Christian Science came to me when I was in great need. For many years I had been looking for a meaning to life, and more recently had turned to hygiene and health laws to try to keep well. However, this brought no improvement, for during these years I had been very ill and had many emotional and personal problems. Two years ago I found myself on the verge of a nervous breakdown, manifesting alarming breast pains, which I was afraid to put a name to. I had been unable to work or do anything in the home, and felt I couldn't carry on any longer.

I knew very little about Christian Science or its healing powers, although I had been in a Christian Science Reading Room the year before and had been given some literature to read. I had always believed very deeply in God and His power to heal, and had many times been aware of His healing presence, but in my distress I couldn't seem to find Him. Mrs. Eddy writes in Miscellaneous Writings (p. 81): "In the desolation of human understanding, divine Love hears and answers the human call for help." Suddenly the words Christian Science came to my thought, and I phoned the local branch church. I was invited to come to their Wednesday evening testimony meeting and speak to an usher at the door.

I didn't think about healing when I went, but thought I might find God there. The meeting was beautiful, but I was so distressed that I felt I couldn't face anybody, and would just have to go home. However, a practitioner was sitting behind me, and seeing my distress leaned over at the end of the meeting and began to talk to me. I asked for help, and this was promptly given.

The practitioner gave me Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy to read, and at my request began to give me prayerful treatment.

I read only Science and Health and all the Christian Science periodicals for the next few weeks. The practitioner also gave me many citations from Mrs. Eddy's writings to study. I was introduced to the idea of God's allness and to spiritual reality and man's present perfection. The practitioner then helped me to apply to my own situation the spiritual truths I was learning.

I began to get a view of God's nearness and love I had never known before.

In a very short time a sleep problem I had had for many years simply vanished. I had not slept without some pill or other, but I have been able to sleep quite naturally since then. All signs of a nervous breakdown disappeared, and all the pains left me. The world was flooded with a beautiful light. This was a very precious experience, and it enabled me to gain a greater sense of love for my fellowman. I felt joyous and well. Life took on different meaning, and I found myself gaining in strength and resuming my normal activities.

During this time the practitioner was guiding my footsteps in this study and showing me the way.

I had many problems to overcome. Feelings of inadequacy left me, and I am now experiencing a peace I had not known for years.

I have come out of the darkness and into the light, and feel that at least in part that glorious promise in Revelation is being fulfilled in my experience (21:4): "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more . . . crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

As my receptivity grows and I am able to rely on God, all my needs of supply, guidance, and purpose are being met. My heart is full of gratitude for Christian Science and for the churches that give a healing welcome to all.

(Mrs.) Rosalind Simmons London, England