Imagine getting your nails done for free while a live music group serenades you. That’s what BJU students do for the residents of Laurel Baye Healthcare twice a month.
Started four years ago, this outreach meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month at Laurel Baye Healthcare on Rutherford Road from 1:45-3:30 p.m. to serve the ladies at the home in a unique way — through nail painting and music.
Bethany Pursel, a junior music education major, is the outreach leader. Pursel said they cheerfully greet the residents, help them pick out their favorite nail polish color and ask them how their week has been. “They like to talk about their families, especially their grandchildren,” Pursel said.
The facility has several pianos, so those who play piano or other instruments provide music for the residents as they get their nails done.
An Le, a sophomore premed major, is one of the pianists. Le said her favorite part of the extension is “ministering to the ladies while I paint their nails and perform music and getting to know the girls in the group.” Le has especially enjoyed getting to know and witness to a lady, with whom she formed a connection and then a friendship based on a mutual love for music. Le’s discipleship group is now faithfully praying for her salvation.
The Laurel Baye Healthcare extension is a ministry that provides a variety of opportunities for a variety of students. “We need people to pray with the residents, people to encourage the residents spiritually, people to build friendships with the residents by listening to them and interacting with them, and people to play uplifting music for the residents,” Pursel said.
The outreach doesn’t require any prior nail painting experience, just a desire to serve people and show the love of Jesus. Le said, “The number one reason to go is because the extension provides a great opportunity to share the Gospel with elderly women and to encourage those who live there and meet a small need like painting their nails for them.”
If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact Bethany Pursel at [email protected].
