“ … the purpose of such teaching projects is never the mere enrolment of large numbers. There are several related activities that have to be undertaken: Receptive individuals have to be sought. They then have to be engaged in meaningful conversation and helped to recognize Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for today and enter into the stronghold of His Covenant.” (Ruhi Institute Book 6 ‘Teaching the Cause’Unit 3 Section 33: )
Following the guidance from Ruhi Institute Book 6 on teaching projects, the friends who participated spent their personal time in the morning turning to God and communing with Him and reflecting within one’s own heart. We all then met at 9.30 am and said prayers for teaching. After the devotional we read snippets from book 6 and did a deepening on teaching the Faith. This was followed by questions, consultation and planning for the day. At 12.30 pm we were armed to go. After the days teaching we came back to a beautifully prepared meal followed by reflection on the days teaching experiences.
Outcome Twenty friends took part. A junior youth declared with her parents’ blessing. 32 (some old and some new) contacts were made with most people getting the contact number of their potential seeker. One study circle with 3 community of interest arose from that and another study circle with community of interest is starting shortly.
Learning We realised the importance of getting the contact details of the potential seeker and to be in touch soon so that we could follow up on their interest. Also it helped us to appreciate more that the expansion phase requires intensive outreach.
- Two of my friends had done Ruhi Institute Book 1 and due to various things had not been able to find the time to start Book 2. During the expansion phase I visited them and said a Book 2 course would be starting soon, and if they would like to explore the Faith in greater depth they could join it. They were both very keen and we are now half way through.
- We decided to have a teaching team meeting in a coffee shop. A daughter of a friend of ours had just started working there. We were surprised to see her, but felt maybe it was meant to be. She is at Queen’s University and we asked her if she had come across Queen’s Bahá’í society. She told us that she had stopped going to mass and had actually looked at the Bahá'í website. We drank our coffee and consulted about what to do next. When we went to pay we asked her if she would like to come for dinner and talk about spiritual matters. She said she would love to. She came and was very interested in knowing about the Faith so we began to share Anna’s presentation. She was very in tune with it and asked for more to read. She is keen to do a study circle but as it is coming up to finals feels she is too busy but in the meantime would like to come to our devotional gathering.
- I had been home visiting this couple for a few months and really wanted to invite them to join a study circle, but didn't quite know how to do it. Also English not being their mother tongue, I wanted to organize a study circle in Persian, but I would need to find other participants that would be Persian speakers as well. I finally decided to be brave and ask all the Iranian acquaintances I had whether they would be interested in joining a study circle, explaining what the course is about. Most of them responded positively although I couldn't really tell whether they were really keen or just being polite to me. We set a starting date and with the support of a few Bahá'í friends, the study circle began. The three who have joined it have now become very enthusiastic and look forward every time to the next session.
From Northern Lights Newsletter, issue 4
Study Circles: Lua Parisa Junior Youth: Susie Agahi Children's Classes: Marion Khosravi
Study Circles: Michelle O'Mahony Barr Junior Youth: (Not yet appointed) Children's Classes: Elizabeth Palin
Study Circles: James Holmlund Junior Youth: Nason Maani Children's Classes: Patricia Jamshidi
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