Visiting Teaching: Instrument of the Lord booklet

Sisters,

The following is the contents of the Visiting Teaching booklet we handed out in Relief Society on Mother's Day. This way, if you lose your book, you can always come here and regroup. On the right hand side of this blog you'll find a category under "Enrichment Files" titled, "visiting teaching." The booklet contents will be filed there for future reference.

FYI- All artwork can by found on lds.org in the online Gospel Art Book.

Visiting Teaching Challenge

"The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them (D&C 20:53). This is the mandate of the Lord.

“I hope that…visiting teachers will experience two things: first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active. I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church.

“If…visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His church and kingdom." -Gordon B. Hinckley

WEEK 1: Pray daily for the sisters you have been called to visit teach. See Moroni 7:48

“My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle.” –Thomas S. Monson

"Christ in Gethsemane" by Harry Anderson

WEEK 2: Shepherd the sisters you visit teach by first knowing who they are. What are your sisters’ names, hobbies, interests? Exchange contact information. See Luke 15:1-7 & John 10:1-18

“We must manifest the same love to others that the Good Shepherd has for all of us. Each soul is precious to Him. His invitation beckons every…daughter of God.” –Ezra Taft Benson

"The Lost Lamb" by Del Parson

WEEK 3: Send a note of love and support to your visiting teaching sisters. See Mosiah 2:17

“The gospel tells us that all women are our eternal sisters. Our challenge is to accept someone who is different, look past a person’s weaknesses, forgive a sister who has wronged us, love someone who is angry with us, or repent and change our attitudes and actions. Such demands purify us and bring us closer to living a Christlike life.” -Ensign, Aug. 1990, pg. 63

“Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda” by Carl Heinrich Bloch

WEEK 4: Telephone your visiting teaching sisters and personally invite them to the next Relief Society Enrichment activity. See D&C 108:7 & D&C 109:14, 16

“As Relief Society...members catch the vision and the excitement of Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting and act out of the resultant enthusiasm, we will grow in testimony and spiritual strength. We will come closer to our Savior and know how to build homes where He can dwell.” –Virginia U. Jenson

"Christ in the Home of Mary and Martha" by David Lindsley

WEEK 5: Share the visiting teaching message with your sisters in their homes. Bring a thoughtful treat or simple gift for your sisters; a bookmark, cupcake, candle, potted herb, etc. See D&C 84:88

“A call to service should be primarily a matter of the heart. You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands. … The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of [those you visit teach]. And when you look back on what may now seem trying times of service and sacrifice, the sacrifice will have become a blessing, and you will know that you have seen the arm of God lifting those you served for Him, and lifting you.” –Henry B. Eyring

"Jesus Washing the Apostles Feet" by Del Parson

WEEK 6: Anonymously serve your visiting teaching sisters in an effort to lighten their load and brighten their day. See Matthew 6:1-4

“I wish to declare without reservation that the ultimate judgement of every man will be on the simplest terms and most certainly on what each has done to bless people in a quiet, unassuming way.” –Robert L. Simpson

"The Good Samaratin" by Walter Rane

Reflections

• Take a moment to evaluate your Christ-centered visiting teaching experience over the last six weeks.
• Record your experiences being guided and taught by the Spirit in your “great calling” as a visiting teacher.
• What did you learn about your visiting teaching sisters?
• What went well? What didn’t?
• What is one thing you & your companion can do to improve your service to your visiting teaching sisters next month?
• Take a moment to offer a prayer of gratitude for specific blessings our Heavenly Father has offered during these 6 weeks of coming closer to Christ through Visiting Teaching.
• Go back to week 1 and continue on the path of Christ-centered visiting teaching.

Visiting Teaching Ideas

• If possible, make a standing appointment to visit your visiting teaching sisters (ie. plan to meet 1st Tuesday of each month at 10am).
• What can you do to help your sisters build up their personal preparedness supplies? Bring one item for food storage or emergency preparedness supplies.
• Find out what you can do to help your sisters attend the temple one more time per month? Babysit? Carpool? Support progress toward holding a temple recommend?
• Read from the scriptures during your visits.
• Share your testimony pertaining to the visiting teaching message during your visits.
• Bring an Ensign article, activity from The Friend, or something appropriate for your sisters to use for Family Home Evening.
• Fast for the sisters you visit teach.
• If the sisters who visit you have difficulty reaching you, take initiative and reach out to them to set the next appointment.