I have had the great blessing of being brought up in a home where my mother was a dedicated Christian Scientist. Like many, she was introduced to this teaching through a physical healing. Christian Science healed her of a heart condition that had been diagnosed as incurable. Included in the medical verdict had been the warning that it would be most unwise for her ever to attempt to have children. As a result of her healing, which was the turning point of her life, these limitations were completely removed. Her absolute, unwavering faith in her newfound religion was quite remarkable, and she never evidenced the slightest doubt as to God's healing power.

Although I attended a Christian Science Sunday School and experienced a number of healings as a child, in later years I began to drift away from the practice of the spiritual truths that I had been taught. I entered the Second World War as a very young ship's officer in the Merchant Marine. My advancement could be considered impressive, as, later, I was appointed captain of my own ship at the age of twenty-two. Such responsibility was clearly beyond the training and experience that I had previously received, and I began to turn to God for help and guidance. I also resumed prayerful study of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

It was during the latter days of the war that I assumed command of the ship, and we completed our first outbound voyage to the Philippines without mishap. Soon I began to feel more confident, so much so that instead of giving thanks to God for this successful undertaking, I became quite self-congratulatory.

My mood of self-centered assurance continued as we proceeded on our homeward voyage. One night while we were on our assigned route close to a point in the West Caroline Islands, as a result of a navigational error on my part the ship ran aground on a coral reef. The picture was devastating. Since the ship had discharged all of its cargo, it could not be readily lightened. And because we had gone aground at high water, a rise in the tide would be of no help in refloating the vessel. Needless to say, my self-centered world came crashing down around me. To lose a ship under these circumstances was the ultimate disgrace, and I briefly considered suicide.

Located within a nearby atoll were a number of Navy ships— some on their way to the theater of war, others returning to Pearl Harbor or West Coast ports. Among them were several auxiliary vessels, as well as a large salvage tug. Next morning the captain of the salvage vessel came aboard to see what could be done. His assessment of the situation, including the possibility of getting the ship off the reef, was not encouraging. And he predicted that even if he were successful, serious damage to the bottom of the ship would inevitably result. However, he agreed to try. Some barges were obtained, and we began to discharge all of the oil and water on board, since that was the only weight of significance that could be offloaded.

Noting my obvious distress, the captain kindly persuaded me to go aboard his ship and spend the night in a spare cabin while the salvage operation continued under the direction of my ship's officers and his salvage crew. In the quiet of that small room I prayed to God as I never had before. I literally clung to the simple spiritual truths that I had learned from my mother and from the dedicated teachers in the Christian Science Sunday School I had attended.

One statement that I pondered, and which I will never forget, was this one from Science and Health (p. 444): "Step by step will those who trust Him find that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'" As I prayed, gradually fear gave way to confidence in God's ever-present, loving care. Then, after I had finally recognized that our security rests entirely with God, I was able to go to sleep and get some much-needed rest.

During the night one of the tugs was able to move the stern of the ship partially off the reef, and by the next night we were once again afloat. We had no idea as to the condition of the bottom of the ship. But after we had taken careful soundings of the ship's double-bottom fuel tanks, it was determined that the ship was not leaking. So we reloaded our fuel and water and proceeded to San Francisco, our scheduled destination. During the rest of the voyage I continued to pray, at the same time rejoicing over this proof of God's ever-present help.

We had been scheduled for a routine dry-docking upon our return, and that took place as planned. Because I had reported the grounding incident to the appropriate authorities, as was required, there was a complete examination of the hull while we were in the dry dock. Apart from a slight indentation, there was no evidence of damage! I was overwhelmed, and as I recall this experience, I still am. I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace. Not only were their lives preserved, but even "the smell of fire" had not touched them (Dan. 3:27).

I continued in command of the ship for another year and had many opportunities to prove the spiritual truths taught by our Master, Christ Jesus, and elucidated in the writings of his devoted follower, Mrs. Eddy. Through the years since that time there have been many other lessons to learn, and I continue to grow spiritually. But for me this experience stands out above all others because I saw so clearly that there could be no turning away from God.

ANDREW E. GIBSON
Short Hills, New Jersey