Catherine Duke says as a nurse, she has a “unique opportunity” — she’s with people at a time in their lives when they are often more willing to talk about faith. So she takes those opportunities, as do other members of the Alabama Baptist Nursing Fellowship.

“This is the whole premise of the BNF, ‘to empower, educate and encourage healthcare professionals to use their healthcare skills to be on mission for Christ,’” said Catherine, who serves as team leader for Alabama BNF.

Last year, Alabama BNF members blessed the hands of 823 graduating senior nurses across 19 college campuses, prayed for them and put a Bible in their hands.

“To be able to impact that many nursing students as they’re going out to the field, that’s amazing,” Catherine said. “To me it’s one of the biggest opportunities we have.”

It’s a big statement, because they have a lot of opportunities. Each year, they provide hundreds of survival kits to women and children through hospitals in the state and take part in several medical missions events.

They also put on health fairs all over Alabama and, in addition to medical screenings, offer Bibles and reading glasses.