The Touch of Class May 28, 2012 Issue

In this occasional series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.

Crossing the Red Sea

Parfait Mabela—Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Parfait
Parfait Mabela
Two years ago, I was about to travel to the United States to have Christian Science Primary class instruction. Class instruction for me was something I deeply cared about since my childhood, and after taking it, I realize that my life has completely changed. I am not the same as I was before.

Now I am delighted to plainly understand that only God is capable of everything, and nothing is impossible to Him. As far as I can remember my teacher’s words one day were: “God never doubts His omnipotence.” So why should we, His beloved sons and daughters, created in His image and likeness, have doubts about His ability to care for us?

I am convinced that God is the only power and nothing can defeat Him. There is nothing impossible for Him. 

The trip I made for class instruction was the most important in my life. At the time, I was feeling depressed because I wasn’t able to pursue my college studies. What I learned in class helped me get past feelings of limitation and the belief that God wasn’t taking care of me. It opened me up to new opportunities in college, but to get to class, I had to overcome some challenges.

I had made my travel arrangements, and I was ready to go. But when I called the travel agent the morning I was to depart, they told me I couldn’t travel that day. They said that there was a problem with my itinerary. According to the airline’s rules, I needed a transit visa for the country where I had to make a connection.  

If I didn’t get that visa, I would have to buy another ticket with a new itinerary. They also said that the former ticket was not refundable.

Frankly, I was upset to hear that. I learned all this only a few hours before traveling, and I was so afraid I would miss my flight. Also, I didn’t have any money to purchase another airplane ticket. It seemed impossible for me to get a transit visa in time.

The trip I made for class instruction was the most important in my life. 

Then I had an inspired thought. I saw myself in the Israelites’ story as they faced the Red Sea (see Exodus 14:19–31). It seemed impossible for them to cross the Red Sea, just as, according to human vision, it seemed impossible for me to arrive on time for class instruction. I was so sad. I was praying that nothing could stop God, even this situation. I maintained that I was traveling for a right motive, which was class instruction. 

I went to the airport, although I still didn’t feel I had a solution. My flight was scheduled at 8 p.m. and it was already 7 p.m. Meanwhile, I was in touch with the agency that had sold me the ticket. It was not a refundable ticket, so they said I was obliged to buy a new one. At 7:45 p.m. the airplane’s crew was almost ready to finish boarding the passengers.

I always kept my thought high and above all human conditions. I was confident that nothing is impossible to God. I told myself that when they first saw the Red Sea the Israelites thought it was impossible for them to cross, but with God they made it; so shall I.

Sometimes I still don’t believe how the solution happened. Suddenly the airline was willing to credit  the money I’d spent on the first ticket, and a new ticket with a new itinerary that didn’t require a transit visa was bought. I was required to pay some extra fees. I got my new round-trip ticket just two minutes before the flight. I was the last one to get on the plane. 

I can never forget this wonderful demonstration, and I am still so grateful to God, Christ Jesus our Master who showed us this way, and Mary Baker Eddy for discovering these precious laws in the Bible, which she named Christian Science.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Through a Spiritual Lens
Tunisian summer
May 28, 2012
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit