Thursday, July 25, 2013

Expansion Phase: Day 6

O Lord! Confirm me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may call in Thy Name amongst the nations and give the glad tidings of the manifestation of Thy kingdom amongst mankind.

–'Abdu'l-Bahá

So much has been learned in our first wave of expansion activity in St. Paul's Payne Phalen neighborhood! Everyone involved has been genuinely enkindled by this period of service and significant realizations have been experienced by all. These last few days have offered ample time to consult and reflect on our expansion efforts thus far. With great joy we share a few learnings garnered by those in the field of action: 

"It's easy to invite other Baha'is to meet neighborhood friends. It's enriching for everyone. I've felt so grateful that my friends are meeting other Baha'is and it draws a larger picture about our community. I've learned that I need to invite more Baha'is to participate in this process."

"I'm reminded about the power and influence of prayer. Things happen that are unexplainable, and it's all because of prayer. It changes me, makes me a better person, and causes things to happen."

"I've noticed a love that's emerged among the neighbors. There is a greater closeness. As Baha'is we quite naturally celebrate diversity. This neighborhood is very diverse and I'm very pleased to experience a deeper coming together in that diversity. In this outreach we've discovered an interest and openness among some to understand and know each other—this is quite surprising! It seems to be related to these folks wanting the best for their children." 

"I admit to having great trepidation going out into the neighborhood. But as we approached the neighbors, we were greeted like friends—because we are! The Baha'is have sewed the seeds of friendship in this neighborhood for many years, so sharing information about the Junior Youth Program gave rise to wonderful discussions. People seem authentically curious and encouraged by this spiritual empowerment program. I've learned a lot about engaging receptive souls and how building bonds of love is truly the secret ingredient in a program of growth."

"Especially among the immigrant populations, our outreach has been welcomed by a sincere appreciation that we (Bahai's) would want to engage them, their home, their family. The invitation to become personal friends is warmly welcomed. For the Baha'is, this requires no preparation other than a sincere love for your neighbors." 

"There are no outsiders in this process—in the words of the Little Pigs, 'We(e), we(e),we(e) all the way home!' We're all in this together."

With the excitement generated by these learnings still kindled in our hearts, we invite all in the cluster to join in the second wave of expansion activity. We will meet at the Sterling's home for each time listed. Contact mn28secretary[-at-]gmail.com for directions, details, and queries. 

• Friday, July 26 starting at 5:00 PM;
• Saturday, July 27 starting at 1:00 PM, neighborhood devotional at 7:00 PM;
• Sunday, July 28 starting at 2:00 PM, Junior Youth at 4:00 PM (Assistance will be needed to accompany David with the younger siblings);
• Activities TBA Monday and Tuesday, July 29–30
• Wednesday, July 31—Close expansion phase at St. Paul Feast;
• (Thursday, August 1—Consolidation begins!)

Finally, we leave you with this inspiring image compliments of our cluster's very own Como Park Zoo...

For those of you completely bewildered by why a photo of this magnificent bird is included in this post, we joyfully invite you to join us in the expansion activities to find out! 

Warmly,

Your Area Teaching Committee

(Dayna and Brett)