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Welcome back friends and we will try to stay more current and keep you in touch with exciting developments in the teaching
and "Applied Ruhi" arena. Warm regards, "The Applied Ruhi Team" Reports on Some Effective Teaching & Consolidation Practices (2005-2006) I The Austell, Ga Teaching Project ("B" level cluster) Background: In Spring of 2000, believers of five conjoining communities gathered together to consult on teaching in our area. The fruit of this combined individual effort was the formation of The Multi Community Teaching Project (MCTP). Which evolved into The Kingdom Builders (KB), an entity which lasted until summer of 2005. During this five year period, direct teaching was attempted, but without support, died. Yet God had His eye on Austell. The MCTP/KB engaged in many proclamation activities within the Austell area, from Holy Day commemorations, to Race Unity Day picnics, to booths at the yearly Austell Days parade. The Austell Community Center was the site of many of these events. One Naw Ruz celebration saw over 115 present. It is significant to this writer that during this period, whenever it was suggested that the Kingdom Builders hold an event in a place other than Austell, that place was unavailable but Austell always was, with the exception of three public meetings held within Cobb County South. Summer 2005: Paul Vaughn met with Rich Pellegrino and the present teaching activity began. Rich contributed what the previous efforts lacked: a knowledge based on years of experience in, and a commitment to, direct teaching. August 21, 2005, saw the first direct teaching activity in Austell, five years almost to the day, that this individually inspired teaching effort began.The teaching team, made up, at first of Rich Pellegrino and members of his family, Vesta, Bahiyyih, Ruhiyyih and Asiyih, and Paul Vaughn, drove the city, walked some streets, feeling the spirit. Going forth every Sunday, it was, perhaps, on the third Sunday that the team decided on an area and direct teaching began. The first contact was with a Mrs. Anderson and her blind son, who were sitting under their carport. At first she wanted to make certain we were not Jehovah Witnesses. Once that hurtle was overcome with love, and the convincing spirit brought by Robert Gore, a child of the direct teaching work of the 1970’s in North Carolina who is now 71, we became friends and have visited her almost every Sunday. In August and September we found souls already outside, easy to talk to, to make friends. The team kept growing. Deb Evens from College Park, 21 miles away, brought her direct teaching experience to the project; Maria Michell Bradford, raised in Austell, is known by a lot of local residents; Zack Vaughn, Nora Mangrun and Frehiwot Kenore, called Free, from Ethiopia, who admitted that she was fearful of meeting strangers, but came out of love and left that day with a renewed strength. Our Cluster 97 Growth and Support Team supports the project and Nora Mangrum is the Cluster representative of the RTI, so we are well situated to provide new believers with the support and consolidation so necessary to insure a vibrant community.First fruits: Then, as if spring had returned in fall, October 9th, was the day He, in His wisdom, chose to bring forth new fruit. Four souls had their eyes opened and joined the ranks of His army. These souls received weekly visits, which included devotions in the home of one, an 82 year old resident who could tell us who had been born in the house that no longer existed across the street, as well as other local commentary. Then, four weeks later, November 6th., He blessed our efforts once more with finding two more adults and two children. Now Austell has seven adult believers and the two children. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory.” Shoghi Effendi, 1930’sAnd the love goes on: Saturday, the new found friends were each visited, inviting them to that evening’s commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. None came. Yet cultivation continues. Though Sunday afternoons is the regular team teaching times, members of the team make visits at other times. Zack, who works weekends, is focused on mid-week visits leading to regular devotionals in their homes. Maria, who has friends in the community, continues to develop them.Four institutions of the Cause of God have lent their support: The Local Spiritual Assembly of Cobb County Southwest and The Local Spiritual Assembly of Cobb County South, the Cluster Support and Growth Team and the Cluster representative of the Regional Training Institute. Paul Vaughn, November 18, 2005, 8:28 AM December 4, 2005: Richard, Bahiyyih, Ruhiyyih and Asiyih Pellegrino, and Paul Vaughn visited new believers Mary, Felton, and Leroy . This was the first time we had a good conversation with Mary since her declaration October 9th. As she is still working to get her mother out of the nursing home and moved into their home, we did not prolong our visit. She was very warm and welcomed us, just as her brothers did, like family. All of them stated they had received their new believers packs from National.We checked on Stanley, and Tawana, but they were not home. We then opened up a new block, found four new open souls and open doors to return at a more convenient time. We then returned to the 6 unit apartment building that now has 2 Bahá’í families hoping that Tawana and children had come home. She hadn’t, so we knocked on the door of apartment #5 of a woman who had stuck her head out the door while we were talking with Mary Lovejoy at #4. A nice reception and an invitation to return. Walking downstairs, we went to an apartment with an open door, music and football on TV with a dancing man inside, who, seeing us, came out and we all joined in the dancing (got our giggy on). He, Grady , from Marietta, was visiting his sister, Lynn . (Both are from Detroit and recently relocated here.). A partial presentation of the Faith, with literature, was given, with a commitment to come back. They both responded warmly and indicated an interest in follow up and possibly attending Bahá’í activities. Another new friend, Mark , was made who passed by on the street, leaving his address for our future visit to him, after he heard we were working to bring Muslims and Christians together. All in all, nine new friends were found, and three new believers were visited. In His service, Richard and Paul December 11, 2005: Richard, and Ruhiyyih Pellegrino, Paul Vaughn, and Maria Mechell, Lesley, Stacy and Megan Bradfield went to visit the new believers, and, finding none at home in one block, went to the next block which had been opened last week to visit new contacts. Maria, who was born and partly raised in this part of Austell, seems to know and be known by everyone, and many know she is a Bahá‘í.Walking down the street, she would tell Rich and Paul who lived in this house, who in that house and some local history. As we approached house #4 on the block, cars began to arrive, bringing folks home from church. Most shouted greetings to Maria, brief exchanges and then disappeared inside, but one stayed to talk to Maria. Little Bahá‘í, just friendly chatter, although the friend did ask Maria when was she coming back to the church. We walked on, meeting and talking with a wonderful soul who received literature and some cultivating love. From there we went to see some of the new friends, and found Stanley outside, fixing his dinner over an open fire. Stanley, who lives in a trailer on someone else’s property, without electricity or heat, and no water. To get to Stanley, we had to pass by a house with “No Trespassing” signs. As we did so, a voice called to us from a window, saying that he had read a little of this Bahá’í and wanted us to come and tell him about it. First, we joined Stanley at his fire, and after a short while, agreed that we would come back this coming Tuesday to have devotions in his trailer by candle light. We then went to visit Willie. Most cordial person. Rich presented a full fireside in his living room using the red teaching booklet as a prop. Then Willie declared his faith. After cheers and a hug (Rich is Italian) and a little talk, we told Willie we would be back Tuesday for devotions at Stanley’s. Willie told us that since there was no heat in Stanley’s trailer, we should come and us his house. What a wonder! A brand new Bahá’í and already inviting us to his house for devotions! “All praise, O my God be to Thee.” December 13 : Praised be God, the Most Bounteous! The Most Great Uplifter. Rich and Paul have just experienced a most beautiful devotion in the home of Willie where prayers were shared and much understanding obtained, cementing our newly created friendships. Willie asked about where our congregation met and was told of the various centers in the greater Atlanta area and that we meet in homes and a little of the history and current status of Austell and its resident pioneer, Maella Flournoy. Immediately, he said, “You can hold your (Sunday) meetings here.” The wonders do not cease each time we visit Austell.December 18: Rich and Asiyih Pellegrino, Maria Bradfield and Paul Vaughn were finally able to meet for team prayers in the home of resident pioneer, Maella Flournoy, whose house is almost completely renovated after being baptized by a summer flooding. We then went to visit new believers.First stop was the apartment building of six friends, two of which are now Bahá’í and one is that of a friend. Rich and Asiyih visited the friend's youth and some other youth who were visiting and happen to be the grandchildren of another new believer Meanwhile, Maria and Paul visited Mary upstairs, whose brother, Anthony, had recently returned from the middle east, having served in the Navy. It was a joyous sight: Maria and Mary embracing with the joy of long separated friends once they remembered having known each other years before. Paul, who does house renovations and cleanouts, still had some things in his pickup destined for the thrift store, but were found to be useful to some of these souls in this teaching project. Now some who read this observation may think it unwise to include it as it reflects upon the economic nature of these souls. I look on the other side of the coin and see souls who are not ashamed of the state in which God has placed them, who are grateful for the gifts He sends them, who delight in sharing. One item in particular was fought over by Mary and Maria: “No, you take it.” “No, I want you to have it.” “But it would look better in your place.