Christian Science was introduced to me by an insurance agent who used to call at our home before the Second World War. At that time I had had to leave my employment because of nervous fatigue, palpitation of the heart, and other nervous disorders, including a bad speech impediment, which made it very difficult for me to converse with people. I would avoid meeting people rather than try to talk with them.

Although I sometimes attended Christian Science church services, borrowed books from the library, and read Christian Science literature, it was quite two years later that I took up the study of Christian Science seriously, and then only after it became clear to me that the exercises and diet method of healing I was then practicing had failed to restore my health.

One evening while in a distressed state of mind, with suicidal thoughts recurring, I remembered to return a book I had borrowed from the local branch church Reading Room. Two women were on duty. One spoke to me about Christian Science and asked me to try it as she thought I was at the stage where I needed it and was ready for it. Thinking I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, I decided to dc this. I gave up the exercise and diet routine and relied on Christian Science.

I asked for help from friends and sought treatment by a Christian Science practitioner as I prayed to gain some glimpse of the healing truth. My progress was slow. I had many erroneous beliefs to remove from my thinking. I did gain in understanding and spiritual strength, and eventually I found a job.

In gratitude I attempted to give a testimony at a Wednesday evening testimony meeting, but was unable to speak. I was compelled to sit down without saying one word. A church member kindly told me after the service that I had broken the mesmerism of fear and that next time I would be able to give my testimony. This proved true, and I have managed ever since to speak when I wanted to.

In June of 1940, I was called up for military service and went into the Army with the medical classification, "B1." After three years' service in home stations I was examined and passed as "A1." At the end of the war I was discharged with good character and decided to make my home in Worcester, England, where on the strength of my Army character I landed my first job in a local factory in the electrical line.

Around this time I joined the local Christian Science Society and served in many capacities; then I became a member of The Mother Church.

Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 22), "When the smoke of battle clears away, you will discern the good you have done, and receive according to your deserving." This certainly is true, for as one looks back and realizes the progress that has resulted from the application of this practical healing religion, words cannot express the deep feeling of gratitude that flows.

The works Mrs. Eddy did to establish the Christian Science movement on such a sound footing leave one amazed. Our best show of gratitude is to continue the work she began, that of establishing Christ's kingdom throughout the world.

Frank Woodall
Worcester, Worcestershire, England