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Following President Russell M. Nelson’s April 2018 announcement of a “newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others,” members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have sought to minister in more Christlike ways. Responding to a recent invitation to share ministering experiences, members across the Asia North Area offer simple but powerful examples of personal revelation, quiet service, and Christlike love that strengthen faith, nurture lasting relationships, and bless individuals one by one.
Shared stories reveal a common pattern: meaningful ministering is often quiet, personal, and consistent. Faithful ministers seek inspiration to understand what individuals need and then act in simple ways that help others feel remembered, included, and loved.
One woman feels impressed to send a friend a General Conference message that teaches, “worthiness is not flawlessness.” The message arrives at exactly the right moment. The friend later shares that it answers prayers she has offered for a long time and gives her the courage to seek help and move forward with greater peace.
A young woman is struggling deeply when a leader sits beside her and quietly sings “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” The hymn and the spirit in which it is offered bring comfort and healing. Years later, that same young woman becomes a leader who reaches out to others in similar ways.
Sometimes ministering is remarkably simple. One member feels an unusual prompting to take dried persimmons to another member. Upon arriving, the surprised recipient explains that they had recently been wishing for exactly that treat. What seems like a small gesture becomes a reminder that God is mindful of individuals and their needs.
Many examples show that ministering is less about a single act and more about consistent relationships. A seminary teacher regularly travels long distances to visit students, deliver birthday gifts, study the scriptures with them, and encourage them individually. One young man initially shows little interest in seminary, but her steady love and personal attention help awaken a desire to learn the gospel. Over time he completes seminary, serves a mission, and later marries in the temple.
Many of the stories involve relationships that continue long after a specific assignment or event has ended. Young single adults who serve as youth conference counselors stay connected with youth through messages, scripture study groups, temple visits, and simple acts of friendship. What begins as a one-week experience often develops into years of friendship, encouragement and mentorship.
Ministering assignments also involve and strengthen the rising generation. Adult companions intentionally work alongside youth, treating them as true partners and helping them learn that caring for others is not something reserved for later in life but something they can do now. Across the area, young women, young men, and young single adults are helping others feel welcomed, included, and supported through simple acts of friendship and service. In one example, a group of young men prepare handwritten cards, uplifting messages, and expressions of encouragement for older members facing serious health challenges, helping them feel remembered and loved.
In one gathering, youth speak openly about worries related to school, future plans, and personal challenges. As they listen to one another, offer encouragement, and promise to pray for each other, they demonstrate that ministering often comes from peers walking side by side through life's challenges.
Many experiences focus on helping people participate more fully in gospel life. After noticing that some senior members can no longer attend the temple because transportation has become difficult, one sister organizes regular rides and opportunities for fellowship. Her efforts allow many to worship in the temple again and enjoy fellowship with friends they might otherwise see only rarely.
Another faithful sister travels long distances each month to attend the temple. Yet one of her most memorable acts of service occurs when she notices a young couple struggling to balance temple worship with caring for small children. She willingly sets aside her own plans and watches the children so the parents can participate together. In doing so, she demonstrates that ministering often means placing another person's needs before our own.
In another example, a leader feels impressed to visit a less-active member who has not attended church for decades. Finding no one at home, he leaves only a simple note with contact information. Sometime later, the recipient discovers the note during a difficult period in life and decides to return to church. Today he attends regularly and is preparing to return to the temple.
Shared stories suggest that ministering rarely involves dramatic moments. More often, it consists of a message sent at the right time, a hymn quietly sung, a ride offered, a handwritten note, a thoughtful gift, or years of patient encouragement. These simple acts may seem small, but they help people feel seen, remembered, and loved.
The experiences shared from across the Asia North Area suggest that the lasting fruit of ministering is found not merely in service rendered, but in relationships nurtured, faith strengthened, and lives quietly blessed. Through these inspired, Christlike acts of love and service, members are putting into practice the "newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others" introduced by President Nelson.