“Did you say a foot care ministry?”  Yes, that’s right.  A FOOT CARE MINISTRY.  The First mention of this endeavor invariably brings a request to repeat what you said, then a chuckle and perplexed frown.  However, it doesn’t take long for a Christian to see past the unusual nature of such a ministry to the spiritual implications for all involved.

For Immanuel Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Ark., the idea of a foot care ministry began when member Anita Hammack read an article in the January 1993 Royal Service about non-traditional, part-time missionaries who spend “their vacations and spare time filling needs. . . “  The article mentioned Frances Parker, a Virginia woman who, “after her conversion to Christ, wanted ‘to do something Jesus would do.’  She got permission from health authorities and began a foot-washing ministry in the neighborhood surrounding her church.  It was targeted toward older adults who found it difficult to reach their feet and toes because of physical limitations. . . To the question, “Why are you doing this?” Frances and her group have a ready-made answer which they are happy to share.”

Mrs. Hammack, a recently retired registered nurse,  was moved by this account and thought that her congregation and community could benefit from such a ministry.  Her excitement was contagious, and Immanuel’s Women on Mission conducted a survey to determine interest.  After the need was confirmed, the ladies participated in several hours of training.  “A medical doctor talked to us about the importance of foot care and how to properly assess feet,” Anita explains.  “Teaching is an important part of our ministry.  It’s also vital that we know our limitations and when to make referrals to a physician.”

Anita then went to a foot care clinic to observe and get hands-on experience and spent time with a diabetic educator to learn about foot care for diabetics.  She returned to the ladies at Immanuel and shared what she had learned.

Next the group spent time learning to trim nails by practicing on artificial nails.  Then came the moment of reckoning; they would practice on each other.  “That was a fun time,” Anita remembers.  “We laughed and apologized about our feet.  We all were embarrassed.  But it helped us realize how sensitive people are about exposing their feet.”

God has visibly blessed the ministry.  In June 1993 the ladies opened for business one Monday each month with 14 clients, and in May 2001 the ministry operates two days per month with 50-60 clients.  One day is open to the public and the other to residents of a near-by retirement home.  The clinic is funded by contributions and amazingly has missed only one day since 1993.

Anita is quick to give God the glory for the ministry’s success.  “God has blessed in a marvelous way in providing workers and funds.  In addition to foot care providers, we also need receptionists and people to take blood pressure readings, empty and sterilize water basins, launder towels and clean up.  The men and youth of the church help by setting up on the Sunday evenings before clinic days, and ladies bring us lunch on the day we work all day.  And God has led people from five other churches to participate.

“The most significant thing about this ministry is that it provides a vehicle through which we can show and tell God’s love.  We have the opportunity to pray with people who are facing hospitalization or tests and those facing changes in their lives, and we’ve seen an 86-year-old man come to Christ.  When we provide foot care, we are saying in a hands-on way, ‘God loves you.’”

If you would like information on operating a foot care ministry, write:

Anita Hammack 
2425 Ionia
Fort Smith, AR 72901