Testimony of Healing April 22, 1933 Issue

I was a small child when Christian Science was brought...

Katherine H. Koontz

I was a small child when Christian Science was brought into our home by a friend who was visiting with us, but I can remember the many evenings spent by my parents and this friend in the discussion of the subject. Shortly after that a copy of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was purchased and read eagerly for a time; but it seemed that the desire for the truth was not strong enough to warrant an earnest study, so the book was laid aside, not to be used again until several years later.

After graduation from high school I desired to go to college, but as I had been in bondage for some time to a spinal trouble it seemed wise for me to have a thorough physical examination before taking such a step. In the fall of 1924, X-ray pictures were taken, and the attending physician and X-ray specialist both pronounced the case tuberculosis of the spine. They advised that I be put to bed for a few months, that I then wear a cast for a few months longer, and finally wear a steel brace to replace the cast. That certainly was not a very bright prospect for a young girl eager for a college experience; but the treatment was begun as prescribed.

On the third day spent in bed, which was Saturday, my mother said that I must have some good literature to read. Late that afternoon my father brought me a Christian Science Sentinel and Christian Science Quarterly. I began reading the testimonies in the Sentinel and the second one read told of a case much like mine which had been healed through Christian Science treatment. I at once asked if I might have Christian Science help; and on Sunday afternoon, a practitioner came to our home and talked with us. On Monday treatment was started, and on Tuesday afternoon I arose and dressed, took apart the bed which had been so lovingly placed in the front room for me, carried it back to the bedroom, and set it up again. That was the first time I had lifted anything heavy for several months. On Thursday, feeling much more free, I walked to the home of the practitioner. After that treatment I felt that the healing was complete, and the work was discontinued. A week from the following Saturday I attended a street fair, walking from early afternoon until about ten o'clock that evening without any physical discomfort. I was also healed of constipation at the same time.