Going Forth in the Strength of God

Written reports that have been submitted from numerous Christian Scientists in Germany contain many accounts of protection and support realized during the recent years of persecution and hardship. The wonderful help received during these years through their understanding of Christian Science has convinced them that in spite of evidence to the contrary God is ever present and available to all who pray to Him for help and guidance. This assurance fills them with gratitude, as well as with courage and confidence to face the many problems that still confront them. Although the way before them seems to be a long and uphill climb, they are eager to tread it, being assured of God's guidance and sustaining power.

The Mother Church Extends Aid

The representative of The Christian Science Board of Directors sent to Germany some months ago did much to help The Mother Church take steps for the re-establishment of churches, societies, and practitioners under the Rules of our Church Manual. The understanding and sympathy of military and civilian authorities were enlisted in procuring proper facilities for services, Reading Rooms, Sunday Schools, and practitioners' offices.

In most cases the buildings in which these activities were formerly carried on were completely destroyed, but it was gratifying to see to what a large extent and how relatively quickly it was possible to move the services from private homes to more suitable quarters. Museums and schools were made available for services and Sunday Schools to practically all former branch organizations, and to some new ones that had sprung up here and there. The housing shortage was becoming more acute every week by the constant influx of displaced persons and evacuees from areas formerly belonging to Germany, but through individual demonstration of God's provision for man several practitioners obtained suitable quarters to take care of their practice.

At church meetings and during conferences with church officials and individual Christian Scientists many sincere expressions of appreciation were voiced for everything that The Mother Church had done and planned to do. Often these expressions of gratitude were accompanied by such questions as: Do we have to accept all this as gifts? Is there not some way in which we could either now or later repay our good friends in America and other countries for their great kindness and generosity?

"His living presence we have felt"

It was gratifying to hear from individual Christian Scientists of the help they had received through clinging to their understanding of Science under the vicissitudes of Nazi persecution and wartime conditions. As in many other countries where the population was exposed to bombings, Christian Scientists in Germany were forced to turn unreservedly to God for protection. Through absolute reliance on Him, through the scientific understanding of His omnipresence and omnipotence, many specific demonstrations of protection were experienced.

In many cases those who were not Christian Scientists observed not only that the Scientists remained calm and fearless during the bombing attacks, but also that they were very often miraculously protected. They would therefore often gather around Christian Scientists in times of danger, and in several cases were protected when those who had sought other refuge were not.

"Holding fast the faithful word"

Instances of divine guidance and protection were experienced during dealings with the Gestapo. Though most of these officials assigned to confiscate Christian Science literature and to take individuals to headquarters were rough, rude men, who seemed to enjoy their cruel task, in several cases Christian Scientists were able to tell them something about the teachings and ideals of Christian Science and to convince them that the literature had no subversive political influence. In some cases the Gestapo officials turned their backs on students of Christian Science and their books, silently but unmistakably hinting that here was an opportunity for them to hide the books they held so dear. In a particular case where a Gestapo officer reached for the Scientist's copy of Science and Health, the Scientist said, "If you take away that book you might just as well take away my life." The officer replied: "If the book means that much to you, keep it. Do not show it to anyone, for I am supposed to confiscate it, but use it when you are alone."

Other officials, after listening to their explanations, told Christian Scientists that although they had to take the books and forbid them to talk their religion, they could not forbid them to think what Christian Science teaches.