Healing ministries often emerge from a deep calling, an intuitive sense that there is more to healing than medicine alone. My path to Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (HTSM) was guided by faith, personal experience, and a desire to help others. Over the years, I have witnessed countless moments of healing, divine connection, and renewal, both in my personal journey and through the Healing Ministry at St. Lucas Lutheran Church.

The Search for More Than Medicine

Like many who enter the healing professions, my journey began with a search for something more profound. As a critical care nurse, I had dedicated my life to helping others heal, yet over time, I felt a growing sense of burnout and disconnection. I found myself asking:

"Is there more to healing than just medicine and procedures?"

That question led me to discover the Healing Touch Program (HTP) in the late 1990s, a time when integrative health and spiritual healing were still largely overlooked in mainstream healthcare. Through my studies, I connected with Linda Smith, a former nun who had expanded Healing Touch into a Judeo-Christian model, linking it to Jesus’ teachings and the early church’s healing traditions. Her work became the foundation of Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (HTSM), which blended prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing with oils—deeply rooted in ancient scripture and holistic healing traditions.

As I studied, I realized that healing has always been part of faith traditions, spanning cultures and centuries. Hands-on healing, prayer, and using plants such as essential oils have long been sacred tools for restoration and balance. Today, aromatherapy is widely used, but we must remain good stewards of the land and use plant-based healing with knowledge and respect.

A Divine Connection: The Birth of Healing Ministry at St. Lucas

While I was expanding my understanding of spiritual healing, another seeker was on her path—one that would eventually bring us together in divine synchronicity.

Jeannie had always believed in the power of faith and prayer, but when she discovered Healing Touch, she knew she had found something extraordinary. She witnessed how energy healing could restore the body, uplift the spirit, and provide deep peace for those in need.

Our paths crossed, and we felt an undeniable calling to bring this work to a broader spiritual community. We shared our ideas with Pastor Martin Billmeier, who welcomed our vision of integrating healing ministry into the church. It made perfect sense—St. Luke, the namesake of the church, was a physician and healer. What better place to revive the sacred traditions of prayer, laying on hands, and anointing with oils?

Together, with the support of church members, we introduced Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry to St. Lucas, offering a space for people to learn, pray, and become instruments of God’s healing.

The Power of Healing Hands

Since its inception, the Healing Ministry at St. Lucas has witnessed countless miracles—not always physical healing, but often through renewed peace, emotional restoration, and a profound sense of God’s presence.

One of the most moving experiences came when Jeannie worked with her father, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease. After receiving Healing Touch, something incredible happened—her children, who were used to seeing their grandfather slumped and unresponsive, watched in awe as he suddenly sat up straight and began speaking again. It was as if, for a moment, a veil had lifted, allowing him to engage with his family once more fully.

Moments like these remind us that healing is not just about curing the body—it’s about restoring the soul, bringing peace, and aligning with God’s divine presence.

Continuing the Legacy of Christ’s Healing Work

As we reflect on over 20 years of this healing ministry, we are deeply grateful for the support, faith, and commitment of the St. Lucas community. We are following in the footsteps of early Christians, who were among the first to establish healing centers, hospices, and faith-based care for those in need.

Today, our work continues, honoring the sacred teachings of Christ. Whether through prayer, hands-on healing, or anointing with oils, we remain devoted to sharing the message and ministry of divine healing.

We invite you to join us, experience healing for yourself, or learn how to bring this sacred work to others. If you are called to explore Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry or aromatherapy in your practice, I encourage you to reach out, learn more, and take the next step in your healing journey.

May we continue to be vessels of God’s healing grace.

🙏 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." – Psalm 147:3

This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, mental health, or healthcare advice.  Although Debra Reis is a Clinical Nurse Specialist licensed in the state of Michigan, she is not acting in that capacity here. Debra Reis is acting as a holistic educator and consultant, not as a licensed medical health professional or in her professional capacity as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any illness, medical condition, or mental or emotional condition. Working with us is not a guarantee of any results. Debra Reis, Wellness Services, LLC owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.