On the End of an Expansion Phase: Reflections on the spirit of Baha’i life

There is no more exquisite experience than teaching the Baha’i Faith to receptive souls. Along with many dear Baha’i co-workers, I had the privilege to do just that over the course of nine days that ended Sunday. There are many story details yet to share, but a high point certainly has to have been teaching with Mary Ellen, a new Baha’i of only two weeks. Together with soon-to-be 6th grader Raul, the three of us presented the Faith to a dear 16 year-old girl sitting on her front porch who paid rapt attention as we proceeded through the presentation formerly known as Anna’s. Her mother even brought us each a glass of ice water, a wonderful act of kindness, considering the 90 degree temperatures, but also a sign that she was comfortable with our teaching her daughter. It was so moving to hear Kimberly’s voice as she read aloud the last passage in the flip book prior to signing her declaration card.

Later yesterday afternoon Mary Ellen and I returned to the home of a gentlemen that Les and I had visited the day before, a retired army drill sargent who had described the terrible acts of discrimination he had experienced back in South Carolina as a child that had left him with lingering feelings of bitterness almost seven decades later. Mary Ellen challenged him in a way that I could not. Before we left we had an invitation from him to return to his home tomorrow to begin a Ruhi Book 1.  

Last Wednesday Duana, one of our declarants from our last expansion phase, was at our home again doing her Ruhi 1 with Chris. Friday Bonita and Helen were at the home of another declarant from our last campaign for 2 1/2 hours, further strengthening the bonds of friendship. Alisha’s mom was there, and Bonita and her mom hit it off famously.

Friends, it’s happening. Rapid growth. And it’s easy and fun. Just pick the right neighborhood, the one with the most diversity. It’s the souls who have suffered a bit who are the most receptive.

Hilltop is a great neighborhood to teach in. My experience there has been that there is at least one receptive soul on every block who will be open to hearing a (formerly Anna’s but now my own) presentation on the Faith from beginning to end, giving me the exquisite opportunity to invite that soul to join the Community of the Greatest Name right there on the spot.

Photos by Flitzy Phoebie. Top: The friends gather at the end of 9-days of teaching. Bottom:

This is Duana on the left, one of our newest Baha’is, with Chris who is tutoring “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”, book one of the Ruhi Institute. The basic concept underlying all the units of the Ruhi Institute is that of walking a path of service and promoting spiritual growth. The student then acquires skills and attitudes that enable them to trace their own path of service.

http://flitzyphoebie.blogspot.com/2008/06/flowers-of-thy-meadow.html