suggested that we can call pastoral care units in hospitals when we know a community member is there so they can be visited.  He also suggested sending materials to the hospital pastoral care unit so they have these on file.  Perhaps we can discuss this further and do something throughout the Cluster.

It was such a blessing to have this opportunity to serve in this way.

The regional specialist reflects on some of the reasons for the success of this encounter:

This is a perfect example of the superb follow up provided by the area teaching committee secretary for the cluster, and her devoted coworkers.

The story also shows how important it can be when planning these kinds of events to selectively invite just a few Bahá’ís who have their own personal stories that relate to the interests of the guests (in this case R and P shared their experience with being visited in the hospital, which was an interest of the chaplain intern visitors), and how being open to moving seamlessly into a second part of the activity can reap wonderful results.  Also wonderful was to see how future plans were made on the spot to meet with this newly enkindled soul.

Focused learning moves Knoxville forward

Some types of progress take center stage, and other types of progress occur behind the scenes. But all progress involves the growing capacity of the believers to reach out to their neighbors and share the Message. This report from Knoxville, TN (A) is especially interesting because the friends have been involved in some very focused learning about a specific part of the teaching process: inviting seekers to declare. To spread the learning (and increase their capacity), they organized a gathering to build their skills in a practical way.

I wanted to give you a report about a gathering that was based on an idea you and I had discussed some time back. We had shared experiences about things we had recently learned about directly inviting seekers to declare. You had suggested that maybe the area teaching committee should host a special meeting in the community to share these ideas. Well, we ended up doing just that, and it was very fun and inspiring for all who were able to attend. . . .

We called it the "Learning and sharing about teaching meeting" (long title, I know) and it was held at the Knoxville Bahá’í Center. There were 12 people who attended from all corners of the cluster. We of course didn’t mean for it to be replacement of the Reflection Gathering, and it wasn’t; it’s just that we were at the middle of our IPG cycle and we wanted to share these ideas as soon as possible rather than waiting for the next reflection gathering that wouldn’t be until the end of the cycle.

At this meeting, we reviewed new and creative ways of inviting people to declare, shared teaching success stories over the past year and got motivation from the excitement of others who had been teaching their own community of interest and in their own neighborhoods with family and friends. . . .

So, some new and interesting things we learned from each other were:

To challenge our friends and seekers to learn more about the Bahá’í Faith from the international Web site www.bahai.org, and say, “Next time we meet, let’s discuss the most interesting thing you found out about the Faith from the website." That resulted in a declaration.

To say to a seeker or during a home visit, "It seems like you love Bahá’u’lláh and the principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Is there any reason you would not want to become a Bahá’í?" That resulted in a declaration.

To ask a seeker, "Have you prayed about the Bahá’í Faith? What does your heart tell you?" This also resulted in a declaration.

We read the super cool recent letter from our Regional Bahá’í Council about how college campuses can be considered receptive populations, and therefore decided to definitely increase the number of firesides on college campuses this semester. Many of the adults who were present volunteered and made a commitment to come and help the youth on college campuses this year.

Another idea stemming from that letter was to spend time this semester approaching college professors in specific departments in the colleges near where we live to ask if we can do a presentation about the Bahá’í Faith, such as in the Sociology, Religious Studies, African-American Studies, Psychology, Women's Studies, and American culture departments, because they might be more inclined to want their students to learn about the Bahá’í Faith.

This meeting had a devotional portion, and we also consulted on the themes we found in the Bahá’í Holy Writings used during that devotional. The biggest themes were:

We should approach teaching with great joy, become detached from the outcome, and realize we are just an instrument of Bahá’u’lláh.

We should not get dismayed if there are not as many of us doing the teaching work as we would like to see right now, because the truth is that the angels of the Concourse on High are with us when we open our lips to teach, and that is all the help we need.

The importance of having our personal lives and character in line with the Bahá’í teachings when we are teachers of the Faith ourselves.

Next time when we have this meeting, which will be coming up soon, we are going to do the same meeting, but make it longer so that we can incorporate more teaching, role-play, and practice of Anna's conversation, as well as learn from other ways of direct teaching that may have worked for people between now and then.

All in all, it was a really great idea, and the area teaching committee got several emails from people who thanked us for hosting that gathering. Thanks so much for the idea.

And since that time, the momentum hasn’t slowed down a bit. Here’s some recent news about one particular locality in the Knoxville cluster, and how the friends are arising with confidence to try out new approaches.

Dear friends,

Here is a picture of some of the Knox County Bahá’ís who got together for the first community devotional of 2010. We gathered together to pray for Haiti, the Yaran in Iran, and some of our family members who passed away in 2009. The devotional program was very moving and emotional, and yet also very uplifting and spiritually strengthening!

