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.

 

 

 

The Vitality of the Training Institute

In April the Universal House of Justice wrote that “primary responsibility for the development of human resources in a region or country rests with the training institute.”

Having participated in a training session hosted by the Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute, the Children’s Classes Coordinator of the Baton Rouge, LA cluster (A-stage) returned home inspired to pursue new goals:

A family gathering was organized to ask for parental involvement and input into the classes. The parents suggested that we have more diversity of children in the classes.

It was requested that children’s class schedules be available for all the teachers, parents, and the community three months in advance, and that a list of substitute teachers be developed.

Visits were made to LSAs in the cluster to share the learning gained from teaching children’s classes, as well as the plans for an upcoming Bahá’í summer camp, and the types of support needed.  LSA funding support was received.

To assist with children’s classes, new resources were actively sought.  One parent was found from the Community of Interest (who is currently studying Book 3, and also helps out with the Bahá’í summer camp).  She has been able to invite other children to this summer camp, as she lives in the neighborhood and the neighbors trust her.  This parent and her Book 3 tutor have being doing home visits to attract more children to the classes.

Concrete, practical, and useful developments -- thanks to inspirational training.

“To ensure that the proper measure of vitality is pulsating through this system should continue to be the object of intense learning in every country over the course of the next twelve months.” (Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 2010)

Empowering Local Spiritual Assemblies to empower their communities

 

What is the role of a Local Spiritual Assembly in the Five Year Plan?  This has been a key topic of learning throughout the country.  One Regional Bahá’í Council has organized a series of training workshops in which several Local Spiritual Assemblies come together to reflect on this question and learn from the experiences of other Assemblies, as well as consider certain specific steps that they can take.

A few months after the workshop the Regional Bahá’í Council followed up with the participating Local Spiritual Assemblies and asked them to share what insights they gained and how they have tried to apply this learning to their work.  What follows is a very inspiring response from one Local Assembly—you can see how their example helped encourage some of the veteran believers to participate in the institute process, which has further empowered them to serve!

Dear Friends,

First we wish to say how grateful we are that our Regional Council provided such a wonderful experience at the training workshop.  We came away with a better understanding of the role of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Five Year Plan, along with new energy to implement the lessons learned to the working of our own Assembly. . . .

[After studying more and consulting together] we each now have a very clear understanding of the role of the Assembly in promoting and supporting cluster growth and that it is the role of the Assembly to lead by example in this area. . . . our Assembly members stand ready to assist the friends in planning devotional gatherings, accompanying them as they begin home visits, etc.  To this end we are particularly pleased to advise that during this past year approximately nine of the Persian friends in our community began the study of the Ruhi books in a combination of Farsi and English.  With the assistance of one of the Persian members of our Assembly, these friends have now completed Books 1, 2 and 3, and will soon begin Book 4.

In addition, they have also worked on sharing Anna’s conversation together so to become more comfortable sharing the Faith in English.  Two of these friends have now become teachers for the two children’s classes that have recently begun again in our community.  Their assistants are some of the younger youth who have also completed these courses.

"This is what community is about: supporting each other"

 

Each of the training institute courses involves study of one of the books of the Ruhi curriculum.  And each of these books, in addition to the units and lessons and exercises, also has what are known as “practice components”.  These give you the chance to actually apply the skills you have just learned in real, tangible, on-the-ground situations and prepare you even further into the field of action.  Here’s a report of a “practice component” I haven’t heard about in a while—from Ruhi Book 1!  The joy in which this study circle in the Albany, NY (A) cluster carried out their “prayer visit” is clear.  And now the friends are even more empowered and excited.

Towards the end of 2009, R, B, and D began tutoring a Rúhi Book 1 study circle.  Over the months, months, many people have participated, and we have all gained many insights from the discussions on understanding the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and on prayer. . . .

Last week, the study circle carried out one of the main practices of the book:  to visit a friend and pray with them.  We had learned that one of our dear friends had had surgery the previous week, and she was excited about the idea of having the whole group visit her.  So we went together to her house that night, bringing food, drinks, and a “Get well soon” cake. We talked, laughed, and prayed with her late into the night.

As we drove back home, it struck us that this is what community is about:  supporting each other, praying with each other, and bring joy to the hearts of our friends.  The wisdom of carrying out the practices of the Rúhi book, in addition to the study itself, was evident, and we will be sure to do such activities again.

Institute empowers everyone

Encouragement, systematic action, and above all the institute process—these are some of the key ingredients to making growth sustainable.  And they are all there Washington, DC (A).  Participants in the institute courses and tutors alike are being empowered through a variety of means.  Particularly intriguing is how Ruhi 3 is not a textbook that is put on the shelf once the course is over, but a point of reference to which the teachers continually return.

It is better to focus on one neighborhood that already has resources in place and make sure that it is self-sustaining before moving on to another neighborhood.  If our focus is too diffuse, we will not be as effective.

