Article February 24, 1945 Issue

Open for Testimonies

MATTHEW H. OLTHOUSE

Greatly troubled regarding the welfare of his wife, but with a glimmer of hope in his heart, a man entered a Christian Science church for the Wednesday evening meeting. During the period allotted to the giving of testimonies he rose to his feet and said, "I have just left my wife at the hospital for an operation," and after naming the disease he asked whether anyone in the congregation had been healed of this particular malady. Instantly a number of people arose and one after another gave their grateful testimony to help this man leave the meeting with the glimmer of hope turned into a positive assurance that his wife could be helped.

By his direct question this man had opened up the channel for expression. Reluctance to testify, procrastination, indifference, diffidence, and fear of consequences were eliminated. How he must have rested in quietness and joy while drinking in the refreshing words of the comforting, healing messages. Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 570): "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences."

When the Reader announces that "the meeting is now open for experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science," an opportunity is presented to every member to know and realize that no counteracting influence can clog or close the open meeting—even for a moment. How many of us have healings tucked away in our memories which, if brought into the open, would give that "cup of cold water," of which our Leader speaks, to those "waiting and watching for rest and drink"!

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