Activities for the Armed Services

[The following accounts of service personnel have been received by the Armed Services Department and are now shared with the Field.]

British Branch

The program of the Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services in the British Isles is steadily increasing. In addition to the Manager in London, there are ten Ministers serving members of the armed forces stationed in England and Ireland, and Representatives (Christian Scientists in uniform) serving in Aden, Egypt, Korea, Singapore, and aboard naval ships. These Ministers and Representatives have reported numerous healing experiences, among which are the following:

A young man who was training to become a pilot officer was shy about declaring himself a Christian Scientist. He was having difficulty with his flying tests and was reported unsuitable. Through his own prayers he overcame the fear of being known as a Scientist. Shortly afterwards he passed his tests and was appointed a pilot officer.

A soldier in Malaya called on the Christian Science Representative in his area for help for a head injury. The medical officer had taken several stitches in the wound and heavily bandaged the man's head. After one day the bandages were removed, and in a few days the wound was entirely healed.

New York

A chaplain who is a Christian Scientist joyfully reported that in the past month he had witnessed many instantaneous healings, thus sparing these men hospitalization. The healing of a case which might have been serious was brought about in an unusual way. Stricken by sudden, severe pain, a serviceman listened intently to the strong protests of Truth the chaplain was making to another patient who was in the same room. The serviceman who was not being directly addressed got up and walked away with complete freedom. The other patient, who the doctors supposed would not live, rallied and eventually regained his health.

California

Having difficulty because of a sinus condition, a sailor spoke of this ailment to a Christian Scientist stationed on the same base. In the conversation that resulted, the Scientist explained that man is created by God in His image and likeness. Therefore man can express only Godlike qualities, such as good health and harmonious activity, which are his God-given heritage. Asked how he had arrived at this reasoning, the Scientist said he based it on statements in the Bible and in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, especially the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Together they read and pondered several passages from this book. While they were talking, the sailor found himself completely free from the sinus difficulty. In gratitude he attended the next testimony meeting held on the base. When introduced to the Christian Science Minister for the Armed Services, the sailor remarked, "I surely want to learn more about this religion, because what my buddy knew about God and Christian Science brought me a healing and aroused my interest."

West Coast

While attending classes at a training center, a Christian Scientist found he was failing in the weekly examinations. Realizing that his fearful attitude was obstructing his progress, the student asked the chaplain for Christian Science treatment. Although the chaplain faithfully prayed over the problem, it did not yield at once to his efforts. However, the serviceman soon awakened to recognize his need to study and apply the teachings of Christian Science more regularly and consistently. To accomplish this purpose, he began to arise mornings an hour earlier. Through his application of the truths learned in studying the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, he overcame the sense of fear. Consequently, his daily marks improved, and he passed his weekly examinations with high grades.

Korea

A soldier, returning home from Korea, writes of his gratitude for the benefits he received through the Activities for the Armed Services. He says: "I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation and thanks for the periodicals you sent me over the past fifteen months. My study of the Lesson-Sermon and other reading matter has strengthened my understanding and enabled me to maintain the spiritual level of thinking for which we continuously strive. My gratitude is unbounded for your department and for the many kind people who make it possible to extend this activity throughout the world."

Germany

While on maneuvers a Christian Scientist and his companion lost their way. Being far from the men in their company, they turned for help to verses in the Psalms. Thus they became confident of God's guidance and were able to reach their bivouac safely.

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