An example of individual initiative:  One family decided to host an “expansion phase day” during the consolidation phase in order to expand the community of interest in one neighborhood.  This effort brought out 12 teachers and resulted in a gentleman declaring and enrolling his child. . . .

The growth in children’s classes is a result of the teachers’ increased confidence and unwillingness to get discouraged.  It is also a result of their enthusiasm in bringing in new teachers to collaborate with them to support and sustain growth.  Notably, teachers would return to Ruhi Book 3 and review it to refine their approach to teaching the class.  They were willing to try something out, make adjustments, consult with one another, and look back to Book 3 for guidance.

Personal visits of the cluster institute coordinator to study circles to support the tutors helped encourage them.  Monthly community “debriefs” and presentations at the Nineteen Day Feast proved effective for encouraging the friends.

Regular “tutor encounter” meetings that focused on a few key themes helped the tutors consider how to apply these to their own study circles, particularly the practice components.

Linking the practice components of study circles to the cycles of the intensive program of growth was extremely important on two fronts:  It helped support the cluster’s growth, and it enabled the participants to practice their skills in real situations.

Accompaniment brings rapid results

When you visit a community for a brief time, what sort of impact can you expect to bring about? A very profound impact, with dedication and focus! Here is a thrilling example of how a team of “mobile teachers” used the art of accompaniment to raise up 2 new junior youth groups in the Rio Grande Valley, TX (now an A!) cluster. It was part of a region-wide effort to use the Winter break to assist priority cluster.

Dear Friends,

We just wanted to share this exciting news from the results of a team of 3 young adult mobile teachers/tutors/animators that visited the Rio Grande Valley cluster (a goal cluster) at the end of December and early January.

This is one example of many young adult mobile teachers that visited goal clusters during the Winter break. . . .

Loving regards,

R

The good news is that J and I helped to establish a junior youth group in one locality, and E started a second group in another locality. The guys carried out a “crash course” animator training, and they accompanied the new animators to the point of actually launching the group.

These 3 believers have helped in other ways as well, but to have established 2 new junior youth groups in such a short period of time is quite an accomplishment, one that probably would not have happened without their experience and youthfulness. We are so grateful.

Much love,

L

The next thing I knew, I was attending study circles . . .

This story of a new believer in the Chicago, IL (A) cluster is intriguing for a number of reasons. First, it shows the power of “the silent teacher”, i.e., the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Second, the seeker and his family had many positive experiences with Bahá’ís and saw a community truly trying to live out its beliefs and put its principles into practice (a theme that is repeatedly a focus of Anna’s conversation with Emilia). And finally, the institute process and opportunities to engage with the Word of God were indispensible.

__ became a Bahá’í in October. Here is his story:

My journey to becoming a Bahá’í began after a casual visit to the House of Worship a couple of years ago. A good friend of mine who had never been to Chicago was in town on business and I wanted to show him some of the more popular city attractions. Earlier that year the Bahá’í House of Worship had been names as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois by the state Bureau of Tourism, so I decided to include it on our itinerary. The next thing I knew, I was handed the Hidden Words and began attending study circles, devotional gatherings, firesides and other Bahá’í events. . . .

I’ve always been intellectually curious about religion and spiritual matters. When I told a family member about my interest in the Faith, they said that they had never met a Bahá’í they didn’t like. I took that as a sign of approval, but that statement was also very telling. It couldn’t be mere coincidence. There had to be some explanation. I didn’t immediately understand what it was, but I do now.

It has everything to do with the Faith’s progressive and universal principles of justice, fairness, acceptance and respect. Those general principles are the core of any organized religion, but the difference is that being a Bahá’í is a way of life—it’s about living a virtuous life and not just having a religious identification. So it’s no wonder why Bahá’ís are so likable. Bahá’ís not only place a value on character, they practice principles that are valued by everyone and also are necessary for the important work of civilizing humankind. I’ve been a Bahá’í only a short time now, but I feel that in my heart I’ve always been a Bahá’í.

__’s tutor explained that one of the things fundamental to __’s journey was providing opportunities for him to access the Creative Word. He participated in study circles, as well as studying the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh with his tutor. After 2 years of studying, he officially became a member of the Faith. As he said though, he felt he has always been a Bahá’í in his heart.

A perfect storm of teaching in Rio Grande Valley

This is a breathtaking report from Rio Grande Valley, TX (B). A small group of friends had studied Ruhi Book 6, Teaching the Cause. They wanted to put into practice the skills and knowledge they had learned, and decided to do so by organizing a collective, direct teaching effort! And what an effort this was. It wasn’t just a discrete, one-time, “Let’s get the practice component out of the way” thing. Instead, it was a full-out, systematically planned endeavor with all the ingredients for success—reliance on prayer, local believers on teaching teams accompanied by visiting resource persons, adequate number of Spanish speakers, direct sharing of the Faith with interested individuals and families, immediate follow-up with new believers, strong involvement of a Local Spiritual Assembly, loving mobilization of the local community. It became a “perfect storm” of growth. (“Preparation and experience led to the desire for more preparation and experience.”) And what radiant new friends were made, new believers eager and enthusiastic to immediately start serving the Faith and participate in core activities.

