W ELFARE AND SELF-RELIANCE SERVICES

Caring for Those in Need

Learning Activities Booklet
for

Member and Leader Support Missionaries

MTC Training

Confidential—for headquarters use only

1 © 2019 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PD#88888888

 Agenda
Learning Goals: MLS Missionaries will be prepared to assist in caring for those
in need by:

Embracing our divine responsibility

Understanding Seeking out

needs and and helping
strengths those in need

Building Self- Becoming

Reliance aware of
resources

Using resources to help with needs

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 Our Divine Responsibility
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity is to help each of us more fully embrace our
individual responsibility to care for those in need.

Principle
We have a covenant responsibility to care for those in need, to
the extent we are able.

President Nelson explained: “When we love God with all our

hearts, he turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a
beautiful, virtuous cycle.” (Russell M. Nelson, The
Second Great Commandment, Oct. 2019).

King Benjamin taught us: “[F]or the sake of retaining a

remission of your sins … I would that ye should impart of
your substance to the poor, every man according to that
which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the
naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief,
both spiritually and temporally.” (Mosiah 4:26)

There are many ways to minister to and help care for those in need. When members accept and act on this
responsibility, both the giver and receiver are blessed. For example, fasting helps those with temporal
needs. Those who give are also blessed as they sacrifice for others and pray for guidance, strength, and
blessings.

Activity
• View a video clip from Elder Holland’s talk “Area We Not All Beggars?” (October 2014 General
Conference)
• Discuss together:
• While viewing the video, what impressions did you have about our relationship to those with
temporal needs?
• What does the Savior’s example show us about helping others?
• How can we develop loving feelings toward those who are in need? How can President Nelson’s
quote (above) help us?

Write down your personal reflections about this activity.

3
Introduction
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Helping with temporal needs has great power to improve

lives. It can also help individuals follow Christ and enjoy
the blessings of Gospel living..

In what situations might you as an MLS missionary be

helping with temporal needs?

Here are some examples:

Helping individuals
• Example – An MLS couple is assigned to visit Greg, who is physically handicapped. They find he is
confused about his finances and they help him visit the agency which helps him understand his disability
benefits. They help him learn how to use special disability transportation as well.

• Example - A bishop gives an MLS couple a list of people to visit and help. Each week they send to the
bishop a summary of who they have visited and what they have done. The bishop shares with the ward
council how the couple found out the real needs of a sister on the list, and what they have been doing to
help.

Counseling with local leaders

• Example – A bishop shares with the MLS couple that he would like additional insight into dealing with
marital problems. They help him connect with Family Services resources. They also show him the
Strengthening Marriage manual which he finds very helpful.

Participating in ward council

• Example - In a discussion in ward council, people share their concern for a number of young adults who
seem to be “stuck” and lacking progress. After listening to their concerns, the MLS couple shows them
the Life Skills course. The council decides to check and see of others in the stake would like to join.

Discuss:
• What other examples come to mind?
• If you were a leader in a ward, what ways do you think an MLS couple could support you in the work you
have been called to do?
• How can you help with temporal needs without taking over?

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 How is caring for those in need organized in the Church?
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Employees Ecclesiastical line

Operations line (keys)

Area
Presidency
Area Seventy

Dir. Temporal Affairs

Area Welfare & S-R

Manager

Consulting and support

Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Stake Presidency and Stake

Managers (WSRMs) and WSR Councils
Missionaries

Welfare and self-reliance managers (WSRMs) act as consultants. They counsel with local leaders to
understand the needs, goals, and circumstances of their stakes. They serve as a single point of
contact regarding Church and community resources available. When invited they can support local
leaders by attending a stake self-reliance committee or stake bishops’ welfare council.

You will be given the contact information for the WSRM for your location.

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 Guidance from the General Handbook
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

The training activities in this booklet

are based on implementing the
principles and procedures in the
Church’s general handbook. It can
be found online at
churchofjesuschrist.org:

Serve > Callings (scroll down to

supporting resources) > Handbooks
and callings > General Handbook

The handbook section on ministering

to temporal needs is section 22. We
encourage all to become familiar
with it.

