Several years ago we traveled through many countries of Europe on an extended trip. In one city, as we were leaving a restaurant, I was seized with a severe abdominal pain. I barely made it back to the hotel, and then only by pondering over and over again "the scientific statement of being" from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. It opens with these words (p. 468): "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all."

In the hotel room I reached for a copy of The Christian Science Journal, which I always carry with me during travel. From the listing of Christian Science practitioners in the back, I chose the name of someone who lived in that city. Because I could barely move, my wife agreed to go down to the phones in the lobby and call this woman. Meanwhile I continued to pray for myself the best I could under the circumstances. Mostly, I thought about "the scientific statement of being," since the pain was such that I could concentrate on little else. Finally I had to practically shout its truths, which had been of super help on many previous occasions.

Just as I heard my wife's footsteps approaching, I felt the excruciating pain leave my body. She conveyed a message to me from the practitioner she'd called—I was to consider "the scientific statement of being." Obviously, both the practitioner and I had been responsive to divine direction! The result was an instantaneous healing, proof that there is really only one Mind, God, always available, all-powerful, and forever enveloping His own.

The practitioner invited us to attend the Sunday services at the local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. When we said we did not understand Dutch, this lovely woman told us that while the Dutch service was at nine o'clock, they held one in English at eleven. Imagine being six thousand miles from home and attending a Christian Science service exactly like the one you usually attend!

Before we left that city, I asked the practitioner to support us through prayer during our trip home. We were returning on a freighter, a new experience for us. Previously, my wife had suffered considerably with seasickness during an ocean voyage. Aside from the first night out, which was choppy, the trip was restful and joyous. My wife was free of any illness. We also became quite friendly with the officers and crew, since we were the only passengers on board.

Christian Science has also helped me surmount business difficulties. At one time an important investment I'd made after careful and intensive analysis was being hurt by international financial problems. As my investment was sizable, I was deeply concerned.

At that point I felt hemmed in and momentarily helpless. Then I recalled how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the fiery furnace, and how Daniel had been thrown into the lions' den (see Dan. 3 and 6). They had all turned to God in their moments of adversity and were fully protected. Now I too decided to turn to God for help, starting with study of Science and Health, which had never failed to meet my need.

First I had to get rid of false responsibility. I did that by reasoning that my primary responsibility was to respond to God, who is ever available, and in whose kingdom there is no loss. This approach quieted me, and I then considered at length God's omniaction, the fact that He governs, controls, directs, and protects. I pondered these truths for most of the day on Sunday, and that night I slept restfully. I woke feeling at peace and unafraid.

Although some very unfortunate economic events occurred, suddenly my particular situation changed from negative to positive. And during the next several weeks I was able to resolve the whole thing satisfactorily.

My cup of gratitude to God overflows for all the good that has blessed me in the way of physical healings and business adjustments, as well as every other avenue of my life. I love Mrs. Eddy's wonderful writings and the Christian Science periodicals, which she so wisely initiated. Without question the truths of scientific being are available for a spiritually hungry world.

ALEC ALEXANDER
Los Angeles, California