Dear Valley Collaborators: Allah'u'Abha!

A joyful group of Bahá’u’lláh's loved ones participated in this weekend's unprecedented Book 6 practice intensive project. The Concourse on High joined these friends in the services they offered up for the good pleasure of Bahá’u’lláh, for how could we have succeeded unless assisted with the Breath of the Holy Spirit, and showered with His confirmations which alone could change gnats into eagles, drops of water into rivers and seas, and atoms into lights and suns? So it is with gratitude, awe, and joy that we share the following results, asking for your continued prayers and support in embracing these new members of the Rio Grande Valley Bahá’í Family: . . .

A local Bahá’í, accompanied by a visiting resource person, visited R and shared a conversation in Spanish about the Faith. R told them that she had prayed to God that morning for help. She received Bahá’u’lláh’s message with tears.

P had his first contact Saturday with a visiting resource person accompanied by a local Bahá’í. He declared the next day when another teaching team visited again and shared Anna's conversation with him. He had travelled out of town for work but returned to the Valley when he found it too lonely. We visited him at his place of work on Monday.

J had her first contact on Saturday with a team of two local Bahá’ís who spoke with her in Spanish. She asked them to return on Sunday when her husband could participate as well. A slightly different team returned the next day to share Anna's conversation in Spanish. J and her husband listened to intently and declared, registering their 3 children as well.

L was taught by two local Bahá’ís who, accompanied by a visiting resource person, were trying out for the very first time sharing a direct presentation of the Faith. She declared upon its conclusion. She expressed her desire to "volunteer for the Bahá’í Faith." She asked us to visit a few days later to be ready to receive the Baha'is and start to serve.

V, his fiancé and daughter had been visited a couple of months ago by a team of local Bahá’ís who shared Anna’s conversation with them in Spanish. They then became hard to reach consistently until a couple of days ago. They explained that V had had a trip out of town, which had interrupted the flow of communications with the Bahá’ís. They were glad to see us, glad to enroll, and anxious to start attending Bahá’í functions.

Success of the project was due to the following:

Valuable input and support from the Local Spiritual Assembly of McAllen, which shaped much of the program.

Back-to-back teaching days with 2 teaching shifts each day allowed for a total of 8 hours of teaching effort with an average of 4 teams at any given time.

2 visiting resource people were mixed and matched with the rest of us to maximize our learning from their experience. This learning was reflected in the comments in the debriefing sessions. One person said he had learned more about his religion in these two days than in the ten or so years he has been a Bahá’í.

Food hospitality generously provided by 6 households allowed us keep on task with spirits up.

Preparation and experience led to the desire for more preparation and experience

Above all, prayers ardently offered by those present as well as many not present, were answered.

Next Steps:

Take all new believers through the series of deepening themes from Ruhi Book 2 as quickly as maintaining a spiritual and friendly atmosphere permits.

In the process learn their availability for and interest in Reflections of the Life of the Spirit study circles.

Form these study circles as soon as possible.

Coordinate further consolidation with the Local Spiritual Assembly.

We have at this point 5 households with newly declared Bahá’ís, plus 12 additional households who have responded positively and given us phone numbers. Please stay tuned for updates in the steps and directions we will be taking.

Many thanks and much love,

W

After this exhilarating and successful teaching effort, the friends immediately began mobilizing the local community for follow-up:

Allah'u'Abha Friends in McAllen, Mission, and Edinburg!

Our new Bahá’ís will be getting to know us as we share and explore the Book 2 deepening themes with them in their homes. This will soon lead to study circles and children's classes for them.

We invite each of you to join in accompanying them as they start to walk from the spark of faith they declared with to the undying fire at the heart of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. The best way to do this will be to match one of their original teachers with other members of the community and have them meet as many people as their time schedule permits.

I will be calling many of you to see if you will be able to join us in this joyous effort, and if you call or email me first, so much the easier for me. One way or another please let me know if you would like to serve in this process, and your time availability, etc.

Many thanks and much love,

W

And then they shared the initial and promising results of the consolidation efforts so far.

Allah'u'Abha Valley Collaborators!

We wish to share the joy that our initial baby steps in consolidation are bringing. Tonight was the first night we actually met with some of our new declarants.

Both new believers that we visited volunteered without being asked that they had started saying the Short Obligatory Prayer each day, as well as others from their prayer books.

Both showed radiant happiness during our visit. Heart to heart friendships were clearly in the making.

