Dear Brother Cahoon,
I’ve been visiting a semi-active, young couple for two years. They weren’t home for May’s appointment. I phoned them every other day to reschedule, only to end up with voice mail. I got a call two weeks later saying they’re busy for the rest of May and all of June. The sister seemed agitated during our short conversation. Their anniversary was last week, so I left off a card and a message. I don’t feel that I’m able to magnify my calling with a token visit such as this. What do you suggest?
Jimmy in Scotland
Not knowing what happened up to the time that the couple wasn’t available for the May visit, it’s hard for me to determine an accurate course of action, but here are my thoughts concerning what kind of effort our Heavenly Father expects that we make as home teachers.
When you left off the card and message, were they there? Or did you just drop it off at the door? If it was the latter, then by all means you do need to follow up and make an in person visit, if for no other reason to find out what is going on in their lives that is causing such a dramatic turn around in their relationship with you. If they were present when you dropped off the card and message (a very nice touch, Brother Cahoon needs to do that more often!), how did they respond to your efforts to reach out to them? I personally believe that for less active members that even a “drive by” home teaching visit, in which you “just” drop off a card or a message, is acceptable. That, in my opinion, is definitely going the extra mile. Now, if you have developed a good relationship with this couple previously, and are able to get in the door and make a “normal” home teaching visit, i.e., sit down, chat, share a message, offer a prayer, and now you are not able to do that, then something has happened and you need to find out what that “something” is. I’m a believer in the direct approach, and if you have been visiting them for two years, by now you will know how direct you can be. And by being direct, this might be the “key” that will open the door for them to return to full activity and feast again at the Lord’s table.
I am so impressed with your willingness to be a true shepherd for this couple, one who is willing to go out of his way to nourish these good people with the word of God. Keep up doing good, and you will blessed with insight and inspiration beyond your natural abilities. I know these are true principles and I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Posted by John in Home Teaching, Ask Brother Cahoon