Sunday, July 21, 2013

Expansion Phase: Day 2

This afternoon, three of us met the Sterlings at Polly's Coffee Cove to discuss the particular plans of the day. After reflecting on the events of the previous day and referring to our list of contacts to be made, we walked just down the street to the home of a twelve-year-old boy named Roberto. David and Mary Jo have built a friendship with Roberto's family, so when we approached their home and saw three kids playing soccer on the sidewalk we were warmly greeted. We were able to visit with Roberto (12), his friend Gustavo (12?), and Roberto's younger brother (6) about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program. Both Roberto and Gustavo expressed interest.

Not long after, Roberto, his mother, father and younger brother visited the Sterlings home where our animators, Alicia and Suzanne, joined the Sterlings in presenting the verities of the Junior Youth program. The parents expressed support. Not long thereafter a neighborhood girl, Simone (11) and her little sister (6?), joined the fold. Right there and then Alicia and Suzanne facilitated the first Jr. Youth gathering in the Sterlings neighborhood! This group plans to meet every Sunday.

The younger siblings had a wonderful time playing in the treehouse while the older kids were getting to know each other. It quickly became clear that we'll be on the lookout for a children's class teacher in the coming weeks. (The Sterlings have made neighborhood contacts that may be interested in becoming children's class teachers. In this case we may also be looking for a facilitator of a Book 3.) 

The global acknowledgment that the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is the gateway to community building and a center "of intense activity in neighborhoods and villages" is quickly becoming evident in this neighborhood. In the August 9, 2012 letter addressed to US National Spiritual Assembly, the House of Justice states,

Although neighborhood classes for the spiritual education of children and the junior youth spiritual empowerment program both took some time to become well established in the United States, there is every sign that they are set to flourish. As indicated above, the prospects for the junior youth program are especially bright. Its impact can be seen in the transformation that occurs within the junior youth who are its participants; they come to regard themselves as agents of social change, each endowed with a twofold sense of purpose that impels them to take charge of their own spiritual and intellectual growth and contribute to the welfare of society. It is noteworthy, however, that the program’s beneficial effects are also apparent in the rapid moral and spiritual development of many young people, be they Bahá’ís or not, who are assisted to serve as animators.

As we continue to reach out to additional youth and junior youth in this neighborhood, those serving at the grassroots sincerely appreciate your continued prayers of support. So much is being learned! We continue to invite all across our cluster to accompany us in these expansion activities. Interested in reaching our to you neighbors? Participating in this expansion outreach is a perfect opportunity to learn about community building and gain confidence doing so. Please contact mn28secretary[-at-]gmail.com to join in!


Warmly,

Your Area Teaching Committee
(Brett and Dayna)