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Identifying Strengths and Needs
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity will help us connect with others so we can see
them as the Savior does and understand their strengths and
needs.
Principle Needs
When we see one another as the Savior does, we have a greater
capacity understand them and to minister with love. ?
In 1 Samuel 16:7, we are taught, “The Lord seeth not as man Strengths
seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the
Lord looketh on the heart.”

President Thomas S. Monson reinforced this when he said, “We must develop the capacity to see [others]
not as they are at present but as they may become” (See Others as They May Become, Oct. 2012).
We can pray to see others as God sees them: as “a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents…
[with] a divine nature and destiny” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

Activity
In a role play with another person or couple, practice having a conversation with an individual with temporal
needs. Take turns being the MLS missionary and the person with temporal needs. When you are taking the
part of the person with temporal needs, think of a situation you are familiar with.
In the role play, learn about the other person or couple’s needs, interests, and motivations as a ministering
brother or sister would. The most important thing is to be genuinely interested in this person. Aim to develop
a richer sense of who this person is in God’s eyes. Listen wholeheartedly and keep the focus on the other
person. Use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation. Example questions:

• I’m interested in getting to know you better….
• What are some of your interests?
• What are some things you look forward to?
• What are some things that bring you joy?
• What are some things that you are proud of?
• What is makes you feel worried or frustrated?
• Help me understand more about the challenges
you are facing.
• When I pray for you, what should I be praying
for?
• What are some things that concern you right now?
• What are some things you wish others understood
about you?

Write down your reflections about this activity.

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Building Self-Reliance
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity can help people become more aware of their own
strengths and areas where they need to build. As you work with
people in their temporal challenges, you can help them realize and
use their own strengths and find ways to build capabilities.

Principle
Modern prophets have emphasized the importance for each of us
to provide the necessities of life for self and family, to the extent
that we are able. Developing spiritual strength, being prepared,
gaining education and employment and improving our health will
help us do this. The Lord will bless our efforts toward self-reliance.
“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto
themselves…” (D&C 58:27)

“Organize yourselves, prepare every needful thing…” (D&C 88:119)

Activity:
Prayerfully consider each topic below and write your impressions in the table. Then discuss with
a friend or as a family where you might like to focus your efforts and what resources can help.

What are my strengths? What can I improve? What resources can help?

Spiritual
Strength

Education

Employment

Physical,
Social, or
Emotional
Health

Preparation
for
Emergencies

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Seeking Out Those in Need
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity is to help us understand how ward/branch members all
share in the responsibility of ministering to one another’s temporal Bishop
needs. This is a process you can support as an MLS missionary.
Needs
Principle
“This very hour there are many members of the Church
Strengths
who are suffering. They are hungry, stretched
financially, and struggling with all manner of physical,
emotional, and spiritual distress. They pray with all the
energy of their souls for succor, for relief . . . please do Ministering
Relief and
not think that this is someone else’s responsibility. It is Hope
mine, and it is yours. We are all enlisted” (Dieter F.
Uchtdorf, “Providing in the Lord’s Way,” general
conference October 2011).
In a ward, we all are responsible for seeking out and helping those in need. The RS or EQ
Presidency
Bishop oversees the temporal needs of ward members, but he can’t do it
alone. Ministering brothers and sisters learn of the strengths and needs of Ward Council

their fellow ward members. If temporal help is needed, members may give permission for this to be shared
through ministering interviews with Relief Society and elders quorum presidencies. Members could also speak
directly with the presidency members if they prefer. The member will then complete the Self-Reliance Plan with
the help of either the presidency member or a delegate. If appropriate and with permission, they sensitively
share what resources may be needed with the ward council. The ward council then considers how they might
help. Ministering brothers and sisters stay closely connected to provide support and encouragement.

