I've Found That a public ministry grows out of life-practice. Allowing this unfoldment to take place can lead to the greatest adventure in human experience—Christian healing.

Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear" (Science and Health, p. 506). To me, healing is a cherishing, nurturing activity. Like the bud of a flower opening, it can't be forced. But isn't it great to know that God, the Master Gardener of the universe, nurtures this unfoldment in our lives?

Healing is never a personal accomplishment. The activity of the Christ, God's message of salvation, brings healing. You may remember Jesus' encouragement that those who believed in him would also do the works that he did (see John 14:12), as well as his command to his disciples "Heal the sick" (Matt. 10:8). So the unfoldment of healing in our lives today is in obedience to this command.

I love to remember experiences that served as evidence to me that God was at work, unfolding this flower of healing in my life.

For example, when I was 15, I was riding a motorcycle on a narrow country road. A puppy darted from the side of the road, right into my path. There was nothing I could do to avoid hitting it. But my prayers began instantly. I can hardly describe the joy I felt as the little puppy stirred, opened his eyes, and bounded off. It was obvious to me this dog was completely free.

A couple of years later, a friend called and said she had a very painful sore throat and asked if I would pray for her. I said I would, and began to pray immediately. The next day she was healed.

One day I read about two young pioneering Christian Scientists who had begun their public healing ministry of Christian Science as teenagers. I still remember the awe I felt. At that moment I could see the "possibility" of healing as a career for me. Not long after that, I was in a mall with a friend. Right near us a man had collapsed and lay motionless on the floor. Someone called out, "Does anyone know first aid?" Well, I did. But in this case I knew what my first aid had to be. I simply knelt down next to the man and took his hand. I closed my eyes and prayed. All the stir and shouting faded from my consciousness, and I felt the calm assurance that God was this man's life and the only Life. I felt a strong grip from the man, and as my eyes opened, our eyes met and he simply said, "God bless you." He got up and walked away. Evidently he was quite well. My friend and I were sure we had shared something very special.

As I continued my university studies in journalism and Latin American studies, at the same time I was also seriously studying Christian Science.

During my senior year, I applied to a teacher of Christian Science for admission to the class in Christian healing she would hold in the summer, and I was accepted. It was a wonderful time filled with moments of great spiritual insight and deep spiritual growth. When the class was over, I felt that healing was something I had to put into practice—and now, not later. I devoted myself to a deep study of the Bible and Science and Health.

Then some very supportive steps unfolded. My local branch Church of Christ, Scientist, elected me to serve as First Reader. I was also offered a position as swimming pools director in my hometown, where I had worked as a lifeguard before. I accepted both jobs.

The job as Reader served as a great direction for my spiritual study, while the pool job kept me engaged with my community. I had wonderful opportunities to work with kids, which was one of my great loves. And there were many occasions for me to pray and grow spiritually.

The next spring, I rented my first office for the public practice of Christian Science. Right out front was my "shingle," Richard W. Stewart C. S., Christian Science Practitioner. Several years later, I started advertising in The Christian Science Journal.

But, you know, this was no giant leap out into the unknown. God's love had led me forward and allowed the healing practice to unfold as naturally as a flower. And when inevitable challenges popped up along the way, I could always affirm that it was God's law of orderly unfoldment that was operating. I trusted my life and my practice of healing to His care. And I still do. css