Tag Archive for: ministering

Are you following me?

My dear friend, Paul and I have a few things in common…
We were both born and raised in Dunfermline.
We both got married to someone from abroad.
We both have three children.
We both work in learning and development.
We both served in the England London Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
We both served as Bishop of the Dunfermline Ward.
We both served as President of the Dundee Scotland Stake, me 2005 – 2014 and Paul currently.

Chance Encounters

And if the last few Saturday mornings are anything to go by, we both enjoy walking to fulfil our church Ministering assignments at the very same time!
As we’ve crossed paths in virtually the same spot these last few weeks, it’s become a bit of a running joke.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏? 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒎 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
These chance encounters have added a touch of humour and a smile to our faces in our shared commitment to serve others.
Whilst he is heading north, I am heading south!
Ministering has always held a special place in both of our hearts.
There’s something deeply rewarding about reaching out to others, offering a listening ear, a kind word, or simply letting someone know they’re remembered and loved.
It’s not just a duty; it’s a privilege – a way to follow the Saviour’s example of service and compassion.
We both share a passion for this work.
Even now, as it is his turn to carry the mantle of Stake President, his dedication to these simple but significant acts of care is inspiring.
We both know that real joy in ministering comes not from grand gestures, but from consistent, small acts of love and service.
And yet, life has a way of adding a touch of humour to even the most heartfelt endeavours.
It’s a light-hearted reminder that ministering doesn’t have to be stiff or overly formal, it’s about connection, warmth, and even a good laugh along the way.
As I reflect on these moments, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Paul, for his leadership, friendship, and example.
Serving alongside him in this way reminds me that ministering is more than a responsibility; it’s a joyful journey we share together, one visit at a time.
What small acts of love and service have brought a smile to your face lately?

Warm Hearts, Cold Days.

Weeks in the planning, Raymond, Paul, Mike, and I set off for the temple in Preston last Tuesday, for three days away together.
It was a journey that proved to be both heartwarming and nostalgic, taking us down memory lane to recall much simpler times of a bygone era.
The trip had its roots in an initial conversation between Raymond and me several weeks ago.
What began as a casual chat, eventually grew into a plan, culminating in our journey this week.
For Raymond, it had been several years since he was last able to visit the temple, between covid times and health challenges keeping him away.

Planning & Logistics

After lengthy discussions with staff at his care home and with other family members, we were delighted to receive the green light to proceed.
However, the logistics required no small amount of effort.
Booking a specialist vehicle, arranging disabled accommodation at the temple, obtaining the necessary recommendations, and figuring out his care requirements were all hurdles we had to overcome.
Add to that the bitterly cold, freezing temperatures and the challenge of manoeuvring Raymond and his wheelchair into the back of the accessible vehicle, proved quite the operation!
Yet somehow, we managed it all.

The Rewards

The reward was three days of service in the temple, filled with gentle camaraderie and timeless moments that felt truly idyllic.

We certainly liked to tease one another – a lot!
Being at the temple and the shared purpose brought a sense of peace and togetherness that was both comforting and uplifting.
As we ministered to one another, sharing acts of love and kindness, I was reminded of Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
The experience was a wonderful reminder of the power of friendship, careful planning, and staying young at heart despite life’s challenges.
This trip wasn’t just about the temple, on reflection it was also about the bonds between us.
Through witty banter, shared memories, and quiet reflections, we experienced a kind of cheerful resilience and a reminder of what truly matters in life.
It was charming, heartwarming, and an experience that we’ll treasure for years to come.
What cherished memories or moments of ministering have brought you joy and strengthened your bonds with others?

Unhurried

Whilst attending a coaching summit for a few days this week, one coach reminded us of an experiment conducted by social psychologists John Darley and Daniel Batson at Princeton University’s Theological Seminary on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:29–37).

They wanted to know why people help in some situations but not others.

They studied one allegedly charitable group: 67 seminary students training to become priests.

The Challenge

The students were split into two groups.

Half of the students were told to prepare a sermon on job opportunities while the other half were told to prepare a sermon about the Good Samaritan.

They were then told to travel to a different building to give their sermon.

Unbeknownst to the students, the researchers had assigned them to one of three groups.

Some students were told that if they left immediately, they would be early, others were told they would be on-time, and the remainder were told they were already late.

Each student walked alone to the building to give their sermon.

On the way, they encountered a man slumped in a doorway, clearly in distress.

From afar, researchers watched: Would the seminary student stop to help the stranger in need?

The Result

Darley and Batson found that only 10% of seminary students in the hurried condition and their eagerness not to be late, stopped to help the man.

In comparison, 63% of the participants in the unhurried condition stopped.

In other words, being in a hurry can lead even trainee priests with the Good Samaritan on their mind to ignore a person in distress.

The study reinforced an essential gospel truth: we cannot serve others effectively if we are constantly rushing through life in a hurry.

Our pace of life can play a large role in whether or not we authentically demonstrate what we declare to be true.

The Saviour Himself often took time to pause, to notice, and to minister to individuals in need.

