CHURCH LIVES

A childhood dream—fulfilled

AS A CHILD, sitting in the fourth-grade classroom of a Catholic school in Japan, I dreamed of being a nun and helping children in Africa. Later I dreamed that I would study English in America. Eventually I did move to the United States, married, and had two children. However, the rest of my dreams seemed impossible. I found myself unhappy with my work and family situation. I was diagnosed with a stress disorder, and I had to wear a mouthpiece at night to help me stop grinding my teeth. And I was told to seek psychological counseling.

I felt so inferior chewing on a piece of rubber and solving my problems by disclosing my privacy to a stranger. During this time, my six-year-old daughter incessantly asked me to take her to a Sunday School. I think she knew that I needed some support. I wasn't looking for a religion, but one Sunday I attended a Church of Christ, Scientist, to hear a friend sing at the service. This was where I first learned about Christian Science.

Going there seemed like finding a spiritual oasis after a long, aimless journey through the desert. I returned to that church every Sunday. And I went to its Wednesday testimony meeting, where I listened to people tell about how they used prayer to be healed.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
THE BIBLE IN MY LIFE
The third man
September 6, 2004
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit