I didn't understand why the churches were not in unity

“I had a job in a northern town of Indiana. It was a long way from where I lived and I had to drive to the job site. On the day the job started, I arrived early and had some time to kill. I was walking around the parking lot near where the job was and I saw a water logged piece of paper lying on the ground. I picked it up and it was a pamphlet about the Baha'i Faith. I carefully opened the pages and started to read the information. I started to think that this is what I believe. I was raised a Southern Baptist and didn't believe all that I was told. I didn't understand why the churches were not in unity . . .  I went online and found the Baha'i website and registered."

"Lots of people are ready for this"

Jerry, age 30, who inquired about the Baha'i Faith, then later registered his formal declaration to become a member, shared this about him beliefs.

Lots of people are ready for this; the world is becoming ripe for this message. I already have come to all of the exact same conclusions in my own religious-free spiritual development. Thank God Baha'u'llah has come.  I have often wondered how this truth would get out to the masses  . . . He was a master teacher. Looking very forward to having a life as an active participant within the Baha'i faith. Excited!! Never thought this would happen! :)

Jerry is connecting with the Baha’is near him and has already been invited to participate in local activities.

At age 13, he investigated the Bahai Faith online using words from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

When he was 13 years old, Marcus investigated the Baha'i Faith online using particular words that resonated with him from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas!  At 16 years old, he went to a youth leadership camp and met a Baha'i there who presented an overview on the Baha’i Faith.  When he was 18 years old, he returned to the camp and met the sister of the Baha’i he met previously who also presented the Faith to her fellow campers.  At 19 he returned to the camp again and met another Baha'i, with whom he became good friends. 

Marcus shared that on the seventh day of his visit to a summer session at one of the national Baha’i schools, it was then that he realized that all the spiritual ideas which he carried within him were brought by Baha'u'llah, and with this realization, he decided to become a member of the Faith.   

Marcus and a Baha'i are studying together “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” and he continues studying the Baha'i writings and prayers online.  Marcus is 21 years old.

At age 16, he explained, "we're trying to change the world, and I want to help"

Jay grew up in a Baha'i home.  He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and when he was a young child he lived in Uganda.  He remembers attending Baha’i children's classes and classes as a junior youth at the Temple in Uganda!  He said it was very peaceful there with large flowers.  

"The Baha'i Faith has been a part of me all my life.  I like the Faith so much.  We're trying to change the world and I want to help," he explained.  

Jay is participating in a study group on “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”.  His mother also just declared her belief and became a member of the Baha’i Faith.  Jay currently lives with family members who were pioneers to Tonga and are tutoring a study group.  Jay just turned 16!

He found the Baha'i Faith "captivating" at age 17

Jake is a senior in high school who also plays the baritone sax.   He was an atheist for a few years and was looking online and came across the Baha'i Faith. He shared with me that the Faith makes sense to him and is what he has believed all his life.  He shared that there is truth is all religions; one is not better or more important than another.  He found the Faith "captivating" and he is happy to be part of something. His mother is very supportive of his discovery.  

He understands that Baha'u'llah is the most recent Manifestation and that another will come "ere a thousand years".  We discussed the importance of prayer and reading from the Holy writings.  We discussed the three obligatory prayers. I told Jake about the youth gathering scheduled for his area, and encouraged him to attend.

He is now enrolled as a member of the Baha'i Faith.

Renee, a new believer, is now a tutor in her community

This is a story about Renee who wanted to not only learn more about the Baha'i Faith, but wanted to help build a more vibrant community. 

This story is shared by those who met her . . .  

I called Renee and she said she came across the name Baha'i through Facebook under a Baha'i in Washington DC named Kathy.  Renee did not know Kathy, but she was intrigued about the Baha'i Faith and decided to go online to www.bahai.us and investigate it.  The more she read the more she liked.  She said she registered her declaration online and a local Baha'i near her contacted her and together they went to an introductory talk about the Baha'i Faith.  Renee mentioned that her mother heard about the Faith in the 1960s, but never pursued it; she is looking into the Baha'i Faith for herself now too.  She is now an enrolled member of the Baha'i community.

