Upfront November 14, 2011 Issue

An answer of peace

Kim Shippey, Senior Writer

In the second of two books issued in 1922 and 1947 by The Christian Science Publishing Society on the Church’s wartime activities, it’s pointed out that “. . . The Mother Church poured its love into the stormy war years, little knowing upon whom it would rest with healing. The olive leaf which this love bore home again was green and fragrant with the proof of lives enriched, comforted, and consecrated” (The Story of Christian Science Wartime Activities 1939–1946, p. 426).

That olive leaf remains “green and fragrant” as we invite you to join in continuing prayer for those affected by conflicts in the world today—including the men and women in uniform, families who keep the home fires burning, innocent civilians in war-torn countries, and chaplains (among them, Christian Scientists trained each year in the Church’s military chaplain program).

Our lead writer, Josh Niles, who served as a platoon leader with the Third Infantry Division in Iraq, shares two experiences of God’s protection, including one in which he came under enemy fire in the streets of Baghdad. He proved one of the truths Lois Carlson expresses in her poem “Expectancy and comfort”: “The chaos can’t disrupt God’s blessing, / The cruelty can’t take away the gift” (p. 11).

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