Testimony of Healing October 7, 1944 Issue

Before I heard of Christian Science...

Berthie Hovland

Before I heard of Christian Science I always wondered what Christ Jesus meant when he said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." As soon as I started to read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I understood the meaning of his words. It is wonderful that the rest the Master promised, comes to us when we need it most. At the time it came to me I was very ill, and in despair over the invasion of my country, Norway. I could hear nothing of my family and friends there, since I was living in England. During the first month of my study of the textbook I was healed of all my complaints. But the greatest healing of all came later on with the removal of all hatred towards the enemy of my country. This came to me while I was reading Mrs. Eddy's words in "Miscellaneous Writings" (pp. 210, 211), "Love your enemies, or you will not lose them; and if you love them, you will help to reform them."

For a whole year I was alone with Mrs. Eddy's writings. The one who introduced Science to me disappeared from my experience, and I prayed that I might meet a woman who could be my friend and help me to understand more of this wonderful religion. Learning that there was to be a lecture in the neighborhood, I went to hear it. On my way home in the bus, while I was reading The Christian Science Journal, a woman touched me on the shoulder and asked me if I had enjoyed the lecture. I knew that my prayers had been answered. I soon discovered that she was a practitioner, and since then she has been helping me to grow in Science.

I have had many wonderful healings, and I should like to mention one of them. One Sunday morning as I was on a chair removing the blackout curtains, I fell heavily to the floor. Even though in a fainting condition, I was able to say the Lord's Prayer, and I gained strength. Unable to walk or even to stand, I crawled on my knees to the telephone to call a practitioner for help. She started to work at once, and all pain left me the same day. In three days I was able to walk, despite my neighbors' predictions that I should lose my foot if I did not have a doctor. For this healing and all the other healings I have had I am very grateful. I am grateful, too, for the loving care of the practitioner, for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, and for the privilege of being able to do a little work for the Cause of Christian Science. One of the greatest joys in my life was the experience of class instruction. It is beyond words to express my gratitude to God for Christian Science.— (Miss) Berthie Hovland, London, England.

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