Article December 18, 2006 Issue

PRAYER ANSWERED—I found a way to help

BY SUSAN THOMAS

MARY BAKER EDDY defined Church in part as "the structure of Truth and Love [God]" (Science and Health, p. 583). As my love for this spiritual concept of Church has continued to deepen and grow, I've found that my prayers in church—and my motives for being there—have more and more embraced my community and the world.

Prayer has naturally led me beyond my church doors, to minister to those who may never come through them. That definition of Church goes on to observe, "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." Entering into this concept of Church involves expressing God's love for all His children. More than a building with walls and doors, this Church reaches out to everyone, and I wanted to be more a part of it.

About eight years ago, I was driving in Walton-on-Thames where I live, southwest of London, when I heard an advert on the radio for a telephone counseling line. Children and young people up to the age of 18, in trouble or distress, ring this line because they are in need for all sorts of reasons—they may be the victims of sexual or physical abuse, or neglect; or perhaps they're homeless, bereaved, lost, or have an unplanned pregnancy. Of the thousands of callers each day, just half get through to a counselor.

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PRAYER ANSWERED—I found a way to help

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