Neighbourhood shows what’s possible from intensifying our efforts

On average during past cycles 7 people were starting Ruhi Book 1 in Auckland’s Clendon neighbourhood, but this cycle 21 people started. The neighbourhood had set a goal of doubling their Book One intake, but instead tripled it.

How did they do it? First, they put a big effort into a two week residential expansion phase during which tutors engaged around 550 souls in conversations about the Faith. Then, throughout the cycle, tutors systematically offered the courses in three modes of delivery.

One mode was a nine day residential institute campaign during which 6 friends completed Book 1, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”. Second was a residential weekend intensive training during which another 4 friends completed Book 1. The third mode was new study circles, in which 11 people participated. Of these 11 people, 8 were immediate family members of youth already heavily engaged in community-building.

For the next cycle, the Clendon friends have set an even more ambitious goal of at least 28 new participants in Book 1. With the cycle coinciding with the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb, motivation is high.

Counsellor Tessa Scrine commented: “It’s wonderful that we celebrate this advance but more importantly, everyone can now consider how this valuable learning can help advance their efforts, no matter how modest. The experience gained in Clendon helps us see what is possible from intensifying our efforts and immediately accompanying the participants. Imagine the gift we could offer in honour of the bicentenary if we applied this in each neighbourhood setting and if we helped each other to apply this in the study circles offered by friends across all the different clusters.”