The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith from the frontline
My name is Julie Carter, and I’m a senior housekeeper at a Pilgrims’ Friend Society care home in Leicester. No two days are ever the same. My role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including administration and infection-control cleaning as well as preparing rooms for new residents (who we call family members) and supporting the housekeeping team. We carry out all the essential cleaning tasks, from vacuuming, dusting and sanitising surfaces to cleaning bathrooms and carpets to keep rooms fresh, hygienic and welcoming. I also help ensure that the home maintains the high standards that family members, relatives and visitors expect.
One of the things I love most is being able to sing worship songs while I work. This reminds me that ordinary tasks can be an act of service to God. We also have fantastic managers who are wonderful to work with, and I feel very supported and valued in my role.
The biggest challenges are managing my time and making sure everything is ready when rooms need a quick turnaround. Housekeeping can be physically demanding too, but it is rewarding to see the difference a clean and comfortable environment makes to people.
A particularly enjoyable part of my role is spending time with family members. Whether I’m cleaning a room or simply passing someone in the corridor, I enjoy chatting with them and hearing their stories. Building those relationships is important because the home has a very warm, family-orientated atmosphere, and everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.
As a follower of Jesus, I’m guided by His words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). It is a privilege to serve both the Lord and our family members. Going the extra mile never feels like too much, especially for those who are nearing the end of their lives and may need extra care.
Prayer is a big part of my daily life. As I carry out my duties, I pray for our family members, and I continue praying for them when I get home. It’s not something I can switch off at the end of the day because I genuinely care about the people we support.
I’m very grateful for my church community. I’m part of a small group that meets every Thursday, and they regularly pray for me and my work. Recently, a team from my church visited the home for a volunteer weekend, helping with gardening, painting and decorating, which was a wonderful blessing.
Please pray that our organisation can continue providing Christian care and support to older people and serving the wider community with love, compassion and faith for years to come.
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