One cannot study and practice Christian Science without bringing a certain order to his thinking, a certain discipline to his life. These are qualities that are valuable in any experience, but are indispensable to effective organization. It is not surprising then to find Christian Scientists in the armed forces accepting grave responsibilities, following through with tact and precision, in short, expressing a natural leadership. Spiritualization of thought gives them a progressive and harmonizing attitude. It introduces into their experiences a sense of proportion, leveling the extremes of material sense evidence with the confidence of spiritual facts.
Christian Science Wartime Ministers and volunteer Workers who are serving in the various camps are privileged in their unique relationship with these young men and women. Many of these young people are away from home for the first time and eagerly welcome this loving provision of The Mother Church for their spiritual progress and well-being. Others have only a beginning interest in this vital subject of Christian Science and find the guidance of a larger experience most helpful. These ministers and workers are learning that where the truth is understood and appreciated, the receptive thought seeks it out and affiliates with it. To be where they should be, to offer the bread of assurance and comfort, to take to each and all impartially the message of that perfect love which casts out fear—this constitutes the ministry of these workers.
The Christian Science Camp Welfare Activities is, as indicated, an activity of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and by that token it is an activity to be supported by the members and friends of this church. Under the general supervision of The Christian Science Board of Directors, effective work is being done in ministering to the spiritual needs, and to the physical comfort, where that is proper and practical, of Christian Scientists and others. The inspiration and confidence that Christian Science gives to its students stem from the conviction that it is indeed the revelation of divine Truth; that it is the fulfillment of prophecy—the Comforter which was foretold by Christ Jesus, and which he said would come in his name and teach us all things (John 14:26). And the Camp Welfare work is one of the ways through which this healing message of the Christ-consciousness is going to the men and women of the military and naval services.
