More frequent contact is made with women and families
exhibiting special needs, such as those new to the Church, the less active,
single parents, the divorced, the widowed, the aged, and those faced with
illness, death, or other difficulties.
1. With our elderly — I’ve grown closer to older women when I’ve been
assigned to them, and think has been a positive thing for both of us. Most of
the time, I gravitate toward sisters in my age range in forming friendships
within the ward. Being “assigned” to be a friend, so to speak, helps me get a
generational perspective. In a sense, then, it ties the different generations
and viewpoints in the RS together.
2. With the inactive — explanation can pretty much go unsaid, but
again, for those of us who aren’t good at naturally seeking people out for
service opportunities, visiting teaching is a great way to bring one-on-one
contact to inactive sisters.
3. With sisters whose callings take them away from RS — for those of us
who work in the YW, Primary, etc. visiting teaching is a great outlet for us,
in giving us an opportunity to be taught adult to adult. We don’t get that a
lot, and it’s refreshing.
4. Care more about the sister than a check mark by your name.
5. Find all the good qualities that you can in each sister you visit
and compliment them often.
6. Sincerely get to know the sisters well enough to become their
friend.
7. Learn her children's names and say hello to them too.
8. Be more concerned about bringing a God's spirit and message than
about bringing something that only looks cute and clever.
9. When personal problems are shared be sure to try and understand how
your sister is feeling and find ways to help -- even just a sympathetic ear is
a huge help and often all that is needed.
10. Remember that there are many things about each sister that you do
not know so stay clear of judging and concentrate instead on lifting and
helping.
11. Become friends with your companion