Both look forward to next steps. J asked us to call Saturday so we can make plans for a children's class and deepening theme. We also shared the first deepening theme with R, who found it very engaging.

These meetings so much exceeded our expectations. We have so much to look forward to learning in this new stage.

Many thanks and much love,

W

Empowering new and old friends in Springdale

The friends in Springdale, AR (B) have been teaching up a storm. There is so much to celebrate in this recent cluster report, both in terms of the learning that has been gained and the results that have been achieved. The friends are working with a receptive population, empowering old and new believers alike through the institute process, and engaging Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’ís on campus. Two important areas of growth are their children’s classes and home visits.

Enrollments: 3 new Bahá’ís this cycle, 9 so far this year.

Friends arising to serve: 17 participants in a recent teaching project in Springdale, 26 homes visited, 17 return visits requested. . . .

Empowerment of new believers: 2 believers have finished studying Book 1 and will start Book 2. One of them will host the next Feast, as well as begin receiving home visits. Another believer has started Book 1, received a home visit, will give a fireside with 2 other believers next Friday, and will cook for a Holy Day celebration.

Empowerment of veteran believers: Around 5 friends shared Anna’s presentation for the first time during the direct teaching project. Around 15 Bahá’ís have taken training for and/or grasped the importance of the Book 2 deepening themes and their use in home visits. Several friends in a number of communities have carried out their first ever home visits, and additional believers are ready and making plans to do their own home visits.

Empowerment of Local Spiritual Assemblies: A member of the Regional Bahá’í Council visited the cluster and conducted a training for Local Spiritual Assemblies about the Institute process—right before Unit Convention. The training reviewed the skills and acts of service tied to each Ruhi book.

Children’s classes: 4 classes are active and continuing, and 1 new one has started this cycle. 2 of these are composed entirely of children from the wider community.

University Bahá’í club: It is formed and active and will have a regular devotional gathering, as well as firesides every other week.

Insights about receptive population: The main receptive population in this cluster is the Marshallese community. Most want to study the Ruhi Books and listen to the deepening themes in Marshallese. So we need to raise the number of Marshallese tutors and individuals who can make home visits.

There are already 2 confirmed Marshallese tutors, and another 2 just need to complete Book 7 to finish the sequence. Several Marshallese friends also learned the first part of the first deepening theme. They found it very useful. They like the idea of giving this theme in Marshallese, but request a non-Marshallese Bahá’í to accompany them to pray and answer questions if needed. So there is an opportunity for more of the non-Marshallese friends to work together and bond with the Marshallese through accompaniment.

To raise more Marshallese resources to carry out home visits, we will go theme by theme, practicing each one in the field before moving on to the next one.

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

The friends are ready when a receptive soul walks through the door

This story comes from an A-stage cluster in the Northwest region. The author states it is a story less about teaching and more about the receptivity to the Faith that is now everywhere. Well, yes, it’s a wonderful reminder of that, but there’s also more. When this receptive soul reached out to the Bahá’ís, they were able to quickly organize themselves, connect him to the local friends, AND the various cluster entities worked together to provide a study circle for him as well. And it is that capacity, that dedicated response to receptive individuals, that results in growth.

Truth be told, this is more of a “receptivity” story than a “teaching” story, as you will see:

A man recently walked into a local Bahá’í center, brimming with questions. Though he'd never met a Bahá’í, he'd done a little research, learned about study circles, and upon finding a Bahá’í at the center, asked which study circles were starting up. His name and contact information were passed to the cluster's institute coordinator, who put out a call for tutors. Very soon he was put in contact with a tutor ready to meet this dear soul, share Bahá’u’lláh’s Message, and start a study circle. . . .

During the initial phone conversation, the Bahá’í asked the seeker to share a little about his interest in the Faith, and to explain, if willing, some of his spiritual journey. The seeker responded that he'd found an online religion quiz that suggested he was overwhelmingly Bahá’í in his outlook! As he'd never even heard of the Faith before, he was quite curious—enough to not only write the Bahá’ís asking for some materials, but also to find a local Bahá’í center and drive the 40 minutes to get there on his day off work. Everything he had read about the Faith, he told the tutor, was something he'd already believed, and he just had to know more.

Several days later the tutor and his wife met with the seeker at a local coffee shop. Two hours of uplifting conversation passed in the blink of an eye, and as the Bahá’í couple were about to hand the seeker a declaration card and explain how one joins the Faith, the seeker offered: "So I was also sent a card along with those materials I received the other day. It said that in order to become a Bahá’í I needed to recognize that Bahá’u’lláh is who He says He is. I really do believe that, so I signed it and sent it in! When I look into my heart, I consider myself a Bahá’í. I believe in Bahá’u’lláh and have always believed what the Faith teaches." The couple warmly welcomed him into the Faith, made an appointment to share an overview of the fundamental verities of the Faith, and contacted his cluster's area teaching committee to help start a local study circle. The amazed couple spent their drive home praising Bahá’u’lláh and wondering at the receptivity all around us.

