Looking Back

In March 1970 the importance of listening was highlighted - and the message remains relevant today.

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The Ministry of ‘Listening’.

By Mary Andere

Only a few years ago there was an organised Christian Telephone Service. Then, sadly, for lack of funds, it had to close down. A ‘listening ministry’ is, however, a valid form of service for Christ.

There are many lonely souls in the world, anxious and frightened. Those of us who have met and overcome problems should be particularly aware of the unhappiness of those others.

The Real Enemy

Perhaps one way in which we can show gratitude to God is by this service of ‘listening’.

Many an elderly person is greatly cheered by an occasional unexpected telephone call. Just to know that someone has thought of ringing is heart-warming.

For the lonely, a letter, or a telephone call makes all the difference to life.

When problems go round and round in the mind, and grow larger and more ominous with each revolution, the fact of putting them into words enables many people to face up and cope with them.

It is the phantom thoughts which are the real enemy. Forced out into cold, plain words, they assume different proportions, can be seen, investigated, weighed in the balance, and dealt with.

The Healing Factor

We don’t have to be wells of wisdom before we can be listeners. We need only love, patience, the readiness to give our time, and willingness to pray for the speaker.

The world is not suffering from lack of intelligence, or a dearth of genius today, but it is slowly starving for want of compassion.

Loving Concern

Often it is genuinely not possible to spare the time at a precise moment; for instance if we are serving a meal, or entertaining a guest; but we can explain the situation, offer to ring back, suggest another time for ‘phoning, or fix a meeting.

So long as there is someone who cares and will listen – that is the real healing factor.

And by our patience and loving concern, anxious souls may gradually be led to Him who is the perfect Listener.

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