“In the same way as the Savior,” teaches Sister Sharon Eubank, “you yourself are one of the best gifts that you can give to other people.”
Sometimes we mistakenly think that ministering is limited to actions like providing dinner, treats, or a quote from a recent general conference. Sometimes those things are needed. But when we minister to others, it is often our genuine caring that makes the greatest difference.
During this unique time in the history of the Church, many are ministering and demonstrating caring in simple ways through texts, emails, phone calls, and other means. What can you do to be the gift for someone else?
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1) What was the best/worst thing that happened to you this week?
2) Is there anything I can pray for on your behalf?
3) What’s been on your mind lately?
4) Did you accomplish what you wanted this week?
5) Any goals I can follow up with you on?
9.5.1 Handbook 2
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Ministering sisters represent the Lord, the bishop, and Relief Society leaders. As sisters minister, they prayerfully seek to serve as the Lord would, “comfort[ing] those that stand in need of comfort” and helping each become a true disciple of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 18:9; see also John 13:35).
Ministering sisters seek to be led by the Spirit as they provide Christlike caring. They counsel with those they are assigned and seek inspiration about how best to meet their needs, using the time and resources available.
Ministering sisters are flexible in how they minister. They customize their contacts and service, and any messages, to meet the needs of sisters. Personal visits are important when they can be made. Ministering sisters may also reach out through phone calls, texts, emails, letters, contacts at church, attendance at family events, and service.
Meeting individual needs starts with prayerful consideration and with a conversation with the assigned sisters. Ministering sisters listen so they can understand how best to serve. They discuss the frequency and type of contact sisters desire. They also discuss the kind of messages sisters would like.
Ministering sisters can be an important source of help to those they serve. Some ways are listed below:
They help sisters strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
They help sisters and their families prepare for their next ordinance. They may help parents ensure that their children are blessed, baptized, and confirmed. They may also help parents ensure that their sons have the Aaronic Priesthood and Melchizedek Priesthood conferred upon them and are ordained to priesthood offices at the appropriate ages.
They become acquainted with the sisters’ interests and needs, and they recognize special events in their lives.
They offer help when sisters and their families are unemployed, ill, lonely, moving, or have other needs.
They help sisters and their families become self-reliant.
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Being a Compassionate Ministering Sister means getting to know those I minister to as Our Heavenly Father and the Savior does:
1. I will pray for them by name and their family members. I will write down and act on the promptings I receive.
2. I will help coordinate the needs for her and her family (meals at time of babies, sickness, or death).
Do I know her needs? Is she lonely/depressed or stretched to her limits and pleading to our Heavenly Father for a friend that she can turn to? Will I be ready to act?
Ask yourself, “Do I take the time to send a text, make a phone call, or stop by and spend a few minutes?” These are simple ways to build trust and friendship . Sometimes you might not be able to take care of all their needs, so if these times arise, you can reach out to our Relief Society President or our Compassionate Service leader, Vivian Nelson.
Council from Elder Neil L. Andersen concerning ministering click here for source :
1. Pray for each sister and their family members by name.
2 Listen to the spirit.
3. Write it down.
4. Go and do.