It was nearly fifty years ago that I heard of Christian Science for the first time. At the time of the First World War, I had suffered heavy blows and experienced a deep disappointment, which robbed me of my joy and vital energy. During this difficult time, God in His great love prepared for me the most precious thing humanity can possibly have, showing me the way and opening the door to Christian Science.
A Christian Scientist sent me a copy of The Herald of Christian Science (German Edition). After having read the articles in this periodical, in which the truth was pointed out again and again, I had to ask, just as Pilate in his time asked Christ Jesus (John 18:38), "What is truth?" My desire to learn more of this Science and to possess the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, steadily increased. No direct postal connection with Boston and my hometown, Riga, Latvia, had as yet been reestablished, but I was enabled to obtain a used copy of Science and Health.
I shall never forget what joy and deep gratitude to God filled my consciousness when, through the study of this textbook, I learned to recognize that in God I have a loving Father and a loving Mother, who provides His beloved child with everything, protects, and always guides securely. Not once, but many times, I have experienced in a marvelous way this divine protection and guidance, even though my life has been agitated by the events of war.
As a child I had suffered repeatedly from chronic colds and sinus trouble. Through prayerful treatment by a Christian Science practitioner I was healed of these troubles, and the healing has been permanent.
During air attacks, as well as during my escape from the war zone, I experienced God's protection. In problems of provision, also, I was able to experience God's loving guidance in a marvelous way.
During the Second World War, when we had to flee from the East, I found lodging with relatives of a dear acquaintance, for during the escape I had lost almost everything. My desire to stand on my own feet and obtain paid work grew increasingly stronger. I turned to God and realized that our heavenly Father knows what I need and that His plan is already prepared for me. One day an employee of the mayor's office spoke to me on the street, asking me if I would like to help her with clerical work in Russian. I accepted this offer with great joy and gratitude and started my work the very next day. Hardly a week had gone by when, all of a sudden, the employee left town; I was then permanently employed in her place. Not only did I now have a steady income, but at the canteen I also received my daily full provision of food, which in 1945 was more valuable than cash. I was also assigned a room with a kitchen, which before seemed impossible. I look back on this experience with deep gratitude to God.
In the winter of 1968, as I was on the way to the Reading Room, I slipped in getting off the train and fell. Someone immediately helped me, and I was able to proceed almost unhindered and go about my duties at the Reading Room. The next morning, however, I felt a sharp pain in the hip joint, so that I could move only with difficulty. I repeatedly declared the truth as it is found in the textbook (p. 424): "Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection." I also knew that no error could prevent me from fulfilling my service to the church. By the next day the pain had subsided, and only a slight stiffness hampered me in walking. The complete healing soon took place.
Mrs. Eddy tells us so clearly (ibid., p. 246): "Man, governed by immortal Mind, is always beautiful and grand. Each succeeding year unfolds wisdom, beauty, and holiness." And further on the same page she continues, "Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight." It is only through the realization of this fact and through God's goodness that I am still privileged, in my eighty-fifth year, to discharge the duties of librarian.
A few weeks ago I experienced a quick healing of severe pain and swelling in the face. I turned to God with complete trust and realized that Love and Truth replace the false belief that life and intelligence are in matter with the understanding that man, the reflection of God, is without pain and is harmonious, spiritual, and indestructible. Conscious of these truths, I soon fell asleep, only to waken the next morning completely free of pain. The condition was healed. How thankful I was for this fresh proof of the power of divine Love and Truth, which we can demonstrate only when we have understood it!
I am grateful to be a member of The Mother Church and a branch church, and for class instruction. Words are insufficient to express my gratitude to God, for our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and for Mrs. Eddy.
Eimeldingen, Germany
