Before I became acquainted with Christian Science, I searched incessantly for spiritual understanding. I looked into many religions, trying to find peace, but I couldn’t find it. At the time, I was very afraid. I felt sorry for the suffering and sadness I saw in people and animals. Bad news made me cry. I wanted to change that story. I wanted God to show me a path where I might help alleviate suffering—not only by, for example, helping financially or donating food or other necessities but with something deeper that would bring healing to the world. 

My daughter attended a school located directly across the street from a Church of Christ, Scientist. I used to arrive early to pick her up and, while waiting, would stop in front of the church’s Reading Room window and read articles and testimonies in O Arauto da Ciência Cristã (a monthly magazine). I felt that what I read was what I had always been seeking, and I wanted to be part of this religion. But I needed to overcome shyness and go in. 

I talked to one of my sisters about this, and she saw that it was very important for me and encouraged me to go into the church. I was lovingly received by a Reading Room attendant. She showed me the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, which I borrowed and started to read. In the church auditorium a sentence on the wall caught my attention: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). I felt that this was an answer from God.