“With God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27)
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What is this place? What is Christian Science?
A woman came in and asked, “What is this place?” After telling me she’s searching for a new way to find peace in her busy life, we talked about Mary Baker Eddy, and why she wrote Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. She bought the book and took a Christian Science Journal. I earmarked a church near her home in Houston. She will try to stop in again on her way home.
While a man was waiting for his son to arrive, he came in and asked how Christian Science differs from other Christian denominations. First, we talked about similarities: studying the Bible; following Jesus’ teachings. Differences: our Pastor is two books; we expect healing to result from prayer. He left with a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A young man came in and talked about his Mormon faith, and described a dramatic healing of chicken pox he participated in. I explained how we understand healing in Christian Science and he felt we were in agreement on everything. He took a “What is Christian Science?” brochure and purchased a copy of Science and Health.
A traveler walked straight in. She was eager to receive literature. She asked, “What is Christian Science?” I began explaining what Christian Science is; she was quite receptive. I told her about the healing of deafness, sight impairment and tuberculosis in the March 1918 Christian Science Journal. We found the writeup in the bound volumes. She then read the Bible Lesson from our marked books, and left with a Christian Science Sentinel, Christian Science Journal, and full-text Christian Science Quarterly. She was here for over an hour.
A man from Winnipeg came in. He knew about Christian Science. I talked a bit about Mary Baker Eddy and Jesus’ teachings. He opened Science and Health randomly to page 108:12 and read the phrase “mathematical certainty.” He is a computer scientist. I explained how we use the idea of math principles to explain the unchanging law of God and His goodness. His eyes lit up. I showed him, from the Christian Science Journal, where a Christian Science church is in Winnipeg. He took a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A man came in to ask what a Christian Science Reading Room is. I spoke about how Reading Rooms are a worldwide outreach of Christian Science churches, and that the Reading Room at SFO is for travelers, and is sponsored by Bay Area Christian Science churches. I also spoke briefly about core religious beliefs. The visitor then asked about our view on evolution vs. creationism. I spoke at length about God’s spiritual record of creation in Genesis 1, and our view that God is the only creator. (The Bible Lesson that week was “God the Only Cause and Creator.”) God’s creation is totally spiritual, and not material or of matter. He was glad to hear of our perspective and felt firmly along similar lines. During this conversation, a large group of approximately 75 youngsters with parents and chaperones arrived just outside our door. (They were with the “Fly Compton Foundation” and were in San Francisco for the day.) They were all interested and it was standing room only in the Reading Room – elbow to elbow. All of these kids are in a program guiding them towards being airline pilots one day. We talked about God, the Bible, angels, love. The visitor asked the parents if we could pray for the kids, and the parents approved. He led us in a sweet, basic Christian petition for the kid’s safety and development. Two boys told me their names were in the Bible, but they didn’t know how to find them. I got CONCORD up and running to find their names (in I Kings and Acts). They were so happy and were running around showing everybody Bibles and the location of their names. Some of the kids studied in the “quiet” room; some played at the table in front. Tons of Bible quote cards were taken. There was much gratitude for our presence. The visitor took the “What is Christian Science?” brochure and a pack of Bible quote cards. It’s hard to describe the whole event in words. Note: before all this happened, I had been praying with the following: “To-day my soul can only sing and soar. An increasing sense of God’s love, omnipresence, and omnipotence enfolds me. Each day I know Him nearer, love Him more, and humbly pray to serve Him better” (My. 174:25–28).
A Buddhist monk came in and asked about the place. I shared what we are about. I also invited him to come any time to pray, meditate and study. He then asked about our literature. I showed him the periodicals and free pamphlets, and that we have a Bible in Chinese.
A Muslim woman came in to pray as part of her desire to pray five times a day. Then her husband also came to pray. While they were in the study room, a young man came in and asked, “What is this place?” I shared information about Christian Science and the purpose of the Christian Science Reading Room, Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, the Tenets, the definition of God, the first page of Recapitulation, page 468, the full-text Christian Science Quarterly and Fruitage. He bought a full-text Christian Science Quarterly and Science and Health.
A man walked in and asked, “What is Christian Science?” I gave him the “What is Christian Science?” brochure, and opened Science and Health to the Tenets, which I read aloud and we discussed. He was curious about the Christian Science Sentinel volumes in the Study Room. While he was here, he found Science and Health available as an audio book, bought it, and downloaded it to listen to on the plane.