A recent update shares how Renee is now involved with her community. 

Wow!  Renee just finished taking the study book #7 which taught her how to facilitate a study group with another tutor.  She even went back to re-study “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” so that she could be an even better tutor!   She has not stopped reading other books including some of the Holy Writings, and she attends prayer groups in her community once a month.  She’s made several friends.

 

 

 

She made her declaration by his bedside

Song and friendship brought Carry and Guy together!  

This is an amazing story of friendship, love, and how songs during childhood can bring friends together.  The story is told through the experience of a Baha'i who traveled to her home and who visited with Carry on several occasions. 

When Carry  was a young child, her mother (not a Baha'i) played children's songs written and sung by Red Grammer.  As she got older, she came to understand more about the messages in the songs which included lyrics on unity, oneness, respect, love and more.  And though she agreed with the messages, she did not have a source to learn more about the origins of the principles.   

Carry later became an ICU nurse.  She met Guy who was also a nurse who worked the same late-night shift with her.  One evening, Guy began singing one of Red Grammer’s songs, and spontaneously, Carry  began to sing along too. They turned to each other and asked (almost in unison) "How'd you know that song!"  They laughed and continued to sing other songs together too.  Guy shared that he had learned the songs as a Baha'i.  Over time, their friendship grew, and the songs remained a part of their relationship; they became very good friends, and gradually, Carry  learned more about the Faith from Guy.  

Later in life, Guy became very ill and Carry became his caregiver; she was always by his side.  As Guy became more ill, he moved to the coast to be closer to his family (some of whom are Baha'i too).  As Carry  learned of Guy's failing health, she arranged to visit him at his new home.  She decided, however, before arriving that she wanted to surprise him and make her Baha'i declaration by his side.  Fortunately, she had told me in advance, so I brought along a declaration card with me when I drove to see them both.  I gave it to her, and as she said, she filled it out and signed it while she was by his side.  

“It was amazing, totally absolutely amazing!”  Guy was also "very moved by it" and felt very good about how Carry 's learning of the Faith had evolved over time.  Glen shared with me that he didn't push his faith; he simply answered her questions and remained a good friend. 

Today, Carry, age 30,  is involved with the Baha'i community, she attends prayer devotionals and plans to connect with the Baha'is when she returns to her home state.

 

 

 

 

"I was in the mall . . . "

How did Andy first hear about the Baha'i Faith? 

“I was in the mall buying something and someone told me about it.” 

Andy became a member of the Baha'i Faith in his early 50s.

 

 

Nancy became curious about a Baha'i post on her friend's Facebook page - now she and her daughter are members

Nancy who is in her mid 30s and lives in Oklahoma, reconnected with a friend from high school on Facebook, having seen a post made by that friend on her wall. Curious, Nancy messaged her friend and asked her if she was Baha'i, and the friend responded yes. Later they connected to discuss Nancy’s questions. 

This is what Nancy shared about wanting to become a Baha'i, when she filled out the declaration registration form at www.bahai.us.  

I have already been contacted by a member of the Baha'i faith and after discussion my decision is clear that I belong in the Baha'i faith community as well as wish to raise my child under this faiths moral grounding. 

Nancy and her daughter are now members of the Baha'i community.

 

 

Angie's journey in becoming a Bahá'í

When Angie was in her late 20's, some 10 years ago when she was working as a receptionist, she met an older gentleman who came into the office.  He saw that she was frustrated and gave her a book of Bahá'í prayers.  Angie put the little book aside and did not read it. 

About 3 years ago, Angie began to search more directly for "something different."  She investigated a number of faiths, including Christianity and Buddhism, and even studied Islam, but none of them felt quite right for her.  Angie's cousin was also searching and knew about the Bahá'í House of Worship in Wilmette, IL.  They decided to visit this place of worship together.

