Originally from the Philippines, I grew up quite removed from knowing about Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science. I was raised a Roman Catholic, but no one motivated me to read the Bible. In my early teens, I was introduced to Christian Science by my neighbor, and I began regular attendance in the Sunday School. There, I learned about the weekly Bible Lessons found in the Christian Science Quarterly. These Lessons are studied by individuals during the week, but also serve as the sermon for Sunday church services in every Church of Christ, Scientist, around the world. I began reading the Lesson regularly. 

Prior to my study of Christian Science, I had no idea whether God could heal. But after finding Christian Science, I experienced God’s power firsthand when I was healed of medically diagnosed acute tonsillitis complicated by heart disease (see “Surgery averted,” Sentinel, February 23, 1998).

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Mrs. Eddy writes: “Divine Science derives its sanction from the Bible, and the divine origin of Science is demonstrated through the holy influence of Truth in healing sickness and sin. This healing power of Truth must have been far anterior to the period in which Jesus lived. It is as ancient as ‘the Ancient of days.’ It lives through all Life, and extends throughout all space” (p. 146).