THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602210145
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
LOVE IS measured by the foot at Nansemond River Baptist Church.
Senior citizens may arrive weary, but they leave on happy feet - toenails cleaned and clipped, feet massaged and dry skin filed.
The free foot ministry, which began 10 months ago, is offered monthly.
``I've been coming here since May. My husband used to cut my toenails, but he cut my toes too many times,'' said Irene Kearney. ``Also, I don't have much use of my right arm.''
For people in that predicament, volunteers also work on fingernails. For people who look as if they have serious foot problems, visits to a doctor is recommended.
The woman in charge of the program is qualified to make those recommendations, and conduct the ministry.
Faye Griffin, a member of the church, is a professional cosmetologist and instructor, and does foot massages for Dr. Catherine Sears, a Portsmouth chiropractor.
She studied the gentle art of massage reflexology in Kansas City and Oklahoma City.
``I use it while working for Dr. Sears,'' Griffin said. ``It relaxes the patient.
``When I first moved to the area someone came to my house to talk,'' she said. ``She found out what I did for a living and said she was involved with a foot ministry at Grove Park Baptist Church in Portsmouth.
``The visit planted a seed,'' Griffin said, ``and the Lord laid it on my heart to check into it.''
She taught others how to handle feet, and the church was ready for its unique ministry.
``During the visit we talk to the people, listen to them, spread the gospel,'' Griffin said.
They spread. They don't push. It is a soft sell, neighbor-to-neighbor approach in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.
Many of the seniors, enjoying the time they have while utilizing the ministry, are month-to-month returnees.
If they have no transportation, the church provides it.
``We get to know the people. They come back each month. We enjoy good fellowship,'' Griffin said. ``The ministry is open to the community.''
The 16 men and women involved are members of Nansemond River Baptist.
``When we began, we practiced by working on each other,'' said Toni Harbage.
``If you can cut your own toenails, you're qualified to work with us. If you love people, love your neighbor, you can get involved,'' she said. ``If we get more people, we'll expand - make it all day. You can be part of the foot ministry, once you figure out how to cut nails without cutting the toes off.''
Foot humor.
The mood in church is light and happy. Doughnuts and juice are served - new friends are made.
In Hampton Roads, a foot ministry began 11 years ago at Grove Park.
``Frances Parker had the desire to express her love of the Lord,'' Griffin said. ``She wanted to help people do something they can't do for themselves and came up with this idea.
``There was one person there the first day,'' she said. ``Now, they have more than 100 in one day.''
Similar ministries are conducted at Bayside Presbyterian Church and Baylake United Methodist Church, both in Virginia Beach.
In all locales, the services are free.
``No charge, but donations are accepted. We use the money to buy tools, cotton and alcohol,'' Griffin said. ``Hofheimer's donated the foot stools; Bennett's Creek Pharmacy, the latex surgical gloves.''
Dr. Peter Grenkewitz of Portsmouth, a podiatrist, is an adviser; Dr. Lynn Stockman of Suffolk is on call.
For the foot ministry recipient, it is a time for relaxation.
``First, we check their feet, then soak them about 15 or 20 minutes,'' Griffin said. ``Then, the nails get cut, cleaned and filed. Then, the foot is massaged.''
The volunteers, she explained, are inspired by I John 3:16 which says, ``We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.''
There is another motto: ``If your feet feel good, you feel better all over.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: Foot ministry
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the second Saturday of each month
Where: Nansemond River Baptist Church, 2896 Bridge Road (U.S. 17)
Call: 686-2874. Free transportation available. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Faye Griffin leads the foot ministry at Nansemond River Baptist
Church.
by CNB