Institute process and children's classes empower and unify in Scottsdale

If it’s coming from Scottsdale, AZ (A), I know I’m going to smile. Wait till you see these two brief reports! First, as you may have seen in recent stories from all over the country, the friends are finding a certain approach to children’s classes very effective in which they engage the parents’ involvement by inviting them to go through the training (i.e., Ruhi Book 3) to become children’s class teachers themselves. The first is a particularly inspiring example of this process:

After a successful weekend, the teaching teams returned to start their Bahá’í children’s class and to accompany a few parents so that they are able to assist with the classes. As the teachers started gathering up the children, one teaching team, which included a seeker, visited the home of one of the parents and started to study Ruhi Book 3 in Spanish with her. She actively participated in the discussions. The group studied for 30 minutes, including some initial concepts from the Writings of the Faith regarding the spiritual education of children, as well as the lesson plan for that day’s children’s class. . . .

We had two children’s classes today: one using the lessons from Book 3 for the younger children and the other using the lessons from Book 3A for the older ones. The above-mentioned mother was immediately involved in serving the children by assisting with the class. Her daughter has also expressed an interest in helping with the class. These are some great examples of wonderful souls we are discovering who love to serve others and understand the importance of spiritual education for their children.

Next, we see the experience of some teaching teams, also with a focus on children’s classes. See the power of the institute process to give a new believer confidence to reach out to her neighbors! What is especially moving is not just her courage, but also how enthusiastically she offers all the elements of community life (i.e. the core activities) as a way to bring people together.

Today two teaching teams made their plans to visit new arrivals to an apartment complex in which we have ongoing activities and invite their children to attend the children’s classes there. The teaching teams included one of the recently declared Bahá’ís, who is the grandmother of some of the children that attend the children’s class. She is currently in a Ruhi Book 2 study circle and wanted to work on her practices for this course (i.e. sharing the deepening themes).

The teams recited a few prayers before setting out. The new believer mentioned to her team member that she was very nervous since she had never done anything like this before. So when they arrived at the first home, this team member assumed that he was going to do all the talking. However, to his surprise, she did all the talking! She conversed so wonderfully and with courage. She started building a relationship with her neighbor and she invited her two grandchildren to the children’s class. She also told her about the 19 Day Feast and how we come together and pray and listen to one another, consult and reflect about the well being of their community and their children. She also invited her to study together in an atmosphere that is informative, loving, and illuminating. All this time the other team member was praying and staying quiet. After they said goodbye, they both reflected on how wonderfully she did, and she couldn't believe that she felt so nervous, but when she opened her mouth to speak everything just flowed wonderfully.

The other team had also success inviting more children to the class. Altogether 6 children were invited, with some being old enough (i.e., junior youth age) to help as teacher’s assistants.

Core activities "constructed with loving care, influence and dedication"

Here is another wonderful example, this time from East Valley, AZ (A), that shows how the institute process empowers new believers to take an active role in the teaching work and in contributing to a new civilization.

Dear all,

The cluster reflection meeting this last Sunday was conducted by a new believer, who joined the Faith this last April. Below also she has shared her story of becoming a Bahá’í. She has completed Ruhi Books 1, 2, and 3 so far and is among the active teachers in the cluster.

F

After many years of testing and exploring many religious faiths that I easily identified with, I came to the conclusion that I can take messages from each religious Manifestation and learn something from everyone of them. I couldn’t believe that there was a faith that recognizes what I knew all along with the purpose of serving humanity. From the very first day, I‘ve been welcomed with such open arms in the Bahá’í Faith and everyone made sure that I was greeted with kindness and happiness. . . .

The study circles, devotionals, children’s classes and firesides are all constructed with such loving care, influence and dedication from tutors, Local Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í community members that it has given my life such direction and influence when I was spiritually directionless before. Practicing the word of Bahá’u’lláh has also gave me a new spark to understand the messages and lessons to know God, Bahá’u’lláh’s message of humanity, and my capacities and strengths—all which inspired those who surround me in daily life.

I have met people from so many backgrounds and explored so many cultural experiences that I could have never experienced in a classroom or without living outside of the country. Becoming a Bahá’í has become the greatest most important decision that I have made in my life and with that I continue to grow spiritual in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to spread the message of humanity to every man, woman, child, regardless of ethnic background, social-economic, religious faith, etc.

We’re all one human race, “So powerful is the light of Unity that it can illumine the whole earth.”

Bulls Eye in DC

A report from Washington, DC (A): THIS IS WHAT THE FIVE YEAR PLAN IS ALL ABOUT—raising up and empowering human resources to build a new pattern of community life.

