I am writing this brief note to share my heartfelt gratitude for your work. As you can see from my return address, I am "a long way from home." In preparation for my trip to Eastern Europe, I asked myself what books I might most want to have with me. Naturally, I chose the Bible, Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, along with several others. Knowing that my circumstances might be challenging, I wondered how I would "make it" without the Christian Science Sentinel The Christian Science Sentinel is a weekly magazine. Would a subscription really arrive on time, and so forth?
Well, your magazine and the Bible Lessons in the Christian Science Quarterly were the only two subscriptions that I had forwarded to Estonia, that I somehow felt would really make it, because of mailing. Needless to say, both periodicals have arrived in a timely way and in perfect order, on a regular basis.
Circumstances here have demanded much prayer, and the Sentinel has been a godsend! Often, in a week, I have read the publication through two—if not three—times. I am hugely grateful for your thoughtful work, and your fulfillment personnel deserve great praise and credit.
I might also mention that I am not a Christian Scientist in the sense of belonging to The Mother Church in Boston. I happened upon my first "free"
Sentinel over twelve years ago in New York City. I was so nourished by that one copy that I found myself walking down that particular street (in the East 70s) just to see if other copies had been left out [where they would be available]. Then I went to a [Christian Science church] service; then I visited a Reading Room. I began to work with a wonderful Christian Science practitioner. I started buying one copy [of the Sentinel] at a time.
I cannot begin to mention all the healings your work has brought into my life—the beauty, order, prosperity, happiness—the list is endless.
But here in Estonia, where English is not so common, though an English (ecumenical Lutheran) service has gone from being conducted once a month to twice, your Sentinel truly stands guard over my heart. I am grateful. Thank you. You cannot imagine.
Tallinn, Estonia
I am a librarian for the Reading Room of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Overland Park, Kansas. One Sunday, I read our March [ 1995] Journal. When I went to the Reading Room to serve on Monday, I received a call from a young man asking if I had anything that could help him put together a report he had to make on "Mary Eddy Baker" and Dr. [Phineas] Quimby. I told him I did, and he came in to get [the article from the series "Mary Baker Eddy: a lifetime of healing"] . He is a senior at Overland Park Christian High School. He didn't want to buy the magazine, but appeared so sweet and grateful for it, and said, "I'll bring it back."
I was so happy about the clear and simple history of Mrs. Eddy's experience with Dr. Quimby, which was given in this issue of the Journal. I never read [an account of the period in which Mrs. Eddy had acquaintance with Dr. Quimby] which I liked for its clarity as much as I liked this one. How timely it is for the present need.
Prairie Village, Kansas
During the six years I've been a Christian Science [prison] chaplain, one inmate stands out in my thought. This man is an exceptional Bible student, but four years ago, his concepts of the Bible were strictly literal. His attitude was hostile, and due to extended drug abuse, his attention span short. About four weeks after our visits began, his demeanor changed. Through Christian Science he has been healed of extreme skin allergies, violent temper, smoking, desire for drugs, nightmares, colds, flu, and memory loss.
During his imprisonment he has given fifteen textbooks [Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy] to fellow inmates, and he shares[copies of The Christian Science Monitor] and Sentinels with anyone willing to read them. His prayers have helped settle disputes and riots in his cellblock. A cellmate, who suffered a broken hand during a fight, was healed through this man's prayers. Recently, he applied for Mother Church membership and hopes to have class instruction when he is released.
A parole officer once said, "Nobody's hopeless. Just because someone has an attitude at some point, it doesn't mean he can't change. You should never throw somebody away." To condemn is to declare incurable. Chaplain work has illustrated the redemptive power of Christian Science time and time again. Sitting face to face with troubled individuals brings Christian Science to its highest level: to love unconditionally and to see others as God sees everyone.
Encinitas, California
The testimony in the Sentinel by the mother whose son was unjustly imprisoned and finally freed through her persistent and faithful prayers, was very inspiring. Equally inspiring was her Christly response to the notion voiced by one of her fellow church members that if she were a good Christian Scientist, her son wouldn't have been in prison.
Haven't some of us also been shocked—temporarily—to find out that a fellow church member thought we weren't a ... good Christian Scientist because we had some trial to meet; or because we didn't have a newer car, a nicer house, a more prestigious job; or because we wore glasses; or because our spouse didn't attend church with us? Instead of looking at each other and trying to decide whether we are good or not-so-good Christian Scientists, shouldn't we just be immensely grateful for each other, and for the fact that we are all God's precious children?
Paris, France
From a shortwave listener
Hello dear friends!
I have the strong feeling I have found my church. For a long time I have been searching for a denomination. Visits to church services in various churches have not been able to give me anything permanent.... I continued my search because I didn't find any possibility to exchange thoughts with similar-minded people. Through this discontentment, I was literally compelled to look for a world band receiver shortwave radio. Strangely enough, I did not even think of religion, primarily. I just felt compelled to buy such a receiver. I was curious about the other stations on this planet.
After a short search, I came across your frequency. In the beginning, I was very skeptical when I listened to you, but then I could not stop receiving your program from that time on. I cannot imagine a weekend anymore without listening to you. Is that not wonderful?
I have been following your Herald program now for a year. Every time when your frequency is poorly received, I resolve to write you to learn more about you, namely about the books, magazines, meeting places, Reading Rooms, frequencies, and so forth [connected with The First Church of Christ, Scientist], The latest thing is, that I record your program now on cassette—just for me, so that I can refresh my memory during the week. Presently, I live on Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and I don't find a Reading Room here. My permanent residence is in Germany, in the area of Lunenburg.
Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands
We look forward to hearing from you. Letters should include the writer's full name, address, and telephone number, and be addressed to:
Letters to the Editor, P-602
The Christian Science Publishing
Society
Journal, Sentinel, and Herald
Editorial Department
One Norway Street
Boston, MA 02115-3122 U.S.A.
