Have you ever felt that God only helps on certain occasions? That He's with you only part of the day or for certain problems and all other times you're on your own? That used to be my feeling until two summers ago when I attended a camp for Christian Scientists. There I saw Christian Science in action all the time and learned how to apply it to every situation.

Six months later, at age fifteen, in a self-reliance expedition for my corps training, I was able to put into practice what I had learned of Christian Science. This expedition was intended to prove that groups of two could survive for thirty-six hours in winter in the Scottish mountains.

Before setting out I studied in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings the topic of "harmony," as I had heard that there were some serious disagreements on these expeditions. Harmony is a fundamental fact of God's kingdom, the spiritual reality where "all things work together for good." ^{Rom. 8:28;} One citation I found from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy says, "Only the action of Truth, Life, and Love can give harmony." ^{Science and Health, p. 169;}

On our way to the starting point, one boy, who was alone, asked if he could join my partner and me. We agreed, despite the fact that he wasn't very capable in the mountains and needed much assistance.

Soon after leaving the road we had to climb a very steep hill, which turned into an almost sheer rock face. This was unanticipated by those in charge. Being in the lead, I tried to find the easiest way up the face. I was carrying a heavy pack besides a third of the other boy's equipment. I managed, however, to get almost to the top, where a weak handhold and my heavy pack combined to make me lose my balance. I started falling backward and shouted at the top of my voice, "God, help me!"

As if a hand had pushed me, I felt myself move back toward the rock face. I grabbed some heather and made it safely to the top, where I sat down thanked God.

From there I was able to help eleven of the other fifteen people up the worst of the rock face. I smiled to myself when I heard someone say, "Who on earth got up here first? It's almost impossible without someone to help!"

Soon afterward we arrived at our campsite and pitched tent. Generally, the boys believe that it's almost impossible to sleep in those circumstances without drinking alcohol. Most of them had brought along some liquor illegally, which they drank in great quantity. Being a Christian Scientist, I didn't drink any and persuaded my partner not to.

Things very quickly got out of hand, and an ugly situation soon developed. I remembered words I had looked up in Science and Health: "Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error." ^{ibid., p. 304;}

I calmly walked up to the group and told them all to go to their tents. To my amazement, as I was younger than most, they did, and the tension eased. After ensuring that everything was in order, I returned to my tent and both my partner and I got four hours sleep—much more than anyone else. The following morning the NCO who should have been in charge thanked me for taking control.

During the night it had snowed quite heavily, which didn't make our journey any easier, that second day, over high ridges and across ice. I kept holding on to the Bible verse, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." ^{Isa. 41:10.} I was proving to myself that strength is a spiritual quality, not dependent on muscles and physical endurance. I also was learning how God directs us.

At one stage we had to get to the other side of a mountain. We could either go over it or around it. My partner wanted to go around, but I insisted on going over, although at the time I could think of no apparent reason. But when we reached the very narrow snow-covered ridge at the top it became obvious that to go around the mountain would have been impossible because of a very steep slope littered with large rock fields. Once more I praised God from my heart, with the joyful feeling that He was ever present.

After leaving the ridge, my partner admitted that he had been very scared, as there was a strong crosswind blowing over the ridge onto this steep rock field a thousand feet below. I thanked God that fear had not even occurred to me. From there we made it safely to our meeting place only slightly late and full of gratitude.

This gratitude has now become part of me, since I've realized that we can never go it alone. God is always with us, ready to be called upon at any time.