Help Others During Difficult Times - HELP OTHERS DURING A DISEASE OUTBREAK

 One way  that you can learn what your brothers and sisters need is by drawing them out with tactful questions.  (Proverbs 20:5)Do they have enough food, medicine, and other supplies?  Are they at risk of losing their job or even their  home?  Do they need assistance with applying for government aid?  Desi received material help  from fellow believers. But it was the emotional and spiritual support from the elders that especially helped her to get through her trials.  She says:  "The elders  prayed with me. Even though I can't remember exactly what they said, I remember how I felt. It was Jehovah's  way of saying, 'You are not alone.'" - ISAIAH 41:10, 13.

What others can do. We rightly expect the elders to take the lead. But Jehovah invites all of us to encourage and help others.  (Galatians 6:10) Even a small expression of our love can have a powerful effect  on someone who is ill.  A child could send a card or a drawing to encourage a brother. A young adult might able to run an errand or shop for a sister.  What about preparing a meal that can safely be left at the home of someone who is ill?  Of course, when a  disease is widespread, everyone in the congregation needs encouragement. Perhaps we can stay a little longer after meetings to visit with the brothers and sisters, whether in person or via conferencing.  And the elders need encouragement too.   Some Witnesses  have sent a thank-you  note to the elders, who often busier than ever during a disease outbreak.  How good it is when we do our part to "keep encouraging one another and building one another up"! - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11.

Next time:  Help Others During Difficult Times - HELP OTHERS IN THE FACE OF DISASTER

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