A visitor came in to see what we do. I told her about Mary Baker Eddy and Science and Health. She is Christian and knows the Lord’s Prayer and the Bible. I showed her the Christian Science Monitor that I was praying with – an article on France – and using ideas from a Christian Science Sentinel. After staying a while in the study room, she got a phone call and needed to leave. She selected a Bible quote card from the table.
For over an hour, I spoke with a gentleman. He took with him a “What is Christian Science?” brochure. We read aloud the Tenets (p. 497), as well as pages from the chapter Recapitulation and the definition of God from the Glossary (both from Science and Health). He asked about gender and homosexuality. My response was that Jesus told us to “Judge not, that ye be not judged”; that the one who is without sin can cast the first stone. Referring to one of Jesus’ parables, we should remove the beam from our own eye before trying to pick out the splinter from our brother’s eye. We also discussed Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, and the comparison of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda with the man healed of blindness by washing in the pool of Siloam. This visit was the closest I’ve had to a Sunday School class. It was wonderful!
In the evening, a science teacher came in and stayed for an hour asking sincere questions. He said many of his family are in the medical profession, but even then, there is beauty and perfection found everywhere. He took a Christian Science Monitor, a Christian Science Sentinel and the “What is Christian Science?” brochure. During our conversation, we found that many of the chapters in Science and Health would be of interest to him, including “Science, Theology and Medicine,” “Physiology” and “Genesis.” His master’s thesis compared Genesis with Darwin.
A young man came in asking, “What is Christian Science?” I gave him the brochure “What is Christian Science?” He said he would be back. He returned two times later in my shift. The second time he stayed and we covered the basics: Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, the Tenets, and page 468 of Science and Health. I told him my dad was healed of all desire for drugs and smoking while reading Science and Health when he was in prison on drug charges. The man said he, too, would like to be free of smoking. I let him know that others have been freed from smoking by reading this book. He left with a copy to read on his flight.
A young man came in, wide-eyed. He had never heard of Christian Science but saw our sign and was curious. He follows another Christian denomination (Catholic) and knows the Bible. I gave him an overview of what Christian Science teaches and finished by talking about how Jesus healed and that Mary Baker Eddy used that healing as her guide. I shared a short physical healing. He said, “I can’t say that I disagree with any of this.” He took a “What is Christian Science?” brochure with him.
A traveler who had missed their flight came in and asked, “What is this place?” I shared the three main functions to provide a place where the public can: ask questions about Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science Reading Rooms; use the study area to read, study, pray, meditate regardless of denomination; purchase literature, including Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and Christian Science periodicals. After showing her passages from the textbook, she left with a complimentary copy of the book.
Meeting an immediate need
A woman came in who was crying. She said she is a Christian Scientist and, due to her flight being delayed, she thought she wouldn’t make it to her destination in time for an important meeting. We talked about how God’s plan and love must fit (a paraphrase from Hymn 51: “Love’s work and love must fit.”) She was so grateful to find the Reading Room. After she walked over and talked with an airline representative, she came back to let me know she was rebooked for a different flight. She again expressed gratitude for the Reading Room being at the San Francisco Airport.
I noticed a female traveler who was pacing back and forth between the terminal and then sat down on a bench in front of the Reading Room and started crying. I went out and said I was here for her. Later she came inside saying she lost her luggage and needed to get right with God. She asked if I would walk with her to find her luggage. Eventually we found both pieces of her checked luggage, and the airport police were able to get her carryon from inside security. She took with her the “What is Christian Science?” brochure, a pack of Bible quote cards, and a printout of the Bible Lesson.
Someone came in to ask if he could charge his phone. He was visiting San Francisco to be a model for a GAP photo shoot. He asked what this place was, and I told him a bit about a Christian Science Reading Room, which led to sharing about Christian Science — including how I have been healed through applying its principles. He mentioned that he was a Christian but had not heard of Christian Science. By this time his phone had enough charge to book an Uber. I asked if he would like to take a “What is Christian Science?” brochure, which he did before he left.
While I was on the phone answering questions about the location and times of services for local churches, a traveler came to the door and asked if we had a printer. He needed to print out his visa. After finishing the call, I was able to print the document. During our conversation he told me he speaks Arabic. I was excited to share the “What is Christian Science?” brochure in Arabic, which he eagerly accepted. He took a photo of the page from the Christian Science Journal of churches in Brazil (where he will be traveling) and learned about churches near the area where he lives when he returns home to the United States.
