When we found ourselves in the middle of a protest
Last summer, I traveled to Kenya with a group of other young Christian Scientists.
Our group worked diligently to prepare for the trip. We held fundraisers to make the journey possible, but more importantly, we spent time in prayer and spiritual study, grounding our purpose and motives for the trip in God, who is divine Love.
The theme for our trip was a statement from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us” (p. 79).
I carried this idea with me throughout the trip, especially when we went to serve at a local school in Migori, a rural area.
When we first arrived in Kenya, everything went smoothly. We were joyfully shopping in the capital for games and gifts. But not long after that, civil unrest broke out. Protests erupted across the city. The parliament building was set on fire, and the streets were filled with angry crowds shouting at foreigners and anyone they perceived as having opposing views. It was intense and scary.
Fortunately, our travel plans had us leaving for Migori. But we found that protests were happening there as well. Our chaperones hired police and private escorts, and we often traveled early in the morning before protests started for the day. We also had a local guide we felt safe with. But at one point, some protesters circled our vehicles—jumping on the sides of the vans, yelling harsh things, and pressing their faces and hands against the windows.
Despite the chaos around us, though, something remarkable happened within our group. There was a tangible stillness inside the van. The students, our trip leaders, and a Christian Science practitioner who was accompanying us all turned to God, united in the truth that God’s presence was surrounding and protecting us. We began to sing hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal. One hymn stood out to me. The opening verse says,
The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?
(Anna L. Waring, alt., No. 148)
This line especially stayed with me: “God is round about me.” At that moment, I felt that it was more than just a comforting idea; I knew it was a spiritual fact. No disturbance can touch the peace that comes from divine Love.
As we continued driving through the streets, my perception began to shift. Instead of focusing on fear, I started to see the good around us: a little girl playing with a cat, a man happily strumming his guitar, a family sharing their food by the roadside. The more I looked, the more I realized that good was all around us. It had never left; it had just momentarily been hidden by fear.
Through practicing Christian Science, I have learned to look beyond the picture in front of me and behold the spiritual reality or truth—God’s harmonious creation. That day, I saw clearly that divine Love was present and active, even in what seemed like a dangerous situation. God, our ever-present help in trouble, was truly our protector and guide.
As we continued to sing and remain steadfast in that spiritual awareness, the atmosphere around us changed. The crowds began to part. People stepped away from our bus. The shouting quieted. And we were allowed to pass peacefully.
This experience reminded me of the importance of holding to spiritual truth, even when circumstances appear scary or disorderly. God’s presence is not theoretical; it’s real, powerful, and always with us. And, as Mrs. Eddy wrote, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health, p. 494).
Love really did uphold and protect us all—and I know it always will.
