Group Visits To Hospitals And Homes (Part 2)

by Martin Archibald, Glasgow, Scotland | Category: Group Visits To Hospitals And Homes | Apr 1989

In Part 1 the need for bringing the gospel to the sick and aged was stressed and the problems surrounding such work was discussed. In Part 2 the latter aspect is addressed in more detail, with suggestions for a positive approach.

The Response of Faith: The Power of the Word

What then can we do in the face of such difficulties?

Above all, we are encouraged in our bounden obedience to the Lord's command to "Go" by faith in the power of the Word of God. Thoughtfully chosen scripture is so many times more valuable in any visitation, public or private, than the flowers or grapes, welcome though these and other signs of kindness and care may be. The older the person we visit, the less likely that any material gifts we may take are of much interest, when sight, hearing, and other physical senses are failing. It is richly rewarding, when reading a portion to an old believer who has become extremely deaf, to find that the words are recognized much more easily than the simplest conversation, because they have been read and cherished many times (and even memorized) and, as always, convey solace and joy. Even those passages that we might think more fitting to days of strength and prime bring memories of times when they were vividly expounded in the great addresses of the past. But even when concentration and understanding are impaired, some living word can make its mark to quicken a light in the dullest eyes. Then, what could more lift up the visitor, among the sorry distractions of a place of illness or infirmity, than rehearsing scriptures of power and promise that have been carefully selected before the Lord? For "he that watereth shall himself also be watered.

The Holy Spirit and Prayer

Nor do we go in alone: the Holy Spirit of God is in this world, to convict men and women, and surely over the months we may encounter some with whom He is working. Yet we can work for years without knowing of a soul being saved. Perhaps too often we hanker after the pleasure of being the person present when the light of salvation dawns. Should we not rather be well content simply to contribute to the flow of instruction that may be needed to bring a soul to awareness? It may in any case be doubted whether it is always the witness most recently borne that precipitates the conversion. Is it not often the accumulation of testimony that the Spirit uses over months or years to effect a change?

Let us also have faith in the real effects of our prayers - especially those of the secret place, or in united assembly - to help a patient find relief from pain or anxiety, so as to listen to our reading or comment: and the power of prayer to lead us to the genuine inquirer, and equip us to handle a conversation with spiritual sensitivity.

We should also go with the savour of Christ to "every place" because of the relevance of the words of God in the hour of dire need. How often might such a visit stop the mouths of the critics who would ask, "Where are the Christians when you're in trouble?"

Readiness for Reading

Just as certainly, if the service is restricted to a reading with minimal comment, the brother who is to read must take time to prepare. Indeed, this can take as much time, selecting scriptures that will be reasonably self-explanatory to a non-Bible-reader, as would be given to an address, remembering that there should also be practice-readings. The Library story-teller, the public poetry-readers, and the news-reader cannot just hope to achieve smooth and sensitive delivery without preparation! Let us also give thought to the wording o~ prayer before a public some of whom have little acquaintance with traditional religious language.

Preparation for Conversion

But the sister who looks forward to opportunity for talk at the bedside or by the wheelchair must likewise consider what she might have to say, in order to make the most of a few minutes, for not all such talks flourish spontaneously. Just as with the tract distributor who hopes for interested contacts at doors or in the shopping centre, there are more possibilities than merely to ensure that a leaflet is passed on, and trust that it will be read. A vital few minutes at a door can be deepened in significance by due readiness on the part of the visitor. So each bearer of the gospel surely will gain by having sought out scriptures that can be introduced in talk, or attractive ways of arousing interest in spiritual things. To gather, reflect on, and memorize suitable texts will yield results in other areas of our service besides.

Practising the Art of Conversation

It is fair' to assume that most who engage in personal witness need to develop and practise the art of conversation that leads to spiritual subjects and the discernment to sense when this is inappropriate. A visit to hospital or home of course need not always reach this level, and it may be profitable purely to show kindness and sympathy. Some company, some time spent, and a little evidence of care can be balm to the lonely sufferer, and a few words better than many. But we must be ready as often as we can for the talk that could develop with a disturbed or seeking heart, if only we were able to give a satisfactory answer about the hope within us.

If then we think of a potential of three persons in one visit with whom talk could reach the subject of the gospel, perhaps we could be ready with a text towards which to lead. For example, since so many we meet in hospitals have a vague faith in God's love being merciful to those who have tried to live decently, the challenge of John 1:12 can be arresting: that there is a point at which the believer receives Christ, and that becoming children of God implies that we are not so by natural birth in this sense. Or the verses gathered for us in the Golden Bells calendars could have been the subject of our meditation through the day, and prove fitting, or a source of further ideas. Why not use a scripture that the ministering brother has read, and so reinforce his message? The illustrated fronts of our leaflets might be used to prompt conversation.

Continuity

To overcome the lack of continuity, and the brevity of each visit, those who lead the work might arrange to call at the sane ward at least twice in succession, if the hospital has longer term patients. Then we must ask ourselves if we would be prepared to make further private calls or correspond with someone who shows real interest and would welcome such attention.

The Support of the Assembly

Finally, how invaluable is the sympathetic support of the assembly as a whole to the team who are free to engage in this work! A warm and regular place in the collective prayers of the church is a powerful aid. Thoughtfulness in avoiding interference with the "hospital night" through social invitations would show a genuine interest in the success of the project.

We return to the need to be alert to any sign of spiritual awakening in those whom we visit. It is like the faithfulness required of those who attempt to bring an acquaintance to gospel meetings: how many preliminary talks, how much tact, how much patience with apparent coolness or rebuffs, before the individual actually comes, or comes often enough! And can we expect like results from half-an-hour with a comparative stranger?

Then saith He unto His disciples, Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth labourers into His harvest.

Martin Archibald, Glasgow, Scotland | Apr 1989
Group Visits To Hospitals And Homes