It was shortly before World War...

Frank L. Pryor

It was shortly before World War II that my mother, sister, and I became interested in Christian Science and later joined The Mother Church. Since then we have been protected and blessed, and life has been more joyous than ever before. With a grateful heart I should like to tell of some of my experiences.

In April, 1942, a tornado struck our home town. At the time I was in the store which my father operated, watching the hail and rain and the effects of the unbelievably strong wind. The terrific force of the storm broke the plate-glass show windows, and as I fled to the rear of the building part of it collapsed. Some of the debris struck me on top of the head, and I started to scramble for cover under a nearby table; but remembering that God was my protector, I stopped immediately. Although the rain was coming down in sheets, the debris ceased falling. I know that God protected me, and I cannot tell in words how grateful I am for that protection. The head injury was quickly healed in Christian Science.

While I was serving with the armed forces I endeavored daily to study the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, as well as to read as much as I could from the Christian Science periodicals for which I subscribed. That subscription gave me the joy of receiving mail from my homeland, which was comforting and helpful. It was my privilege to help conduct informal Christian Science church services in our camp in Hawaii for about ten months.

I attribute the wonderful way in which I was protected in combat to my study of and diligent devotion to the teachings of Christian Science and the protective work of relatives and friends. On the second day of battle, as the DUKW, a land and water vehicle, on which I was riding reached the shore of Iwo Jima it overturned in the rough water. While I was under the water "the scientific statement of being" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 468) came to my thought. I was not afraid, because I had been thinking of God's protecting power. The huge waves partially righted the vehicle while I was between it and the beach. The next wave smashed the DUKW against the shore right where I had been; two buddies had lifted me out of the way just in time.

All during the twenty-three days in which I fought with the United States Marines to take that island I continued to work metaphysically, as we are taught in Christian Science, both for my artillery section and myself, and none of us were seriously injured. The ninety-first Psalm was a constant comfort to me during that experience. I am grateful for the many ways in which I was protected and blessed all during the nearly two years I was in the South Pacific theater of war.

Christian Science has enabled me to have a rich and complete college experience. Much good came to me from active work in a Christian Science Organization and in The Christian Science Monitor Youth Forum.

I early learned that when one is beginning the study of Christian Science it may seem difficult at times to understand certain points which Science presents, but if one will continue in the faith, understanding will come, bringing with it real blessings.

For membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for the benefits received from teaching in a Christian Science Sunday School, and for the many blessings our family has received since we began the study of Christian Science, I am truly grateful.—Frank L. Pryor, Elk City, Oklahoma.

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