At the last Nineteen Day Feast, the Knox County community made a commitment to have weekly devotional gatherings and deepenings this year, in order to raise the level of core activities in the cluster, as well as to help strengthen our own Bahá’í community and ourselves, and to ultimately make the Five Year Plan a reality! People have already signed up for hosting these activities in their own homes and in their various neighborhoods, as opposed to just hosting them in the Bahá’í Center. This helps decentralize the activities of the Five Year Plan, so that we can more easily invite friends and neighbors.

This is a special accomplishment because the Knox County community has recently become much smaller, with only about 30 people remaining after many moved away this past year. It is also a milestone for community members to open up their own homes to host core activities. In the past, they had assisted with plenty of teaching projects and study circles in the homes of new believers, but there were all in other areas of the cluster and not in the Knox County locality itself. There had also been a pattern in the past of relying on the Knoxville Bahá’í Center and just waiting for events to be held there. That is now changed.

Please keep Knox County in your prayers so that we can all arise in unity to accomplish the goals of the Five Year Plan! Hopefully we can add more core activities to these regularly scheduled devotionals as the year progresses.

30? No, you now have 32 Baha'is!

Here is a trio of stories from Fort Bend-Brazoria, TX (A), all of which show the immense receptivity that is out there—in some cases the believer considers themselves a Bahá’í for some time before they announce their declaration to the friends. The teachers are sensitive and loving and take whatever time is necessary with a seeker and allow the teaching to proceed naturally. This is also a great example of the power of devotional gatherings and firesides.

As a result of direct teaching, our community has seen several new souls enter under the banner of Bahá’u’llah during this Five Year Plan.

One of our community members began sharing the Faith with her client after her Pilgrimage in Haifa. She shared photos and stories, as well as Anna’s Presentation. After a year and a half of lovingly sharing the Faith, in small increments whenever this client came to the Bahá’í’s shop for appointments, the seeker attended her first devotional gathering at the Bahá’í Center. After an hour of praying and visiting with those present, she told her friend, “You know, I’ve been a Bahá’í for about an hour now!” And she declared on the spot! . . .

During the intensive teaching effort, one man was visited. After sharing the fundamental verities of the Faith with him, the Bahá’ís asked him if he believed that Bahá’u’llah was the Manifestation for Today. He said yes and filled out a registration card. He asked, however, that the friends wait to process his enrollment, because he wanted his wife to learn about the Faith too. So the teachers and an Auxiliary Board member visited the family several times. After a month, the couple attended a fireside. At the end of the presentation the wife asked, “How many believers do you have in your community?” One of the friends responded, “Oh, about thirty.” The woman said, “No, I think you have thirty-two.” “What do you mean?” the Bahá’í asked. And then the woman replied, “You know—thirty plus my husband and me!”

Looking back to when we had just begun the intensive teaching in our cluster, many prayers were said. Several people, uninvited and unknown to the community, appeared at the devotional meetings at our Center. One of them attended a couple of firesides and then during his third or fourth devotional meeting, declared. After emotional congratulations, he said that he knew he had found the Faith the first time he attended a fireside-dinner at one of the homes. That gentleman is now serving as a member of the devotional planning committee. He comes to the Center every week to support the event. And at Ridvan last year, he was elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly.

Seeker hosts devotional, teaches, unites religions

This is a story of a seeker organizing a devotional gathering, inviting her friends and family, and teaching the Faith. (It’s happening more and more, isn’t it?) What makes this story especially compelling is that the seeker and her guests are all Persian. A few years ago, perhaps not many people would have considered Persians to be a receptive population. Today, the friends in many clusters are sharing many inspiring stories of the immense receptivity and interest in this population. The following report is shared by a believer from an A-stage cluster in the Southwest region, and this devotional gathering occurred near the beginning of the cluster’s expansion phase. This friend was accompanied by a believer who is serving as resource person to support the Persian Bahá’ís in their efforts to reach out to their families and Persian friends and neighbors.

One day I was given the number of a seeker who is Persian. Immediately I called up the number and talked to her. She seemed extremely happy to hear my voice and after chit chatting for a while she invited me to dinner to her home. She told me that she has invited some friends who are visiting from Iran and some relatives who live here and she would love to have me over. I told her that I have a dear Persian friend, R, who is visiting, and asked if I could bring him too. It turned out that she knew his relatives and she told me that she is looking forward to seeing us. . . .

I would like to share that amazing night with you. Amazing is not even the word.