Angie explained how she felt when she first entered the gardens of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

"Immediately I knew that I belonged. I felt comfortable!"

Angie regularly attends devotional gatherings at the Bahá’í House of Worship and brings her 13-year-old son.

"We just like it there,” she explained.

One Sunday, by coincidence, she met the older gentleman who had given her the Bahá'í prayer book some ten years ago.  Angie shared that while cleaning one day, she found the little book he had given her.  She was surprised that she still had it and hadn't been tossed it out during the many moves her family made over the years. 

Recently during a return visit to the House of Worship, Angie asked how to learn more about the Bahá'í Faith and she was given information.  She soon after was connected to the local Bahá’í community and invited to an "Hour of Prayer" and from this gathering Angie began to study with others the book “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” and later also “Arising to Serve.” Her son has been invited to join the junior youth spiritual empowerment group in his neighborhood.  Angie has since registered her declaration to become a Bahá’í and is now an enrolled member.

 

 

"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.”

 

"I feel a spiritual pull to being a Bahá'í"--her pastor was supportive!

Sheila, from the Midwest, contacted the Bahá'ís to learn more about the Faith.  Here is her story, as shared by the Bahá'í who spoke with her. 

Sheila and I talked for an hour.  She is almost 17, a high school sophomore, and is very interested in the life of the spirit.  Through incidents in her life, Sheila has realized that she is here for a purpose.  Although her family did not practice any particular religion, they felt connected to their Creator.  Most significantly, her mother passed away last year, and before passing, she told Sheila that she would be praying for her in the next world.  She has always felt that there is one God and that He is just called by different names.   

Sheila shares how she first heard about the Bahá'í Faith, through the words of a local Bahá'í. 

Sheila first heard about the Baha'i Faith from a friend at school who is Baha’i.  The name “Bahá'í” stuck with her and she later went online to find out more.  The more she read, the more she felt the Faith is who she is.  She loves the concept of the unity and also mentioned the unity of science and religion. Sheila then registered her declaration to become a member of the Bahá'í Faith, and I called her to talk with her about her decision.   At first, Sheila was reconsidering joining.   I encouraged her to pray about her decision, and encouraged her to call me if she wanted to talk further or text me with questions.  I sent her the book Hidden Words and I told her that whenever she feels ready, we would welcome her. 

Over the next several weeks, Sheila prayed and read the emails that I sent her; she watched all the video links and even asked her pastor about her decision.  He was supportive!   

In a recent email, Sheila wrote the following. 

"Everything about the Bahá'í faith is so appealing to me and I feel a spiritual pull to being a Bahá'í. I have downloaded books on my phone to read and I’ve watched all the videos. I would like to continue through with my conversion on the faith."  

The Bahá'í called her back and they continued their conversation about the fundamental verities of the Faith.  During the conversation, it was learned that Sheila wants to become involved in the community.  She is now an enrolled member of the Bahá'í Faith.  The community has embraced her and has invited her to participate in some upcoming youth events planned for the community at large.

 

My faith has come a long journey

My faith has come a long journey. Some doubt and enduring questions. Once I figured out what I felt inside to be true I stumbled on some literature online of the Baha'i faith. I met one person who was actually part of the faith. Now I want to take a closer look and would like to read more. 

Danny, age 30, is now enrolled in the Baha'i Faith and he registered his 2 year old son.

 

 

 

He wants his children raised to appreciate the many religions of the world

In early July, Jack inquired about the Baha'i Faith by visiting www.bahai.us, because he wants children's classes for his 2 and 6 year old children.  He likes to travel, and has just returned from South Africa.  He knows a little about the Baha'i Faith, because his grandparents are members, although his parents were Muslim and Hindu.  As a youth, he was very involved with the Baha'is, but now that he has settled into his new neighborhood, he is looking for information.  He shared that he wants his children raised to appreciate the many religions of the world and he himself stated he would probably declare, "in his own time." 

