Neighbourhood initiative generates 237 conversations

As a ‘first milestone cluster’ striving to reach the second milestone in its development by Ridván 2020, the Thames-Coromandel community was thrilled to receive four visiting friends to support an initiative over the summer by the Thames nucleus team in establishing an intensive programme of growth in the cluster.

Over a four week period these four friends, along with the nucleus of friends in Thames, achieved the goal of reaching out to every household in the neighbourhood in Thames that had been selected for this focus. During these visits the friends were able to have 237 conversations about topics related to the spiritual and material prosperity of the local community. This led them to make many connections with locals who wanted to be part of the spiritual enterprise we are involved in. Many were junior youth who were interested in joining the junior youth spiritual empowerment programme.

After numerous home visits and events to build friendships, these junior youth were invited to a junior youth camp where three junior youth from Thames completed the text “Wellspring of Joy” and one youth completed Ruhi Book 1: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”. The efforts of the nucleus and the visiting friends has meant that 10% of the Thames junior youth population have now been engaged through a junior youth group, camp, festival or a community service project. For this, the Thames-Coromandel friends say, “Thank you, Bahá’u’lláh!”

Featured photo: Ella, a believer from Thames (left bottom of photo) with others studying Ruhi Book 5 at the Manurewa Bahá’í Centre.