Spiritual seekers
Two travelers came in. We talked about how Mary Baker Eddy was healed from the effects of a fall, and how my family heard of her when they lived in Lynn, Massachusetts, which brought our family into the Christian Science faith. Showing them our Pastor (the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy), I pointed out that the last chapter contains descriptions of healings that resulted from just reading the book. I related a healing of my own for a condition like an account in that chapter. One of them said, “I already have a Bible, but may I buy the other book?” He purchased the paperback copy of Science and Health that was on the desk. They live near the Reading Room, and plan to stop when they return home.
A man from New York came in. He works on Wall Street and manages properties across the country. He said he travels through SFO approximately every 3 weeks but had not seen our Reading Room before. He told me about his 98-year-old mother who is a life-long Christian Scientist and still reads the weekly Bible Lesson. He went on to explain that he had drifted away from Christian Science but was feeling the need to reconnect. His concern that his schedule was so full made him think he did not have the time to read or study. He was looking for something simple and short he could look to or listen to each day. I told him how to sign up for the “Daily Lift”. We talked a bit more about the need for more spirituality in today’s environment. He departed with gratitude and a full packet of the Bible quote cards (15 cards) and two full-text Christian Science Quarterlies.
A visitor stopped at the Bible quote card table, spoke with me briefly, and then went into the Study Room. Another RR attendant was in the Study Room and had a lengthy conversation with the visitor. At first, he seemed guarded because he felt that only the Bible is needed for our spiritual studies. The other attendant showed him Tenet #1 – the Bible is our “sufficient guide to eternal Life” (Science and Health, p. 497). He then asked about salvation, and the attendant pointed him to Tenet #4. Many more of his questions were answered. At one point both of us were talking with him, sharing healings we have experienced through our study of Christian Science. He left with a smile and the “What is Christian Science?” brochure in English and Korean (which he will share with his Korean-speaking parents).
Two visitors today came in and wanted to talk about the concept of “original sin.” They also both asked why we need a second book in addition to the Bible. I explained that the title, “Science and Health with KEY to the Scriptures” (emphasis added), shows the purpose. Just as a key doesn’t REPLACE a door, it OPENS the door. The textbook doesn’t in any way replace the Bible, it opens or unlocks the ideas for us to understand and apply to our lives.
A former SFO employee was on his way to get his luggage when he saw our sign. He first came to check out the table with Bible quote cards and then walked inside. He was happy to see us and said it was meant to be. He took a Christian Science Sentinel and Christian Science Monitor from the free rack and thanked me for being here.
I had a wonderful conversation about the importance of God in our lives with a traveler from Virginia. She stayed here about 45 minutes. She is new to the study of the Bible, now on Revelation. She has read Romans, all four Gospels, and some of the Old Testament. We talked about a wide range of issues with family and raising children and being Christian – God first in thought and seeing evidence of His goodness. I read to her “A rule for motives and acts” from The Manual – to help watch and guard thought for what God would say and do. When I told her God is Spirit and does not create matter, she said her Pastor had said that in a sermon two weeks ago. We agreed that “holier makes heathier.” She said she hopes to come in and see me the next time she flies into SFO, and took the brochure “What is Christian Science?”
A young man walked up to the marked books in the window. He read ALOUD the Bible and Science and Health citations marked for the day, as well as the Golden Text and Responsive Reading. It was inspiring. He came inside and spent some time with Strong’s Concordance in the study area. He left with a copy of Science and Health, two Christian Science Sentinels, and a full packet of Bible quote cards to share with friends.
A visitor came in and said he loves to read. I asked him if he was interested in news or spiritual ideas. He said, “spiritual”, so I helped him select a Christian Science Sentinel. He sat down at the desk. I opened Science and Health to the definition of God. He liked that a lot. We discussed Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, as well as the man at the pool of Bethesda. He told me he was raised in the Christian and Muslim faiths growing up but raised his children in Christianity. He was planning a trip to Boston to visit his brother, so I told him where the church headquarters is located and gave him a Christian Science Journal so he would have the directory. He also took two sets of Bible quote cards, one for himself and one for his brother.
A man stopped by to read the selected passages from our Pastor displayed in the front window. I offered a pack of Bible quote cards. He said he is feeling down due to lack of work. I encouraged him that Love has a plan for him, that Love takes care of its ideas. I showed him the free pamphlets; he chose one about angels.
A young woman traveling home to Sweden was drawn to our store by the word “Christian” in our name. She attended a Bible college for 3 years and was surprised to see a Science and Health in the Swedish language. She took a Christian Science Journal.
