To say that I am grateful for Christian Science is the understatement of all time, for without this truth I doubt I would be here today.

As a very young child I became ill and lapsed into a coma. The doctor told my parents I would not last through the night. When this happened a family of Christian Scientists living in the building recommended to my dad that he contact a Christian Science practitioner. Even though my parents knew very little about Science, they called the practitioner who had been suggested, and asked her to pray for me. Also, my father borrowed a copy of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy and began reading it. Within a few hours I opened my eyes and said, "Daddy, I'm hungry." My full recovery came soon after, and the healing was complete and lasting. The loving practitioner who had prayed for me helped our family through valleys of darkness into the light of divine Love many times after that.

I am most grateful for a healing of warts that covered the whole area around my mouth. I didn't want to go to school because of the problem; the children made fun of me and called me names. The practitioner mentioned earlier was called, and she began to pray for me. This verse from Job was very meaningful (11:15): "For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear." A few weeks later, the warts were gone, and in the years since I have had many compliments on my clear complexion.

I am grateful for my Christian Science Sunday School training, which taught me that whenever we're confronted with a problem, we can search the Christian Science textbooks—the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings—and find our answers.

One time Mother and another member of the family were having a friendly water fight, when Mother ran barefoot into a doorjamb. She hit her big toe so hard that the bone broke. Afterward she was unable to stand on the foot and could not even cover it with a sheet because of the severity of the pain. Through Christian Science treatment, however, within three days the healing was complete.

When my dog fell from the second floor down to the sidewalk one time, I sought prayerful help from a practitioner. The dog was in great pain and unable to stand or move his hind legs. Within an hour the pain seemed to subside, but he still could not stand or move his legs. Christian Science treatment was continued, and in about two weeks the dog was able to move and stand on all four legs. Within a month he was going up and down the stairs; his movement was completely normal.

I overcame a sense of grief at the passing of my parents by knowing that, as God's child, I was never alone, because my real and only Parent is our Father-Mother God, who is always with us, loving and caring for each one.

The Preface of Science and Health states (p. vii): "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings." This is a fact—a statement that I have seen proved in my life. I have learned to ask the Father what His will is for me. As I've listened and followed, I've rejoiced in blessings all along the way.

I am grateful for Christian Science class instruction from a loving teacher and for the privilege of serving in my branch church. My heart is full of appreciation for all who have helped me see more of God's true, perfect, spiritual man.

MAE E. DEOBLER
Glenview, Illinois

The Mother Church is The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Its branches are called Churches of Christ, Scientist, and Christian Science Societies.