“All Science is Christian Science; the Science of the Mind that is God, and of the universe as His idea, and their relation to each other.” (Mis. 4:6–9)
Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.
A young traveling couple came by saying they had seen our signs in the terminal area, and the words “Christian Science” piqued their curiosity. The young man indicated he was having challenges with addiction. I told him that God loves all his creations unconditionally and cherishes us as His perfect image and likeness. We discussed Jeremiah 17:14, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” We also discussed Psalms 30:1, “I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast lifted me up, …” We then discussed a passage from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, page 393, “Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs, and that in Science man reflects God’s government.” This young man asked if there were Reading Rooms in the area where he lived and so I shared with him a recent Christian Science Journal with the listings of numerous Reading Rooms in his hometown area.
A traveler from Ohio came by saying, “I saw your sign!” She said her late mother-in-law was a devoted Christian Scientist who helped to heal many with their challenges. She sat down in the study room for an hour and read the week’s Bible lesson which had been marked for study. I gave her a copy of the Bible lessons from the previous month, and she picked up some complimentary literature from our basket on her way out.
A woman came in and asked if she could charge her phone and I said “of course” as I showed her to the study room. When I later looked in on her, I found she was reading the week’s Bible lesson. She looked up and said, “What kind of place is this?” I explained there are Christian Science Reading Rooms all around the world and this one is the only one located at an airport. I further explained that the Reading Room is a quiet place for people to come and pray or to read the weekly Bible lesson as she was doing. I shared that the church’s pastor is the holy Bible and the book she was reading from, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I also explained how Mrs. Eddy discovered the religion and how our church structure was laid out as we went over the church tenets. I also gave her an introduction to some of the healing teachings. She departed with a pamphlet titled, “What is Christian Science?” and a Christian Science Journal to help her to locate a Christian Science church in her area.
One of the airport police officers came in. He said he’s been in the Reading Room several times and this time asked how we might pray for his ill brother in Ireland. We prayed together affirming that all mankind is under God’s loving, healing presence.
A telephone call was received requesting the page number of a poem in a recent Christian Science Sentinel. I was able to provide the caller with the information and the individual happily expressed appreciation.
A man who works at the airport came in and, after a brief glance at our window displays, sat down in front of the attendant’s desk. This man said he had visited our Reading Room months earlier and explained that he was an alcoholic. He shared that he recently had a relapse and was seeking help to overcome the temptation of liquor. We talked about the importance of having God in our lives as a basis of handling challenges. We discussed John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed,” and from Science and Health 260: 19-20, “Mortals must change their ideals in order to improve their models,” and 262:27, “The foundation of mortal discord is a false sense of man’s origin. … Divine Mind is the only cause or Principle of existence.” Our conversations continued with return visits.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many Christian Science churches and individuals for their interest in and support of this Reading Room. We have been here for nearly 66 years, meeting the spiritual needs of travelers, airport employees, and our local and global community. We are always looking for more volunteers willing to staff the Reading Room, as well as prayerful support and financial contributions.
To make an online donation, please return to our main website page, or mail a check to our Treasurer at:
Harley Bennett, JMRR Treasurer
23871 Willows Drive, #384
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
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