Reflections from IPG 12

For the full set of Reflections from IPG 12, see the rudimentary page here. Below is an example from the first day:

TEACHING REFLECTIONS

Program of Growth 12 - Expansion Phase

Day 1 - November 5, 2011

The Stage is Set

Prayer

“O my God, aid Thou Thy servant to raise up the Word, and to refute what is vain and false, to establish the truth, to spread the sacred verses abroad, reveal the splendors, and make the morning’s light to dawn in the hearts of the righteous. Thou art, verily, the Generous, the Forgiving.” 1

Meditation

“The friends who participate in these intensive programs of growth should bear in mind that the purpose is to ensure that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh reaches the masses of humanity and enables them to achieve spiritual and material progress through the application of the Teachings. Vast numbers among the peoples of the world are ready, indeed yearn, for the bounties that Bahá’u’lláh alone can bestow upon them once they have committed themselves to building the new society He has envisioned. In learning to systematize their large-scale teaching work, Bahá’í communities are becoming better equipped to respond to this longing. They cannot withhold whatever effort, whatever sacrifice, may be called for.” 2

“Dearly-beloved friends! What better field than the vast virgin territories, so near at hand, and waiting to receive, at this very hour, their full share of the onrushing tide of Bahá’u’lláh’s redeeming grace? What theatre more befitting than these long-neglected nine remaining states and provinces in which the true heroism of the intrepid pioneers of His World Order can be displayed? There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God’s own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory.” 3

Reflection

1. What is my personal teaching plan for this expansion phase?

2. What qualities and attitudes do I need to have in order to be effective as a member of a teaching team?

3. How can I lend intensity to the collective teaching campaign?

1 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá'í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers

2 Universal House of Justice, 9 January 2001 message to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors

3 Shoghi Effendi, January 28, 1939, in Messages to America