A woman came in asking for a book of prayers – present day and present tense prayers. I showed her God’s Law of Adjustment, the Christian Science Sentinel, and both hymnals. She looked through and read several hymns and decided to purchase the words only version of the Christian Science Hymnal 430-603. Before she left, I showed her several special pages in Science and Health: the definition of God, and the spiritual sense of the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23. She also left with a Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel and Christian Science Monitor.
Literature leads to connection
A man came in and spent quite a bit of time looking at all the periodicals on the “free” rack, and all the pamphlets in both rooms. Eventually he asked if there was anything specific that might appeal to his college-aged daughter who was exploring religions. We talked a bit more, and I explained how our weekly Bible Lesson study might be a gentle approach to learning more about Christian Science. I showed a full-text Christian Science Quarterly to him, and how weekly study works. He was very interested and bought a full-text Christian Science Quarterly and a pamphlet. When leaving, he remarked at what a unique and wonderful place the Reading Room is and took several photos. He also selected a Christian Science Sentinel from our free rack and several Bible quote cards to take with him.
Seeing our rack of free literature, a woman came in and asked if she could have a Christian Science Monitor. After she sat down, I gave some background on the purpose of the Monitor — to injure no one, and to bless everyone. She commented on the depressing stories in the news. I mentioned Jesus’ instruction to let our light shine. People are attracted to light. Also, when bad news or anger get directed our way, how will we respond? Jesus told us if we listen and obey (see Matt 7: 24), our house (consciousness) is built on the rock. Then, in the words of St. Paul, these things don’t move us. She left with a Monitor in her hand and a smile on her face.
One evening a woman in a wheelchair was parked beside our store, facing the children’s books in our window. She was attracted to “My Little Book About God”, as well as the board books. She bought one book for her grandchild, and then her daughter arrived to pick her up.
A gentleman stopped outside at the table with Bible quote cards, and then came in. I asked if he knew about Christian Science. There seemed to be a language barrier at first, but I kept knowing that Truth is always understood. He was interested in the FREE rack, so I told him about the Christian Science Monitor. He picked up the Science and Health that was on the desk and glanced through it. He asked if there was a “Christian Science library” near where he lives in Southern California. I took a Christian Science Journal from the FREE rack and showed him the directory. He left with a Christian Science Sentinel, Christian Science Monitor, and of course a Christian Science Journal.
A woman with a cart stopped by. She walked into the Study Room and picked up the Science and Health marked with that week’s Bible Lesson. She told me she attended Sunday School, then stopped studying, but is now “reading it” again. After we talked a bit more, she selected a couple Christian Science Sentinels and Christian Science Monitors from our FREE rack to take with her.
Interest in Bible quote cards
A woman stopped at our table of Bible quote cards. I went out to speak with her. She took a pack of cards. I asked if she had ever been in a Christian Science Reading Room. She had not, so I invited her in, showing her both the study room and the area for discussion and sales. She looked at all the translations of the Bible and Science and Health. I pointed out the spiritual sense of the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23, and the Tenets. She took pictures of each and a video of the study room. She seemed very happy that she came in.
A woman from Canada came in. She talked about being a Christian and exclaimed that she had never seen a Christian store in an airport before. We spoke about the purpose of the SFO Reading Room. She pulled out a Bible-study book, and we shared some of our favorite Bible citations. She left with a full packet of the Bible quote cards (15 cards).
A woman walked by and took a Bible quote card from the table outside. I got up from my chair and went out to offer her a Christian Science Sentinel. She was grateful to have it. I offered a complete pack of the quote cards (15 unique cards), and she said, “yes, please.”
A family of three walked up to the outside table that has Bible quote cards and started reading the various quotes. I went outside and let them know if they were having trouble deciding on a single card, they could take a complete pack of 15 cards. They thanked me, and two of the family members took a pack.
A woman was spending time reading the various cards with Bible quotes. She was thrilled to have an entire pack. She also accepted a “What is Christian Science?” brochure and some free literature. Our conversation led to me showing her the chapter “Science, Theology and Medicine” in the textbook. I assured her that the textbook doesn’t replace the Bible but illumines the Bible’s teachings, and Jesus shows us the way. She was happy to hear this.
A traveler from Cape Cod came to the quote card table. She selected about 5 cards that “spoke to her” and then came in and sat down. I offered the “What is Christian Science?” brochure, and she accepted it. She was happy to hear a testimony of healing from me, and to learn that the headquarters for our church is in Boston. I shared information about the Mapparium, Mary Baker Eddy, and Christian Science. As she was leaving, we both said, “You made my day.”