Last Thursday night several people participated in follow-up teaching and consolidation activities in J and S's neighborhood. Among those participating was __, a new believer who declared her Faith in March of this year during a neighborhood teaching effort. __ lives close to where S and J live. . ..

__ has completed Book 1 in a study circle and is in the middle of studying Book 2, Arising to Serve. I have been working with her as the tutor. __ plans to take Book 3 as soon as it is offered so she can teach children's classes, and she attended the recent gathering on children's classes at the Bahá'í Center as preparation.

At the last Book 2 session __ gave a presentation on the deepening theme about the Eternal Covenant to a group of Book 1 study circle participants, several of whom are seekers. Before doing so, we had practiced several times going over the presentation until she felt comfortable with the content and progression of ideas. Although she said she felt a little nervous in front of the group, she made a clear presentation and felt very happy about it.

Afterwards, she was encouraged that the next step in doing the practice of Book 2 is to present the deepening theme in a more conversational manner in the home of new believers or those who are interested in the Faith. An opportunity to do this came up quickly, since there are people waiting for visits as part of the consolidation phase for this cycle. I invited __ to assist in such a visit, and asked her to be prepared to offer the deepening theme. __ accepted the invitation and practiced going over the deepening theme so she could, as she put it, "do it in my own words and be eloquent."

Thursday night she came, and after saying prayers at S and J's home, __ and I visited a woman whose granddaughter is in a children's class that has recently been formed in the neighborhood. I had visited this lady before, and when we arrived, I asked if we could say some prayers and for __ to do a presentation on the Eternal Covenant. She asked, "What is the Covenant?" to which __ responded, "It is God's pact with us, with you and me, that He will never abandon us and He will always send a Manifestation to teach us His Word and Bahá’u’lláh is the latest Teacher." The lady invited us into her home.

What followed next was an hour of connecting with the lady, talking about different subjects, laughing and praying. During this time __ spoke about the Eternal Covenant in an eloquent and forthright manner, answered questions about the Faith and in the process described how she became a Bahá’í and the joy and calm she feels since becoming a Bahá’í. She spoke positively about the Bahá’í community and how she is on a path of intense learning about the Faith and how she wants to tell others about it. __ talked about the theme of Book 2 which is to serve humanity. She invited the lady to investigate the Faith further and offered to come back and read from the Bahá’í scripture with her and answer her questions. The lady liked this idea. We said a few healing prayers and the visit ended.

Afterwards as we were reflecting on what happened, __ said she really loved this experience and felt the spirit was truly guiding her. We talked about why we teach, to which she commented that we teach not because of any rewards but because the act of teaching is sacred and precious, and then she said, "Isn't this the theme of Book 2?"

Last night in the Book 1 study circle at our home (where she had initially practiced making the presentation), __ told everyone how the home visit went. This was good not only for her but also for the Book 1 participants: They were able to see how these practice components of the training institute courses can help build community by making this kind of visiting and spiritual discussions part of the normal pattern of life.

Warm regards,

M

New Haven moves forward

This brief report from New Haven, CT (B) shows a cluster progressing on multiple fronts. Some innovative approaches to training institute courses are enabling a greater number of the friends to participate and to advance through the sequence of courses. The friends are trying to reach out to their contacts in a variety of ways, as well as respond to seekers that are directed to them.

Ruhi classes have been accelerated and organized to engage more tutors and participants. The cluster institute coordinator has organized and implemented a way to facilitate the rapid advancement of participants through the courses. Some people take the courses out of order, others take multiple courses. In other words, people no longer wait for a course to be completed to take the next course. We are also giving homework assignments and ensuring that the teaching activities and home visits that are assigned are carried out.

New Haven had a very successful beach party to which a lot of contacts attended. It was a huge teaching activity.

One of the Bahá’ís has shared Anna’s presentation with and said prayers with many au pairs from several different countries.

We have also received news of a seeker who is interested in the Faith. Local believers are reaching out to seekers and inviting them to core activities.

Of the youth, by the youth, for the youth

We’ve shared stories and reports and even email chains on this blog. Now we’re sharing a thank you note. The writer is a believer in the Waukegan, IL (*C) cluster who opened her home during a recent weekend to an “intensive-format” training institute course (in this case, Ruhi Book 2, which helps build one’s capacity to carry out home visits and share deepening themes). The recipients are the young Bahá’ís who tutored the course. You can see that this was a weekend of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. You can also see how it empowered and inspired the participants, including some newly-declared Bahá’ís.

Just a note to thank everyone who made last weekend not only possible, but a success.

I appreciate so much our wonderful tutors’ efforts. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

We had very capable youth who handled everything so exceptionally well and made the event both fun and informative for our youth and even though we only had four or five participants in the training, it was definitely a success. I have to say from what my daughter told me, her friend (who has only been a Bahá’í for about a year), has expressed interest in studying more of the Ruhi books and has enjoyed herself very much and would like to come back for more intensives. . . .

