I am so grateful for experiences I have had as a Christian Scientist that I would like to share some of them with others.

I have witnessed healings in my family of growths, so-called childhood diseases, and smoking. Also employment problems and other types of difficulties have been overcome.

The trying times of the Depression of the 1930s brought hardships for many people. I remember at one time we had no funds to pay pressing bills. I stood looking out of the kitchen window one morning, praying to God for an answer. These words came as though someone had spoken them to me: "You will always be cared for." Within the hour my husband telephoned to say we had received money from an unexpected source, which more than took care of our immediate needs. Our gratitude to God was very great for that experience and for His infinite supply of good.

Several years ago my husband and I entered into a new business. The prospects looked hopeful. However, it was a struggle, and a few years later we found ourselves bankrupt. Soon after, my husband passed away, and I was left with nothing but my clothes, a few pieces of furniture, and a small income from insurance. I was devastated.

During this time of trial, I gratefully was able to live with my daughter and her family. My daughter requested that a Christian Science practitioner pray for me then, as my depression and fear were very great. I couldn't help thinking of Joseph when he was cast into a pit (see Gen. 37:24). I, too, felt I had been thrown into a pit—of despondency, fear, and depression. But I was thankful that, through the loving, kind help of dedicated friends and family, I was lifted from this mental pit and soon had my feet on firm ground again. The freedom from this mesmeric darkness came very suddenly one day and with such light that I knew I was healed.

My Christian Science teacher at one time told me not to think of a problem just as "a problem," but to realize instead that divine Love was nudging me to go higher in spiritual understanding. I recognized that although thinking this way is not always easy, it can be done. I realized, too, that the main task I had was to know God and my relationship to Him better. And so this proved.

I know for certain that God is never defeated. Even though we may stumble at times, we can pick ourselves up and go forward. When we are trying to walk with God, no experience leaves us where it finds us, for we always gain so much good from it.

Soon after this healing, I applied for and was accepted into membership in the local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. I served in it for a period of time, but my desire to do more for the Cause of Christian Science was very great. I prayed quietly for a time and asked God for direction. Later the way opened for me to move to my hometown and join the branch church there. It seemed so right to take this step. I found comfortable living quarters, and there were many opportunities to help others in their growth Spiritward.

During this time, my family moved from the Midwest to the East. I didn't think of moving there then, but after a time it seemed I should do so. Again I prayed to God for direction and soon found the way opening for me to make the move. I live on the East Coast now, am a member of a beautiful branch church, am employed full time in very satisfying work, have my own home and many fine friends.

In my family there have been five generations of Christian Scientists—all earnest workers in their branch churches. I have always been cared for through trust in God, and I thank Him daily for the opportunities to help others.

It has almost always seemed that when I've prayed to God for direction, the answers have come like commands; I also knew I could obey them and not be afraid. Following these commands truly has brought me adventures in divine Love. A constant guide has been (Prov. 3:5, 6): "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I am so grateful for Christ Jesus' teachings, for Christian Science class instruction, and for Mary Baker Eddy's writings. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this woman, whose diligent stand in bringing the truth to mankind through the revelation of Christian Science has blessed so many.

EDNA M. WENTSEL
Harwich Port, Massachusetts

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.