DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD & CLOTHING

Bible Teachers International collects food and clothing donations that are to be distributed as needed to the BTI membership, those in the community and at global evangelism meetings. The food & clothing items are for those in need and who cannot afford to purchase them. Food is not to be given to someone who does not feel like going to the grocery store or clothing to someone who just likes a particular clothing item but is not in need of it.

Distribution of Food

A. Once received; each food item should be properly sorted and stocked until it is distributed. Shelves and cupboards are to be cleaned on a bi-weekly basis.

B. It is very important that expiration dates be checked and that food be distributed on a first-in, first-out basis. This will ensure that the recipients are receiving fresh food items. All expired foods must be thrown out immediately.

C. It is important that there be food in the storehouse at all times in case of an emergency. However, we do not want the same food to sit for months before it is distributed. Items such as milk and eggs expire quickly and should be given out immediately. Therefore, the sisterhood should seek out those who are in need of food on a bi-weekly basis and fill a basket for them.

D. When filling a basket try to include a meat, a vegetable, a starch and a desert when possible.

Distribution of Clothing

Once clothing (including shoes) is received then proceed according to the following:

a. check clothing for stains and smell for offensive odors. If the item is clean then proceed with

b. If the item is not clean, then it should be washed before it is distributed. If the item is still badly

stained after washing or still has an offensive odor then discard immediately.

c. sort item according to size. c. fold or hang item in the proper place until needed.

VISITATION TO THE SICK & SHUT-IN

The Word of God admonishes us to visit the sick, the imprisoned, feed the hungry, clothed the naked and to remember the widows and orphans. Jesus also declared that when we do these things that we are indeed doing them unto Him. Let us look at St. Matthew the 25th Chapter.

Matthew 25: 34-40

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,

YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME.

We must keep in mind that our purpose for visiting the sick is to encourage, impart hope and to present Christ. They should feel our care and concern. Upon our departure, the patient should be left with the testimony that they were visited by Christ. With this in mind, please be mindful to observe the following guidelines when visiting the sick and shut-in:

a. We recommend that teams of two to three persons cover a visitation.

b. When possible, take a male when visiting a male patient.

c. If the team is riding together, then the team should pray together prior to the visitation.

d. Offer prayers on behalf of the patient, their loved ones and ask that your visitation be fruitful.

e. If the team informs a patient that they will visit them at a certain time, then the team needs to

arrive at that time. If the team is behind schedule, then someone from the team needs to

contact the patient or a family member to see if the visitation needs to be rescheduled.

Praying for a Patient

You never know what you may be faced with; therefore you must be prayerful and watchful. Be lead by the Holy Spirit. If He leads you to pray inwardly during your visit, do so. Should you desire to pray for the patient out loud, then make certain to ask their permission, first. When you pray, do not try to impress anyone. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer. You do not have to pray so loud that you become a distraction to other patients, family members and the hospital staff. Remember, God is moved by prayers that are prayed in sincerity, faith and from a heart that is pure. Always consult the Holy Ghost on what to say and allow Him to discern the person and their spiritual location.

You may be led to read a scripture that will minister to them (don’t preach), or sing a song (softly). If a patient should refuse prayer, do not argue with them and if the Holy Spirit directs you not to inquire further, then don’t. However, if the Holy Spirit leads you to ask them why they refused prayer, then ask them in a spirit of meekness, for this may be an open door for the Lord to further minister to them.

Disposition

The team must be mindful to observe all the rules and/or guidelines of the hospital, nursing home or the patient’s home. We should refrain from loud talking, loud laughter or crude jokes. Our visit should not add to the patient’s distress. Do not talk or gossip about others who may have died from the same illness or disease. If there is an unpleasant odor in the room due to the patient’s illness, then be mindful of your facial expression. Just ignore the odor and do not make any offensive comments.

If a person has cancer, AIDS or some other terminal disease, they may look different from the way you last saw them. Therefore, we must be mindful not to look surprised or disgusted at their appearance. Exercise self-control by keeping your composure. The patient may already feel embarrassed about their condition so never make the comment, “You look bad,” or “What has happened to you?” These comments are not Christ-like and will most certainly make the patient feel worse.

