It made a lot of sense; it clicked for me

Julie shared . . .

“It made a lot of sense; it clicked with me.  I started going to weekly meetings that started with the Báb and 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Bahá’u'lláh and His journey and the Holy Land and the Universal House of Justice.  Someone shared a video about the youth conferences that went on and the fun activities that the youth activities did that made me excited about starting up some things here in Iowa.  My sister is working with some young girls and I've been interested in getting study groups together or community activities.   I learned more about Bahá’u’lláh, then I finally made a conclusion.  I really enjoy the faith.  It brings a lot of feelings and a lot of positive things have happened since I learned about it.  Every time I read the scriptures, it gives me positive feelings . . . I saw the video how we focus on the junior youth group age.

Even before I found the Faith I found there shouldn't be division of people because we’re all humans, all created by God for a reason.  That's why I felt lost in the Christian household.  That's why I'm glad I found the Bahá’í Faith.  It answered a lot of questions.  I didn't know which way to go and it just made so much sense and made me so happy.

It’s so exciting to learn about Bahá’u’lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá.  It’s the dawn of a new day, the dawn of a new cycle, great to be living in these times.”

 

 

SED: From at-risk to rising college sophomores

The Jackson area cluster embraced several members of a 9th grade class at Lexington's J.J. McClain High School in 2009. The numbers dwindled from 7 or 8 to a final 5 in 2010.  These students were transported 52 miles one way to Jackson once per month for holy days, junior youth classes, and special outings. They underwent training in academic support.

They attended the Baha'i Youth Conference in Atlanta. All five entered college on three different campuses in fall 2013.  Three are now active tutors for Jackson Junior Youth classes.

The Jackson Area Cluster takes pride in having engaged, mentored and cultivated this group of at-risk 9th grade students into rising college sophomores. We trust this is economic development.

 

 

From Marines to service as a Bahai for junior youth

It is with great joy that I write to you tonight to tell you that a new friend of ours has declared his belief in Baha'u'llah.

This story is about Raphael, a 21 year old who was in the Marines and just a few months ago returned from a tour of duty overseas. He grew up with Andrew, who just last month had declared at one of the youth conferences.

As part of our study group and planning ahead for forming junior youth groups in the area, Andrew wanted to start a group in his town too, so we sat together and discussed possible friends he could invite to join with him in forming one. He then thought of Raphael, a friend with whom he had recently reconnected. Raphael had also been a student at the local high school.

When he and Raphael met just two weeks ago after not seeing each other for some time, Andrew told him about the Bahai Faith and the junior youth spiritual empowerment program. Just a few days later, Raphael joined Andrew and me as we visited a neighborhood to talk with the youth. A few nights later, Raphael came to the study group with us, and afterward we gave him a prayer book and a pamphlet about Baha'u'llah.

On his own, Raphael made some decisions. He took off the next two days from work to visit his family and church to discuss with his pastor, priests, parents, and grandparents the new Faith he discovered. After discussions with them, he signed his declaration card and mailed it in.

 

He is drawn to the principle of unity--"This is the Truth! It is so good!"

Emanuel is now a member of the Bahai Faith!  Here is what he shared about himself with his friends . . .

Born into a Muslim and of Nigerian background, Emanuel always felt that Islam was "forced on him" and he practiced briefly out of respect for his father. He later heard about the Baha'i Faith through Baha'i friends who live in this community.  Last month, he attended the Youth Conference near him, and 2 weeks later, signed a card at a Baha'i gathering.   When he asked if the Baha'is had a card for him to sign, his friends gave him a "very long hug."

Emanuel feels "empowered" by the Baha'i teachings; and when he learned about Baha'u'llah, Emanuel shared, "This is the Truth! It is so good!" He also thought, "How can you deny this - it will change the world!  Why not embrace it?" He is drawn to the principle of unity and the importance placed on family.

Two laws that he spoke about were “no backbiting and no prejudice!"

Emanuel is involved in community life with the Bahais. He attends many devotional gatherings and has already completed the course called “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit;” he is now studying the course called “Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth.”

 

I'm speaking for all 650 youths - Atlanta Youth Conference

I’m from Naples, Florida. I am writing this letter to the beautiful souls who made possible my wonderful experience at the Atlanta Youth Conference. I have no words to express my gratitude towards every single one of you, and of course God. I am so thankful and inspired by all that which took place this past weekend and I only hope I can live up to such grand expectations.

The conference was just unbelievable. The vibe all around that hotel was incredible. Everyone was so enthusiastic and eager to learn. At first, we didn’t know what to expect, we just knew this was a very special moment for all of us. All we could see was smiles and beautiful people. My sister and I were so please to see so many genuinely nice people around and how much they cared for us. That itself was very inspiring and touching for me. I am overwhelmed with emotion every time I think back on that weekend and about all the people that made it possible.

