Bahá’í Faith www.bahai.org Nice to be here My name is ….. and I am a member of the Bahá’í community of ……. The Bahá’í Faith is the newest world religion Its purpose is to unite all the peoples of the world in one universal purpose, one common faith www.bahai.org

Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’ís are followers of Bahá’u’lláh This is not a name but a title, and it means “The Glory of God” Bahá’u’lláh taught that the world can be a better place… … and that the time for the peoples of the world to be united is now

Bahá’u’lláh “… a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” Bahá’u’lláh says that a person is “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” [say this slowly] “inestimable” means you can’t measure it A mine doesn’t look much on the outside We have to extract and polish the precious stones We each have talents that are gifts from God: e.g. good at football or playing a musical instrument Some people are good at listening; looking after someone who is ill; very reliable; a true friend… We call these gems “virtues” With our own hidden gifts, we can do good in the world

Examples of virtues Compassion Respect Diligence Justice Patience Truthfulness Loyalty [give examples of each of the virtues listed, relevant to the pupils’ lives and age group] Take a moment to think about your friends, teachers, members of your family Is there someone you associate with a particular virtue? Which virtue do you think other people associate with you? When they think of you, are they thinking “x is very reliable…” Which virtue would you like to work on and develop more? Remember: other people can help you with this. They may see hidden gems in you that you are unaware of! [this is the most important slide, so take it slowly]

Being a Bahá’í Jenny’s story Siân’s story [Jenny’s story] I heard about the BF from a school friend age 17 Two things impressed me: (1) Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching that all religions are part of God’s plan for mankind (2) the people I met were friendly, accepting and fun to be around Since then, in my life as a Bahá’í, I have never stopped learning Life is a journey [point to slide] and Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings are like a compass, helping me to navigate along the path and to try to live my life for the benefit of others The search for truth goes on throughout your life What I wish for each of you is that as you apply these virtues in your daily lives, you will never stop learning Now I’m going to read you a prayer in the words of Bahá’u’lláh. But before I do, I would like to thank you for inviting us to speak to you today, and for listening so respectfully / patiently [or other relevant virtue!]

A Bahá’í prayer O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavour, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord. Bahá'u'lláh [read the prayer SLOWLY] [after the prayer, click over to the last slide]

Bahá’í Faith www.bahai.org