Activity:
In a small group, role play a ward council or R.S./EQ quorum presidency seeking to improve their process for
seeking out and helping those in need. Discuss the following questions. How might we engage our ministering
brothers and sisters to understand the strengths and needs in our ward?
• How can we, as a ward/branch leadership, help draw out the strengths of our members, both those who are need
and others?
• What parts of the process are we most in need of improving (refer to the diagram above)? What could we do to
strengthen our process for finding and helping those in need? Write your plan below.
• How can we better use resources in the community for common challenges in our ward/branch?
Alternative or Additional activity: Use one of the case studies in the appendix and discuss what can be learned
from the way the ward/branch responded to the need.

9
 Resources from the Lord’s Storehouse
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity will help Leaders (and members) become aware of resources from the Lord’s Storehouse to help those
in need.

Principle
“And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that
every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the
common property of the whole church. Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor and doing all things with
an eye single to the glory of God.” D&C 82:18-19
Once a ward council understands the strengths and needs of a family, they counsel together about what might
provide hope and relief. After possible help from family members they consider the time and talent of ward
members and community resources available. Then they consider Church-sponsored programs and services. All
these resources are part of the Lord’s Storehouse.
The first step is always to understand the need. Then look for resources that fit that need. We avoid advocating
for a given resource but rather emphasize finding those that are most useful for a given situation.
Two documents are provided to help you become more familiar with Church-sponsored programs and services.

Welfare and Self-Reliance Products and Welfare and Self-Reliance Products and
Services Tool Kit – a two-page Services One-Page Overviews
overview of products and services
arranged by type of need

To download: https://www.churchofjesu To download: https://www.churchofjes

schrist.org/callings/welfare-self- uschrist.org/callings/welfare-self-
reliance/products-and-services-tool- reliance/products-and-services-tool-
kit Then select Tool Kit kit Then select One-Page Overviews

See next page for activities

10
 Resources from the Lord’s Storehouse (continued)
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Resources Activity 1
Explore the Products and Services one-page overviews.
• Read p. 2 and 3.
• Spend 2-3 minutes reading about one resource from the
one of the “need” categories:
• Immediate Needs
• Education and Employment
• Emotional Health
• Preparedness
• Share with others who the resource is for, and what it is
• Do this for each of the “need” categories.

Resources Activity 2
• Brainstorm with others and fill out the chart on the next page
of this activity booklet (p. 12). Use any of these documents that
are helpful:
• The 2-page “Toolkit” document
• The Products and Services one-page overviews
document (online).
• The resource cards on page. 13-16 of this
Activity booklet

Resources Activity 3
• Use the card activity as outlined on pages 13-16. For virtual trainings, use breakout rooms of
4-6 people each.

• In summary, discuss with others

• A resources you became aware of for the first time
• The process of understanding needs, then finding fitting resources

The Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager or missionaries in your area can provide more
information about resources.

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 Using Resources from The Lord’s Storehouse
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Identify resources you could use to help in the following situations. Use the space provided to explain
what resources you could use and how you could use them. Include member-to-member, community,
and church-produced resources.

Individuals/groups Resources and how they could be used

Single parents with low-

paying full-time work
interested in Higher
Education
Young adults who recently
graduated from high school

Married couples struggling

to “make ends meet”
financially
Young adults caught in
substance abuse and in
need of help
An individual or family you
know who has temporal
needs

People living in areas where

hurricanes, earthquakes,
floods, tornadoes, etc. are
known to occur
Elderly brothers and sisters
who suffer from loneliness
and depression and are
unable to drive.
Young adults caught in
substance abuse and in
need of help

A father who has been

employed for several
months and is discouraged.

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 The Lord’s Storehouse Card Activity Page 1
INSTRUCTIONS AND STORY CARDS

Here is another way to practice identifying resources that fit needs.

Select one of the story cards below. Look through the resource cards on the following
pages and discuss which of them might be helpful. (Not all resources are available in all
areas.)
For further information about a given resources, see the booklet Welfare and Self-Reliance
Products and Services One-Page Overviews. Go to https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/welfare-self-
reliance/products-and-services-tool-kit and select One-Page Overviews.

