“I had absolutely no connection with God until I found this…”

Because of her work schedule, a woman inmate wasn’t able to attend the church service. She asked many questions about Christian Science from a woman who finally introduced her to the chaplain. Her study of the weekly Lesson Sermon impressed upon her the need for simply expressing love, finding and seeing spiritual qualities in everyone. In genuine affection and unselfishness, she began writing to her estranged mother, not seeking anything for herself. A short time later she was surprised and delighted to receive from her mother a box of much needed items, stationary, toothpaste, shampoo, etc., which she in turn happily shared with others. In humble gratitude she told the chaplain, “Good comes from many unexpected sources. I had absolutely no connection with God until I found this….”

True freedom discovered

“Bars and fences is not the prison! Our mind is a prison. You freed me.

“I am real grateful for the subscription that you are sending to me. However, I have been in prison since 1981, and I now earn $14.00 per month for my job working as a porter here. I want to send my best thanks and regards to the Christian Science publisher and the members that made it possible for me to receive the Sentinel for this long period of time plus the Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. “I have recovered from a serious back injury. Also, I had high blood pressure for 15 years; now it's normal. I could hardly walk because of arthritis over my entire body. I am 71 years of age and I don't have any physical ailments at all. I thank you for teaching me the power of love and how to be free.”

Violent temper destroyed

An inmate who had been “locked down” because of violent temper outbursts was shown how to deny false character traits and to replace them with the concept of perfect God, perfect man. Later in the week he was tested when he became angry with another inmate. He remembered the chaplain’s words and immediately declared to himself, “There’s not a spot where God is not.” Instantly the rage disappeared, replaced by the Truth reaching to the depths of his being.

Sleeplessness healed

“A man confided that he was afraid of going to sleep and not waking up and, as a result, got very little sleep each night. We prayed and knew that as God’s idea, he reflected eternal Life and could not lose his life whether asleep or awake. He reports he now is able to get a good night’s sleep.”

Resistance overcome

“Before I began reading Christian Science books and magazines, I did not want to change. I didn’t even think about changing. I didn’t want to stop taking drugs or do anything different. Now, studying is the best part of my day.” (This inmate received a certificate for most improved attitude.)

Changed attitude witnessed

“One of my regular visitors has received several comments from other inmates on her changed attitude. Deputies speak to her with a different demeanor. One deputy was so impressed that she suggested the inmate look into the military as a possible career opportunity. For several weeks this inmate has been studying a section of the lesson each day together with a dorm mate.”

Letter from an inmate (excerpt)

“… I was soon very bad off physically upon entering the prison system again. I thought I was going to die. I could hardly walk into my cell, I was so ill. But there in that lonely hotel, prison cell, lay a book entitled, ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.’ I could hardly see because I did not have my eye glasses. It was hot in that cell, and I could barely breathe. I opened the book, straining to focus my eyes enough to read a line or two, and then I would strain again to read a few more words... All that has happened in these past four months since I read the book is too good to be true!” “The Christian Science chaplain brought me Monitors and Sentinels, plus all the help and prayer I needed to begin my journey with my new life. I brought the textbook and about ten Sentinels with me to my present prison location where I have read and re-read all the Sentinels, mailed them out to my family and friends, telling them the help and healing that has taken place in my life ever since I began reading Science and Health and the Sentinels. I thank God for you, the chaplain at my former prison, Mary Baker Eddy, and all the people involved in such an organization as The Mother Church.”