Visiting people who are homebound and who are cut off from the church’s fellowship by age, medical condition or other reasons, is one of the most meaningful and important ways the church can show compassion and love through its ‘visitation’ is also one of the most straightforward ways to serve. It requires no in-depth theological knowledge. When we visit we represent Christ and the church and this is important. It is God who has called us to this task and God will certainly equip us for it.
What does ‘Visitation’ mean? Visitation is an intentional direct encounter by an individual or a team with a person for the purpose of getting to know them, understanding and addressing their needs, providing encouragement and assistance, expressed through God’s Word, time of worship, prayer and constant love and care of God.
FBC (E) Subang Visitation Ministry programs its visit every Wednesday unless if it’s a Public Holiday – there’s no visit. Each visit is by appointment. Together with the family or individual we will worship in songs and sing any of the host’s favourite hymn, breaking of bread together and prayer for the need of the host and family. Prayer is the important element before going for the visit and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, He will help us to minister.
Since March 2020 the Visitation program had to be put on hold. We don’t have any personal contact with any of them. It’s almost 3 months now. To assure the visitees of our care and love for them during this pandemic we need to communicate. New technology does come into play, during such time, communicating through “Whatapps’ is a tremendous help, or through SMS or phone calls. Asking the routine questions of family wellbeing and groceries need is a norm. These are rather common inquiries, after seeking God for His wisdom on the need of spiritual matters, the Lord impressed upon me to encourage His people by His Word. His Word is sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10) and it will bring healing to the heart (my personal experience). Thus began a mid week devotion. The weekly devotion too has encouraged me and has coined MCO (Movement Control Order) to Magnify Christ, obviously.
With safe distancing and the new normal requirements, visits will not take place in near future. Meantime we will continue to network with the visitees, remembering them in prayers. Not forgetting the Visitation Team who has contributed tirelessly, this also encouraged them with the mid week devotion.
Visitation is the most sacred time. From the earliest days of it’s being, the church has been concerned with caring for those within the fellowship with a particular need or illness. The need to care for others is the Christian call to compassion so none in the community would be neglected. If you know of any FBC (E) member/worshipper in need of a visit, please do inform me or the Church Office.
Before there was a church, there was our Lord Jesus. His care for the sick was one of His activities that drew the attention of the people. Caring for the sick and homebound was the hallmark of our Lord’s ministry and should be a hallmark of ours, as well. Visiting those who are confined to home or hospital is a fitting presentation of the gospel for that person and to know that the body of Christ is with them in whatever situation they are facing.
May the Lord blessings be upon you.
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