One in a group of young men calls to teachers asking what are doing, hears presentation and declares

Friday, May 15, 2009

"Baha'u'llah is for everyone, not just for those we think look like a Baha'i"

Southern Nevada (A) recently launched another cycle of its intensive program of growth. There were many joyful results: 10 individuals declared their belief in the Cause, and numerous study circles, devotional meetings and children's classes were established. Of the many inspiring teaching stories received from this cluster, we are sharing two here for the important lessons they convey.

The first is basic common sense, but something definitely worth reflecting on because it is easy to forget:

We were able to engage many people while walking through the neighborhood simply by saying "Hi" to everyone and by making eye contact. If we hadn't taken this initiative we would have missed the chance to meet and talk with __, who then declared their belief in Bahá'u'lláh. . . .

The second is a reminder to not make assumptions on people's interest and receptivity based on their looks or outfit.

Today we had two new people on our teaching team. It was their first time going out direct teaching and they were so excited. Having that amazing energy with us today helped us to have great success. After we visited all our assigned buildings with little more than a half presentation and a couple of follow ups. We were walking to our car to return to the Bahá'í Center. A group of young men was standing out in front of the apartment, and as we walked by, one of them called out to us. He looked to us like the least likely person to be interested in the Faith based on how he was dressed. But he asked us what we were doing, so we started sharing Anna's conversation with him. At the end of it he declared and said that he wanted to tell his good friend about everything that he had just learned. We learned the true meaning of "don't judge a book by its cover." Bahá'u'lláh is for everyone, not just for those we think look like a Bahá'í. The best part is that our two new teachers were so excited and cannot wait for next weekend's direct teaching effort.