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “But I still think you should have it.” We then went around the corner to visit a seeker who wasn’t home. {:>) From there we went to Willie's. Wonderful visit and confirmed a second devotional gathering for the coming Tuesday. Then on to Ms. Hattie’s, the 87 year old new believer where talk and prayers were shared. All in all, we had spontaneous prayers in three homes. Mention should be made that team member, Deb Evans, was not with us again because she was deeply involved with the Intensive Growth activity of her cluster, taking some new believers to the Bahá’í Unity Center of greater Atlanta in Decatur, Georgia. December 20 : Tuesday. Five team members, Maria Bradfield, Maella Flournoy, Rich Pellegrino and Paul and Mavis Vaughn, gathered at the home of Willie for devotions. Stanley, new believer, joined us also.Observation By Paul VaughnThere are so many little elements here of the spirit I feel moved to recount them as an acknowledgement of the bounties of God. First, a believer has told us that he is a homosexual and he drinks a little. He is a declared hermit from society. He is the one who called to us from his window, who has held two devotionals in his home, who has invited others to join us. Is it our openness with him, our acceptance of him, though he knows both homosexuality and drinking are not in accord with God’s preferred will for us, that has brought him to us? Other new believers also seem to be society ‘outcasts’: non-church goers in a small town where everybody knows, and gossips about, everybody. Prime recruits for the King of Glory. Ms. Hettie, 87 years of age, saw a glimmer of the Light of Revelation. Would it have been right for anyone to question her faith before accepting her declaration? “Oh Lord, increase my astonishment at Thee.” December 24 : Rich visited some of the friends and for the first time, was invited into the home of one of them. Wonders never cease.December 25 : Rich, his visiting brother-in-law from South Carolina, Lenzy Woodard, and Paul visited. Rich and Lenzy to Willie’s and all three to Hettie’s where prayers and the laying on of hands on her arthritic knees accompanied with 19 recitations of Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá invoked His illuminating and healing fire of redemption.January 1, 2006 :Praised be the All Merciful, the Most Bounteous! Two more of God’s children have joined the light of the Lord of the Return. Richard Pelegrino, his daughters Ruhiyyih and Asiyih, Paul Vaughn, Fourough Bassari, Maria Mechelle, Lesley, Stacy and Megan Bradfield comprised the team this day. The plan was to distribute to the new Austell believers the wonderful Feast letter from our beloved National Spiritual Assembly and then to open a new block to the Faith. First to Maella’s home for prayers. Then to Hettie’s, our 87 year old rock of faith. Read her the letter, where upon she said she would give it to her pastor when he visited. Then we told her of our mission to go out and witness for the Faith and asked her for a round of prayers. As we have done on all previous occasions in her home, we formed a circle and held hands and prayed, then left. Then to the apartment building of Tawana and Mary. Both not home, left Feast letter with cover letter. Here we got way laid by a drunk. Rich made the mistake of giving him a ride in his car with his two children. This drunk was verbally violent and profane. We drove both cars a block and a half to the home of Leroy and Felton . While Paul knocked on the house, Rich dealt with the drunk. When Leroy came out, he embraced us and began to take care of the drunk, who he knew. As I stood there and watched Leroy’s actions, it became very clear that he, a black man, was protecting us, whites, who he had come to love and trust. That was a very profound moment. The drunk had so upset Asiyih, age 4, that she was crying and had to be taken home. Meanwhile, Paul, with guest teacher Mrs. Fourough Bassari, went on to Willie's. Mrs. Bassari, who has pioneered in Spain and South Africa and now lives in Canada, comes to our Cobb County, Georgia every year to visit her son, a member of our community, Willie had put up “Do not disturb” signs, so we started to leave, but he came out and got us. In living room conversation he told us the sign applied to other folks, that we, Baha’is, were always welcomed. He also told us that last Tuesday he had gone shopping with his brother but was in a hurry to get home for Tuesday night devotions, which he called study classes. As it was, what with the holidays, both Rich and I forgot about it, not understanding that Willie had already planned the devotions as a regular weekly event. Yeah! Is this a new believer or an old hand setting the forgetful ones aright? So now we’ve got it on: regular, weekly devotions every Tuesday. Time table from project start to regular devotions in the home of a new believer: 3.5 months. When Fourough and Paul left, they found Rich had returned and Maria and children had come also. We walked a block and a half to visit a contact. By the will of God, the drunk, (sounds like a B movie), was “waiting” for us. This time, a very old friend of Maria’s intervened, corralled the man, and sent him away, then she, Glenda , came to us up the street, conversed and declared. Praised be God! Enveloped in joy, we all went home. Later that evening, Maria called to say that her niece, Stacy, 17, had declared her Faith as well. “O Lord. Increase my astonishment at Thee.” January 8, 2006 Blazing sun and 63o were nothing compared to the blazing light and heat of His merciful bounty. Another soul has been found, a soul who had attended conferences and gatherings years ago with our resident pioneer, dear Maella, who prays for the teaching work from her home base. They were reconnected via cell phone and the airwaves just sizzled with joy! Twelve teachers carried His waters of salvation to the streets today, one of whom has herself recently declared, having come from the Cluster 99 Intensive Growth city of College Park. We split into two groups and both opened up new blocks. Friendship was made with a young mother who wants her 2 children to come to our classes. Thus, we will begin children’s classes this next Sunday, January 15th. Friendship was also made with a young over-the-road (OTR) truck driver. There are now ten adults in Austell. Next step, as He so directs, is to bring them all together to begin the formation of a community. This coming Tuesday will be the fourth regularly scheduled devotions. In due time we’ll have Book 1. January 10, 2006 Tonight’s regular devotions were a hoot. You want to have happy devotions? Just invite Willy and Brenda. They kept me laughing. Was hard to get through a prayer. I think we were able to complete 3 or 4, but with a lot of giggly accompaniment. Three teachers and two new believers at the home of Willy . The new believer who joined two days ago, walked 2 miles to be with us this evening, arriving at Willie’s home at noon. Yes, six hours ahead of time. She and Willie are long time friends. Children’s classes are in the works; will start this coming Sunday. January 15, 2006 The first children’s class of the Project was held today with five Bahá’í children, 2 youth, and five Bahá’í adults in the Bahá’í home of Trevor and Natalie Nightingale in a nearby community. Songs and drawings and cookies were shared. Virtues lessons will begin next week. Then it was on to Austell for teaching. We split into two groups. One group to a new area, one retraced our steps of last week, only in reverse. One group found and enrolled Wayne, a 20 year old young man, who had spoken to one of our groups last week. The second group found nothing but closed doors, but finished its circuit at the home of Willie where a small deepening was held touching on four important topics. As Willie uses a wood burning stove for house heat, one teacher had brought him some fire wood. Another teacher visited Ms. Hettie whose kerosene heater had stopped working, and got her a wick for it. The reason these mundane items are shared with you all is to show how we are building friendships, strengthening community. God is Most Wonderful! {Team members: Richard Pelegrino, his daughters Bahiyyih, Ruhiyyih and Asiyih, Paul Vaughn, Maria Mechelle, Lesley, Stacy and Megan Bradfield; Deborah Evans from College Park} January 17, 2006 Devotions on schedule, Brenda and Willie and Paul and Rich. A reverent and prayerful atmosphere was obtained, friendship strengthened, learning acquired. January 22, 2006 Austell Teaching Project Report: Sunday, January 22, 2006
Postponed morning children's classes due to most children being absent due to family events.
In afternoon, teaching team consisted of three adults, one junior
youth, and one child.
Visited the youth, Wayne, who declared last week and met briefly with him to invite
him to activities and over to one of the team member's homes to hang out with other youth.
Had team prayers and then proceeded to visit in a different apartment complex (which had
been scouted by Paul and was named "Eagle Pointe"), and nearby houses which are on fringe of "Babyland" neighborhood
where we have been primarily focusing our efforts.
Had brief discussion with young radiant man in his low 20's (in the apartments which appeared
to be very diverse) who was intrigued with the fact that he had never heard of Baha'i and liked the principles,
wanting to learn more but did not have time and asked us to come back.
Then we visited several of the homes on the nearby road, which appeared to be a white working
class area. It was cool and rainy (the type that gets under your skin) and the people who came to the door were cordial
but similar to the weather. However most said that it would be ok to come back another day, so maybe it was just the weather.
At the last home, however, which had a peculiarly but delightfully decorated yard (with artificial
flowers and other somewhat eccentric and colorful ornaments), we were met at the door by a burst of warmth, not only
from the heater but from the occupant, Mrs. Moon, an 80+ African American matriarch. She greeted us at the door
like long lost family saying "You may shoot for the moon and only reach the stars, however you are still on higher ground."
And the rest of the visit was a series of similar one liners from this wonderful and interesting lady that
had us all sharing laughter and stories, as if, in fact, we had always been family and were long lost cousins. We shared prayers,
songs, the Message and Name of Baha'u'llah, and she shared her wisdom and wit, and by the end of just a 20 minute visit her
home was our home, and we were one. In fact, she said not only can we have meetings there but when we come
we better not only consider it as a visit but as coming home, and that we had better be prepared to prepare food
and eat together just as family does. (She said that she will supply the food, and to prove it she opened a fully stocked fridge
and freezer.) So we have another center of light for devotional meetings....and not only a receptive soul, whose declaration
we will accept on the next visit, but one who has been socially prominent and an activist in her day, as she shared stories
of traveling to Washington, DC to represent her area regarding grievances with the government, and standing up in church and
preaching to the preachers...)
