1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
In most cases, the contact will be a member of the Church. Otherwise, they will be acquainted with someone who is. In some instances, they may be members of the Church from other cities who are hospitalized here.
You may lend cheer, encouragement, news, spiritual strength to the patient. You can also provide companionship to close friends and loved ones of the patient in the event of surgery or serious illness, and perhaps assist in other more tangible ways, especially if they are from out of town. Sometimes there are little tasks you may perform for the patient such as letter writing or errands. The mere fact that you were interested enough to go will be appreciated and accomplishes more than one might think.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE DOING?
Check on the visiting hours at the hospital if they do not know them. It is wise to inquire also if the patient’s condition will allow visitors at the time you plan to go.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Make the visit as soon as you can after you learn of the case, if visitors are permitted. Of course, the hospital hours will largely determine the time of day. Most have afternoon and evening hours.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
It is perfectly in order for one to go alone and especially if he knows the patient well. If you prefer, you might take a friend or your companion along. It is usually best not to have more than two go at once, for there will likely be relatives and close friends there also during the visiting hours.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
If the patient is able to visit, go in and greet him. Make sure that they know who you are and that you are from the Church in the event that you are not well acquainted.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
If the patient seems to feel like visiting and his condition allows, bring him up to date on the activities at the Church attendance, contributions, work program, responses, etc. if he is a member. Talk about mutual friends and those about whom the patient particularly inquires. Avoid faultfinding with either the Church or the individual members. Only relate your troubles to show how you conquered them and not to emphasize how you suffered. If you discuss their condition, do so with optimism.
Get acquainted with friends or members of the family who might be there whom you don’t know, visit with them and in the event of serious illness, encourage them and pray with them it they so desire.
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
Books or gospel literature are appropriate to leave under such circumstances if the person’s condition will allow him to read. Flowers are always appropriate and also small gifts under some conditions. Volunteer to bring back any tracts or reading material the person shows particular interest in. During convalescence is a good occasion for meditation and study on spiritual things, especially if the person is not a Christian but that has shown some interest.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
It will depend upon their condition and how well you know them. If no one else is there at the time and. the patient seems so disposed and physically able, visit a while. If several are there, it may be best just to say a few words of greeting and cheer and leave after a few minutes.
9.WHAT ARRANGENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
Inquire if there are tasks or errands, which you might handle. Some patients might need letters mailed or written. They might need toiletry or clothing articles to be purchased, etc.
Make sure that everything is under control at their home. You might be able to help to care for children, take food in, check on pets, etc. Be alert to these needs, many of which can be observed and performed with out inquiry.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
Note the date and time of your visit, report their condition and when they probably will be released, if they know. Note their reaction to your visit and their attitude toward the Church which you were able to detect. Are there any needs that others might help meet such as caring for children, etc? File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
It will be used to compile accurate records of our visitation work. If it is a prolonged case, others will be sent to visit and they can do a better job than otherwise with the information you supply. If there are special needs, others may be called on to help supply these.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Be sure to report to others on their condition, especially to the one in charge of bulletin news, and encourage that cards be sent. Since you were interested in making the visit, you will want to check on them by telephone or another visit if the period of convalescence is a prolonged one. If they are up before long, be sure to greet them and let them know that you are happy for them.
Such an interest at such a time will service not only to lend cheer but also to help a weak member spiritually and encourage a nonmember to be more interested in investigating the New Testament Church.