We were a little late and I was really worried that I had kept the guests waiting, but when we arrived the table was set and while we started eating more people came. In all we were 20 people. All Persians and everyone was speaking Farsi. While everyone was busy serving dinner, R asked the host what her plans for the night were and she replied, "We have a couple dear friends who are extremely ill, I hope we can all pray for them. Will you read a Bahá’í healing prayer?" R asked if it was OK with everyone, and she replied that she believes strongly in the power of prayer and it is up to them if they would like to open their hearts or not. While we were eating the phone rang and the host picked it up then she handed the phone to R. It was her husband, who was travelling at the time. He was calling to welcome us to his home and expressed his desire to meet with us on his return.

After dinner, little by little people left the table and started sitting in the living room pulling chairs from everywhere to create a circle—a circle of unity. At that point I didn't know that half of the guests were Christians and the other half were Muslims. Our host stood behind a chair smiling, and then said, “Tonight you see two new faces among us. They are __ and R. They are my Bahá’í friends and I've asked R to read a Bahá’í healing prayer for __ and __ and __. As you all know, people call me and request prayers, and since I strongly believe in the power of prayer I would like us to use this gathering and prayer for our dear friends.” She then added, “I'm always invited to sofrehs (Muslim prayer sessions), and I always take my Bahá’í prayer book with me. Prayer is prayer from any religion, and I love the Bahá’í prayers because they are very powerful and appeal to the heart.”

Everyone was silent. I was stunned. How wonderful to hear your message being shared by those who are searching. How bravely she stood, how loudly, clearly and passionately she spoke! She went into her bedroom and brought a prayer book by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. I assumed R would immediately start praying, but no. He is much wiser than me.

He took his time and very politely and lovingly thanked everyone. He expressed his happiness in being among Persians and how wonderful for them to still have their language and culture even though they are so far away from home. He spoke so lovingly and kindly about Iran and how the Bahá’ís in Chicago hold an appreciation for Persian culture conference every year. Any tension that may have been there now all disappeared. He then encouraged everyone to share their prayers.

Everyone was very quite and reverent when he choose a beautiful Farsi prayer from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Ey Taleb Malakout”. Then the host got up and brought her own note book and read a prayer from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. R and the host then read other prayers. Suddenly one of the ladies attending said that she was inspired to pray in such a spiritual gathering. It was then that I learned that some of the guests were Christians and others were Muslims, each sitting on one side of the room. R and I were seated at either end in between them, as if we were linking the two religions.

A poem expressing appreciation for motherhood was shared by R in honor of the host’s mother. Slowly the conversation led to God and how we see Him. Most of the guests shared how they felt God in their hearts and in His creation and again we discussed the power of prayer. One gentleman said we should be content with what God decides to give us, because maybe what we wish for is not in our benefit. The conversation was gently led to the topic of the Covenant and that if God is one, then all the religions are one. This same gentleman said that a year ago, he would just stubbornly defend his beliefs, but now he is looking into other religions, even the Bahá’í Faith, because they all have something to teach you.

Another gentleman rose and walked over to the table with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer book, picked it up and started reading it.

We all felt very good. It was a loving gathering, and the host told everyone that there was a reason why each of us should be here tonight at this specific time and place with these specific people among us. I have never, ever experienced so much love, protection and propagation from a Persian seeker.

When we were leaving she accompanied us to the door and had a long sincere conversation with us. She said she had attended the gathering held at USC for the seven prisoners in Iran, and there she realized that prejudice is not only a threat to the Bahá’í but a threat to mankind. She said we should all talk loud and support your movement. She said that wherever she is invited to pray she tells the group, I will read you prayers from the Bahá’í religion.

I just had a glimpse of how receptive the Iranians have become. Yes, it means if they are ready to hear the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh then WE should be available to share it.

This reminds me of a beautiful song we sing in the children classes:

Teach, teach, teach, be as I am, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Let us make the most of the Expansion Phase. We still have a whole week to intensely share our love with the world.

Empowering new protagonists through devotional gatherings

These two reports of devotional gatherings in Phoenix, AZ (A) are nothing short of stunning. As you read, you will see the beautiful coherence between all the core activities. You will see descriptions of gatherings that superlatively implement the ideal of unity in diversity. You will see teaching teams lovingingly accompanying the hosts, who are both doing this for the first time. And you will see that these gatherings are being organized and hosted by members of the community of interest. Now, what do we mean by “community of interest”? It is someone who is not a declared Bahá’í but is participating in the core activities, such as attending a study circle. What is truly exciting about these two stories is that the member of the community of interest is not just a participant—she is the principal protagonist of the core activity that she hosts!

So, first is the story of a seeker who has already been actively teaching a children’s class. She prepared a devotional in which the students each recited prayers. And more!