After reflecting back on this conference, I can honestly say this could very well have been one of the most important and influential weekends of my entire life, thus far. In this conference I finally fully grasped the concept of service. I’ve realized that God has entrusted my generation with one of the most vital task of them all: empower those around us and unify the world. The youth is expected to drive forward Baha’u’llahs’ Cause and I honestly felt this conference gave us the inspiration and empowerment needed to do just that. I, along with many others, have made the commitment to selflessly serve our communities. With the tools that the Universal House of Justice has facilitated for us, I believe we are more than ready to take on this task. I say this because after networking with many of my peer youth, we all concurred that if we don’t act and serve for the Cause, no one else will. It’s out time, the future of humankind is currently in our hands; and even though this is a heavy statement to make, I believe is also a blessing, and with God’s presence in our hearts and minds, I know we will come out victorious and leave this world a better place.

I’ve also gain consciousness to the fact that these few years of youth I’ve been granted are meant to serve God and humankind; and I plan on doing just that. I cannot take a year off of school at the moment to serve full time; however, in our next reflection gathering I plan on consulting my thoughts and ideas with the members of the community and set a date when we can start planning and implementing our plans onto the local communities. It is my deepest desire to serve this beautiful Cause; and I will do so restlessly, until the day my physical being gives up. But even then, I know that my soul will continue to serve this most important Cause.

From the most sincere and loving place of my heart, I thank you in the name of all us (my siblings, friends old and new) whom attendance to this magnificent conference you made possible. As I have stated previously, this Youth Conference has changed my life, and I am sure the same is true for the rest of the other 650 attendees. Thank you for all your help and support. I promise to return your kindness in the form of service and endless love for all.

Seattle Youth Conference - "An amazing experience!"

Gwen has been involved in the Baha'i community on and off for 6-7 years, and most recently attended the Seattle Youth Conference!  She first learned of the Faith from her Baha'i father-in-law when she began dating her husband.  Her husband stays involved in Baha'i activities though hasn't registered [his declaration].  At her husband's invitation, Gwen participated in Ruhi study circles while attending the University several years ago, and remained involved with the [Bahai College Club there] for some time.  After college, many of these friends moved away and her connection with the Baha'is lessened. Over the past year, Gwen has again become more involved.  She shared that she observes the Baha'i Fast and Holy Days, prays daily, and turns to the Kitab-i-Aqdas and [other] Baha'i Writings as the source of guidance for her life.  Gwen shared that attending the Youth Conference was an "amazing experience"!  It occurred to her that the only reason she hadn't registered her declaration to become a Baha'i was because she had never gotten around to it.  It was on her "to do" list today, and now is done!  Gwen is currently training to be a junior youth animator and is looking forward to attending more community activities, such as Feast with the Baha'i community.

She "is like a heavenly fragrant breeze" - A new youth enrolls in the Faith!

Yet another vibrant youth has become attracted to the Faith, recently enrolled and attended one of the near-by youth conferences underway!

The friends who met her in the community share this bit of excitement about this new friend.

“Angela is extraordinarily sincere and of high capacity, a real asset to the faith. Her person is like a heavenly fragrant breeze. She went to the Boston Bahai conference as well. Thanks for reaching out."

 

Youth declares at conference - "I thought I was already a Bahai!"

As the 13 Youth Conferences are underway across the United States, stories about the youth who want to become members of the community are being shared.

What follows is a story about Ryan, an 18 year old who attended a recent Youth Conference, and on the last day, discovered that he hadn't yet registered his declaration to be a 'member' of the Bahai Faith. This was news to him because he had already been actively involved with the Bahais for more than 5 years and considered himself a Bahai! This story is told from the perspective of the volunteer at the regional level who follows up with those who register their declarations online for that region . . .

I wanted to share exciting news of a youth who registered as a Baha'i on his cell phone! The information came through the database and I just happened to be at the computer. I called his number and heard loud cheering in the background . . . .Five years ago when Ryan was 13, a neighbor [invited him] to the [local] Baha'i Center to help set up decorations for the Ayyam-i-Ha party. [Because] Ryan has had connection with the Baha'i community for the past 5 years [he] always thought he was a Baha'i. [N]o one told him he needed to register!

Ryan has completed Ruhi books 1, 2 and 3 and will be continuing the series after the Youth Conference. Ryan asked about the essence of God being Unknowable. He was encouraged to learn more about Baha'u'llah's life and stay connected to [his local] Baha'i Community.

This story highlights so many different attributes, from nurturing and love of the local community to technology access online.