In her talk “Feed My Sheep” Sister Silvia H. Allred speaks about visiting teaching. She opens her talk by sharing her testimony. Sister Allred then goes on to explain that as a presidency they have spent time together studying and fasting to understand the purposes of Relief Society. She explains that one way that we can offer relief is through visiting teaching. She says:
“One of the ways Relief Society sisters can feed His sheep is through visiting teaching. ‘The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship.’ To accomplish those purposes, visiting teachers should:
1. Visit each assigned sister regularly (where feasible, in her home every month).
2. “Learn of the spiritual and temporal needs of the sister and her family.”
3. “Offer appropriate assistance.”
4. “Give spiritual instruction through a monthly message.”
Sister Allred then shares the story of one young sister who decided to do her visiting teaching, even though she had difficulty finding someone to accompany her. This sister was grateful that she went because she able to visit a member, who wanted to come back to church, but was waiting for a visit for extra encouragement. The member became active again and a friendship formed.
Sister Allred also speaks of the bonds, friendships and edification that come as a result of visiting teaching. Friendships develop between both companions and those you visit. You will also be more open to promptings and ways to help your sisters and those around you.
Sister Allred also emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel marriage with those we visit teach. She closes her talk by bearing her testimony about visiting teaching. She also encourages each of us to commit to doing our visiting teaching.
This is a very important message. Visiting teaching is truly a blessing in our lives. It is important to open our hearts and our homes to our visiting teachers. It is also important to do your visiting teaching each month. The sisters really do need the visits. I still remember my first visiting teachers right after I graduated from high school. Sister Anderson and Sister Davis helped me to feel welcome in Relief Society and they helped me make the transition from Young Women’s to Relief Society. I am grateful for the love that they showed to me. I hope that you can take the time to read this wonderful talk.
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Relief Society: Visiting Teaching Blessings
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