Over eleven years ago a friend who is a Christian Scientist introduced...

MATILDE GIANNA BAGAGIOLO

Over eleven years ago a friend who is a Christian Scientist introduced me to this Science. At that time my marriage had failed and my health had suddenly declined. I was suffering from pleurisy, nervous exhaustion, sciatica, rheumatic pains, and liver colic.

At first the teaching of Christian Science—that man is truly spiritual and not material—seemed to me to be an abstract thing and almost impossible to understand. Consequently, it was difficult for me to readily overcome the aggressive suggestion that I was in the grip of serious physical ills. In fact, the fear at times seemed overpowering. But, with the help of the friend mentioned earlier, I was able to surmount all obstacles. This was because, above all, I desired a better understanding of God and His power.

Daily study of the Bible Lesson (found in the Christian Science Quarterly) supported me during many challenges. I pondered these verses often (Ps. 139:23, 24): "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Also this verse from Philippians left me with a certainty that healing would come (4:13): "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."