In my over twenty years as a college and university student, faculty member, and now college president, I have been able to conquer many apparently insurmountable obstacles through the application of the teachings of Christ Jesus as seen in the light of Christian Science. This testimony is written to express my gratitude for these proofs and the accompanying spiritual growth as well as to encourage others in their efforts to better their education.
The master Christian indicates that success is an active trust in God (Mark 11:23): "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."
I had the opportunity to move such a mountain during my second year of graduate studies in political science, when I was informed that I had to take my comprehensive examinations in less than four months. Since passing a German language examination was a prerequisite to taking the comprehensives, this meant that I had to study for, take, and pass an examination in German—a language I could not read, write, or speak! To pass, I was required to translate orally, on sight, from a scholarly, book-length monograph in my field of political science. Obviously there was no time to waste! With the approval of the political science and German departments, I selected an appropriate book. Then, with the aid of some other students and friends, I learned to read and then began to translate this book. I also called a Christian Science practitioner, who provided constant prayerful support throughout this period of study.
