by Sister Diane Burgoon, Stake Self-Reliance Group Coordinator, 330-430-9912, diane.burgoon@yahoo.com
Self-Reliance Groups
We had a fantastic response to the new Self-Reliance class, Emotional Resilience. We have around 49 participating in four groups. We also have 12 people in our Personal Finance group. These classes will end in October, so we will probably wait to start up another round until after the first of the year. If you are interested, let me know, and I will add your name to the waiting list. If you are interested in any of the other groups – Find a Better Job, Starting and Growing My Business, or Education for Better Work, let me know, and we will try to get a group started.
How Can I Minister to Others During a Crisis?
During difficult situations, it’s important for us to support and strengthen each other.
Consider: How can you be a support to others during a crisis? Start with a prayer. Ask for the Spirit to inspire you and your family or support system and to guide you in ministering to and helping others.
Tips for Ministering to Others in a Crisis:
• It can be helpful to just be there for someone. This can mean making a phone or video call or sending a text message, so people know you are thinking of them. Your presence can be calming and comforting. Offer to talk or spend time together as much as is needed.
• Listen actively. Focus on the person and listen with your heart. Don’t be distracted by thinking about how you’ll respond to what she or he is saying.
• Remember, everyone is different and will respond to crisis differently. Allow others to go through their own experiences.
• Encourage and allow others to express how they feel, but avoid forcing them to talk about feelings or subjects that aren’t freely shared.
• Ask questions about how others are feeling and what they are experiencing. Avoid assuming you already know how they feel.
• Pray together. Prayer invites the Spirit and can bring peace and comfort.
• Be cautious about sharing stories from your past. It’s important to focus on each person and his or her experience.
• Find additional resources you can provide if needed, including credible sources of information, scriptures or talks, or other ways to find support. If someone wants professional support, connect with a bishop, your local Family Services office, or other sources.
• Continue to be present with those who are struggling, even when you are not sure what to say.
Extracted from Discussion Guide – How Can I Minster to Others During a Crisis?
Contact your ward Self-Reliance Specialist, or myself, for more information on joining a self-reliance group or Pathway. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let me know.
For more information on becoming or helping others become more self-reliant, see: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/blog
The Lord has declared, It is my purpose to provide for my saints. D&C 104:15
Akron Ohio Stake News 