John/Jack of Bonnyville, AB “Call me Jack,” the lively man says as he thrusts out his hand to greet us. Jack had known about the Baha’i Faith for seven years prior to declaring. He attended nearly every event held at various locations in his community and became the topic of conversation among the Baha’is who wondered if he would ever declare. During this time, someone showed up at an Ayya-mi-Hah with a paper and on it was written the Tablet of Ahmed. Jack was open to receiving it and revealed that he had studied Christianity, Bhuddism and other Faiths. He realized that they all seemed to say the same thing and so concluded all religions were connected one way or another. He was interested in straightening out the mess and came to believe that Baha’u’llah had the answers he was seeking. Jack declared his belief in Baha’u’llah as the Messenger of God, in this day and age, in the late 70s in the North Bay, Ontario, Baha’i community. He became involved in the administration portion of the Faith right away and praises his mentors for his success in understanding the dynamics and importance of its existence. Soon, Jack was asked to speak with a gentleman called Tataman, whose wife had asked the Local Spiritual Assembly to speak with him about accepting Baha’u’llah as the current Messenger of God. Her goal was to have a rounded off family – everyone dedicated to the Faith. Jack arrived at the man’s home with a friend but was left on his own to speak with Tataman. He asked this stranger, “Do you have any questions?” When the man replied ‘no’, Jack said ”Okay, but if you want to talk I’ll be around” and left. Two weeks later Tataman declared.

John/Jack of Bonnyville, AB

“Call me Jack,” the lively man says as he thrusts out his hand to greet us.

Jack had known about the Baha’i Faith for seven years prior to declaring. He attended nearly every event held at various locations in his community and became the topic of conversation among the Baha’is who wondered if he would ever declare.

During this time, someone showed up at an Ayya-mi-Hah with a paper and on it was written the Tablet of Ahmed. Jack was open to receiving it and revealed that he had studied Christianity, Bhuddism and other Faiths. He realized that they all seemed to say the same thing and so concluded all religions were connected one way or another. He was interested in straightening out the mess and came to believe that Baha’u’llah had the answers he was seeking.

Jack declared his belief in Baha’u’llah as the Messenger of God, in this day and age, in the late 70s in the North Bay, Ontario, Baha’i community. He became involved in the administration portion of the Faith right away and praises his mentors for his success in understanding the dynamics and importance of its existence.

Soon, Jack was asked to speak with a gentleman called Tataman, whose wife had asked the Local Spiritual Assembly to speak with him about accepting Baha’u’llah as the current Messenger of God. Her goal was to have a rounded off family – everyone dedicated to the Faith.

Jack arrived at the man’s home with a friend but was left on his own to speak with Tataman. He asked this stranger, “Do you have any questions?” When the man replied ‘no’, Jack said ”Okay, but if you want to talk I’ll be around” and left.

Two weeks later Tataman declared.

Natasha of Bonnyville, AB

This lovely woman grew up with Baha’i parents and was exposed throughout her young years to children’s classes, Feasts, Devotionals, annual parties, and other life-shaping events with Baha’i themes. She declared her faith in Baha’u’llah as the Messenger for this age at fifteen but admits that her true sense of enlightenment came about in her twenty’s. It was then, she claims that she was truly filled with the love of God and it made an impact on her mind and physical self.

As a young girl, she would hang around at the Devotionals held at her parent’s home and was intrigued by the sensible encouragement exchanged among the adults. She admits that the readings heard at the various Firesides also gave her hope for the future. “It helped me then and continues to guide my understanding of God’s plan and my place in it”, she said.

Very early after declaring her Faith in Baha’u’llah, she was voted in as an Assistant Councilor.

Natasha shared that her teaching style is casual and conversational. She would rather be asked questions than having to begin a presentation and depending on her quoting the right words. She prefers to explain her understanding of the Faith in her own words. She often refers the seekers to the authentic Baha’i websites and offers pamphlets.

She hopes to start a children’s class at her home.

As for feeling isolated, she said that she depends a great deal on communications coming from the Cluster Coordinator and other Baha’is in this cluster. She says what she lacks most is the community experience.

Bonnyville library

Bonnyville park

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