Recently, the ladies of Ignite (our college and young professionals ministry) held a spa night at the church. They invited the women from a local homeless shelter to come and be pampered at our makeshift spa. Now I must confess that, as a man, I don't understand the desire that most women have to let total strangers care for their feet. For her birthday, my wife wanted a gift certificate for a pedicure at a local nail salon. When paying the bill, I looked to the back and saw a man sitting in a special chair with his pant legs rolled up, getting a pedicure - hairy legs and all. It was disgusting. I can understand if a man has medical issues (diabetes, etc.) and needs a pedicure for health reasons. Otherwise, that's just nasty. Now what was I saying? Oh yeah, caring for other people's feet. Our church has never held a foot washing service, but if we did, I imagine most members would quickly pour the water, apply the towel and feel good for having emulated Jesus. But what these young ladies did the other night took foot washing to another level. They humbled themselves, understanding, but for the grace of God, any of us could be homeless. The women of the shelter were treated like royalty. Most of us would never touch another person's feet, but our Ignite ladies washed, moisturized and painted the nails of stranger's feet. They served in other ways as well, but this one example reminded me of Jesus more than any other. I am so proud of Ignite. They really are on fire for God and it shows. Our focus should be outward and our service should impact those who don't know Jesus. Last Sunday, a lady visiting our church for the first time approached me and said, "Pastor, I am one of those ladies from the shelter who attended the spa the other night." She was served on Friday and came back on Sunday - all because a group of college students picked up the towel and basin and decided to care for others in Jesus name. Way to go Ignite.CAP
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