Visiting a Patient at their Home

As with visits to the hospital the same guidelines apply when visiting a patient at their home with the addition of the following guidelines. Do not go into other areas of the house without permission. If you need to use the restroom, ask permission to use it and then proceed. Eat before you go and make certain to bring your own beverage. The patient may be confined to their bed or a wheelchair and may not have the strength or ability to get you something to drink. Remember, we are not there to be a burden to them, but a comfort.

How To Entreat Family Members

There may be an unsaved spouse, mate, or family member present. We are ministers at all times and these individuals are souls that can be won to God. Show yourself friendly and encouraging to them. Do not get into debates or arguments about religion, church, or other related matters. Leave them with a fond memory of you and the ministry. Limit Your Visit When you enter a room, greet the patient and any other person(s) who may be sharing the room. We should always encourage and edify. Let them know how good it is to see them. If the person does not respond or wants to be bothered, do not become offended but remain pleasant, and change the subject to another topic that is more acceptable to the patient. Remember your purpose for being there, and make the visit short but not abrupt.

Be mindful and courteous to other patients sharing the room. This could be another opportunity to show the love of Christ. It is sometimes assumed that because one is a Christian, our sole purpose is to change their belief system. They may put up a “front” to protect themselves and entreat you negatively. However you should remember that you are there to be a blessing and do not take it personally but remain spiritual allowing the Holy Ghost to operate.

A patient may be in pain or on medication that causes drowsiness, or other side effects. They may just need some rest and if you stay too long you defeat the purpose of your visit. You do not want a patient to think . . . “I wish she would go home!” Items To Take To A Patient Take items such as cards, flowers, money or any gift that is acceptable for the hospital. Do not take food or beverages of any kind to a patient unless you have permission to do so. Many patients are on special diets and their recovery could depend on them remaining faithful to that diet.

BENEVOLENCE TO BEREAVED FAMILIES

There are two categories that will need to be considered when ministering to those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. While interacting with the family, you will be able to discern or ask if the deceased was saved. Their answer will determine the content of your ministry to them.

1. If the person was not saved, this is not the time to tell the family that their loved one is in hell. Your responsibility is to bring comfort to the family by making sure they understand that God is a God of comfort and that in times like these you can experience His love and comfort. There are some family members who may be bitter or angry because of the loss. Minister to them that God is not slack in His promises towards us and is not willing that any should perish but that all would come into the knowledge of Him, and be saved (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

2. If the deceased person was saved, then the Sisterhood should encourage the family by reminding them that their loved one is in the presence of God and that there will be a great reunion in heaven when Jesus comes back for those who are in Him. Tell them of the thousand years reign with Christ. You do not have to go into a preaching session to encourage them in God. Ministry to them in this way will not only lift the burden, but will encourage them to get to know God in a more personal way.

SERVICING REPASTS

The Sisterhood will also be called upon at times to serve food and beverages at the repast of those BTI members who have died. The family will usually inform us when our help is needed. The Sisterhood is not responsible for paying for the food to be served. The monies should be supplied by the family. However, there may be times when we will be asked to cook a dish or to purchase something for the repast. The menu will be determined by the sisterhood president and communicated to the PSA board. The Sisterhood will be responsible for the set-up and clean-up unless other arrangements have been made.

DRESSING MODESTLY

In the sight of God it is more important that the inward man be adorned with meekness and a quiet spirit than the adorning of the flesh. A holy woman must be aware of the impression she gives or the signal she sends to others. One of the functions of the Holy Ghost in our lives is to lead and guide us in ways that are acceptable to God, but we must be willing to listen to Him and not override Him because of our own desires.

If a woman dresses in a way that exposes too much flesh, she must ask herself why? She needs to be tutored in holiness by those who have overcome the lust of the flesh. Our bodies are the residence of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Dresses or tops that are low cut and expose too much of the bosom area; skirts or dresses with hems that are above the knee; articles of clothing that are tight fitting are just a few examples of apparel that holy women should not wear.

1 Peter 3:3-4

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price.

BAPTISM

The president or her designees is responsible for meeting with the female candidates for baptism to instruct them relative to proper dress for the ceremony. The Sisterhood should purchase white baptismal robes and have them clean, pressed and ready for candidates. These robes can be purchased from dues collected.

DUES

The board has operating expenses and a part of being a board member is to contribute dues. Each location will agree on an amount payable monthly. If a member is unable to contribute the suggested figure, the President should be informed and a pledge be made of an amount that can be afforded. One should try to give towards the dues, no matter how small.