Last but not least we visited Ms. Hettie, our other octogenarian, to check on her heating situation
(which we had tried to help her get fixed with a part needed for the repair last week). The kerosene heater was still not
working and she needs a whole new heater so we lent her a space heater and will help her get a new wood heater installed on
the first of the month when her funds come in. When she heard that we had met and visited with Mrs. Moon, her face lit up
with a smile cheek to cheek and she said that that is her good, good, friend and that we had found a ready and receptive soul
in her.
God is good, and what little sacrifice he requires to bless us with finding such wonderful
and long lost spiritual family !
January 24, 2006 Dear Friends: Allah'u'Abha! The joys never cease! Regular Tuesday Devotions with Fourough, Rich, Paul
and Willie at Willie's. Wonderful. A trailer load of wood was left with him. January 25, 2006 Ms. Hettie called Paul regards her heating problem. He referred her to Rich, because Paul was in Decatur and could not help. Rich called her and explained situation. She has electric heaters for each room. This is entered to show growth of confidence among the friends, and how friendship is being built. January 29, 2006 Paul went early to Ms Hettie’s with some fire wood and to talk to her grandchildren about doing some yard work for Maella. Darren was the only one present. He wants to do the work but, upon learning that Maella is an elder person, he doesn’t want to “take her money.” And then a small miracle happened: Hettie eagerly accepted the invitation to go to Maella’s. This required her climbing into Paul’s high riding pickup, a small challenge because of her arthritic knees, but her eagerness to go overrode any discomfiture. Maella was happily surprised to see her old friend and coworker. Hettie shared with us some of her family history, how she and her husband would adopt unwanted children, some of whose children now live with her, while we waited for other members of the teaching team to arrive. Before we left Maella’s to go teach, the team included Paul Vaughn, Hettie Thomas, Richard Pelegrino, his daughters Ruhiyyih and Asiyih, Deborah Evans and direct teaching trainee Donald Duchemin from College Park. Maria Mechelle Bradfield would catch up with us latter. And now miracle number two: Hettie, 87 years of age, went with us to visit her old friend Mrs. Moon, with whom Rich and Deborah had spoken last week. There we were, 8 of us converging on this elder woman’s home. She was sitting on her porch, the weather unseasonably warm, and she welcomed all of us as family. And now miracle number three: this day Ladonia Moon declared her faith when asked: “Do you believe Baha’u’llah is the Manifestation of God Who has brought us the message to unite the whole world.” Ladonia refused to disclose her age, even to her old friend Hettie, saying she was the world’s oldest teenager at 16. We were all there about 20-30 minutes. The teaching team then split, Paul and Maria taking Hettie home, then going to look at a home for sale as Maria wants to move into Austell, Rich and children and Deborah with Donald going teaching. And now miracle number four: The teaching team walked Bowden St., and, not finding anyone outside except a group of drinking, rowdy men, were attracted to a small house with a cute dog tied outside. As soon as we knocked Joyce appeared at the door, a middle aged white woman with a black grandson, and, when we complimented her on her interracial family, showed her ours, and stated that that was part of the Message from God for this Day that we had come to share with her, she smiled broadly and warmly welcomed us in. Almost at that very moment we "knew" that we were in the next believers' home, and sure enough, while developing our new friendship we all shared interracial family experiences, and when we delivered the Message she acknowledged that this was what she always believed in but was just not aware of the Name-- so we witnessed the declaration of new believer and sister Joyce. After gliding away from Joyce's home a few feet off the ground and walking back down the road towards our cars to depart, we encountered another beautiful interracial family Stevie, Candace, and Stevie Jr. out for a walk. We immediately hit it off with them, again praising them for living what the Baha'i Faith teaches, sharing our interracial families and stories (with a lot of laughter), and some of the Message, which they said they would consider and, giving us their contact info, invited us to visit with them at their home another time. We were really ready to leave then and were actually getting into our cars when one of the children was attracted to the home (and its dog) next to where we were parked. We said that we would come back next time to that home however God had other plans for just as those words came out of our mouths the radiant lady of the house, Linda, appeared on her porch and invited us over. When we got closer we realized that we had met Linda walking on the street some weeks before and we both remembered each other and were like old friends. We discussed some of the Message again, which Linda agreed with, and then her teenage daughter appeared and recalled that Bahiyyih and her had attended the same high school class a year ago. So again we were all old friends, and then a guest for Linda arrived so we made plans to return the following week. Thank you, Baha'u'llah, for the bounty of Teaching! Oh, almost forgot: both of these two lovely elder flowers want to come to the regularly scheduled devotions on Tuesday. Later at night, by telephone conference call, Rich, Deborah and Paul had a debriefing, motivated by uncertainty of the method used to gain Ladonia’s registration. It was pointed out that friendship with Ladonia, per the Master’s guidance, had been attained, by the first visit by Rich and Deborah the week before and by bringing Hettie to her. It was observed that she was given a registration card, that she held on to the card for a time, even put it on a side table, and then, after further friendly conversation, laboriously, consciously, signed her name. It was observed during this debriefing, that the declaration of faith may be a momentary “love affair” between the declaring soul and the teacher, that observers may not see or feel “the spark of faith” that leaps between the two. Paul Vaughn and Rich Pellegrino. January 31, 2006 Tuesday, devotions at Willie night. Paul went to get Ms. Hettie. Rich went to get Ms. Moon. Ms. Hettie thought it was Monday; Paul waited for her to get dressed for going out. Ms. Moon had forgotten the day. Rich waited for her to get dressed to go out. Paul and Ms. Hettie went to Willie’s. He didn’t answer. Paul and Ms. Hettie went to Ms. Moon’s where we all had prayers and conversation. February 5, 2006 Our regular Sunday teaching day began with a most wonderful inter-institutional consultation luncheon, at the home of pioneer Maella Flournoy. The Cluster Growth Team representative, the Regional Training Institute representative and the Assistant to the Auxiliary Board met with four members of the Austell Teaching Team, Rich Pellegrino, Maria Mechelle Bradfield, Maella Flournoy, and Paul Vaughn in a joyous interchange of understanding of relative parts of the letter from the Universal House of Justice of December 27, 2005. A concrete product of this meeting is the decision to begin Study Circles within a month, thus completing the utilization of all three of the core activities within just six months of beginning this project. Please God it will be attained. Following the meeting, we did home visits. Two were not home but Ms. Hettie was. More home visits were made and we helped Willie get more fire wood. February 7, 2006 What joy! Tonight's regular weekly devotions had 2 seekers, both friends of Willie . Willie couldn't stop talking about the oneness teachings of the Faith. He gave them prayer books and had them read. When I felt the moment, I asked them if they wanted to be Baha'is with Willie. They replied "yes", with implications they would like to know more. Willie said, "Let me teach them a bit and then we'll see." Willie kept speaking to them of his new family, us, the Baha'is. One of the seekers was already saying "Baha'i", showing that Willie had been talking to her. Prior to getting to Willies, Paul took some bricks to Ms. Hettie for the chimney she needs built. February 8, 2006 Stopped by elderly new believer's home to check on progress on installing new heater and found new electrical problems affecting other appliances. Contacted individuals to repair same and continue with heater installation. During visit, grandchildren and their friends, including one who recently declared (ages 17-22) opened up and discussed their present problems, hopes for the future, and what role the Faith can play in all. They made some hard decisions during discussion to confront their problems, with the help of relevant authorities and professionals, and make plans for their personal development through further formal education and more direct involvement in the activities of the Faith. February 9, 2006Three of Hettie’s boys have gone to Maella’s to clean out her garden both today and yesterday. Durrell, who wants to go to job corp., has turned himself in for missing his probation report dates. If he spends a month in jail, it will clear his record so he can go. Is there a higher Hand setting these kids straight? Also, they want to go to the Decatur Bahá’í Unity Center this Saturday for the party/dinner. Sat, Feb 11, 2006: Yesterday, Rich and Paul took four youth across Atlanta to the Baha’I Unity Center in Decatur for their Valentine Party. A good time was had by all (and youth had some particularly good laughs at watching aging team members attempting dazzling dance moves :-). Three of the youth were seekers. One youth asked questions the whole way to and from and a wonderful sense of rapport was felt. Willie called to say he couldn’t go as family had come to visit him, but did say he looked forward to seeing us for devotions on Tuesday. Sun, Feb 12, 2006: Some members of teaching team consulted after prayers to determine next steps in project in view of current human resources. To continue the development and addition of human resources it was decided to: Continue current activities, which include: home visits of new believers; teaching friends and family members of new believers and seekers; Tuesday night devotions; Sunday morning children’s classes (every other week); recruitment of other veteran friends to participate in project. (It was particularly heartening to hear that at least one of the new believers is actively teaching his neighbors and friends.) Wait on results from successful meeting with Cluster Core Group (RTI, MAB, Cluster Growth Support Team) last week, in which that body offered to help recruit practitioners of the various Ruhi Books in the Clusters to join our efforts and 'practice' the practices of those Books in Austell, and to help us start Ruhi Books 1 & 2 study circles in Austell. Begin reaching out to "people of capacity" in the Austell area to enlist their Social & Economic Development assistance in our target community and to directly teach them the Faith. Team then spent the afternoon doing home visits with some of the new believers, sharing prayers, fellowship, and inviting them to devotionals and future study circles. In evening, team member received call from the new youth group (described above) who wanted to get together with nearby Baha'i youth and share music and fellowship. Gathering was arranged for the following evening (Monday) at team member's home. Some notes from the Cluster 99 Intensive Growth Campaign near Atlanta in College Park,GA: Dearly loved fellow believers, Greetings, from College Park, Ga., my friends!
