United Methodists wash feet, feed souls

On the week that Jesus died, he washed his disciples’ feet as an example of what he wanted them to do for others.

Lots of folks at Christ Church, a United Methodist congregation, get that message.

On Palm Sunday, March 25, a line of homeless people gently curved around the side of Pompano Beach (Florida) Chapel. Eagerly awaiting them were humble volunteers wearing bright red T-shirts and welcoming smiles.

As the homeless shed their old, soiled socks and shoes, they slipped their feet into plastic tubs of cool, clean water.

There were almost as many volunteers as there were pairs of feet needing tending.

There was more than enough tender, loving care.

Karen Hunsaker, a volunteer from Christ Church, carefully dries the foot of one of the homeless men who came to the foot-washing event. Photo by Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS.

Karen Hunsaker was one of the first volunteers at her station. She had been looking forward to this. Her eyes darted from the line of people to the tools at her feet. She was ready with soap, towels and blue paper booties for the newly washed feet. 

“I love doing this,” she said.

Andra Opalinski was a blur all afternoon. Opalinski, a faith-based community nurse, assistant professor of nursing at Florida Atlantic University and wife of the Rev. Bret Opalinski, is the catalyst behind this ministry. She was looking for a way to combine her professional skills with a need. Her husband is pastor of Christ Church, which has a campus in Fort Lauderdale and in Pompano Beach. It was her third year volunteering for the foot-washing, which was organized by Christ Church. She could hardly wait for the first people to come through.

A faith-based nonprofit organization was using Pompano Beach Chapel to serve meals every Sunday. Andra Opalinski felt called to do something more.

“Oddly enough, feet just kept coming up,” she said.

“There are times every year when I wonder what have I gotten myself into,” she said, laughing. “But you see lives impacted on both sides of the chairs.”

On this sunny Sunday, more than 100 people volunteered to wash feet, fill out forms, serve a meal, provide medical care or pray with a homeless community.

Children scurried back and forth from the water hose on the side of the building, filling tubs with clean water and dumping out used water in a fat, blue plastic bin.

There was as much conversation as each person required. Some laughed and joked, some sat stoic and quiet as strangers washed their feet.

Volunteering was Milton Stubbs, who considers himself a foot expert. He is trained as an orthopedic nurse.

“I like my job,” he said. “Feet are important; diabetics, especially, have a lot of foot problems. Some people almost let their feet decay because they have no insurance.”

Ivana Mercado, a registered nurse, was volunteering her expertise because “it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. It makes you feel special to serve the underserved.”

At the end of the afternoon, Andra Opalinski said 189 homeless people left with clean feet, two pairs of socks and a new pair of shoes. More than 40 nurses were on hand to treat people who needed more than a cleaning.

“I am fortunate to be able to use the professional skills I have been privileged to gain in a community of vulnerable people. I have been able to create this ministry,” she said.

Her husband said it is a reminder that every person belongs and has value.

“In all of it, the people serving and the people being served, Christ is building a community of love that reflects the Kingdom of God.”

Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at 615-742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.