When I was about seven years old, my parents became interested in Christian Science. There were eight children in our family, and as a result of prayer, there were a number of healings of diseases commonly associated with childhood. Most of these healings came about with treatment through prayer from a Christian Science practitioner. Our parents enrolled us in a Christian Science Sunday School, where we learned the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and "the scientific statement of being" given in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy.

I enlisted in the military in 1942, during the Second World War. The officers in charge of my company were rushing to process the men, and on the first day the medics gave us two or three vaccinations at one time. Subsequently, all of us in the company felt ill. Our arms and shoulders were very sore. Some of the men became so ill that they were taken to the hospital, and there was concern that some might not survive.

About the second or third day, I began to feel nauseated and weak. I thought I was going to pass out. As my vision dimmed and I started to lose consciousness, "the scientific statement of being" came forcibly to thought. It begins: "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." This powerful statement that life is not material but is spiritual had an immediate effect on me. At once my vision cleared and my arms and shoulders were no longer sore. I felt well and strong. There had been a complete healing.

The practice of Christian Science was a great help to me while I was in the service. When I was travelling on a troopship going overseas, I was protected from getting seasick. While I was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, I was healed of malaria and a tropical skin disease. The practice of this Science also helped me overcome loneliness and homesickness. I've always been so thankful that while I was stationed overseas, I was only a few miles from a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. I was able to attend Sunday services and Wednesday testimony meetings quite regularly. I'm especially grateful for the members of that church who made me feel as though I had a home away from home.

After getting out of the military, I married and had a family of three children. Through studying and practicing Christian Science, my wife and I operated a small business successfully for forty years. Our family had healings of headaches, poor eyesight, constipation, and stomach and back trouble.

It is difficult to find adequate words to express my deep appreciation for the many healings my family has had over the years. I am so grateful to God for Christian Science, His unspeakable gift to humanity. Through her selfless work in writing Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy brought to this age a demonstrable understanding of the words and works of Christ Jesus.

Lyle M. Hays
Portage, Wisconsin