I just wanted to take a moment to share with you the results of Sunday morning's prayer breakfast in College Park
-- three declarations!
-- Waymon is the friend of a young man that I taught, and who declared, during our first cycle of growth about a
year ago. He has been "hanging out" and studying with us since. During devotions he was asked by Frank, another new believer
that I taught and who declared during that first campaign, if he wasn't about ready to declare. He said he thought so.
I grabbed some declaration cards and sat down with him right after devotion. Waymon declared and immediately
began celebrating his Baha'i birthday.
-- Feisty doesn't do Miss Elizabeth justice. She doesn't let the fact that she is in her 90s and an invalid stop
her from riding her power wheelchair to the grocery store, which is at least a mile from her home. We met during the
third (current) growth campaign. She talked about needing a church home but also about being dissatisfied that the religions
don't seem to agree and engage in too much conflict.
She literally charmed the hat off of my head during that first visit. When I gave it to her she promised
to wear it to a Baha's gathering. We periodically held devotions in her home.
The prayer breakfast was her first outing with us. She shared her life, her prayers and her songs. Once
again, it was Frank who said she ought to think about making the Baha'i Faith her "church home."
I secured Waymon's signature, then sat down for a chat with Miss Elizabeth. I told her how much we would
love to have her as an official member of our family. She nodded to her grandson and said, "No. I'm going to join his
church."
I told her that was perfectly alright. It wouldn't change our love for her one bit. She thought about it for a moment
longer then asked if she could sign a card.
--Jeriel is Miss Hettie's teen-aged grandson. He lives with and cares for her "when I can catch up with him," she
said. He has been in our prayers since Miss Hettie described him to us as a troubled youth.
I met him face-to-face during a visit on Saturday. When he had been at home during previous visits, he refused
to come out of his bedroom. When I asked if he would join us for the prayer breakfast, he walked away from me with an adamant
"No."
Therefore, I was quite surprised when I showed up to pick up Miss Hettie on Sunday and he was by her side ready to
go. In fact, he helped fill out her declaration card. I asked if he thought he was ready to sign, too, and he did.
--Both will be joining us for our Book 1 study circle. Waymon already belongs to a study circle.
--After such an eventful morning, I almost canceled a planned visit to a Ghanaian friend that I have been teaching.
I felt she had been close to declaring previously but her visiting elder brother, who in tribal hierarchy is The authority
figure in her family, said absolutely not.
He was familiar with the Faith, respects our teachings as a key to world betterment. But dislikes what he sees
as our failure to use the tools we have to better the world because we don't engage in politics.
He brought up the Faith on Sunday and we talked one-on-one for at least an hour. He revealed that he is a Christian
but doesn't claim a church because he is dissatisfied with their leadership, etc., and that the Bible doesn't answer all of
his questions. He asked for reading materials on the Baha'i belief that Baha'u'llah is the return of Christ and said "I'm
probably going to become a Baha'i once I study about the return of Christ."
He and his sister plan to visit the Ghana Baha'i Center next month.
I reluctantly went with my friends to a party where the brother promptly introduced me, the only non-African in attendance,
as a Baha'i telling them that we teach that all religions are one but he wasn't sure about our belief in the return of Christ.
At that point, I became the center of attention and had the bounty of teaching everyone there. There were requests
for more reading materials. We promised to remain in touch and I hope to host a fireside for my new African friends soon.
Allah'u'Abha, my friends, Allah'u'Abha!
A Bounty for the Broward Cluster
A wonderful group of Latino women became Bahá'ís during the 2nd & 3rd Intensive Programs of Growth cycles (IPG) and are an example to the rest of us, regarding their commitment to the Institute Courses and the practices, as well as participation in Bahá'í community life. Once they completed Book 1, each one was willing to hold devotionals at their homes and invite their friends and relatives. Higninia Sanchez has held 3 devotionals so far with 5 seekers and she and Maude Grasselly's goal is for some of these seekers to enter a study circle soon. Marta Gomez held her first devotional on Nov.19th with 12 in attendance, 4 of them seekers. She and Etty are working together to invite these seekers to Etty's home for a devotional on Nov 25. Yalidis Rivas, another new believer, has supported all these devotionals and will hopefully host one in her home soon. Virginia Antocetti, who is very close to the Faith, completed Book 1 and is very committed to supporting the devotionals and inviting friends to attend. Their devotionals are full of wonderful food, both physically and spiritually. There is always a plentiful meal, then a brief explanation of the Faith and then lots of prayers. After the devotional at Marta's, the group did Karaoke and danced and it was a spirit filled evening. All of these women have completed Book 1, have begun Book 2 and will continue to complete the sequence of courses, at times participating in the New Believer's Retreats at the Magdalene Carney RTI and then continuing in study circles in Broward. Both Marta & Etty are now members of the Assembly of Hollywood. Everyone was present at the Cluster Reflection Meeting on Nov. 20th and will be joining teaching teams for the 4th IPG cycle. It is very interesting to note that all of these women's first contact with the Faith was through an invitation to devotional programs so they see the bounty in offering these to others. Both Etty and Marta attended numerous Latino devotionals and firesides, enrolling in the Faith after Project Badi youth visited their homes to share "The Eternal Covenant" & "The Life of Bahá'u'llah" with them. Virginia first heard of the Faith outside the library from one of our international travel teachers who was with us during the 2nd IPG. Virginia was invited to a devotional and invited her friend Yalidis to attend also. Shortly thereafter, Yalidis declared. Because they are committed to the Institute Process, they are already becoming trained human resources, in other words, effective teachers of the cause. Just imagine when we have numbers of new believers doing likewise; we will see incredible growth in our cluster. From the Broward Cluster Growth Team Report of the third eagles visit to Henderson County and Hendersonville,
NC, (B Cluster) at the invitation of the courageous and truly Spiritual Assembly of Henderson County.
Visiting friends from four states (GA, NC, WV & OH) and two surrounding communities, representing diverse races and
every generation, from ages 4 to 84, converged upon Henderson County to accomplish the:
MISSION
1) Direct Teaching Public Meeting : ACCOMPLISHED
This was an experiment to utilize the "Solution to Violence" presentation as a multi-media
(Powerpoint) direct teaching tool in a public meeting setting to directly teach the Faith and invite receptive souls
to join the Cause and/or the core activities. The Assembly and Community used publicity and fliers to advertise the meeting
to be held twice on the Saturday in a public meeting venue (appropriately called "Opportunity House"), and community members
invited people from their community of interest (friends, family, co-workers, neighbors). Several teams went out in
the neighborhoods surrounding the venue the morning of the meeting in order to invite and teach receptive souls. A
total of approx. 10-14 seekers attended the two sessions, most of whom were personally known to and invited by the local
friends, and five indicated an interest to participate in core activities or firesides. The caretaker of the building, a Hispanic
gentleman, and his wife, visited with the friends after the meeting, were invited to hear the Message, and both declared.
The first half of the meeting was a forum on the topic of the "solution to violence" which
encouraged and received the lively participation of both Baha'is and guests in the audience, and the second half
was the presentation of the Baha'i "solution to violence", which was passionately and systematically presented by Mel Campbell
(who was inspired to learn this presentation and initiate this teaching project as a result of the first Beckley,WV
training workshop that he attended).
(You have read some feedback from some of the local Baha'i participants, one of whom
was not quite sure about the direct teaching approach though it was discussed before the "experiment" was approved by the
LSA, which will be lovingly addressed and copied to the list. Also, a list of recommendations to Mel, which he requested, will
be prepared so that he can make the next presentation even better. The goal is to experiment, reflect, learn, and do it again
with the new learning, and to keep repeating that process.)
