I was eighteen years of age when I first attended a Christian Science Sunday School, and I loved the new ideas that were presented. So for two years (until I reached the age of twenty and was no longer eligible for Sunday School) I was a regular attendant, traveling fifty miles to the nearest church. I later had the privilege of taking class instruction with the Christian Science teacher who had been my Sunday School teacher.

There were many times during the raising of our three daughters when I was extremely grateful for this very practical religion. I found that all the help we need is right at hand in the Bible and in the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. Most of the healings were effected quickly, including those of sore throats, earache, colds, and an eye and ear infection. As a result of prayer, baby fingers accidentally closed in a car door showed no ill effects an hour after the incident. There were many instances of protection and other healings too numerous to mention. One of our daughters had lovely experiences with animals, including the healing of a lame duckling within an hour. Indeed, our whole family has felt the benefit of practicing the truths of Christian Science in daily life.

I would particularly like to relate a very beautiful healing that took place about seven years ago. I was serving as First Reader in our Christian Science Society at the time. In the early hours one Sunday morning, I woke with intense pain in my lower abdomen. The condition worsened, and I was quite ill. My husband, who is not a Scientist, became alarmed. I was so thankful that he didn't even mention calling a doctor but instead offered to call one of our church members for help. However, because of the early hour, I declined his offer. I felt I could rely entirely on God as always.

The pain was so acute that there were times when I could barely think and could only cling to the truth that God is All. I held steadfastly to this fact, pondering it thoroughly when I was able. Then just before dawn I felt a peace, and I was conscious of the pain subsiding. What a wave of gratitude swept over me!

After about an hour's rest, I was able to get up and bathe, have breakfast, and dress for church. My husband expressed concern over my going out after what I had been through during the night, but I was able to point out to him my desire to complete what I felt was a most wonderful demonstration of God's power and presence. The atmosphere in our little church that morning was one of the most inspiring I have ever experienced, and it was shared by all present.

Another lovely healing was of an aching back. It developed that I couldn't stand freely if I had been sitting for any length of time. For about three weeks I wrestled with this condition through vigorous prayer, but to no avail. Then, when there was to be a Christian Science lecture on the next Sunday afternoon in a city about fifty miles away, I decided I must attend.

I drove to the lecture, and once there I listened expectantly for a message that I hoped would lift my thought to enable me to understand the truth about the situation with my back. But I felt a great disappointment as the lecturer concluded, for it seemed I hadn't gained any fresh viewpoints. All I could remember was a statement that the lecturer had said several times, that spiritual healing comes from understanding God.

However, these words stayed with me, and the next day as I was working around the house, I found myself analyzing them. I saw that it wasn't really a matter-healing I needed, but spiritual healing through a greater understanding of God. In fact, my real and only need, I concluded, was to strive to understand God better. How else would it be possible to know the truth of His reflection, man? In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy gives us seven synonyms for God (p. 587): "Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love." I took each synonym and related it to myself as I did my housework.

That evening at our Christian Science Society we heard a talk given by a representative of The Mother Church. I went along to the meeting with a feeling of joyous anticipation. At the conclusion I rose with the happy realization that I had sat comfortably for two hours and had stood up perfectly free from any pain whatsoever. My healing proved to be complete.

Christian Science is a way of life for me, and my great desire is to live it and to share it with others.

ROSE MARY MONK
Otaki, New Zealand

I am glad to verify my wife's account of the healing of abdominal pain. I have read her testimony and the healing happened as she describes. I would also like to acknowledge the benefit of having raised our family in Christian Science. Our problems have been minimal and quickly met, and I am grateful for a happy and harmonious home.

RONALD L. MONK