13
 The Lord’s Storehouse Card Activity Cards Page 2
RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH IMMEDIATE NEEDS

14
 The Lord’s Storehouse Card Activity Cards Page 3
RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

15
 The Lord’s Storehouse Card Activity Cards Page 4
RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND PREPAREDNESS

16
 Identifying Community Resources
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Purpose
This activity will help leaders and members identify appropriate community resources to help those in need.

Principle
“For all things are mine . . the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare” (D&C 104: 15, 17).
The Lord has provided resources in the Church and community to help those in need. Depending on local
circumstances, community resources may fill a gap or be the most appropriate option to help those in need.
Church leaders and members should actively identify, cultivate, and connect those in need with appropriate
community resources. The ward council may be assisted in developing a list of community resources by a stake or
ward self-reliance specialist, if assigned.
Often a good place to start is by identifying nonprofit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, or
other community organizations. Local government offices often have a list of local resources that can be helpful as
well. Think of people or organizations you could talk with who are knowledgeable about community resources.

Activity:
In the chart below, discuss the most common needs in your ward. Next, identify community resources that
focus on the most common needs for your ward. Then consider and discuss what barriers your members may
encounter to accessing this resource and how to help them overcome those barriers. Barriers might include
transportation, qualification, cost, time, internet access, etc.
Need Community Resource Potential Barriers How we can help members
overcome barriers.

Housing

Health

Education

Employment

Transportation

Child Care

Other:

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 Putting It All Together
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Case Study

Review one of the case studies in the appendix together, or use your own case study (see p.
21)

Discuss
• What were the strengths and needs of this family?
• What really helped them?
• What can we learn from this case study?

Make a Plan
Discuss
• How can we implement these principles in our work with this ward/branch?

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 Appendix

Additional References
Case Studies

Confidential—for headquarters use only

19 © 2019 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PD#88888888

Additional References

Doctrinal Foundations
Fasting and Fast Offerings
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/fasting-and-fast-offerings

Identifying Strengths and Needs

Minister Like the Savior
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ministering/what-is-ministering
Video 3 -Simple, Individualized, and Led by the Spirit
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ministering/effective-ministering

Building Self-Reliance
My Foundations
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/course-materials/my-foundation
Self-Reliance is a Principle of Salvation
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/how-work-benefits-our-mental-healt
Making Welfare Principles a Part of Your Life
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/welfare/the-church-welfare-plan/welfare-part-of-your-life

Seeking Out Those in Need

Topic pages from Life Help:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/families-and-individuals/lifes-challenges/hope-and-help
Topic pages from Counseling Resources https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/leader/ministering-
resources?lang=eng&rdb_v_counseling-resource

Self-Reliance Plan
Instructions and Link to Self-Reliance Plan and Bishop’s Guide to Self-Reliance Plan
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/welfare/leader-resources/topic

The Lord’s Storehouse

Welfare
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/welfare
The Church Welfare Plan
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/welfare/the-church-welfare-plan
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (general conference, October 2011).
Providing in the Lord’s Way. Available online:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/providing-in-the-lords-way

Identifying Community Resources

2-1-1 Community Resources Hotline. United States @ http://211.org/, Canada @ http://211.ca

Fast Offering Administration

Sacred Funds Sacred Responsibilities training
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/help/support/recordkeeping/finance/financial-training-lessons/sacred-funds

20
 Write Your Own Case Study
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Write your own case study if none of the available cases fits your area.

When writing your own, include the following elements

Description of the family
Description of their strengths and needs
Story of who first identified they may need help (e.g. a Ministering Brother? The Relief
Society president? A young women’s leader?)
How did the unit leadership come together to help them?
What was their experience with the Self-reliance Plan?
What resources from the Lord’s Storehouse were provided? (Include community resources,
time and talent of ward members first, then Church-sponsored resources and services only if
appropriate.)
What was the result of the assistance?

