In 1974 I didn't know a thing about Christian Science

LUIZ ESCOBAR MARTINEZ

In 1974 I didn't know a thing about Christian Science. Then one Sunday I happened to tune in to a radio station in Joinville that was broadcasting the Christian Science program, "The Truth That Heals." That same Sunday my son, Marcio, and I attended a service in the local branch Church of Christ, Scientist.

At that time I had taken all kinds of medicine, but none had healed me. I was suffering from stomach and liver trouble that caused me great anguish and pain. Most of what I ate made me ill. In this distressed state I grasped eagerly at Christian Science. There was already a Bible in my home—though until then it had been put away—and soon I purchased a copy of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. Aided by the Christian Science Quarterly, I began regular study of the Bible Lessons.

The Word of God took on new meaning for me as I gained a spiritual understanding of our Leader's writings. In Science and Health she states (p. 381): "Be no more willing to suffer the illusion that you are sick or that some disease is developing in the system, than you are to yield to a sinful temptation on the ground that sin has its necessities." I pondered this passage often. Also strengthening was the ninety-first Psalm, which assures us (vv. 1-3): "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

As the reality of being dawned on me—that man is not material but is spiritual, the very likeness of God—my health improved. Finally I was free of the painful stomach and liver trouble and the anguish it had caused. I had been liberated by the omnipotent power of God!

Since I was sixteen years old, I'd had a cyst on the right side of my forehead. It had been steadily increasing in size and had become so large that those who saw me said it should be operated on. Now, because of my study of Christian Science, every time the condition was brought to my attention I silently denied that it could be real. I knew that God does not afflict His man but maintains him in perfect health.

One day I became certain that the power of God could heal me completely. I began to pray for myself according to the teaching of this Science. However, the condition seemed aggravated and I was frightened. Then the thought came, "Don't be afraid." I leafed through a Christian Science Hymnal and read this verse (No. 123):

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to
stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

In two weeks, with the prayers of a Christian Science practitioner, the cyst was entirely healed.

Today I can say of the spiritual enlightenment Science has brought me, "Whereas I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25). I am happy to be a member of both The Mother Church and a branch church.

LUIZ ESCOBAR MARTINEZ
Joinville, SC, Brazil

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