I was only a few years old when my parents become interested in Christian Science. My father was a minister of an orthodox religion. When someone gave him one of the Christian Science periodicals to read, he soon realized that this was the only religion for him. Although he had a large family to support, he withdrew from the ministry with the full approval of my mother. Both parents devoted their time to the study and practice of Christian Science. All their needs were met, and through their acceptance of the teachings my father was healed of chronic dyspepsia, from which he had suffered for many years.

My mother experienced a serious nervous breakdown, which caused mental disturbance for a considerable time. Through the loving help of newfound friends in Christian Science, and the operation of this Science in our home on her behalf, she came out of this illness completely healed. It is no wonder that I was able to enjoy a happy, healthy childhood free from the complaints that many children have to endure.

After leaving school and college I was invited to spend some moths with a friend in South Africa. One day I began to feel very ill, and my condition become worse as time went by. The pain, which was the first indication that anything was wrong, intensified considerably. My hostess, a Christian Scientist, who had previously been fully trained as a medical nurse, diagnosed the case as acute dysentery. A Christian Science Practitioner was called to give me treatment. I had a very rough night, and the practitioner was contacted several times during the night. I do not remember any specific thought that was given me, but I felt that I was the "atmosphere of Love divine" (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 144) and as a child of God could not entertain any false belief concerning myself. I understood that when I fully accepted this truth I would be free.

The morning came like peace after a storm, and I was deeply grateful that a victory had been won over the false suggestions of the material senses. After a quiet day, through the continued prayerful help of the practitioner and my own holding on to the truth of man as God–created, having dominion, I was able to get up in the evening and take dinner with the family, something that would not have been possible without Christian Science. That was the end of the trouble, and the condition has not returned during the forty years that have ensued.

Some years later I was blessed in marrying a dedicated Christian Scientist, and together we have worked through many problems with the help of Christian Science. We have experienced the complete healing of paralysis within six weeks and also absolute protection when coming into contact with high–tension electric cables. In this case the prompt declaration by an accompanying friend, who was a Christian Scientist, of the truth that God is the only power resulted in immediate release without any aftereffects.

My husband and I both served in various forces throughout World War II and came through the experience unscathed, having proved many times that "God is our refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1).

A few years after the war we decided to adopt a boy of seven. The challenge for all of us was considerable, and many were the skeptical remarks by friends and neighbors. But through the help of Christian Science we all three proved dominion over all the suggestion of mortal mind. We are a very devoted family having a real sense of belonging through realizing we are all God's children. Our son is now happily married with a son of his own, and he and his wife, both consecrated Christian Scientists, are living and demonstrating Christian Science in their daily life and are active in church work.

It is no wonder that my heart is full of gratitude to God for Christ Jesus, the Way–shower, and for Mrs. Eddy for giving us the textbook, Science and Health, and all her other writings, which help us to put into practice the works that Jesus commanded his followers to perform and to stand up to the challenges of the present day.

(Mrs.) Hilda M. Parkyn
Jersey, Channel Islands