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 Case Study – Alves Family
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Paulo and Fernanda are the parents of three teenage children. They joined the church five years ago.
Paulo and Fernanda moved to their new ward one year ago. They have had a difficult time getting
to know other ward members. Paulo and Fernanda both have jobs and switch off as being the
parent at home. They recently have had troubles paying their bills. Using credit cards to make
payments has increased their stress.
Paulo works in an automobile assembly company. He wants to become a lead worker to earn more
money. Fernanda works in a textile manufacturing mill. With their faster pace of life, they often find
life harder than before their move.
The Barbosa family lives close to the Alves and has children around the same age of their children.
The Barbosa’s reached out to the Alves to have them over for dinner. It was hard for them to find a
time to connect. After a couple of months of trying to get together they found a time that worked for
each of them. The Alves’s enjoyed getting to know the Barbosa’s. It felt good to get to know someone
else in the ward.
As the Barbosa’s continued to get to know the Alves family they learned of their conversion story.
They were impressed with Paulo and Fernanda’s commitment to helping their children achieve
their goals. Sister Barbosa got to know of how tired Fernanda has been feeling lately.
Sister Barbosa discussed with Brother Barbosa the idea to share about the stake self-reliance
courses. The Barbosa’s had completed one the previous year. They also felt good about offering to
have the Alves’s children come to their home while they took the course. The Barbosa’s decided to
talk to their Bishop about when the next classes were and see if he would invite them to attend.
Bishop Sousa was happy to hear of how the Alves and Barbosa families had connected. He felt good
about having a meeting with the Alves family. After a month of working to get a meeting with the
Alves’s he was able to meet them. Bishop Sousa took time to get to know them better and impressed
with their testimonies and desire to provide for their children. He felt impressed to have them
complete a Self-Reliance Plan.
Paulo and Fernanda felt good about completing the Self-Reliance plan. Each of their hours at work
increased and they were not able to complete it for two months. Once things with their work got
calmer, they filled out the plan and met with Bishop Sousa. During their meeting they each felt that
attending a self-reliance class would be helpful. When the opening devotional was held, Paulo and
Fernanda felt too tired to attend.
Bishop Sousa and the Barbosa’s were sad they were not able to attend. They continue to reach out to
the Alves family to see how they can best support them. Bishop Sousa has invited Sister Pinto, the
stake self-reliance specialist to reach out to them as well.

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 Case Study – Jimenez Family
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Raul and Daniela moved into their branch two years ago after blending their family of five children.
Raul often came late, left early, and sat alone during meetings. Due to experiences from his past he
was scared to get close with other members. Daniela looked for social support within the branch. At
the same time, she was careful to share too much about their lives.
Over time Felipe, Raul’s ministering brother made efforts to get to know him. Felipe’s consistent and
real interest helped Raul trust him. Felipe observed Raul was very good with working with hands.
He also learned that his hours at work had been cut.
Felipe was having some car troubles and thought of Raul as someone to call for help. Raul was able
to help him figure out to fix the problem. After the experience, Felipe thought of certifications that
Raul could earn at the local community college to be able to make more money. He also
remembered hearing about employment services offered through the church that could help Raul.
Felipe shared the idea with Raul for him to think about.
Raul pondered over Felipe’s thoughts and shared them with Daniela. Daniela was hopeful that the
resources could help them with their finances. They agreed to pray over it. After a month of
pondering, Raul felt that he wanted to know more. He reached out to Felipe to know how to move
forward. Felipe assisted Raul to connect with their branch president, President Reyes.
President Reyes took time to get to know Raul and Daniela in his first meeting with them. In their
second meeting Raul felt comfortable enough to share more with President Reyes. President Reyes
shared with them the self-reliance plan. Raul and Daniela took the plan home to work on. In their
next meeting Raul and Daniela shared their plan with President Reyes. They counseled together
regarding next steps to take. President Reyes approved using fast offerings to assist them with food
while they worked on paying off debts.
President Reyes also explained to Raul and Daniela the role of Sister Marquez, the stake self-
reliance specialist. Raul and Daniella arranged to meet with Sister Marquez to focus on a specific
plan regarding employment resources and needs.

