A few weeks ago we held our visiting teaching interviews. Thank you to all who took time to come. We recognize that it takes effort to come and arrange your busy schedules. We know that we missed some of you, and hopefully we have made contact with each of you. There were a few things that we found out that I felt would be good to pass on. We asked what were some of the blessings you felt from being a visiting teacher? The most common answer was friendship and an opportunity to socially interact. Pres. Hinckley said that one of the things that a new convert needs in this church is a friend. I feel from all who we talked to that it doesn't matter how new to the church you are, there is a common need among all the sisters to have a friend. Another blessing shared was the opportunity to share common testimony and grow spiritually. In the Book of Mormon we are told that the preaching of the word has a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than anything else. So sharing testimony and the words of the prophets can strengthen each of us. I testify that your calling to be a visiting teacher is of the utmost importance to our Heavenly Father. He depends on each of us to serve the best we can. I want to encourage you to have prayer with your partner before entering the home. The spirit will be with you and you will know better how to serve your sisters. I encourage you to go into your sisters home, and where possible leave a message, drawing on that power of the word to bless your sister, your partner, and yourself.
I asked some, "How does it make you feel if your visiting teacher doesn't make contact with you?" The response was, "I feel that they don't really care about me." Sisters, please make contact. We have had a lot of sickness this last couple of months and I realize that because of that it makes it impossible to go into the home. If no other option exists, please call, text, send a note, whatever way works best for you. Don't let your sister think you don't care about her and let a month pass without contact.
There are a few changes that need to be made. Some are moving, some are coming back, so change is necessary. I hope that as I do this you will know that it is with prayer and a great desire to have the best situation exist for you.
Please look for opportunities between now and our next interviews to strengthen your testimony of visiting teaching and increase your friendship with those you visit.
We love you sisters and appreciate all your efforts in visiting teaching. Sister Strupp
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