Young Baha’is from around the world are spending their gap year based at the Baha’i Temple in Sydney from where they carry out volunteer work and serve the nearby community.
Every year about a dozen young people base themselves at the Temple for what Baha’is call a “youth year of service”. Many others serve for a shorter period during the summer months.
Human resources coordinator at the Baha’i National Office, Mona Momtazian, said the work of the youth is characterised by energy, vitality and devotion.
“Their work is highly valued by the permanent staff and visitors to the Temple,” Ms Momtazian said.
Among those involved this year is Andre Kepner from Bolivia.
“I am giving six months of my life to serve and grow spiritually, which follows Baha’u’llah’s teaching to ‘let deeds, not words, be your adorning’,” Andre said.
“My focus in this service is on children’s classes in Pittwater public schools. As I teach the students scripture classes, I feel I grow spiritually too.”
Brook Michael from Eritrea previously served in Sudan.
“I have been an eyewitness to the love and unity in diversity of our group of youth – serving the community is a blessing and it’s fun,” Brook said.
Saori Matsumoto from Japan said the five months she has spent at the Baha’i Temple have taught her patience and how to focus on a task to complete it.
“Prayer and reflection in the serene atmosphere of the Temple has also helped me to have a clearer idea of what I want to do with my life,” Saori said.
Alex Jamshedi from the United States also looked ahead: “So far I have learned a lot of life skills which will definitely help me in my future.”
Australian Baha’is also carry out their year of service based at the Temple.
“A part of my service has been to help organise interfaith devotional meetings as well as help with children’s classes,” said Arezou Afshari from Baulkham Hills, Sydney.
“We hold a prayer and meditation meeting every Monday night”, she said.
“I am hoping that more local people will come so we can have fellowship with them. The program is really beautiful and we all consult on spiritual themes afterwards.”