He was never in too much of a hurry to reach out to the sick, the needy, or the weary.

Are you too busy, too rushed, too hurried and sometimes unkind to others?

I know, if you slow down, even for a minute, situations become clearer.

Don’t let being in a hurry stop you from doing something good today…

How are you eliminating hurry from your life? Please tell!

Darley, J. M., & Batson, C. D. (1973). “From Jerusalem to Jericho”: A study of situational and dispositional variables in helping behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 27(1), 100.

Someone to lean on

Yesterday, I spent some time with a dear friend and sat with him in the hospital for a while.
It struck me how important it is that we all have someone to 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 on.
In life, we all face moments of challenge, uncertainty, and even joy that are made better by having someone to lean on.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, the presence of a trusted person provides emotional and psychological benefits that are invaluable.
At the very core of our well-being is the need for connection.
My experience is that as we share our burdens and joys together, it not only lightens our loads but strengthens the bonds between us.
When life feels overwhelming, knowing that there’s someone to lean on brings comfort and peace.
This sense of support reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
It’s more than just having someone to talk to; it’s about having someone who listens, cares, and stands by you.
Simply stated we all need that connection and support from one another, to help us navigate our way through tough times with greater confidence.
In fact, those were his words to me yesterday.
“Thanks for being here, you give me confidence.”
Everybody needs others.
And not just in tough times.
When we experience positive results, no matter how big or small, sharing those moments with someone else magnifies the joy.
Knowing that others are there to cheer us on when things are going well can add meaning to our accomplishments.
Being that person someone else leans on creates a sense of purpose and somehow it can strengthen our own resilience too.
In essence it feels good, just to be able to do some good – that warm fuzzy.
It’s a reciprocal relationship that makes everyone involved feel valued.
In our world today it can sometimes feel isolating and lonely.
Having someone to lean on, is now crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.
In the end, life becomes richer and more meaningful when we have that essential support from one another.
Step forward today and be someone to lean on…

Ministering

After breaking my collar bone last Wednesday, it’s been an unusual few days for me.
Things have changed, dramatically.
I am unable to do even the simplest of things for myself.
I’ve felt a little wobbly at times and encountered a few stumbling blocks along the way.
Discomfort and pain are frequent visitors.
Some challenges include taking a shower, getting dressed/undressed, getting up off the couch, and even tying my shoelaces.
Things have been a little frustrating, as I’ve been forced to slow down.
Even typing this short message, takes a lot longer, one key stroke at a time, using only my right hand.
Monic and a few others have come to my rescue.
At times, I have literally had to lean on them.
They have been on hand to minister to me.
To minister means to love and care for others and to do the kinds of things the Saviour would do if He were living among us today.
Ministering is a way to help others feel Heavenly Father’s love and meet their spiritual and temporal needs.
These last few days, I feel blessed as others have supported and helped me with this new challenge.
I have felt their love.
Jean B. Bingham said, “Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to ‘count’ as serving our neighbours. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves.”
I am a witness that Christlike ministering takes place in the small, sincere acts, others do every day.
I am so grateful for all those who minister.
I love and appreciate each of you.
Look around at your family and friends, how can you minister to them as the Saviour would?

Ministering

Several times in the last week or two, I have been asked “What is ministering?”
In my answers I have used different words like listening, observing, helping, serving, sharing by effectively learning to attend to the needs of others by lifting and strengthening those around us.
This morning, as I was reflecting further I recalled this experience from a few years ago in Blackpool, England. Whilst facilitating a learning workshop, I experienced something I’d never witnessed before, in such a way that everyone in the room was moved to tears, when one delegate shared a very personal story, that brought great insight to the point we were discussing…
I wrote the experience up in one of my blogs, see https://darylwatson.org/2020/02/19/touched/ however, I will share it below too….
“The energy in the room was high. Then in a reflective moment one participant shared “I can relate to that” and tears started to flow freely.
The atmosphere changed.
We had already created a safe environment for sharing that day, but the authenticity in the room soared to a different level. Attentively, everyone focused on the personal story being shared. It was a moment of high emotion and an intimate turning point in the workshop. In opening up in such a manner the participant had taken a great risk in approaching a vulnerable area in their life by sharing it so deeply.
The silence was palpable.
Unwittingly, by speaking so candidly and tenderly, the participant had completely engaged everyone in the room.

Then it happened.

I watched, as those on either side felt impressed to reach out in a compassionate and reassuring way by physically touching our storyteller.
The whole experience had a profound effect on all of us in the room. There was a feeling of connection, togetherness and unity for a fleeting moment in time.
Deep and meaningful learning moments come quite unexpectedly at times. When they do, don’t be afraid to welcome them, gently explore them, embrace them and cherish them….forever.”
That day, in that moment, we were all “present”. Every part of our being was sensing something very different.
Each of us in that room were moved in a compassionate, loving and gentle way as we listened and observed one by one to the story being told.
Everyone in the room was emotionally touched.
So much so, that each of us then moved physically, to touch the storyteller in a gentle, kind and supportive way.
That is ministering.
Can you reach out, minister and touch someone today?