Dean of Ponoka

This energized man came to the Baha’i Faith through a friend who he describes as an extraordinary listener and a talented conversationalist. After several in-depth talks about external and internal affairs, Dean was asked by his friend if he’d heard of the Baha’i Faith. He followed up this question with his own investigation of the writings of Baha’u’llah, Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi, some more than others.

Dean declared his belief in Baha’u’llah as the current Messenger of God in January 2017.

He revealed to us his strong sense that the Faith provides him with a ‘realization of reasoning’. He enjoys the Faith’s selling features including unity, diversity and the equality of men and women.

These days, while working in Ponoka, Alberta, Dean is identified as a fairly new Baha’i and welcomes any support towards his growth in the Faith. All conversations are welcome.

Lyda of Ponoka

We were greeted at the back door by Lyda and her two cats. Her bright blue eyes and a welcoming smile drew us into her home. She provided us with freshly brewed coffee and an open heart. She shared that she’d become a Baha’i in 1981 by signing a registration card and that the Faith had saved her life.

In her past, she had been encouraged by her doctor to investigate the Baha’i Faith and soon began attending New Believers classes. At the time, she was living in Victoria, British Columbia.

Her dedication to the Faith allowed her to become a travel teacher in some of Canada’s northern locations like Yellowknife, Hay River and Whitehorse.

In 1984, she went on a pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel.

Now, in Ponoka, Lyda is a group member. There are six Baha’is in that town and they gather to say prayers. Our new friend’s teaching habits include being involved in children’s classes and leading her work colleagues in prayer at the beginning of staff meetings. Also, on special Baha’i celebratory days, she brings flowers or cake to her workplace and explains to her fellows the meaning of the occasion.

We left her in good spirits – our hearts, like hers as she admitted to us, filled with love and the glow that comes with having had an elevated conversation with a friend.