Challenges overcome

I took Christian Science Primary class instruction because I love Christian Science and wanted to deepen my understanding of it. I was working in the research department of a state university in my country, the Philippines, at the time I took class.

One immediate benefit was that a supervisor said that I became kind and patient after I’d gone abroad for class. Until he said this, I wasn’t aware that I used to be impatient and quick to get angry. This change in my attitude also improved my work, so I was promoted from an assistant researcher to research specialist and then instructor in the university.

Class instruction also gave me more confidence in my prayers. I would often go on university research trips with others to the farmers’ fields. These trips were along dangerous mountain roads, where landslides were common. I prayed for our safety, and we were protected. One night on our way back there was a landslide, and we had to wait a couple of hours until the road was opened, but we were safe. I also had many healings of headache, colds, and fatigue.

Class instruction also gave me more confidence in my prayers.

Of course class instruction doesn’t stop with the two weeks of instruction. Each year there is an annual association meeting.

At first, I used to attend only every other year because I received financial assistance for my round-trip airfare through the association. But later I was inspired by an association meeting “to think outside the box.” I was reminded that God provides for us not only every other year but every year, and even throughout the year. As a result, I have been able to attend every year, even during the years when assistance was not available.

There have been some challenges in obtaining my passport and visa, sometimes questions at Immigration, or difficulties getting from the airport to my home after the association meeting. Yet, there has always been an answer. For example, the city I live in is a seven-hour drive from Manila, where I need to go to get my visa. Each time my visa has been granted.

Once at the airport, an Immigration official raised questions about my employment because he didn’t know that the agricultural school where I worked had become a university. Even though it might have been easier to accept his view, I stuck to the truth that the school was now a university. I thought, “This is the truth, and I cannot lie just to suit what he is claiming as truth.” As a result, he let me go through. Since then, my experiences with Immigration have been harmonious.

After the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York, none of my relatives could meet me at the airport because of tight security. Because I was unfamiliar with the train system, I asked for help, but people were unfriendly. Someone offered to take me on a bus, but I didn’t think he meant to help me. So I waited and prayed. I met a couple traveling in the same direction by train, and I went with them to wait for the train. That way I could travel safely.

From these and other experiences, I have learned that God is with me always since God is everywhere. So I will always be led to reach my destination in spite of challenges. Every time I go to an association meeting, the meeting is so inspiring and uplifting that I do not want to miss any!