2) Invitation Campaign: ACCOMPLISHED
As mentioned above several teams formed before and in between the public meetings to
go out and invite people in the surrounding neighborhoods and parks. While many invitations were given no one
attended the meeting from this effort. (One reason may be that it is difficult for most to respond to an invitation
for an event the same day and in the future it may be wise to do the inviting the weekend before the meeting, though
that will have to be done by the local friends.)
In debriefing it was learned that the teams which offered to teach the Faith first and offered
the invitation flier second had more positive encounters, including invitations to return and teach more. (My team's experience was exactly that: when we offered the flier and invitation first, that often ended
the conversation and encounter with a polite thank you or no thanks, but when we gave the option to hear more
about the Faith and/or just leave the invitation, some people expressed their interest or disinterest and there was more
meaningful interaction. What I learned is that when my objective, in my mind, is to teach the Faith, then I teach, but
when my objective is to invite people to an event then I do only that and overlook potential teaching opportunities.
I think this has profound implications for direct teaching vs. direct invitation initiatives that the A clusters are contemplating.)
3) Direct Teaching Campaign (Ongoing): ACCOMPLISHED
As mentioned above, some teams engaged in more direct teaching than others during the Saturday invitational
campaign, and encountered some receptive souls requiring follow up and further teaching by the local community.
On Sunday, two teams formed again to do direct teaching in the neighborhood of the new Hispanic
believers. This resulted in the declaration of an 18 yr old youth (which was interesting because earlier during debriefing
and consultation we had agreed on the need to reach and teach youth).
One team did follow up home visits with new believers from previous efforts, and had what
they considered a most "successful Book 2" home visit experience.
(And one team while on the way up from Georgia had a successful teaching encounter
with the custodial staff of a rest area in SC, who have invited the team to come and teach in their town.)
(An important follow up note: We have learned that it is important to lovingly follow up
new declarants 24-48 hours after their declaration and the Henderson County community has already done that with some of the
new believers and are getting together with them this weekend.)
4) Learning/Training: ACCOMPLISHED
We always learn so much from our efforts, and some of that learning has already been mentioned
above and some will be listed in a separate feedback report.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!
W.VA. Summit, Training, and Teaching Project Recap & Report: Weekend of April 22-24,2005 INTRODUCTION This weekend effort was the kick-off of the Eastern Eagles Training Camp, a project designed to facilitate the training of potential direct & effective teachers by "master trainers" Howard Menking and Brande Watson in a neutral and unencumbered setting, as well as the resumption of a process started several years earlier in Beckley to initiate a teaching and community building process in a "virgin" cluster. The setting was the town of Beckley, W.Virginia, approx. population 25,000, with over 25% minority population (African American, Native American & Hispanic). We stayed in and had our consultation and "classroom" training sessions at the Christ the King Motel (formerly "Honey in the Rock") where the staff and management lived up to the description of "true Christians" in their attitude of service and openness to listen to and share in the Word of God for this day. (The owner of this small chain is a South African East Indian and former Hindu who recently converted to Christianity and has been inspired to buy and renovate foreclosed and run down motels to provide some of the rooms in partnership with local churches to the homeless.) Participants came from all four regions, from the states of NM, GA, NC, SC, OH, CT, WV, and represented every age group (children, junior youth, youth, adults, seniors) and every race (ok , we cheated a bit as my son represents all four races through my wife's West Indian/East Indian/Amer-Indian/European side), including a very strong African American and Native American presence (the special roles of which groups figured heavily in our deliberations). We were especially blessed by the presence of three "point" eagles, trainers of the trainers, and truly Learned of Baha (as described in the Kitab-i-Aqdas): Brande Watson, Howard Menking, & J. Richard Hoff. And not to forget the material means without which spiritual endeavors cannot move forward, the entire weekend was subsidized by the generosity of Evelyn Watson (Brande's late wife), Marie (Evelyn & Brande's niece), & Vesta Pellegrino & Children. (And of course, each participant sacrificed their time and resources to get and be there.) Finally, we were blessed by a diversity of three seasons of weather in three days, culminating in a Spring snow storm :-). FRIDAY NIGHT After each participant provided a brief introduction, we were treated to a warm welcome by Byron, Cristi, Cheyenne & Nadia Menking-Hoggatt, and Howard Menking, our resident West Virginians and hosts. Cristi shared the spiritual significance of our presence there as a fulfillment of past requests from the Divine Institutions to illuminate and reach the people of this special state, and Bryon shared the cultural and historical significance of W. Virginia, especially as it relates to the fulfillment of the great destiny of the Native Americans in our country and in the Faith. (We learned that a large percentage of the native West Virginians are Native American, and we enjoyed the stories of how the terms "red neck" and "lily white" originated in that state.) Then Howard Menking, Knight of Baha'u'llah, shared an overview of the training that we would receive during the remainder of the weekend. He emphasized that to some degree we were entering uncharted waters, and that we were developing a work in progress that would become the basis for a direct teacher training process and camp, and asked us to give frank feedback along the way in order to help refine this process. He also emphasized that what we would be learning would just be a beginning for some, and a step along the path for others, but that we could in no way learn in a few days what it had taken decades for him and other "point eagles" to learn--so this was the first in an ongoing series of trainings that would be conducted both on site and remotely, and would include homework and follow up reporting. Using excerpts from the Writings, including letters from the Guardian sent to Howard, and scientific texts that prove and explain the existence of a special "language of the heart", Howard proceeded to elaborate on the following points:
SATURDAY
In the morning after prayers and breakfast Howard Menking and Richard Hoff provided "classroom" training in the effective
communications and sales techniques of the initial four steps of teaching (see above).
Then, in late morning, we split into several teams and some went to a neighborhood and others went to the mall
to begin practicing what we had learned.
In mid-afternoon we re-grouped to debrief and each team had wonderful stories to share and relate to their particular
experiences with the four steps, including some whom had the opportunity to go through all four steps culminating with
the "close", an invitation to join, and declarations.
We were then blessed by a presentation by Brande Watson who put our efforts
into the perspective of the grand scheme, both Lesser & Greater Covenants of God. He told us that we were specially prepared
"troops", and that there were many like us out there who have been prepared to come into the Cause of God and perform specific
functions and acts of service that they have been prepared for their whole lives--and that we must find these souls and invite
them into the Cause to use their capacities to serve. He also emphasized the special role that the people of the Pupil of
the Eye must play in the building of the Kingdom, and that the pupil is surrounded and aided by the white of the eye.
He closed with the fact that we must see no "otherness", no "we and they" or "us and them", both inside and outside
of the Cause--and that we must especially apply that perspective within the Baha'i community.
After a late lunch we split into teams once again and all went to the mall since the snow had begun to fall outside.
That evening we debriefed again with the sharing of similar stories and the further learning that had taken
place, as each participant charted his or her own course and experience with the four steps. We also learned that two shopkeepers
at the mall had declared.
(I will share only one of the teaching stories of the day which this writer participated in and will encourage
others who wish to share theirs to do so as well: My team initially chose to visit souls who were taught by the eagles and
Menkings a few years ago in our first foray into Beckley. We found one of the friends who had been intoxicated and an alcoholic
when we first met him, but he insisted at that time that we teach him, he subsequently declared, and then went out teaching
with us and took us to his friends for us to teach. When I saw him this time I noticed that something was different
about him--he looked a lot more together and healthier. He was very happy to see us, proudly showed us his Baha'i membership
card and said that he had been getting his American Baha'i and other correspondence, for which he was grateful. And then he
told us that he was completely sober, had not been drinking for three or four years, in fact, he said he stopped right after
meeting us and becoming a Baha'i !
Ya' Baha'u'l-Abha!! We told him that Baha'u'llah blessed him for his steadfastness and that this time we would
not leave him alone and that he would be a central participant in building a Baha'i community there. And, over the course
of the day, we brought all of the teams to visit and embrace him--their new brother transformed by the power of Baha'u'llah.)
SUNDAY
After prayers Howard and Richard recapped for us what we had learned thus far, and the results of the weekend training:
which included over 50 approaches, over 30 openings and friends made, and a handful of presentations and closes,
including two new declarations. Howard then gave us our assignment: we are each to record how many of each of the four
steps we accomplish each week and call or e-mail our numbers each Friday into one of the participants who volunteered
to develop and maintain a database so that we can chart and track our progress.
Then we consulted on how we could assist some of our particular communities and areas with the direct teaching skills
we are developing.
For example, two participants determined that the veteran friends in their area still need some deepening and
training before they will be willing to attempt and fully support direct teaching and growth, so they are going to try
to initiate an SSD (Successful Self Development) course for these friends, while continuing to do their personal direct
teaching, sometimes supplemented by visits of nearby eagles.
Others determined to redouble their efforts to help their A clusters with intensive teaching efforts.
Another participant was inspired to initiate a college campus teaching direct teaching effort which will experiment
with utilizing the "Solution to Violence" teaching presentation in group settings to accomplish the four steps, including
the close and invitation to join.