Update:  yesterday, Jack returned to www.bahai.us and registered his declaration.   Local Baha'is contacted him to assist him.  Jack is in his middle 30s and is now enrolled as a member.

 

 

"I have a really strong feeling that it [the Baha'i Faith] is the truth!"

Randy who is in his mid 20s and lives in the “Bible Belt” of the deep south called 800—22UNITE right after he filled out the online registration to register his declaration.  He was eager to learn what it would take to become a Baha'i. 

Here’s his story . . .  

He had been reading about the Faith for several years now, and recently he got a Facebook account and found the Baha'is page.  He joined the page, and he said he started reading about the Faith even more.  He shared that much of what he read, he agreed with. 

“I really can’t put into words or explain why I want to be a Baha'i, but I can only say I have a really strong feeling that it is the truth!  It IS the truth!  It is overwhelming.  I can’t wait!” 

During the call, we shared his understanding about the Baha'i Faith, and raised lots of questions related to Christian teachings and how they are viewed in the Baha'i Faith, such as the belief by the Christians that Jesus will be physically resurrected and born again.  We discussed this and also encouraged him to read Some Answered Questions which address in more detail many of the topics he raised.  He also asked about how Baha'is tithe. 

 

 

At age 15, she is the first in her family to become a Baha'i

The community is overjoyed to share about the declaration of Ginny, a youth who learned about the Faith on her own, and after studying on her own, became the first in her family to become a member of the Baha'i Faith.  Here is her story, as shared by those who connected with her. 

Ginny learned about the Faith while watching a Baha'i presentation on YouTube.  She was attracted by the teachings of oneness and peace.  She investigated on line and learned that she had to be 15 before registering her declaration, so on her 15th birthday she did.  Her parents, both college professors, are not members, but approve of her decision.  She had already learned a great deal about the Faith on line so at the end of our conversation, when we talked about the importance of daily prayer, she volunteered that she was already planning for Fast!   

Ginny has been attending devotional gatherings regularly and other community events, and is in a study circle on Reflections on the Light of the Spirit, with other youths and junior youths in her community. Her parents have also attended some Baha'i activities including a fireside.  

P.S. I forgot to mention to you that as part of her study, Ginny made a presentation at the community Feast!

 

"I’m grateful to have my brother show me this [Faith]"

This is a story about two brothers, Aaron and Ben, who learned about the Baha'i Faith, and upon becoming new believers, served together as animators of youth groups and assistants to children's class teachers. 

Aaron in his early 20s learned about the Faith after discovering the book "The Reality of Man" on his mother's bookshelf, who happens to not yet be an enrolled member of the Baha'i Faith.   Later, while in college, Aaron enrolled in a course on world religions and though the Baha'i Faith was never mentioned, he researched it anyway. Searching online, Aaron liked what he read and he also bought some Baha'i books from Amazon including Gleaning.  Aaron reached out to the Baha'is through www.bahai.us and received contact, including emails and links to online videos and other information.  He later met the Baha'is and mentioned that he really liked the principles and found the information he was sent to be helpful.  A month after contacting the Baha'is, he registered his declaration, and is now an enrolled member of the Baha'i Faith. 

A Baha'i who saw him, shared . . .  

“We saw him at Unit Convention and he was beaming.  He had [already] visited the House of Worship in Wilmette.” 

Ben, his brother, who is 17 years old, learned of the Baha’i Faith from Aaron, while visiting with him for several months, where he began helping Aaron with children’s classes, a junior youth group, and a campaign to start 2 new junior youth groups!   

Ben shared that he enjoys  . . .  

“ . . . the idea of knowing I’m helping others, and leading them in the right place”.

Ben just completed his study of the junior youth empowerment series to become an animator of junior youth groups in his community.  He has been studying Reflections on the Life of the Spirit and will soon participate in a regular one once he moves to his new community out of state where he will return to school.   In the meantime, Ben is reading Baha’u’llah and the New Era and has just received the book the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

 

Ben shared this about his experience in becoming a Baha'i . . .  

