As a child and young person I suffered from rheumatic fever, off and on, until about the age of thirty. Then I became very weak and often was in a state of shock. It usually took me several weeks to recover, and I would go through this same ordeal every few months. Also I could not stay up longer than a few hours at a time. All this went on for several years, during which I needed much help doing my housework and caring for my young daughter.

One day I turned on the radio and heard a Christian Science program. The people on it spoke about healings they'd had through prayer. I told my husband I wanted to try Christian Science, but he so discouraged me that I dropped the whole matter. Then, about six months later, I again listened to this program on the radio. Again I wanted to try Science, and again my husband discouraged me. But this time I decided to send away for a copy of the book mentioned on the program—Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

When the book arrived, I started to study it. Two weeks later I went to see a Christian Science practitioner. She asked me to study the answer to the question "What is man?" in Science and Health. Part of it reads (p. 475): "Man is idea, the image, of Love; he is not physique. He is the compound idea of God, including all right ideas...." This I studied every day for quite some time. Gradually my condition improved until complete healing was evident.

Another time I suffered from hemorrhaging, which went on for three months. Much fear set in. So, I called the same practitioner for help. After a few weeks I became discouraged and considered going to the hospital for surgery, since I didn't seem to be getting any better. I called the practitioner and told her of my intentions. She helped me to feel the presence of divine Love, and I decided to continue to rely on God alone. Because of my fear, she invited me to stay at her house for a few days so we could work together more closely. I did and shortly was healed of the fear. Two weeks later the hemorrhaging ceased completely.

At this same time I was also healed of the need to lie down every few hours. The practitioner had asked me to let her know whenever I felt I had to lie down. When the hour came I called her. She then said to me, "This time, sit in a chair and read this Christian Science lecture from beginning to end, while I pray for you." Afterward, I felt no desire or need to lie down. I knew I was healed. Since then I have been able to be up all day long—every day. All these healings came about some twenty years ago and have remained permanent.

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3).

About two years after these healings a fine baby boy was born to us. One time during this pregnancy it seemed that there would be a miscarriage. (I had had several miscarriages before beginning the study of Christian Science.) I called the same practitioner, and after one and a half days in bed, I got up and went about my business. All was well.

When this child was about four years old, a way opened up for me to have class instruction in Christian Science. After this I had the opportunity to attend a business college in spite of never having gone to high school. The work was difficult at first, but through prayer it became easier until I had no problem doing it at all. A few years after this I was able to attend a school of cosmetology on a partial scholarship—something I had always wanted to do.

It was rather a challenge for me when I was asked to play the organ for Wednesday testimony meetings at our branch church, as I live thirty-three miles away. This meant I would have to drive by myself at night. Years ago I was very afraid to drive by myself during the daytime, even for just ten miles. My family feared for my safety, but I knew God was with me all the way. And He did protect me. Only once did I have car trouble on the road at night. Even then I was protected from all danger and harm. Through prayer I overcame this fear and now I drive by myself for very long distances.

I am grateful to God for Christian Science; for the practitioners, who are always ready to help; for Christian Science class instruction; and for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. It is a blessing to serve.

LOLA L. AHRENS
Fredericksburg, Texas