1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
Your main purpose in making this call will be to provide a little cheer and sunshine. Radiate cheerfulness and optimism. You may be able to lend assistance around the house also. This is especially true where unexpected sickness is involved. In most cases, they will be members of the Church. Otherwise, they will be closely associated with someone who is. Remember that we are all servants of one another. Count your blessings before you go. Ask the Lord to help you see the good in all situations. Read Philippians 4:4-13.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
A phone call before going will not be necessary in most instances. Most sick and shut-ins, except in extra serious or contagious cases, are glad to have someone drop by for a visit. If there is a question as to the advisability of a visit at the time you have planned, then a telephone call would be in order.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
In the case of sickness, you more apparently show that you are interested if you call as soon after you learn of the illness as you can. This is especially true in emergencies where you may render some special service.
Either morning, afternoon, or early evening calls are suitable. Avoid early or late hours and mealtime.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
Yes, if you prefer. This is especially true where you know the person rather well. There, of course, is nothing wrong with taking a friend or your companion along. Be careful that you don’t take too many for a large number at once might disturb the contact.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
Introduce yourself to the one who greets you at the door if you do not know them. Explain the purpose of your call and find out if it is all right for you to visit at that time. Make sure that the person you have come to see knows who you are and that you are from Church.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
Bring them up to date on what the Church has been doing its attendance, contributions, work program, responses, etc., especially if they are members. Talk about mutual friends and those about whom they particularly inquire. Avoid gossiping or finding fault with either the Church or individual members. If you discuss their condition, do so with optimism. Do not tell them about your friend who died with the same trouble. Only relate your own’ troubles to show how you conquered them and not to emphasize how you suffered.
Those who are confined, especially older people, like to hear the Bible read. Have in mind some appropriate passages and if there is a Bible handy, ask if they would like for you to read a little. Prayer is also appreciated.
CONFINED AT HOME BY SICKNESS, Disability (Continued) -6-
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
Books or good gospel literature are appropriate to leave under such circumstances if the person’s condition and sight allow him to read. Try to select something appropriate. Flowers, some small gift, or a special dish they like are always in order if you care to take them. These tend to lend cheer.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
It will depend upon the physical condition of the one you are visiting as well as how well you know them. If able, many who are confined like to visit. Don’t rush off in such instances. In other cases a short visit might be preferable (say 15 minutes).
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I HAVE BEFORE LEAVING?
Be alert to any real needs. If they need groceries, if they could use help around the house, if they need some one to care for children, let others know and try to render assistance where merited. Inquire if there is anything you can do.
They might be interested in a particular religious problem if they aren’t members. If they seem sufficiently interested, inquire if you might send a tract on the subject.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
State the date and time of day of your visit on the back of your contact notice. Report their attitude toward your visit and toward the Church, which you were able to sense. Report any special needs, which you could not meet alone. If a non-member, note whether they showed any particular interest in the Church and the gospel. See that the contact notice is returned with your report on the back by the date shown on it. File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
It will be numbered with the contacts made in your zone and included in the elders monthly report.
If there are any needs reported, they will be looked into and met where feasible. If the case warrants, others will make calls and be able to do a more effective job because of the information you have supplied than they otherwise could have.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Since you were interested in making the first call, you will want to check on them by phone or another visit at various times in the case of prolonged confinement. If they are up before long, be sure to greet them and let them know you are happy for them.
Such an interest at such a time may go a long way in strengthening a weak member spiritually or in encouraging a non-member to be more concerned about his soul. They will probably think warmly of you and remember you for some time for being so thoughtful.