I am very grateful to be a member of The Mother Church. I suppose at this point most reasons are selfish ones because of the good it has brought into my experience, but the unselfish reasons are growing in number because their value is continually being proven.

My freshman year in college was dreadful until a beautiful day when I realized without a doubt that Christian Science was not just a system of worship but a practical, delightful way of living. I had despondently called my parents to tell them the two doctors' verdict that I had an incurable skin disease, a disease that tormented me with much pain, as well as disfigurement.

My wise mother, a new member of The Mother Church, gave me no sympathy but compassionately asked me to call a Christian Science practitioner she knew, a woman two thousand miles from my college. Obediently I called, but scoffed at what the practitioner said. I read what she asked me to read and went to bed feeling discouraged and very sorry for myself.

The next morning neither my roommate nor I noticed anything extraordinary as I prepared for going to class. Clothing next to my skin had always been very painful, but this morning I did not hesitate to put on the leotard worn for gymnastic class, although I was not conscious of any change in my skin. The gymnastics instructor called my perfectly clear complexion to everyone's attention, including my own. Imagine my joy over this first realization that I had had a complete healing.

That day I started studying the Bible and Science and Health, the textbook by Mrs. Eddy, and other Christian Science literature. Poor attitudes, terrible grades, and awful habits began to disappear. This healing study took me into membership in The Mother Church. It led me to a college having a Christian Science organization, and I attended two Biennial College Meetings. I was able to do highly successful graduate work, and I had wonderful roommates. I am grateful for a fine husband, for branch church work, class instruction, and numerous mental and physical healings.

My happiness and gratitude are unlimited for the sound spiritual guidance given by the regional representative for college organizations from The Mother Church, as well as for Christian Science practitioners, who have given so freely of their time to talk with me, and especially for membership in The Mother Church. Striving to be obedient to the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy is a blessed experience.

(Mrs.) Shirley W. Bare
Novato, California

I am very happy to verify my wife's testimony about the healing of a skin disease, although it occurred before I knew her. Since our marriage, which we feel is itself a demonstration of divine Principle, Love, we have both had many proofs of God's tender care for us in supply and living accommodations, physical healings, and a most harmonious experience together. I, too, am especially grateful for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and for the opportunity of working in a school for young Christian Scientists.

Edwin Everett Bare, III