A report-back meeting given by a group of young people who attended a Christian Science International Youth Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, prompts me to write this testimony. The freshness, spontaneity, understanding, and sincerity shown by these students has made me aware of the immense debt of gratitude I owe for all the good being brought to light through the study of this Science.
I am grateful to God for the biblical prophets who glimpsed the Christ; for our great Master, the gentle, loving Christ Jesus; for Mrs. Eddy, who selflessly and fearlessly gave her all to share with mankind her discovery of Christian Science; and for the faithful workers throughout the world, who are courageously standing firm in their understanding that there is only one power —God, good.
During World War I my mother heard about Christian Science and felt sure it was what she had been looking for all her life. She was then living in a remote corner of Central Africa and seemed far from any help. In the most unexpected way a student of Christian Science came to her door and was able to explain to her how to study. I had the privilege of knowing no other form of religious teaching, and from the age of four I was able to attend the Christian Science Sunday School.
Despite this, I found I had to work out many problems before I was ready for membership in The Mother Church and a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. One of the many lessons learned was before and during the birth of our first two children. The lesson was that there is no compromise with material medical theories, and that one has to take a radical stand for Truth. Once this lesson had been learned, seemingly insurmountable obstacles were removed, and the way opened up for me to take class instruction.
This proved to be a turning point in my life. I was so busy studying to improve my understanding that it was some time before I realized that I was free from migraines that had worried me for over twenty years. I also found myself gardening, lifting heavy objects, and playing tennis with complete freedom from backache, which had bothered me in the past. My husband has always supported me in having our sons attend the Christian Science Sunday School regularly, and has always agreed to their having Christian Science help in time of need. This has meant a great deal to me, particularly as he is a member of the medical profession.
Among the countless ways in which my family and I have been helped through the years, the following healings stand out to me: With the prayers of a Christian Science practitioner our two small sons were instantaneously healed of the aftereffects of multiple bee stings. Another son, who was swimming, was washed by the tide to safety; only a few minutes before he had been dragged by the strong sea currents toward some rocks. Instead of calling for help when I saw what was happening, I was able to remain calm, remembering lines from Psalms 46 (v. 10): "Be still, and know that I am God." This verse, when clearly understood, has often brought peace and calmed fear in times of urgency.
More recently while on an ocean cruise I witnessed the calming of the sea and the diversion of a cyclone from our path. This cyclone was reported to be the worst in the history of that area. I refused to accept or repeat the fearful thoughts expressed all around, and prayerfully studied and applied the truths brought out in the current Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, which seemed particularly applicable to that problem.
I have found through the study and application of Christian Science that my way of life has been changed from one of timidity, fear, and belief that all the good things happen to others, to one of great joy and fulfillment.
Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Republic of South Africa