Another great outcome is that we all pledged to assist Richard Hoff with the development of a similar training
camp for the Western states near his home area. (This is already in progress with the assistance of some of our new western
area eagles; more in a later post.)
The remainder of the morning was spent with a most important consultation regarding the "Part B" of the teaching
process: consolidation--that is, consolidation of the new believers in Beckley, which is not only a training camp but a project
to develop a model community and cluster building process, and consolidation of new believers in each of our own areas.
We agreed that this has been a missing link in the past, and even where it has been attempted one of the reasons
it has not been sustained is the lack of the spirit of nurturing using the same heart to heart communication and spiritual
process that we learned in "Part A" or the initial four steps of the teaching process. We agreed that any consolidation process,
including Ruhi and the core activities, without this essential element, will not be sustainable.
Here is the initial consolidation plan that we came up with (and some of these steps all of our eagle friends and
supporters can help with from home):
1) We will each recruit potential direct teachers to be trained at either the Eastern or Western training camps,
and part of their training will be to revisit new believers. (It was noted that in the past we have not recruited eagles
but just met them or they were led to us but that now is the time to begin looking for those souls, both within the community
and outside, in the spirit of Brande's advice that there are specially prepared troops for this work. One possible example
of prepared souls are those who are working in sales and marketing.)
2) We will recruit Ruhi trained and other "consolidators" to assist with the follow-up work, including the development
of devotions, children's classes and study circles, but also home visits. Initially we may have to assist and train them
to carry out the practical aspects of Book 2 and the tutoring of study circles using the heart to heart communications
skills referred to above.
3) We will focus on the development of the key new believers and contacts in the community to help train them to
consolidate their own communities using the core activities and other proven methods. (In existing communities, as per the
Guardian's guidance in Advent of Divine Justice, we will refrain from introducing the new believers and contacts into
the Baha'i community until they have attained a degree of deepening and dependence on Baha'u'llah.)
4) We will use Pauline & Richard Hoff's "heart to heart" correspondence and video follow
up process which consists of providing new believers with a series of simple letters and videos (the latter using the arts
to fan the spark of faith into a greater flame), beginning with little information and a simple messages addressed to the
heart, and progressively dispensing more information. (This is a labor of love that can be performed by volunteers from their
armchair at home; do we have any volunteers?)
5) We'll keep a database charting the progress of new believers and contacts (which one of the participants has already
volunteered to build and maintain) to determine what is working and what areas need improvement.
After a brunch we split into teams again and went out on "appointments" with contacts that we had set the day before,
and bid each other farewell, as most of us left for our homes directly from the field at mid-afternoon.
Mission: Continue to develop a Virgin Cluster to the Faith of Baha'u'llah
in West Virginia (August 2005)
1) Training: Accomplished
Of course we always learn when we are together teaching and this was no exception.
Also, we had one participant who drove seven hours in order to receive some effective teaching
training, and I believe she left with some new or renewed skills but more than that with the confirmation that she is on the
right track and will continue to do this in her home community.
We also had three junior youth who were willing learners and doers.
2) Teaching: Accomplished
Ya Baha'u'l-Abha!!! We now have enough believers to form an LSA !
Due to unforeseen circumstances we had an abbreviated schedule, beginning the summit at 1:30
Saturday, with only 2 hours for teaching each day on Saturday and Sunday.
So Baha'u'llah brought them to us, ready and waiting souls; one literally came right into
our meeting at the hotel and to our luncheon. There were tears of joy all around as he declared with us encircling him and
singing "Welcome, brother, welcome...
In our target neighborhood fourteen of us went out in five teams and encountered
a whole group of ladies and children outside at one Apartment complex who are now all Baha'is.
We also visited one of our existing new believers and further prepared him for
our coming LSA election.
3) Consultation: Accomplished
We had productive consultation and debriefing throughout the two days however we set aside
a special time Sunday afternoon for our summit meeting.
First, we focused on the microcosm or smaller picture of consolidation in Beckley, and agreed
on the need for some more regular visits by at least one or two of us to prepare the new believers for the elections. At this
point our valiant co-worker Deb arose and courageously offered to stay in Beckley for a month to jump start the consolidation
phase. We pledged to assist her financially to accomplish this noble mission.
We also agreed to all try and find a homefront pioneer to live in Beckley and be the "point
person" for this project.
Next, we focused on the bigger picture, or macrocosm.
Ron presented his Community Action Program (CAP) which is an innovative tool to engage everyone
in a community in the teaching process, in ways that each individual chooses, before the community embarks on an aggressive
teaching campaign. We wholeheartedly endorsed this program and pledged to send Ron as an "advance guard" to introduce
it to any community in which we are going to teach.
We discussed our role in helping to facilitate the current processes of growth and vowed
to continue by training receptive individuals (who we agreed to become more aggressive in recruiting), working with communities
and clusters that request our assistance (upcoming ones include Hendersonville, NC, Wichita, KS, Victor, NY, Austell, Ga,
Las Vegas,NV), and continuing to consult with Institutions regarding how our capacities can best be utilized, especially in
light of the Nov.28, 2004 ITC letter and its recommendations.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
Some other highlights:
--We had every age group and race represented.
--We had two regions represented in person and a prayer support team from the other two regions.
('Received a telephone call from two of our eagles supporters as we were en route to the gathering, one near Philadelphia,
PA, and one in Albuquerque, NM, stating that they would be offering 500 "Remover of Difficulties" for the success of the
project.)
Report of Alamogordo Bahá’í Teaching Weekend Friday, July 15th – July 18, 2005 The Nuclear Age was launched on July 16, 1945 - the day the first Atomic Bomb was exploded near Alamogordo, New Mexico. Nearly eighty years earlier Baha’ullah had written "There is a force locked in nature so powerful it can poison the atmosphere. I pray to God mankind will not discover this force until after it has built a spiritual civilization." The force was discovered and because we have not built a spiritual civilization the force has been used for great destruction. The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alamogordo launched their own counter-force exactly 60 years after the first bomb, on July 16, 2005. This counter-force was a teaching plan. Following a Friday night training session by Richard Hoff, on Saturday and Sunday people were invited to the Sunday night fireside at the home of local Bahá’ís. When people wanted to know more about the sponsoring Bahá’ís and their Faith the teachers were happy to comply. Members of the L.S.A. and four ‘gnats aspiring to be Eagles,’ Brande Watson, Richard Hoff, Jack Coleman and Ken Jeffers along with a returned American pioneer to Bolivia, Juanita de Hernandez, combined to do direct teaching in the air conditioned mall on Saturday and Sunday. It was 100 degrees outside. Ten declaration cards were signed and several other seekers were identified. Dozens more received and kept printed invitations. Very few showed disinterest and none acted in a hostile manner. One of the local Christian radio stations has a talk show host who is a friend of the Faith and who has attended firesides with his Guatemalan wife. Three of the teachers dropped in to invite him to the fireside. He did a live 30-minute interview of Juanita and Ken. Later we learned that the owner of the radio station heard it and called in and told the talk show host that he really liked it, especially the information about the Baha’i plan for World Peace and how much the Baha’is love Christ. The Saturday night fireside was a success with 23 people attending - eight seekers including a lady from Okinawa, a lady from Guam who had declared earlier in the day, and a 15-year-old boy who was steeped in the Book of Revelation and was surprised to learn the the spirit of Christ had returned and that we are in the ‘end times’ referred to in the scripture. Ken Jeffers, who earlier had been the speaker on the Sunday evening Firestarters telephone conference call fireside (212-461-5830) was also asked to speak at the Alamogordo fireside. Following a tasty pot-luck dinner, a short introduction using an outline distributed to everyone showed 19 unique Bahá’í beliefs, and prompted a spirited question and answer session. Most stayed later. The talk show host and his wife both came as he said they would during the radio interview. Monday morning several of the participants including four L.S.A. members did an evaluation consultation and discussed future plans. Ideas included home visits and study circles for new declarants, increased mini-firesides to feed more people into the bi-monthly dinner fireside, and more walk-arounds in the malls and parks to invite people to the firesides. The overall goal is to find those receptive souls that we all know are out their somewhere so that in the future Alamogordo may become known as the small city where the spiritual civilization mushroomed into a reality. In preparation for future entry by troops, four assembly members have completed Ruhi training that qualifies them to tutor Ruhi books 1, 2 and 3. Two other ‘gnats aspiring to be Eagles’ were involved in the planning, Howard Menking and Richard Pellegrino, and were unable to participate.
