"What are some divine ways of serving individuals who are ill or in need of our assistance?"

Divine ways... Well, since humans are created in the Divine Image, I'll touch on human ways. I have a friend who has post-polio. She was scheduled, earlier this winter, to have surgery on one of her feet, which was collapsing due to lack of muscle tone resulting from the nerve damage from the polio. She had spent a long time in the hospital as a child, and the prospect of being in the hospital, and the relative loss of independence after release, scared her half to death.
In the last several years, we have become very close friends. I know her as well as I know my own family. And I knew she needed company. I was able to visit her twice while she was in the hospital, (it was in another city) and frequently after her release, since I was staying in her town for a couple months. There were times when she would be frightened or angry or just plain in a bad mood. And there were times when she'd push away and act as if she didn't want anyone around. All those times, I hung in there with her. If she had to cry, I let her cry, because I know that the release of sadness is much better than keeping it in. If she had to yell, I let her yell, knowing that she needed her anger for healing. I also knew that nothing she expressed would hurt me. She was often apologetic for "being bad company." I told her that I only expected her to be real. I reminded her of all the trials she had succeeded in weathering. How strong this woman is! And how grateful I am to be her friend! I know that my presence in her life helped her get through the ordeal of her surgery and recovery. She tells me so every time we're together. It was not hard or heroic for me to spend time with her. I love her. She's a dear friend. And the times we have spent together, even when one or both of us have been "at our worst" have been catalysts for both of our spiritual growth. That says it all.If I were to sum up the one quality that stands out in this situation, it would be unconditional acceptance.
Rachel Cammack, Washington, USA**********************************

Remember the saying: 'Of all the pilgrimages, the greatest is to relieve the sorrow-laden heart.'" ('Abdu'l-Baha, Translated by Shoghi Effendi, Star of the West, Vol. XlV #1) We are told: "Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers donot gain more from it is because they have not learned to fully draw on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith" (Shoghi Effendi, Directives of the Guardian, p. 27)
How can we learn to accomplish this? "
We should all visit the sick.
When they are in sorrow and suffering,
it is a real help and benefit to have a friend come.
Happiness is a great healer to those who are ill.
In the East it is the custom to call upon the patient often and meet him individually . . . This has greater effect than the remedy itself.
You must always have this thought of love and affection when you visit the ailing and afflicted."
('Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 204)

"When at the bedside of a patient, cheer and gladden his heart and enrapture his spirit through celestial power. Indeed, such a heavenly breath quickeneth every mouldering bone and reviveth the spirit of every sick and ailing one." ('Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 151) "
...if a doctor consoles a sick man by saying, "Thank God you are better, and there is hope of your recovery," though these words are contrary to the truth, yet they may become the consolation of the patient and the turning point of the illness. This is not blameworthy." ('Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 215-6)
Susan Gammage, Ontario, Canada********************************

It has become a habit within our family at the sound or sight of an ambulance, fire-engine or other emergency service vehicle to stop whatever we are doing and to say some prayers hopefully to ease the suffering or panic of those in peril, and to bring them some measure of comfort. It is the least we can do, and is something we would encourage us all to do.
Charles Boyle, Townsville, Australia******************************

The question brought to mind the experience of our family during the terminal illness of my father over the last year and a half. My father was Ron Parsons, known to many of you. As his terminal illness progressed, he became unable to leave his bed, or read the Baha'i Writings that had always been so dear to him.It was because of his great love for the Word, that his family and Baha'i community set up a cassette player in his room. When nobody could physically be present to say prayers or be with him, tapes of Baha'i music, but also of prayers and of the World Congress in New York were played, even while he was asleep. His soul was, then, surrounded by the breaths of the spirit constantly: "...in this new age the Manifest Light hath, in His holy Tablets, specifically proclaimed that music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart." (Selections from the Writings of Abdul Baha, p.112)
Besides the physical care we could give my father at home, this was one way in which we could feel assured that healing for his soul could also be provided.
Ann Murdoch, British Columbia, Canada