“What made sense to me is that He [Baha’u’llah] is the most recent Messenger from God for this time.  It makes sense that the messages mean the same thing like 2000 years ago.  I’m grateful to have my brother show me this.”

 

 

"I would like to learn as much as I can, especially on the subject of worship"

Jake, who is in his mid-30s, has served in the army for more than 10 years including tours in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan; he recently contacted the Baha'is. 

 

“I'm extremely eager to learn more from the local Baha'is.  I've just started to become interested in the Baha'i Faith and I would like to learn as much as I can, especially on the subject of worship.  I've been without a church for a long time now and I need support from caring people.  Thank you for your time.”

 

A Baha'i who met Jake shares this about him.

 

He has been attending events for the past couple of months.  He is stationed here  . . . and had originally been learning about the Faith with some friends up in New York before he moved here.  He contacted 800-22UNITE when he moved, saying that he was interested in continuing to learn more about the Faith and really wanted to meet the local community.  I got in contact with him and he began to attend our community firesides, devotionals, and other activities.  At the end of our Race Unity Day celebration in June, he mentioned that he was getting really close to declaring.  Then he texted me this past Tuesday and said that he was ready to declare. 

He has read almost all of Thief in the Night and is excited about what he is learning.  He admits that changing one's religion is not an easy decision but now wants to have an opportunity to be with Baha'is like his Baha'i friends in New York.  He especially likes the teaching that science and religion are in agreement.

 

The Baha'is sent Jake a copy of Thief in the Night so he could finish reading it.  Jake is now an enrolled member of the Baha’i Faith.  His Local Assembly assisted him through the online registration form.

 

 

 

. . . he responded right away to the teachings and the kindness of the Baha'is he met

It was delightful talking with Patrick, a youth who lives in an emerging cluster . . . 

 

He learned about the Faith when he saw a Baha'i prayer bracelet being worn by a Baha'i.  Patrick shared that he had been searching for the truth about God for a long time, so he responded right away to the teachings and the kindness of the Baha'is he met at the Holy Day Observance in his community. 

 

He is being invited to a study group, and the Baha'i with the bracelet, will be accompanying him.  Patrick is now enrolled as a member in the Baha'i Faith.

 

 

Ella with stage 4 cancer joined the Faith: "I have tears in my eyes"

Ella was born and raised in Chicago and visited the Bahai House of Worship many times.  Here she shares her thoughts during the affirmation process with a Bahai. 

“About 2 years ago I was dealing with Cancer, I am in stage 4 at the moment. When I go into the Bahai House of Worship, it gives me inner peace. The all-encompassing concept of Baha'i is what attracted me. A friend of mine from college called me.   I mentioned that I was looking at Baha'i as a religion that I was interested in. She said she didn't know anything about Baha'i but started talking to me about how Christ was the only way to God. I didn't say anything to her but that is what made me go to the website and push the button that says 'I want to be a Baha'i'. Cancer has been a growth experience. It can change your life for the better. It makes you appreciate things around you. Who am I to judge others? I love the concept of accepting all people, religions, cultures, nationalities. Last year I took a philosophy course on World religion and I did a PowerPoint presentation on Baha'i Faith for the class. Having visted the Bahai House of Worship for 4 or 5 years now, I am slowly becoming deeper and closer [to the Faith] after every visit. My whole Baha'i experience has been enriching. There is no other way to exist except with unity. I appreciate the fact that we cannot understand God. People make up what God is in their minds. And these ideas of what they think God is cause divisions.”  

Further she shares how she feels now about joining the Bahai Faith. 

“What I love about the Baha'i Faith is you have to put in effort to grow, enrich and explore to be a Baha'I; not just sit around and do nothing. I found myself in a discussion with a friend of mine who was in a bad mood and the Baha'i principles helped me to make things positive for my friend. I am happy to be here in this moment in time. I have not taken this lightly. This is was I want in my life. I have a big smile on my face while we were talking. I have tears in my eyes during our talk.”