HONG KONG (SE): On September 16, Samaritan’s Feet Hong Kong, in collaboration with Project House, held a service event for elderly residents of the Central and Western District, offering a moving combination of foot washing, prayer, and the gift of new shoes.
Samaritan’s Feet is part of an international Christian NGO dedicated to serving the poor, the forgotten, and the lonely around the world. Inspired by Jesus’ example in John 13:14–15, the ministry uses the simple yet powerful act of foot washing to embody the Gospel message of humility and love.
The event welcomed around 36 elderly participants, many of whom were already connected to Project House’s community services. Volunteers, most of whom were serving in this way for the first time, were divided into groups of foot washers, water helpers, and slipper runners. Each elderly participant was offered prayer, encouragement, and a pair of slip-proof flip-flops to take home.
For many volunteers, the experience was deeply spiritual. Jennifer Wu, one of the foot washers, described it as “a humbling experience” that allowed her to connect with strangers in a sacred way. “I’ve always found it awkward to bring up the gospel suddenly,” she explained. “But Samaritan’s Feet’s simple model naturally opened up conversations that directly led us to talk about Christ. It felt as if Jesus was there with me, washing the feet of the elderly.”
Another volunteer reflected on the initial hesitation of washing a stranger’s feet, but found courage in Christ’s words: “Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). “Every elderly person I met became a God encounter that I did not expect. The simple act of washing their feet seemed to break down barriers between people who had never met before,” the volunteer shared.
The volunteers emphasised how blessed they felt by the openness of the elderly, who not only allowed them to wash their feet but also shared heartfelt stories of their lives. The event, carried out in an ecumenical spirit, was described as a glimpse of Christ’s broken body coming together in love and service.
Organisers hope the initiative will inspire more people to embrace this model of evangelisation, which they describe as “simple, effective, and direct.” The event closed with a prayer for the elderly and volunteers, asking that all may be filled with the merciful heart of the Father and the peace of the Spirit.