We also had the pleasure of meeting __, who is a brand new Bahá’í [and who registered online], and this has been his first Bahá’í activity experience. He also said he was interested in studying more Ruhi courses. When I asked him how his day was, he said it was great and that everyone was so pleasant.

Another youth whose family joined the Faith a few years ago, enjoyed doing the Book 2 intensive. I think the fact that these study circles are being tutored by young people who are deepened and so loving is what makes a great impression on our young attendees.

My daughter told me that “Even though I had taken Book 2 before, it seemed like I was doing it for the first time.” She also enjoyed it immensely and is looking forward to doing more books. Even though my son could only be there partially, he enjoyed very much the time he spent with everyone.

I was wondering if it's possible to have an intensive youth study circle in our cluster at least one weekend a month for the rest of this Bahá’í year. Our cluster would certainly benefit from it and it would be wonderful to have some more young tutors by the end of this year.

My house is always available for your Bahá’í get-togethers and there is so much that still remains to be done.

With much gratitude and love for your sincere services,

E

"Many deep moments of joy"

This is a new believer’s account of how he discovered the Bahá’í Faith—and how he plunged into active service after declaring. Woven throughout his story are many, many clear examples of the role of core activities and the institute process in both teaching and consolidation. This cluster clearly has many dedicated friends all working together to establish a coherent pattern of activity. But above all, it simply conveys the excitement of finding the Faith and the sheer joy of teaching.

Hello!

After rejecting organized religion my entire adult life, I was made aware of the Faith late in 2008 by a wonderful woman, a longtime dedicated Bahá’í, who lives in my apartment building. My interest in the Faith was prompted by seeing how living the Faith infuses her life with joy and purity of spirit; discovering that the guiding principle of the Faith is the Oneness of Mankind; and very significantly, learning and being enthralled by the phrase "World Peace Is Not Only Possible, It's Inevitable".

After many conversations with my Bahá’í neighbor, much reading of books she gave me, and participating in various Bahá’í meetings, devotionals, and firesides with other beautiful Bahá’í people, I came to know that the next step I must take was to declare my belief in Bahá’u’lláh and my acceptance of the Faith, and I became a Bahá’í. . . .

Soon after declaring, I became ignited by a fire within me to teach the Faith to others. As someone who has worked to promote the causes of Peace and Love for several decades, I pondered over a personal question: how could I continue to be active in the peace movement, and still have time to work on spreading the Faith? The answer came to me in a startling but unequivocal way: that the best and most useful path for me to follow in advancing the cause of Peace was to concentrate my efforts on advancing the Faith! I realized that advancing the cause of Peace and advancing the Faith are, simply, one and the same thing!

Since that moment, I have endeavored to promote the Cause in many ways, perhaps most notably by holding a devotional gathering for the residents of our apartment building. This devotional, attended by a few residents, resulted in one neighbor expressing what seems to be a sincere interest in the Faith. This individual has attended some informal meetings at my apartment, at one of which another believer in our cluster shared Anna's conversation. Our neighbor has also begun attending weekly Ruhi 4 classes with me, and has been actively involved in the classes, asking insightful questions and showing enthusiasm about continuing their search for knowledge and truth. It is our hope that we will soon begin a Ruhi 1 class together, along with at least one other seeker, a class which I hope to be privileged to co-facilitate with another active and more experienced member of our cluster.

It is worthy of mention that we have arranged for childcare for our neighbor's child during the Ruhi class, childcare which of course is being provided by yet another dedicated Bahá’í friend in our cluster!

This teaching effort has brought me great satisfaction . . . but it should be noted that, remembering what I am learning in a by Ruhi 6 course on Teaching the Cause, I am not to be overly or personally invested in the outcome of the effort!

I am so gratified to be acting in service to the Faith, and have felt many deep moments of joy in this work. Personally, my life has been beautifully enriched by my acceptance of and involvement in the Faith, and I will be eternally grateful to God, to Bahá’u’lláh, and to the incredible Bahá’í who first introduced me to the Faith. It truly has been a transcendent experience, one I never expected to happen!

It is my hope that this story may provide inspiration to others. Contrasted with my previous nagging concern that perhaps all my work for Peace has been for naught, I am now full of optimism and excitement about the future of our world, because I now know that the Most Great Peace will come!

I would be happy to communicate with other new Bahá’ís, and with others who may be seeking a more effective and satisfying life path.

Quick follow-up to an online registration

Here is a brief but very compelling report of a declaration in a B-stage cluster in the Central region. This individual is one of the growing numbers of people who have taken advantage of the opportunity to register their belief in Bahá’u’lláh online. This new believer was quickly connected to her local Bahá’í community and to the institute process. This also shows the importance of home visits in the follow-up process.

