Testimony of Healing December 4, 1976 Issue

I became interested in Christian Science two and a half years ago...

Philip J. Asermely

I became interested in Christian Science two and a half years ago, after having had eight surgical operations for hernia over a period of eleven years. At that time I had an examination by a physician who told me that a ninth operation was necessary but that he could not guarantee its success. He said that I would always be handicapped. I am self-employed and, since my vocation requires much heavy lifting, I stopped working and made other moves to prepare myself for a handicapped life. I sold my motorcycle and bike and gave up social dancing, which had been one of my favorite activities.

I live in a trailer court, and one evening while talking to the court manager, I mentioned my troubles. Another tenant, overhearing our conversation, asked me, "Why don't you try Christian Science?" Although I had been raised in an orthodox church, I had felt no rapport with it and had stopped attending services years before. I had heard of Christian Science but knew little about it. I had noticed this neighbor because of his cheerful nature and his kindly greeting for everyone. He said, "Tonight is Wednesday night. Why don't you come to the testimony meeting at my branch church with me?" I readily accepted the invitation. That evening, for the first time in my life, I felt I received true spiritual uplift.

The following morning I called my neighbor and said, "Let's go to a Christian Science Reading Room and buy a Bible and a Science and Health. He was glad to go with me, and I bought the Bible, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and a Christian Science Quarterly so that I could study the Lesson-Sermon.