‘We are there to serve’: Two Australian youth share their overseas pioneering story 

In this interview with Australian Baha’i Horizons, Jacob Baron and Sami Milani speak about their work assisting with the community-building process unfolding in eastern Europe and explore what it is that acts as their source of inspiration. 

Sixteen months ago, Jacob Baron and Sami Milani decided to pack their bags and head to eastern Europe to strengthen the Baha’i moral education process taking root in the area. 

“Serving in a neighbourhood at home prepared me for pioneering” Sami says. The duo have been friends for many years, having served together as facilitators of study circles. But they chose to move to Europe independently, despite the region being beset with significant economic strife and youth unemployment.

While a sense of hopelessness pervades throughout the community, Jacob, Sami and their friends have discovered how it is indeed pure and goodly deeds that contribute towards the betterment of the world. 

Enroling in a Master of Economics, Jacob says he was able to understand how all the world’s problems required a spiritual solution. 

“I have come to realise that the economic issues need to be solved with a spiritual lens,” Jacob says. “I have learned that one can’t come in as an outsider with solutions. It is not possible to read the nuances of a culture one is completely unfamiliar with.  

“[You] have to integrate. We have to work shoulder to shoulder with the local population to read the reality.” 

The neighbourhood is currently made up of two junior youth groups, study circles and a children’s class. Every week, a team of youth meets to consult about the activities, reflect, and act. Every individual brings a range of experiences to the fore.  

“People have begun to study the junior youth texts and identify what it was they want to address within their community,” Jacob says. 

“A feeling of unity exists through the process of consultation. We have become close friends with people from Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Congo, Cameroon, and Australia. Every Saturday [we] trek up the hill to say prayers together and play soccer. There are about 15-25 people who play. We don’t let language deter us. We are a group of youth, and we all know we are there to serve, so you get over yourself and work together.” 

Sami adds that the diversity of experience and learning adds much value to the consultation and community-building process. “The team are learning how to have more people engaged, how the various institute activities contribute to growth, and how to read the reality of different aspects of the community,” he says. “It is very similar to being in a local neighbourhood at home. You make mistakes and learn from them until you get it right.” 

While there is a myriad of barriers to traverse, Sami says Baha’u’llah’s Revelation provides the inspiration and confidence they require to overcome all obstacles. 

He says joy has been the most “overwhelming feeling” throughout his pioneering experience. 

“Service is so joyful. The Writings bring joy. Seeing the joy in other people brings joy,” he says. 

“Pioneering as a team makes it so much easier. You can rely on each other, figure things out together, talk with one another.” 

Jacob echoes his sentiments. 

“Even though I am from a large community and now live in a small community which has its challenges, it helps to read the Writings about the vision and remember where we are going,” he says.  

“Today the seed is sown. Tomorrow there will be a tree. We focus on the tree. We remember we are sowing seeds that will hopefully last for generations and we need to be detached.  

“I am confident that when you arise to serve confirmations come your way.”