Dearest Friends,

Friday night was yet another bounty the Blessed Beauty bestowed upon us. Those of us who were able to witness this were humbled. I am so moved and exhausted it is hard to explain. My words could never be enough. . . .

As you all know, __ is a mother from the community of interest who began to teach a children’s class towards the end of the last IPG cycle. The children’s class teachers that had been accompanying her in this service consulted with her about plans for the next expansion phase. They shared the vision of building a spiritual community. She was very open, and said that there are already potluck gatherings on her block, so she decided to now organize a devotional gathering too!

Last Saturday, she hosted a devotional gathering for the first time. She prepared each student in her children’s class to recite a quote, as well as sing 2 songs. The children, ranging in age from 4 to 6 read prayers with her assistance. She also read a Bahá’í prayer.

3 mothers and 1 grandmother, as well as a local believer attended. They were impressed by the children and their ability to recite the verses of God.

The second is another devotional conducted by a member of the community of interest. In this case, a teaching team is accompanying participants in Book 1 study circles to host devotionals, and doing this as their focus for their cluster’s latest expansion phase.

Last night our team carried out its third devotional during this expansion phase. This was part of our team’s plan to accompany the seekers in our Book 1 study circle to co-host a devotional. One of the participants had attended her first devotional gathering during the last cycle. Her heart is aglow with the love of God.

The evening began with a tasty feast! Attending were 21 people from different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and religions, including people from Pakistan, Morocco, Panama, Cuba, Iran and Hawaii. The host opened with the following words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

If a small number of people gather lovingly together, with absolute purity and sanctity, with their hearts free of the world, experiencing the emotions of the Kingdom and the powerful magnetic forces of the Divine, and being at one in their happy fellowship, that gathering will exert its influence over all the earth. The nature of that band of people, the words they speak, the deeds they do, will unleash the bestowals of Heaven, and provide a foretaste of eternal bliss. The hosts of the Company on high will defend them, and the angels of the Abha Paradise, in continuous succession, will come down to their aid.

Everyone contributed to the devotions. The youth from Pakistan and Morocco chanted prayers in Arabic from the Qur’an and played an Islamic song by Michael Jackson. The evening also included a beautiful Buddhist parable and an indigenous prayer for unity. The friends joined together in song and closed with a rap praising the All-Glorious. The evening closed with new bonds of friendship.

Last night was another example of the transformative power of the Institute process!

Humbly,

T

"Are these not wonderful problems to have?"

I guess we “spoke too soon” with last week’s story on the devotional gatherings at the Great Lakes Naval Station in the Waukegan, IL (*C) cluster. Here is an exciting update—these regular devotional gatherings at the naval base have led to some recent declarations! It shows the power of a core activity combined with a receptive population combined with systematic service of a dedicated group of friends.

Dear N,

You asked for a Great Lakes Naval Station update regarding the 4 recent declarations.

Last week, one young man, __, man declared his today after his second visit to the devotional gathering. He was leaving the Navy due to an illness. Another young man. __, verbally declared. I was giving J one of the necklaces that has a Bahá’í prayer for protection written on it. __ said he wanted one of those necklaces, and I explained that the Navy regulations allow us to give these only to Bahá’ís. He then replied that he considered himself a Bahá’í—so we made plans to complete his enrollment at the next week’s devotional. . . .

15 recruits attended that devotional gathering—a record. One of the men had brought 6 or 7 friends. A young lady brought 2 friends. We had a few returnees as well. Amazing.

The following week, one young man started out by saying (before the prayers) that he had wanted to declare last week but had been on duty, so could not come. __ from last week also wanted to declare. After opening prayers, we decided to split the group between those wanting to declare and those who were seekers. When we did this, 2 female recruits who had asked a lot of questions last week said they wanted to declare, too. This was astonishing.

We shared Anna's presentation with all 4 of these individuals with the help of a Bahá’í recruit and a local Bahá’í.

The spirit is contagious. We have again run out of the larger prayer books that we have been giving recruits who declare. We are nearly out of the necklaces with the prayer for protection. In a small way, these were a key element for inviting these souls to the Lord's banquet table. We are also out of the new registration cards. Are these not wonderful problems to have?

"O Lord, increase my astonishment at Thee!"

With gratitude to the Blessed Beauty for His teaching. May He let us continue to be of help.

Warmly,

M

Great Lakes Naval Station devotions

Devotional gatherings are being established all over the country in all kinds of places. Here is a report about a particularly unique venue: a naval boot camp! For over a decade, a regular devotional meeting has been conducted at the Recruit Training Center of the Great Lakes Naval Station in the Waukegan, IL (*C) cluster. Through the dedicated efforts of several local believers, this core activity is now reaching and benefiting a receptive (and mobile) population. One of the current organizers provides a description of this initiative.

