Inquiry Services News March 2023 Issue
U.S. Baha'i Office of Communications
Inquiry Services Team
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"O SON OF MY HANDMAID!
Quaff from the tongue of the merciful the stream of divine mystery, and behold from the dayspring of divine utterance the unveiled splendor of the daystar of wisdom. Sow the seeds of My divine wisdom in the pure soil of the heart, and water them with the waters of certitude, that the hyacinths of knowledge and wisdom may spring up fresh and green from the holy city of the heart."
-Hidden Words, Baha'u'llah
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Seeker Stories!
Inspiring comments from the contact forms:
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- Hi there! I am excited to learn more. I have known some amazing people that were Bahai but I wasn't quite ready to give up my selfishness yet I guess. I've lived my life as agnostic but the principles taught and practiced by purple in Bahai faith are exactly in line with the way that I have always felt. I'm at a point in my life that I really feel like I have a hole in spiritual connection part of me. I'm eager to remedy that.
- I was just introduced via a 60 minutes documentary and found the little I heard was in sync with my beliefs. I have always felt that I am spiritual and believe in a higher spirit but not in organized religion. I have not been impressed with how so many followers of organized religion are bigoted, racist and judgmental.
- Hello, I am quite interested (as a Christian) in the beliefs of the Bahai Faith, as it is removed from my Abrahamic points of reference (i.e. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). That said, in the context of me trying to learn about Interested in Bahai beliefs I have three major questions. 1.) Are there any positive arguments put forward by Bahai thinkers to demonstrate the necessity of progressive revelation and the multiplicity of messengers? 2.) How do Bahai thinkers deal with contradictions? Issues such as the crucifixion and resurrection discrepancy between Islam and Christianity seem like straightforward instances of mutually exclusive claims. 3.) What are the criteria that Bahai use to differentiate between true and false messengers? I would be open to a phone conversation about these issues as I realize these are complicated topics. Thank you so much!
- I was thinking of joining a few years ago, but I ended up stepping away due to the stance on homosexuality. But even with that stance still unforced by the UHJ, I’m beginning to be interested in learning more about the faith again. I miss the faith and the connections I was forming.
- I would love to know more about inter-racial relationships and marriages, your religious practice and how you welcome new comers and teaching them your ways.
- I am 68 years old. I had friends who were Bahai s many years ago. I live in the Pittsburgh area and would like to know if there is a community here. I'm just now realizing the knowing of oneness, peace, connecting to the kingdom of heaven within are the basics of your faith.
- For two of my classes this semester at University of Oklahoma, I am tasked with going to a religious meeting that I am not affiliated with and writing about their cultural difference from mine. I was wondering If I could meet a Baha'is for my paper, if not I appreciate your time and your feed back. The due date for my paper is due March 30th, so If I can meet before hand that would be fantastic.
- My husband and I are very interested in learning more and connecting with people of the Baha'i faith. We just moved to Bixby Oklahoma and do not know many people. Being isolated is really taking a toll on our family and we really would love to find like-minded people to connect with. Thank you!
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And a seeker story....
Mr. W. declared during the fireside tonight!
Mr. W. has been searching for a belief system that made sense, after years of being dissatisfied with his relationship with God. He was not raised with religion, and came from a household with alcoholism and addiction. At times he would attend church, but something was missing.
During the introductions, Mr. W. shared details about his upbringing, and challenges with drugs. He has worked hard to be off drugs and alcohol.
When Mr. W. found the Baha'i Faith online two days ago, it made perfect sense. This is the email he sent, after the introduction that was emailed to him:
'I have never heard of the Baha'i faith. But last night I was led to it. I've been going through an Awakening after a lifetime of Trials and tests. I love God with all my heart and soul I always have. I've always known that something's been with me. Protecting me, guiding me, and also testing my constitution, my character. I have fallen short many times. This last trial was the hardest by far but I learned the very very most from it. Anyway I just wanted to tell you guys thank you for the literature. I'm only through chapter 1 and everything makes 10,000% more sense so thanks again sincerely.'
He texted me too. Because we were planning to have a fireside tonight in my cluster, instead of the usual devotional he was invited. He said that he was planning to attend.
At the end of the comprehensive Fireside, Mr. W. said that he wanted to join the Faith! He sounds sincere in his belief in Baha'u'llah and his desire to join the Faith.
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Inquiry Management System (IMS):
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It is with joy and feeling of gratitude that we wish to announce the near completion of the pilot stage of the Inquiry Management System (IMS) which will replace the outdated Seeker Response System (SRS). We are especially thankful to these early adopters from three regions (Appalachia, Atlantic, and South Central), for their patience as we learned of nuances and have been able to identify many improvements to come.
Now we are poised to bring on three more regions of California, Florida, and Prairie States as of the first week of May 2023, with the second release of the system to include advanced improvements developed during the last three months.
This process continues to embody the ennobled aims of the Universal House of Justice which ask us to be in a "humble posture of learning" in all that we do. The creation and operation of the IMS is also an example of spiritual conference which resulted in material action that links the three protagonists: individual, community, and institutions, and is a vehicle towards further progress for the advancement of the Faith, and the society building power of Baha'u'llah's Revelation.
We plan several more enhancements that are being developed over the course of the next several months. The launch of the third wave of the roll-out to two major regions, and subsequently, two further launches of the remaining regions are anticipated to occur by Ridvan 2024, bringing this project to a close.
We look forward to working with all of you, and we appreciate your patience and support for this endeavor. We are especially thankful for the time you take to learn to use this amazing new system. It will carry us forward another twenty years or more, and as The Nine Year Plan unfolds, the Seeker Response network and the IMS act as key components for building capacity toward the development of vibrant communities across the United States.
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The Inquiry Services Resource Site:
Please provide feedback to us about how the site works for you! We welcome your input.
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Tips from the regions:
Please see our Inquiry Services Resource Site for Audio/visual information posted by other Seeker Response Coordinators that can be used for core activities, or shared in email or text.
Ideas:
*Keep the email templates very short and personal with a single call to action for response.
*You can check your smart phone for your emails -including notification emails about new seekers!
To do that, on an iPhone go to Settings, Mail, Accounts, and then Add New Account.
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A sweet and humble spring friend... |
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Springs brings joy and hope.... |
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"At one time it is the season of spring; at another it is the season of autumn; and again it is the season of summer or the season of winter. In the spring there are the clouds which send down the precious rain, the musk-scented breezes and life-giving zephyrs; the air is perfectly temperate, the rain falls, the sun shines, the fecundating wind wafts the clouds, the world is renewed, and the breath of life appears in plants, in animals and in men. Earthly beings pass from one condition to another. All things are clothed in new garments, and the black earth is covered with herbage; mountains and plains are adorned with verdure; trees bear leaves and blossoms; gardens bring forth flowers and fragrant herbs. The world becomes another world, and it attains to a life-giving spirit. The earth was a lifeless body; it finds a new spirit, and produces endless beauty, grace and freshness. Thus the spring is the cause of new life and infuses a new spirit."
Abdu'l-Baha Some Answered Questions, p. 73-74
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With deepest appreciation for all you do!
Please contact your National liaison with questions or suggestions, or email the whole team:
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*Northern Plains, Heartland:
(847) 733-2351(text or call)
*Appalachia, Southeast, Florida:
(847) 425-8604 (text or call)
*California, Northwest, South Central:
(847) 733-3408 (text or call)
*Four Corners, Prairie States, Heartland:
847-733-3433 (text or call)
*Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast:
(847)-733-3421 (text or call)
(847) 425-8603 (text or call)
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