why unite with CHURCH? December 8, 2003 Issue

The right step at the right time

Kazuhiko Kaneda

My family follows some Buddhist traditions but practices no religion. Before finding Christian Science I read many books on religion and philosophy. Very soon after I began studying Christian Science, I experienced proofs of God's care, such as overcoming the heavy stress of working full time and preparing for university entrance exams. But I had not yet given any serious thought to becoming a Mother Church member. I thought I probably would become a member some day. I loved what I was reading in Science and Health, but I was still a little concerned about uniting with the Church because I felt I did not fully understand the religion.

One day, a Christian Science practitioner showed me an application form for becoming a Mother Church member, and she encouraged me to apply some day. That very moment, something that Christ Jesus said came to me: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5). I felt that in meekness I should respond to this call, and I asked my friend, "Where do I sign?" At first, she did not seem to understand my question. When I said that I meant that I wanted to sign The Mother Church application form, she was surprised and delighted. It was her encouragement and Jesus' words that made me want to become a Mother Church member. That was many years ago, and I am happy to say that ever since, I have been feeling that it was right for me to take that step then. There is no reason to put off taking a right step.

Being a member of The Mother Church means to me being a disciple of Jesus, who said, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" (Matt. 10:8). Just as Jesus' 12 disciples were under his orders, so are the members of this Church. So, I think, to be a Church member is to practice Jesus' demands. Mother Church and branch church membership help me draw close to God. I become aware, even little by little, that what people call "miracles" are really the effect of seeing God's omnipotent power transcending all things material, even as Joseph, Moses, Daniel, and other prophets in the Bible were able to see.