Years ago my father was told by our family doctors that he had only a few months to live. On learning this, my father's aunt, who was the only Christian Scientist in our town, assured my father that he could be healed. My father discontinued medical help and asked her to pray for him. Although he had been bedridden for at least a year, he was completely healed in a short time.

My parents then began the study of this Science and eventually had Christian Science class instruction. Later my mother became a practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal. At the age of twelve I joined The Mother Church after a remarkable healing of diphtheria during an epidemic. Not only was I healed but our family of three other children were protected from the disease.

I have been a member of The Mother Church for seventy-two years. Many temptations that I was faced with in my teens, such as smoking and drinking, were refused validity when the thought would come, "I'm a member of The Mother Church."

I must confess, however, that there was a time in my life when I strayed from Christian Science, but I am thankful that I found my way back. Through the loving, patient, and firm help of my Christian Science teacher, I came to the realization that the only joy I could find was through obedience to the teachings in Christ Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (see Matt., chaps. 5–7).

Since receiving Christian Science class instruction in 1924, I have attended sixty yearly Christian Science Students Association meetings. I am most grateful for the invaluable help that class instruction and the association meetings have afforded me during my careers as a high-school teacher, guidance counselor, aesthetic dancing teacher, and mother. A most joyous part of my life has been active membership in local branch churches at various times.

Recently I experienced an instantaneous healing of an injured ankle. As I rose from the table one day, my ankle turned until it snapped. My brother-in-law helped me to the car, where my sister was waiting for us. I told her what had happened and how I was suffering. Her answer was "We shall not accept that," which brought to my mind this quotation from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy (p. 227): "Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right." Immediately the pain ceased and I was completely healed. When we arrived at our destination I stepped out of the car with no help, no pain, and no more inconvenience.

It would take a book to describe the joyous experiences and the healings I have had through the years of my study of Christian Science. Only in striving to follow God in the way of the Christ can I prove my gratitude.

Geneva P. Martin
Rogers, Arkansas