In the increased capacity of individuals to teach the Faith,
as shown in the thrust of individual initiatives; in the improved ability of
Spiritual Assemblies, Councils and committees to guide the endeavours of the
friends; in the introduction of new patterns of thought and action which
influenced the collective behaviour of the local community — in all such
respects the system of training institutes demonstrated its indispensability as
an engine of the process of entry by troops.... Concurrent with these kinds of
developments, the members of our worldwide community also gave more attention
to drawing on the power of prayer, to meditating on the sacred Word, and to
deriving the spiritual benefits of participation in devotional gatherings. It
is through the workings of these elements of an intensified individual and
collective transformation that the size of the community is increasing.
Although the number of new believers has as yet only slightly surpassed those
of recent years, it is immensely gratifying to see that this increase is now
geographically widespread, is engaging ever-larger segments of the community,
and is successful in integrating new declarants into the life of the Cause....
The use of the arts became an important feature in the proclamation, teaching,
deepening and devotional activities of the worldwide community.
- The Universal
House of Justice (Ridvan 2000 Message)