It’s official! We have a newly registered Bahá’í in our locality. I’m meeting with her and the community at the next Nineteen Day Feast, and will speak with her to arrange a new tutor to meet with her. Thank you for the prayers, we are feeling the effects!

Further details: M found the Faith on her own. She has been investigating and searching for a Faith. She called up P, who was the listed contact in the newspaper article on the Faith that she had read. M investigated it online, and she registered herself online. The seeker response regional specialist then sent an email to P verify the registration. P visited M for the first time, and M said that she’s too old to monkey around, and she doesn’t want to waste time. She wants to immerse herself into the community and doesn’t need any more questions answered. So, I spoke at length with P, and suggested she visit M’s home a least one time each Bahá’í month (and take some of the other believers who need to build their confidence in carrying out this service). It’s also good if she can attend Feast, and begin participating in study of Ruhi Book 1 as soon as possible. I’m going to meet with her to introduce her to the institute process and connect her with a tutor. We are all too excited.

Personal systematic action on pledges

A few months ago, the pledges were made. And now they are being carried out! One of the beautiful things about the series of Regional Bahá’í Conferences in December is that not only have so many of the believers been mobilized into action, their services are being carried out in a systematic, organized, methodical manner. That is why we are sharing some excerpts of an individual believer in the South Central region, who reports the progress made so far on their own personal pledges—which, by the way involve several communities in a number of clusters. It is one example of the types of persistent and focused efforts that are helping clusters throughout the country advance.

Personal Three-Month Plan for Moving a Goal Cluster in the Region: Log of Personal Accomplishments So Far

PRAYER:

Recited daily the Teaching Prayer for the region to recognize receptive souls

Participated in prayer campaigns, and specific daily prayers for specific matters.

Participated in weekly devotional meetings. . . .

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT:

Completed Ruhi __ in an intensive course.

Competing Ruhi __.

Not yet completed Ruhi __.

Will participate in intensive institute campaign in __ cluster.

Co-tutoring Ruhi __ in __. Will probably complete in a few weeks.

Co-tutoring Ruhi __ in another cluster; halfway done.

Co-tutoring Ruhi __ in __.

Participating in a one-on-one study circle with a friend.

OTHER CORE ACTIVITIES:

Organized home visits by members of the __ community to an isolated believer.

Carried out a home visit to another friend.

Helped with children’s classes in __.

Have tried to start a junior youth group but this has not happened yet.

TEACHING:

Have expanded personal contacts for teaching. Record contact information for everyone with whom I discuss the Faith so I can stay in touch with them.

Made connections with other friends to strengthen friendship and begin spiritual conversations. I have also tried to use a direct approach when teaching the Faith.

Participated on direct teaching team that shared Anna’s presentation, resulting in several individuals asking for more information about the Faith and requesting return visits, which then led to some declarations.

Organizing fireside.

Made an additional contribution to the local fund for the teaching work.

Evanston-Skokie IPG Day 5

Each day of the IPG in Evanston-Skokie, IL (A) brings learning and joy. Here are two very interesting stories about learning how to teach. First is an account of a believer who wanted to practice sharing Anna’s presentation. So she made a very intriguing choice for a coach:

Our friend made it clear he has no intention of becoming a Bahá’í. But he was willing to come over to hear about the Faith so we could practice our presentation and because he's just curious to know more. We made it clear that if he felt uncomfortable or at all pressured, we would end it. We met for almost 3 hours. . . .

I used a cue card with an outline of Anna's presentation to avoid reading the flip book verbatim and to improvise if things got overwhelming for him. __ interjected some points too. I initially wove in only one or two short quotes from the writings. Our friend respectfully listened and had lots of good questions. When it was over, I shared a quote that fit in with one of his comments and __ asked him to read one from the flip chart.

He gave us both feedback to help us with future presentations. First he suggested I weave more Bahá’í quotes into the presentation so people have a clear understanding of what it's all about. He suggested we use the flip chart in combination with the note card so people can look at the pictures but the words are still from the heart. He also thinks people want to know what brought us to the Faith and how it has impacted our lives—challenges, victories, etc. He thinks this may be a good way to start things off.

He's very interested in attending more Bahá’í activities including the dinner discussion event at our house, devotional gatherings at another believer’s home, and another devotional gathering at another home.

The next story is all about nurturing a new believer to become confident to teach:

Tonight I had a Ruhi session with a new believer. We did a few sections in Ruhi 1; we talked in general. I was so excited: She wants to teach! I had been explaining the sequence of courses and how they help build our capacity. I talked about each book and the service it helps you learn how to perform. She expressed the desire to teach but said that she didn't know how. I told her that the sincerity of her heart and the fire of love for Bahá’u’lláh in her heart are all that are needed to teach! I encouraged her to come to the collective teaching activity, and also to tomorrow's event, so she'd be able to feel the spirit of teaching.