While I was growing up, I struggled with many physical problems, among them a speech impediment. Medical authorities repeatedly diagnosed the cause as a nervous disorder for which they could do nothing.

After working in the family business until my late twenties, I left home for a large city to learn a trade. By this time my frustrations with the stuttering problem were compounded by heavy smoking, alcohol use, a bad temper, continuing physical problems, and a lack of funds.

It was at this time that I learned of Christian Science and began a study of it. My earnest desire to understand God led me to attend services at a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and it wasn't long before undesirable habits and traits of character started to disappear. After a year's complete freedom from the use of alcohol and tobacco, I applied and was accepted for branch church and Mother Church membership. Soon I was gainfully employed, and one by one the other problems were met and mastered through my own study and prayer.

The stuttering persisted, however, despite such human aids as speech experts, therapy, and even Toastmaster Club activities. I worked with various Christian Science practitioners at different times in an effort to overcome this problem. Though there was no physical change during this period, progress was ongoing. The prayer of each practitioner increased my awareness of God's might and love and encouraged me in my desire for complete healing.

Ultimately I went to a practitioner who later became my Christian Science teacher. At one of the first appointments I was asked to read aloud this statement from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 89): "The influence or action of Soul confers a freedom, which explains the phenomena of improvisation and the fervor of untutored lips."

This practitioner assured me of the tender, loving relationship that exists between God, Spirit, and His creation—man. He also urged me to work with the Concordances to the Bible and to Mrs. Eddy's writings by studying references to the word "tender." This I did and learned of my great need to know God better. Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health, p. 3), "The Divine Being must be reflected by man,—else man is not the image and likeness of the patient, tender, and true, the One 'altogether lovely;' but to understand God is the work of eternity, and demands absolute consecration of thought, energy, and desire."

Whenever impatience and frustration got the better of me, this practitioner patiently reminded me of Christ Jesus' statement (John 15:5), "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." His precise answers to my questions, as well as the citations he referred me to, reinforced my growing conviction that Christian Science heals any situation where its truths are specifically and consistently applied.

During the next few weeks there was decided improvement in my ability to articulate. This change instilled confidence and enabled me to converse with more ease than I'd ever known. Eventually, the healing came—the proof of which can be seen in forty-two years of uninterrupted employment as a salesman and administrator.

Since that time I've also had many opportunities to serve the Cause of Christian Science: as an executive board member, First Reader, and circulation representative for The Christian Science Monitor. While serving, I've always found that the supportive and harmonious atmosphere of church has promoted much spiritual growth.

Devoting time to meeting challenges through in-depth study of the Bible and Science and Health has brought a deeper understanding of my spiritual being. Isaiah's words accurately portray this sense (58:10): "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday."

My thankfulness and awe of the power of Christ, Truth, for this healing and when serving in branch church activities have helped me to feel and know God's nearness. Daily, I acknowledge His allness.

WILLIAM J. TURRIE
Phoenix, Arizona