I was in Russia through the revolution. In 1924 I came to America, and in 1926 I became very ill. A friend told me about Christian Science, but at that time I could read only a few words of English. After I had consulted three doctors and gained no relief, I went to a Christian Science Reading Room and asked the librarian for a copy, in Russian, of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I was told that the textbook was not translated into Russian, whereupon I started to cry. I told the librarian that Christian Science was my last hope, and now I could not have it because I could not read the English language. The lady was loving and kind to me. She recommended, since I was planning to remain in the United States, that I buy a copy of Science and Health and see what God could do for me to help me read the book. I then bought a copy.
Although I could not read English, each morning I would sit down with the book and read the words that I could understand, such as "God" and "man," and I read the book through in this manner the first time. Then it occurred to me that I should take my Russian English dictionary and read the book thoroughly. This I did. Our beloved Leader tells us that "desire is prayer" (Science and Health, p. 1). So I prayed the best I knew how for God to lead me and to give me understanding. I learned to read the English language through reading Science and Health. This was wonderful, as it was so clear to me that in reality there is only God and one real language—the language of Spirit.
Now I read English freely and easily. And I have received many blessings and healings in Christian Science, such as freedom from stomach trouble, nervousness, loneliness, fevers, moodiness, and unlovely traits of character and disposition. For the demonstration that I have had in regard to supply, I am also very grateful.