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 Case Study – Khin Family
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Rathana and Bopha have been married for five years. They have two children. Rathana works as an
electrician and Bopha is a homemaker. Their youngest child, Sophea has had many health
problems. Due to their medical costs, it has been hard for them to pay all their bills.
Sister Pok and Meng, the ministering sisters for Bopha have wondered how they could help her.
Bopha has missed coming to church many times due to caring for her children. She is often
stretched by her housework and seeking medical help for her child.
It has been difficult for Sister Pok and Meng to connect with Bopha when she can talk. Over the past
year they have tried several different ways to reach out to her. Last week they found a time that
Rathana was home to care for the children and they visited with Bopha. They were both impressed
with the care Bopha provides for her family. Bopha expressed her feelings of fear she has at times.
She told them she is not sure how they will keep paying all their medical costs for Sophia.
Sister Pok and Meng asked Bopha if she would be comfortable with them sharing their concerns
with their Relief Society President, President Lay. Bopha told them she wanted to visit with Rathana
about it first. Rathana and Bopha prayed over what to do. After a few weeks they decided they
would let Sister Pok and Meng share their need with President Lay.
President Lay was able to work with the Khin family to find a time that worked for them to meet.
They discussed the self-reliance plan together. Rathana and Bopha decided it would be good to
complete a plan. Upon completing the plan, they felt it would be good to have some short-term help
while they work on paying for medical costs. President Lay worked with their Branch President to
get a food order for them. She also with the Khin’s consent visited with the ward council about how
to best help them.
In the ward council meeting, President Tang, the elders’ quorum president remembered a lead for
electrician work he heard about. President Tang worked to find out the information. He found out
the job would offer good pay and hours. He shared it with Rathana to consider. Rathana researched
the job and found out that it would give him more pay in less hours. Rathana worked with
President Tang to use a connection he had with the company to prepare his application.
Six months after their first visit with President Lay, the Khins are increasing in self-reliance. Rathana
got the electrician job with better pay two months ago. Bopha has been able to have more time out
of the home as a result. She has been able to use her teaching skills to lead primary activity days
with another sister in her branch. They are getting their medical bills paid off as a result of the fast
offering assistance.

24
 Case Study – Sherman Family
MINISTERING TO TEMPORAL NEEDS TRAINING ACTIVITY

Keith and Lilly have been married for 10 years. They have struggled with infertility their whole
marriage. The Sherman’s found it more difficult to attend church due to not having children.
Lately, Lilly also began feeling more anxious in groups.
Brother Johnson their ministering brother, noticed they had not been attending church as often.
He decided to reach out to them to see how they were doing. He was not able to get much
response from them in his first few visits. Over the winter, Brother Johnson did his best to help
them out with removing snow when he could.
After some time, the Sherman’s began to feel they could be more open with Brother Johnson.
Brother Johnson learned that Keith was talented with technology. He helped him fix a computer
problem. He also got to know of Lily’s writing skills. They also let him know of how hard it had
been for them to be active in church lately. A few weeks later Keith also let him know that he had
been let go from his job and was too embarrassed to let anyone know.
Brother Johnson asked Keith and Lily he could let the Bishop know about their needs. Due to
their trust in him they agreed. Keith and Lily met with Bishop Bailey several times to discuss
their needs. Their trust grew with Bishop Bailey as he gained understanding of them. Keith and
Lily committed to working on a self-reliance plan. In working with Bishop Bailey, Lily felt that
receiving some mental health counseling would be helpful. Keith was willing to work on
improving his ability to keep jobs.
Keith and Lilly continued to work with community resources to receive help with finances and
food. Lily began working with a counselor from Family Services to increase her coping skills.
Keith started working with the Deseret Industries to improve his work skills. Lily was called as a
ward historian. Bob was called to serve a stake technology specialist. They are growing from
their opportunities to serve. Brother Johnson continues to strengthen his friendship with them,
and they offer each other mutual support.

25