“Pure Religion” Watchcare and Ministering through Visiting Teaching Chapter 7

The Savior calls His disciples to work with Him in His ministry, giving them the opportunity to serve others and become more like Him. Pg 105

In Relief Society, each sister has the opportunity to watch over and strengthen sisters one by one through visiting teaching. Pg. 105

“Sister Julie B. Beck, the fifteenth Relief Society general president, said, “Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf.” pg. 107

Dedicated visiting teachers answer the call from latter-day prophets to give Christlike service. President Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church, taught: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.”

President Thomas S. Monson, has said: “We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness….We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.” pg 112

Through the years, sisters have learned that visiting teaching requires commitment, dedication, and sacrifice. Pg. 112

They have learned that they need the Spirit to direct their visits. Pg

They have seen the power that comes through teaching truth and bearing testimony, giving temporal help with love, and being willing to mourn with, comfort, and help bear the burdens of their sisters. Pg 113

Visiting teachers often are required to sacrifice and rise above discouragement. This is especially true when their efforts seem to be going nowhere, as in the story told by Cathie Humphrey: Pg. 114

Sister Mary Ellen Smoot thirteenth Relief Society general president, declared: “My desire is to plead with our sisters to stop worrying about a phone call or a quarterly or monthly visit, and whether that will do, and concentrate instead on nurturing tender souls.

Our responsibility is to see that the gospel flame continues to burn brightly. Our charge is to find the lost sheep and help them feel our Savior’s love.” pg 117

When sisters serve others as visiting teachers, they receive blessings themselves. Pg. 120

Sister Barbara W. Winder, the eleventh Relief Society general president, taught: “It is vital that each sister have visiting teachers—to convey a sense that she is needed, that someone loves her and thinks about her. But equally important is the way the visiting teacher is able to grow in charity.

By assigning our women to do visiting teaching, we give them the opportunity to develop the pure love of Christ, which can be the greatest blessing of their lives.” pg 120

Pure and God-fearing sisters in the ranks of Relief Society have watched over and strengthened one another from the beginning days in Nauvoo to the present day through loving and inspired visiting teaching. Pg 123

It is a ministry that is shared one by one, heart to heart. Pg. 123

Questions Visiting Teachers Can Ask The following kinds of questions can lead to opportunities for visiting teachers to give comfort, share relevant gospel teaching, and provide meaningful service.

What worries or concerns do you have?

What questions do you have about the gospel or the Church?

Would you allow us to help you with ________?

When asking a question like this, visiting teachers should offer to help in a specific way, such as caring for the children for a brief time, assisting with a homemaking task, or helping to run an errand. It is less helpful to say, “Call us if you need anything.” pg. 115