Dear B,

A group of us gives devotions for the recruit side of the base every Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 and in the process also teaches the Faith. This was started by a sailor in or around 1996 (he is now living in another part of the country, I think), and the devotions have continued ever since. There are 4 of us, each from a different community in the Waukegan and Corinne True (Wilmette) clusters, who currently rotate our presence for the weekly devotions. Two of us have been doing this for years and the other 2 are more recent. We are unique among the religious leaders who lead the various religious services at the base in that we have diversity of gender and race among our representatives. The fact that 2 of us have also been in the military service themselves is also helpful. One of the cluster’s Local Spiritual Assemblies currently sponsors the devotions by purchasing the prayer books. . . .

The recruits who participate in the devotions are at the Great Lakes Naval Station for only 7 short weeks. During those 7 weeks they cannot watch TV, use email, or leave the base. Every hour of the week—except one on Sunday—is planned for them. In their orientation, they receive an overview of the various religious services available at the base, and that is where they hear about us. We do not know what is said about the Bahá’ís, although it appears to be accurate.

The people who attend the devotions range from the merely curious who are trying to avoid an hour of other duty to seekers to Bahá’ís who are new to the Navy. The number of attendees varies from week to week from 1 to 11. The recruits are able to take limited amounts of literature as it must fit in a tiny drawer. We take down the names of the attendees to pray for them in the subsequent week.

We tend to start with a welcome, ask their first names (which they have not heard for a while as only last names are used in the service) and we all offer prayers. Most keep the Gift of Prayer books that we offer. We also take down the names of the attendees to pray for them in the subsequent week.

We often ask the recruits what brings them to our devotions and find the recruits who have come a second time or more are our best teachers. We share all or most of Anna's presentation, depending on the questions that are asked and time allowed. If the attendees like what they hear, they bring friends and more questions the next time. Since everyone is on the base for only 7 weeks, it is rare for us to see someone for 3 or more times, so that has an impact on teaching. We had a few declarations between December and May, but none others since that time.

From a personal perspective—and I believe each of us would also agree—this path of service is one of the most vital and uplifting that I do. For example, last week there were 6 recruits who came to the devotional gathering, 3 returnees and 3 new. Most have enough time left in their training to come back to be with us again. For one of the attendees, this was her last week there, but she took information and expressed interest in learning more. Another was diagnosed with cancer during a health exam, so he was getting a health related discharge to go treat that. He was very interested and welcomed the healing prayers that were said for him. One gains great admiration for these young men and women, many of whom have grown up poor, but who are rising to defend justice and who are serving this country.

M

"My son cried when it was time to leave"

Different populations in the community have different needs. So when we arise to be of service to them, we strive to adapt our activities to meet their needs. Given the literally unquenchable thirst for children’s classes throughout the country, it’s not surprising that this core activity has multiplied and blossomed in cluster after cluster. But what about that energetic and rambunctious population known as toddlers? Well, the friends in the Corinne True (Wilmette), IL (A) cluster have done some creative thinking and come up with a unique take on another core activity (the devotional meeting), which they have named Pray and Play. Here’s a description of the first event; they’re clearly onto something!

A new family devotional gathering has started in a neighboring community in our cluster, which I attended yesterday.

It is called Pray and Play, and was held at the home of a new grandmother. This gathering was designed specifically for families with toddlers. While older children can attend children’s classes, toddlers are too young for this activity, so Pray and Play was created for them. . . .

Five toddlers, ranging from 1 to 3 attended. This first time around they were all Bahá’ís, but friends will also be invited to future gatherings.

We began by the host leading the group in a few songs and prayers. Then the children decorated a “prayer wand”, which was a rolled-up newspaper covered in shiny aluminum foil. They pasted the “O God, guide me” prayer on the wand and tied on ribbons. Even my son, who was the youngest, was able to participate, putting stickers on the prayer, followed each time by saying, "Yay" and clapping his hands.

At the end of the class, the doorbell rang. It was an Area Teaching Committee member who had come to support this new activity by helping with the clean-up!

Then the children started getting rowdy—chasing each other around, so we moved outdoors where there was a hill in the host's backyard. The children ran so fast, it was hard to take even one photo of them. My son cried when it was time to go home.

Attending this event also inspired me to finally put in action a desire I'd had to start a similar gathering. So I will be hosting a similar Pray and Play meeting every month, beginning in two weeks. I am able to meet so many parents of small children, so I think it will be pretty easy to find people from the wider community to invite as well.