Testimonies
Just a note to thank everyone for all the work, organizational efforts, and most importantly prayerful support that went into the week at Asilomar…There is clearly a need for a warm human touch in our Movement and you are certainly reaching out to help fill it in a unique and beautiful way. My friend and I experience this same unity, support, and openness of thought in our individual branch churches (different ones) daily. We have a renewed appreciation for that now and are actively cherishing it, knowing this natural “oneness” can (and must) continue to glow and grow in our dear churches, melting the ice of human opinion, resistance and fear of anything different or fresh. I wish all involved with BSS continued success and look forward to hearing more about the new ministries of biblical and Christian based outreach and celebration which are such a joyful, needed idea for our youth and young at heart as well.
Having been a life-long Christian Scientist, my exposure to other faiths has been limited. I’ve recently been working a great deal to understand the presence of the Christ in ALL religions and to be more inclusive in my CS practice. I had been working and praying with so many of the ideas shared during this week. It felt like I had all the pieces, but they were fuzzy. They have come into focus in a way that I can now share coherently with others. Thank you!
Dick, I would especially like to thank you for your gentle, inclusive approach. I’ve spent much of my life as “odd man out” in church, as the rigid, critical human-perfection based thinking never made sense to me, especially when justified by the loving message of our pastor, The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. It was the fiery furnace that made me let go of a desire to fit in with dogma and cling to the “spirit” of CS. Now, I am blessed to be experiencing church in a way that is much closer to the way it should be. I pray this idea spreads to all our branches.
It was startling to be with so many other Christian Scientists that were like-minded. What a joy to know they are there! But, having been on the “outside” for so long, I’m exceedingly grateful for your sensitivity to those who are afraid to let go of the “traditions” of our culture – not of Mrs. Eddy or the Church Manual. I appreciate your willingness to bring them along with love and patience. (Of course, whether or not they choose to come is ultimately up to them, but I have to trust that Mind is speaking to them and they are listening.) The conference has given me much to think about and pray about. Thank you for being willing to stand at the forefront of change.
Diana Butler, C.S.
Coarsegold, California
Just a great big thank you for all you do for this Bible Seminar… I could go on and on but I just want to tell you of a life changing feeling. I was there at the optional “feet washing” experience [one activity among five that people could choose to attend in different buildings around the campus]. I did not expect to come away with what happened to me. I just thought I would get a little better feeling for biblical times. I enjoyed my feet being “washed” but it wasn’t until I washed someone else’s that I cried.
After I sat down and listened to others comments, my own feelings were of humility and complete surrender AND there was something else I just couldn’t put a word to so I just left it at that. The feeling didn’t leave me all the next day. I just wanted to keep smelling my hands for the scent of the sandalwood oil. Anyway, I was canning apricots from our garden when I was home. I thought of that day and it “washed” over me. I again began to cry uncontrollably. For the first time I FELT LOVED.
I know my mom, dad, husband, and my children love me. But this was a love I have never felt before. I know now why people followed Jesus. The healings were just a side shoot of what they were really seeking. They felt loved. That is why the woman in Luke 7 was able to wash his feet with her tears. I GET IT! We won’t draw people into our churches for healings alone. If they walk through those church doors and feel the love of Christ they will return. We just have to love everyone we come in contact with. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Words just can’t explain.
Janet Berry
Marysville, California
It was like coming home, but to a place I’d never been before (wasn’t that phrase in John Denver’s ballad “Rocky Mountain High”?). It was a warm, growing hug, where I found fellowship, community – so real. Hearts speak to hearts… I am ready and charged to dig deeper in the Bible, to live what I find, to let the Spirit lead me, use me, own me.
In one of the breakout sessions we had 7 people with the faculty member and we shared our own experiences. We comforted and encouraged each other. We were drawn into the Bible to see its relevance in our lives. I felt as though we had a “footwashing” experience….In learning to value myself more and to care for myself, this retreat has become of precious value for me. The cost is small in comparison to the ongoing gain. It has a transforming effect on the hearts and minds that are open to change.
I liked best the incredible speakers and presentations, and the progressive direction this organization is giving to devout Christian Scientists who will go back to their churches and help them grow…This Bible study conference is the leading edge of helping C.S. grow into the vibrant Christian movement it was meant to be. This is the first place I have ever felt a loving connection of belonging within a roomful of Christian Scientists. Christ’s love is evident here through all the people attending. This was a surprise to me and exactly what I needed.
We tend not to focus enough on Bible study in branch churches, yet this is the basis of Christian Science. If the “inspired Word of the Bible” is really our “sufficient guide to eternal life”, we need to know it well – not just the words, but the background – so that we can perceive the message on a deep-level.