Greetings Rich, Here it is: Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Wichit
Dear Friends & Shepherds of your Blessed Community: Allah'u'Abha! Thank you all so much for inviting us (Rich Pellegrino & Brande Watson) and making us feel so welcome in your community! It is truly a blessed community because of your special Assembly, which focuses on teaching the Cause, and all the friends we met who truly want to teach and welcome in new souls! Herein follows a brief report of our activities during our weekend visit, Nov.12-13, 2005, including some recommendations: --On Saturday, Nov.12,, approx. 7 community members attended our workshop in which we provided some deepening and training on effective teaching, beginning with how to get ourselves out of the way (“arising to gain the victory over our own selves”) and adjusting our attitudes to “mentally accept the possibility of entry by troops”. We also focused on how to meet and greet receptive souls and begin the four step process of effective teaching: 1) the approach (meeting and speaking with someone new); 2) removing apprehensions and making a friend; 3) delivering the Message in a simple language addressed to the heart; 4) inviting the receptive soul into the Cause and/or the core activities. We concluded with some practical exercises and role plays, and then made plans to practice what we had learned together in the field Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. (Note: before our session began Saturday morning we received a phone call from a Baha’i pilgrim in Haifa, Nancy Field, to inform us that prayers were being offered at the Sacred Shrines for the success of this Wichita effort.) Saturday evening some of us went to dinner together at CiCi’s Pizza and proceeded to put into practice some of what we had learned during the workshop. We attempted to treat everyone we met at the restaurant, workers and patrons alike, as family members and friends, and offered the Message to those who seemed receptive. We gained several new contacts and potential seekers, as well as one who was very interested and already considered himself a Baha’i without having heard the Name, since he believes in and lives the principles. He gave us his contact information for follow-up and further teaching, and the other contacts accepted the local Baha’i contact information. --On Sunday morning, Nov.13, the group gathered again to resume our deepening before going into the field, however a short while into the discussion we were invited to address the Sunday morning devotional crowd. In that presentation we shared some brief insights and excerpts from our workshop, including a practical exercise of making new contacts and friends. We were also informed that one of the children’s classes were inspired to begin making home visits to inactive and new believers, in accordance with the Five Year Plan goal of doing the same. (This may be a first in the nation !) Sunday afternoon, we were joined by some of the workshop participants and Joe (last name ?), from 20 miles south of Wichita, who had had some past direct teaching experience in Wichita and elsewhere, and we proceeded to dine at a Chinese restaurant not far from the Center. At the restaurant we practiced the same skills as the evening before, and, before long, were graced by one new believer declaring and a few contacts (one of whom gave contact info to follow up with him, and the others took the local Baha’i’ contact info.) Then, a small group of us went into the east side of town and the predominantly African American residential area, near the University, and went visiting in the neighborhood to see if we encountered any receptive souls. In less than one hour’s time the first lady we spoke to at her home invited us to come back when she was not busy, and the next person we spoke to, a youth in front of his grandmother‘s home, was interested in hearing about the Message and accepted the Faith. Observations & recommendations: --We found the same great receptivity to the Cause in Wichita which we find most everywhere we travel (and in some ways even greater receptivity in Wichita, for we spent less time in the field on this visit than we normally spend on a weekend training, with equal or greater results). --In our limited experience there we found the African American and Hispanic community to be most receptive, however we also spoke to some Caucasians and even an Oriental who were friendly and engaging. --We learned that there had been a mass teaching project there in the 80’s , that “Joe” (referred to above) had participated in, in which 200 African Americans had entered the Cause. We also understand that there had been difficulty contacting and following up these new believers at the time (which was a common problem back then) and that there are still records of some on the membership list. In the past we have had success focusing on and following up this type of population in a community, re-teaching them and teaching their family, friends and neighbors, and would be willing to help do so in Wichita. This would also be a worthy project for any Book 2 or Book 6 study circle, and it would be wise to invite and include “Joe“ in these efforts. --For follow up of both new contacts and new believers taught in the “heart to heart” manner we utilize, we have found it to be more productive to conduct core activities on the new soul’s “turf” (e.g. in their homes or in the teacher’s homes, or in a coffee shop or public place in their neighborhood) rather than trying to immediately incorporate them into the community’s central activities at the Center. (This is in harmony with the outreach orientation encouraged in the Five Year Plan and the Guardian’s advice on treatment of new believers found in Advent of Divine Justice, p. 42-44.) (We have also enclosed with this report an outline of our suggested follow up procedures, which includes mailings and other information designed to gently fan the spark of Faith into a flame.) In closing, it is our opinion that your noble Assembly is following the explicit guidance of the House of Justice and International Teaching Center in the Five Year Plan documents, particularly the ITC letter of Nov.28th, 2004, by encouraging “vigorous” teaching campaigns conducted by individual and small group initiative, before reaching “A” cluster status, which will, according to those bodies‘ guidance, render your cluster much better prepared to undertake the responsibility of intensive programs of growth when A status in achieved. As our informal teaching group’s particular outreach skills were mentioned in that ITC letter referred to above, communities were encouraged to utilize those friends who possess these skills, and the training we provide in specific teaching skills is described by the House as “branch” courses to supplement the RTI Ruhi curriculum, we stand ready and at your service to further assist in this process when and if you deem appropriate. With loving Baha’i regards, Rich Pellegrino Brande Watson Visit of Howard Menking to South Dakota (excerpts from a report by a pioneer couple who were one of his hosts) Howard arrived at the Rapid City, SD airport @6:00 PM on Monday, 12/19/05. He was taken up to Wakpala and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation by Kevin Locke. The next 3 days were spent visiting with Baha’is and seekers in cluster SD2, including a visit to McLaughlin, SD. On Friday, Howard was picked up in Wakpala/Mobridge by Ed Roberts and taken back down to Pierre for hospitality and also met with some other Baha’is in Pierre. On Tuesday, Charles took Howard over to the Blue Legs/Long Wolf residence in the La Creek District of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (just w. of Martin, SD). We met with Nancy Blue Legs, Alice Long Wolf, Leon Blue Legs and some children (Jerry, Meltina, Daylene & Leslie). The basics of the Local Spiritual Assembly were discussed using the children as a target audience and teaching them a song about consultation. Towards the end of the visit Leon, who has spent a lot of time around Alice & Nancy since they became Baha’is, was asked what he thought about the Faith and after being invited to do so, completed and signed a Declaration card to register as a member. Alice made some update notes on a list of LaCreek District Baha’is and said that she had lost the current membership report. It was agreed to have a meeting on Wednesday, January 4th tentatively at Treehaven with Pine Ridge reservation area Baha’is. A request was conveyed to the Pass Creek LSA as Treehaven is in the area of their jurisdiction. A request to Kevin Locke was also made regarding current membership lists for communities in Cluster SD12. After that visit we went over to Wakpamni District near Pine Ridge to visit with Cindy Catches. On Wednesday, Barbara, Cristi, and I hosted a dinner/meeting with Howard, Velma and 3 of her grandchildren (Cody, Lelana & Dale). Velma was very interested in the way that Howard related the teachings of the Faith to Lakota beliefs and later expressed a desire to listen to Howard some more. On Thursday, Charles & Howard went to Parmelee to visit with some of the Baha’is and to get updates on information about the Baha’is there. After getting some information updates from Aloysius Running Horse at Laura’s home, meeting her 3 children (a prayer was said with the children and a frameable copy was left for them to learn it from) & some other relatives/friends, they went to the Community Center to see Laura (a member of the cooking staff), eat lunch and meet some of the other Baha’is and seekers. We met 6-8 other Baha’is, got more list updates & had a fireside or two. After lunch Keith headed back to Rapid City and Charles, Barbara & Howard went south down to Parmelee as Laura had been promised a visit. We did not catch Laura at home but found Lewis Running Bear who showed us where some of the other Baha’is lived. As we dropped him off at his home we were asked to come in and say some prayers for healing with him and several other people (most intoxicated on this federal New Year’s holiday) who suddenly appeared in his apartment. We were very struck by the fact that even though drunk they felt the need and value of saying prayers for their healing. We also found Roy Stone (Sr.) and had a brief outside visit with him to set up a meeting on Tuesday. On Tuesday we went down to Rosebud to meet with a recently declared Baha’i (Bruce Iron Shell) who works at the tribal roads department. We visited with some of his co-workers until he arrived and then spent some time with him and got information on where he and his family live in Valentine and a phone number. It was then time to head for our appointment with Roy Stone. When we arrived we found that he was called to take some grandchildren back to St. Joseph Indian School near Chamberlain and could not meet with us but we got his phone number for future use. On Wednesday we (Howard & I) picked up Nancy, Alice, LeeAnn Bad Wound and 2 children to head up to Treehaven for a meeting with them, a seeker, other Baha’is in Pass Creek District (Pat, Jurene, Heather & her 2 young sons) & and a Baha’i from Medicine Root District. Talk began with the concept of an LSA as a council circle, exploring LaCreek district’s difficulties in having an active LSA, and then asking them what they needed for the development of themselves and their community. Howard talked with Juanita as his primary audience after she showed up. Having been ‘like a sister to Pat for many years and showing real concern about her fellow Oglalla Lakota, he invited her to register as a Baha’i and she completed and signed a Declaration Card, which was later signed by the Pass Creek LSA. Comments and Observations ....(Howard) does modify his consultation/presentation to suit the needs of his audience, especially if his primary listeners are indigenous people. During his visit he demonstrated to us the power of researching the beliefs of our target audience and presenting Baha’i topics using examples from their culture/belief system. We admire his zeal and most of his techniques but feel that it is best that he always be accompanied by a fairly well deepened Baha’i from the area that he visits. Much was learned about effective teaching approaches including ‘Heart to Heart’ teaching and always taking advantage of opportunities to teach. Despite our earlier misgivings about the time of year, we are grateful for his visit and assistance in our cluster (SD12) and would be happy to have him again. It is also our belief that time spent with him will add effectiveness and zeal to our future efforts. A Summary of the Learning from the Initiatives listed above: (Excerpts from an ongoing discussion on strategies for growth in B and C clusters) > Dear Eagles --The Applied Ruhi Team has the bounty of having as our personal trainers some unique individuals
who have been performing these practices of direct teaching and consolidation for decades, practically non-stop,
and subsequently have acquired a body of experience and knowledge that is virtually unmatched in the American Baha'i community.
