What makes a student of Christian Science decide to become a member of The Mother Church? In my case it was the example of fellow students in the Christian Science organization at the university I was attending. Reports of healing, of solving problems through prayer, of inspiration received, were so encouraging that I began to understand that I could practice Christian Science myself, instead of relying mainly on my dad to pray for me as I had done before.
The Christian Science organization was like a family to me. Everyone helped everyone else. That made me want to be a part of it. I began to see how universal the Church of Christ, Scientist, is. And becoming a member of The Mother Church made me feel safe and protected, loved and supported by the prayers of all its members.
During this early phase of my membership, I had a healing that strengthened these feelings. One Thursday, I was studying in the college library. All of a sudden I felt very unwell and had acute pains in my side. I was able to lie down and pray in a quiet place. The pains receded to such an extent that I was able to attend my afternoon classes. The pain returned, however, and it seemed wise to go home. Leaving the main entrance of the college, I collapsed and was taken into a dean's office. Despite my protests, she called an ambulance and I was taken to a hospital.