A young man walked up to our table of quote cards. It looked like he was reading each card, so I offered him a complete set. I invited him inside. He said he was interested in being healed of smoking. I told him about my dad’s healing from addiction. I shared how Mary Baker Eddy wrote Science and Health before starting a church because she originally thought everyone would want to heal the way Jesus healed. He was eager to purchase a copy, so I showed him the various designs and formats. He decided to purchase the bright blue metallic copy. He also took with him copies of the “What is Christian Science?” brochure in English and Spanish, the list of synonyms for God, a full-text Christian Science Quarterly and a Christian Science Sentinel. He was grateful!
A mother and daughter were passing in front of the Reading Room. I got up to talk with them. They are from Ghana. I offered each a pack of quote cards, which they accepted.
Airport employees
An Airport Ambassador (retired SFPD officer) came in. After talking for a bit, he left with a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
Another Airport Ambassador came in. He had purchased Science and Health a few weeks prior. He ended up purchasing Christian Science: Continuing Evidence of Christ-Healing. He stayed to talk for at least 30 minutes.
An airport employee came in to talk. He shared an experience in which he felt time had not elapsed. That led to a discussion about eternity, and I spoke of the Christian Science concept that we live in eternity now, and that time is no part of eternity. He also indicated he had been reading the Bible Lesson from the full-text Christian Science Quarterly for a couple of months and wasn’t quite sure he was understanding everything. We spoke a bit more about how the weekly Bible Lesson blesses the work and all mankind, and that he was included in that blessing. He wanted to know if he could share the quote cards with other employees and friends. I told him “Of course!” and gave him a full packet to start with. He said he’d be back for more when he needs them.
An Airport Ambassador stopped by and said, “We like this place. It’s a good place to stop by.”
An Airport Ambassador stopped at the table with Bible quote cards. She said she is enjoying getting into her Bible. She accepted one quote card and a Christian Science Sentinel.
An airport employee walked past and then came in to talk with me. She said she appreciates so much that we are here. I offered a Christian Science Sentinel with the title “Worthy of Redemption.” We talked about the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, present, within. Every time we are kind, patient, and compassionate, we are experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven. I mentioned to her that she is blessed and a blessing, and that our whole job is to let our light shine – to reflect the light from the one divine Source. She said she will be back.
While I was reading the Bible Lesson from the marked books, a builder working at the airport came in. I shared information about Christian Science with him. He took a “What is Christian Science?” brochure and a Christian Science Monitor. He is familiar with the Bible, and very much agrees with eternal life.
An airport worker saw the window display. He was encouraged to learn about Christian Science. He took a pamphlet, a Christian Science Monitor, and a Bible quote card. He hopes to stop by again. He was impressed that we have been at the airport for 70 years.
An airport employee walked up to the Bible quote card table. She then came inside and we talked about Genesis chapters 1 and 2, Jesus and Mary Baker Eddy. She left with a pack of quote cards, and a Christian Science Sentinel.
An airport employee came up to the window and read the marked citations from the Bible Lesson. I went out to meet him and offered him a packet of Bible quote cards, which he accepted. He also left with a Spanish El Heraldo before heading back to work.
An airport worker stopped in. I shared printed copies of the Bible Lesson (Spanish) with him. He told me he appreciates what we do at the airport, and that God directed him to the Reading Room. I showed him several pages in a Spanish edition of Science and Health. He asked about a local church. I wrote down for him information about a local church. He hopes to attend on a Wednesday. As he left, he said he was feeling much better.
After I locked up and was about to head downstairs to my car, a maintenance worker and I started talking. He noticed the cross and crown I was wearing and liked it. We walked back to the Reading Room and I unlocked the door. He accepted three Bible Lesson printouts, the “What is Christian Science?” brochure, and a pack of quote cards.
Planned and repeat visitors
Travelers from the east coast of the United States walked straight to the Reading Room after their flight. “So glad to see your Reading Room. Thank you!” They made a donation and took a packet of Bible quote cards with them.
A visitor came in to study in the quiet room. She stayed about an hour.
A Christian Scientist and her daughter walked straight in and bought a full-text Christian Science Quarterly.
A Christian Scientist in town for their annual Association meeting came in to read, study and pray.
“The two largest words in the vocabulary of thought are ‘Christian’ and ‘Science.’
The former is the highest style of man; the latter reveals and interprets God and man; it aggregates, amplifies, unfolds, and expresses the ALL-GOD. Mary Baker Eddy, No and Yes, p. 10