We feel that this experience and knowledge must be transmitted and transferred to those younger in both years and experience
in order for our community to advance and take its rightful place, as designated by the Master & Guardian, in the
World Order of Baha'u'llah.
--We realize that we all need ongoing training and encouragement in order to keep focused on
the task of effective teaching.
--So we have established two training sites, one in the East and one in the West, where the experience
and knowledge of our senior mentors and trainers can be transmitted to anyone who wants to become a more effective teacher.
-- Since the concept of "effective teaching" can be interpreted widely we have
come up with some measurement tools (outlined below), based on the guidance in the Writings regarding effective teaching,
which anyone can easily use to determine his or her own progress on this path.
--After our field trainings we have weekly conference calls to report our progress, both quantitative
and qualitative, and receive encouragement and inspiration from our senior trainers.
--At our training sites we will have some weekends of group training however if you
cannot make it for those weekends you can come most anytime with a fair amount of warning. (And we have had generous offers
from friends to deputize others who cannot afford to attend.)
So, there is really little or no excuse not to participate!
If you would like to learn more by participating in one of our conference calls, or you just
want more information e-mailed to you, simply drop us a line at pilgrim1@mindspring.com .
Effective Teaching Measurement Tool which we use weekly to report the:
# of Approaches : How many
new people we approach each day with the intention of sharing the Message.
# of Openings/Friends Made: How many of those whom we approached we mentioned the Faith to and became friends with (removing their apprehensions, as the Master encouraged). # of Presentations: How many of the above we gave a "full presentation" of the Faith to (basically what is covered in the first few pages of the red teaching bookle), delivering the Message in a simple language addressed to the heart) # of Closes/Invitations: How many of the above that we invited into the Faith. # of New Believers: How many of the above declared. # of Follow-ups: How many of the
above from previous weeks whom we didn't complete teaching and inviting that we followed up and continued the presentation
and invitation/close.
( Note: All of these steps can be found in Advent of Divine Justice, pp.42-44 , in the section beginning with the words, "Let him..... These steps can take minutes or hours however in our training we emphasize establishing a heart to heart connection and teaching in that manner which tends to take much less time.) Reminder: To subscribe to updates of this website and future editions simply send your e-mail address and any comments to pilgrim1@mindspring.com .
(End of "What's New" section) This on-line magazine, which includes excerpts from a soon-to-be published workbook (of the same name), is
provided to assist current and aspiring members & tutors of Ruhi-based study circles to translate
into action the three core objectives of the Ruhi curriculum: 1) to impart knowledge
about the Faith 2) to provide insights into spiritual matters
3) to help develop skills for specific acts of service
Since one of the primary purposes of the whole training process is to raise up effective teachers, this site will
especially focus on the development of specific teaching skills--for both expansion and consolidation--and applying those
skills in the United States context and that of other "materially developed" countries. (Some of the content here will
be applicable to the study circles & institute process anywhere, and with any curriculum, however the friends
in the "materially developed countries" have particular challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to build & sustain the
momentum of this process ,so much of the content will be related to those particular challenges.)
Some of the supplementary courses and workshops which are currently available to assist you with the development of effective
teaching skills and to remove the fears associated with taking the first practical steps are listed below:
1) "Arising to Gain the Victory Over Our Own Selves" :
an adaptation of a workshop that was facilitated in the Northeastern U.S. during the Five Year Plan in the
'70s, to help remove fears and promote community growth and a more outward-looking orientation back then. The results of this
and similar efforts were the greatest period of growth in
that region's history. It focuses on helping us to prime and start and sustain this wonderful engine for growth--study circles and the training institute process-- through a refinement of our vision and heart-to-heart communication capabilities, and by attempting to help remove any blockages to, and fears of, growth--which will lead to more audacious "outreach oriented" consultation and activities. In a nutshell it consists of: --Audacious-Growth Visualization Exercises, using progressive relaxation & meditation techniques --Spiritual Deepening on the Writings that relate to heart to heart communication and teaching --Frank and loving consultation on our current fears and on implementing the visions and insights gained from the visualization and deepening exercises relating to the realities of the present day and Plan. Ideally, it will take an entire day, however it can be adapted to be broken up into several 3- hour sessions to be held weekly. 2) Effective Teaching Workshop : 20 hour course in five sessions,
with about 3 - 4 times that amount of in-the-field training. It will not be for the friends that want more class-room
& book-learning only, but for those that truly believe there are "waiting souls" out there as promised, and
that through systematic procedures, and acquired skills, an open-minded and open-hearted believer with a "passion for teaching"
can become an effective teacher bringing his teaching to an effective conclusion with a declaration. By using
the many instructions
of not only our beloved Master and His master-executor, Shoghi Effendi, but by the many that followed and applied these instructions, including those Hands that led by example, including our dear Bill Sears, and Ruhiyyih Khanum. 3) "Successful Self Direction" : from "the science of reality deepening process" SSD
is the beginner program in the science of reality. It is a Behavior Modification Program of the Self-Actualization Type.
The 50 concepts are derived from a distillation of the Writings through an indexing
process of 35 years. The Master Index of the Writings is behind all these works and SSD is merely the beginning course, the pre-requisite for the main deepenings inasmuch as it helps us rid ourselves of our vain imaginings, idle fancies, illusions and other hang-ups and dependencies. It is these human character deficiencies and human faults that prevent us from seeing, grasping, understanding and applying the Writings in our lives. The theory behind this program is that we are supposed to be clear channels for the Holy Spirit to flow uninterrupted by our egos. However years of materialistic conditioning have encrusted our channel with the rust of limited knowledge and corruptions. SSD offers us a way to apply the principles of the Faith in a manner that eliminates this channel blocking rust. In a sense it helps us transform ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and opens our spiritual eyes and enables us to be able to face and deal intelligently with reality in totality, or what has been revealed by the Prophets of God. Its overall purpose is to provide us with the tools to perceive and apply reality in our lives, acquire virtues and thus become more successful in our relationships by allowing the Holy Spirit to flow less interrupted by our conditioned egos. It consists of 175 pages of texts, concepts pages, word definition pages to ease our consultations, and plenty of illustrations that demonstrate the concepts. The entire 13 lessons can be studied in 13 weeks if we invest one hour of daily home work and two hours of weekly class time. 4) "The Solution to Violence" Teaching Method:
Here is a link for a great teaching presentation, called the "Solution to Violence" approach, which really gets results
and is a great complement to the skills learned in Book 6. An RTI is sending a training team around the country to train
interested communities in this method of presenting the Faith to a seeker in a concise and heart to heart manner, and inviting
the seeker, if receptive, to become a Baha'i, oftentimes at the first meeting.
All the materials for the Solution to Violence approach are available from www.schoolmarmwood.org . A CD can be ordered or all the material can be downloaded for free. If you want to learn the presentation on your own it is suggested that you follow these steps: a. read the sample Presentation Script PDF file (memorize Slide 17 on page 23) b. burn the MP3 to CD and then listen to it 6 - 10 times while driving c. print out the Presentation PDF file in color d. go present it to a seeker and invite him to become a Baha'i (Note: To get more info regarding any of these courses and workshops, send your request to pilgrim1@mindspring.com .) ~PLEASE PROCEED TO "THE INTRODUCTION" PAGE~ *ALL AMERICAN FRIENDS: PLEASE CHECK OUT "THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE" PAGE* <YOUTH & PRE-YOUTH: THERE'S A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR YOU ON "THE YOUTH" PAGE> **LSA MEMBERS: THERE'S A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR YOU ON THE "LSA/CONTACT US" PAGE** (NOTE: THIS SITE & FIRST EDITION IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, SO PLEASE PARDON ANY LOOSE ENDS. IF
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE AND BE ADVISED WHEN EACH PART IS COMPLETED AND/OR NEW CONTENT IS ADDED, PLEASE CONTACT
THE EDITOR AT pilgrim1@mindspring.com .)
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