Thou the Christ, and not the creed; Thou the Truth in thought and deed; …

Saw ye my Savior

Two weary travelers were seeking a place to rest. They had been up since early morning having been bumped from their flight, and were not leaving SFO until midnight. Our conversation led one of them to say she was very interested in the Bible, especially since she taught Bible study. She then shared her current problem. She had been hit in the head with a baseball some months ago, and was having trouble remembering things and seeing clearly. Thankfully her injured jaw had been healed. Addressing this challenge I read her some quotes on spiritual healing from this week’s Bible Lesson that related to the “eyes that see” and the “ears that hear.” This was all she needed to see and hear for she was thrilled with the Bible Lesson from which I quoted earlier and promptly purchased Science and Health.

Heard ye the glad sound …

After thoroughly reading the window, a man, came in and immediately sat down to talk about the strange end-of-the-world talk that was in the news. I introduced him to Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. I explained the two accounts of creation and then explained the textbook a little, and how Mary Baker Eddy came to discover scientific Christian healing and then to writing a book. He told me he knew of a Christian Science family who would not hear of doctors, and overcame diabetes and worse conditions through prayer alone. He continued to talk about the tornado storms in Missouri and pondered whether those people caught up in that tornado really thought it was the end of the world, especially those who did not survive. This led me to point out the power of God’s laws of Love that control man’s affairs as well as the weather, specifically, how Mrs. Eddy turned a funnel cloud, heading straight toward her house, in another direction. He readily purchased the book with the last cash he had so he could read it on the way back to Atlanta.

Felt ye the power of the word …

A distressed mother and her teenage daughter hurried into the Reading Room. The daughter was leaning heavily on her mother who said, “Would you please pray for my daughter? She’s on the verge of an epileptic seizure.” I readily agreed and showed them into the study room. In prayer I saw God’s child completely held in the arms of God’s love, spiritual and free. As I continued praying, I insisted that all is well. And so it was. Within four or five minutes, the mother and daughter emerged from the study room smiling, free of all signs of their prior experience and expressing much gratitude. Before they left, the daughter turned and said, “You know, I was born with epilepsy.” In just the few minutes they had before leaving, this child learned that error has no history — epilepsy being the error in this case. It’s only an eight-letter word in the dictionary with no power whatsoever because God is all. The uplifted expression on this child’s face was all I needed to see the full evidence of the power of divine Love.

Come to my bosom …

A security worker needed help with something that got in her eye. I offered her a tissue and asked her to sit down while I assured her of Love’s ever persence. She was so grateful and appreciative of our Reading Room. This being her first visit here, it offered just one more golden opportunity to engage with a loving soul who responded to the atmosphere of love divine that she felt. This visit was a discovery for her and she was encouraged to come back. I think she will from the recovery of her eye discomfort and the grateful and happy smile she left with.

Sinner It calls you …

A young man came into the Reading Room and I could see he was on the verge of tears. He asked, “Do you have something that can help me? My life is lost.” He said he had just a short time before his flight which left little time to explain his challenges. I shared with him that Science and Health would give him answers to all of his problems. After a brief introduction of the book, he asked if it was something he could really understand. I assured him that God surely had brought him into the Reading Room and God would assuredly answer all his needs through the truths about God, his relationship to God and the universal laws of divine Love that are the basis of Christian Science. With that, he purchased Science and Health and rushed out with a grateful heart.

Mourner It calls you …

This soldier confided,“I’m not very conversant with the Bible, but I want to learn the significance of the story of the tower of Babel.” As we discussed the story, I noticed that he became weary and sad. He shared that he had served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and he felt fortunate that he still had all his limbs. He couldn’t say the same for many of his friends, most of whom had died in battle. When he said that, I realized the reason God had brought him into this Reading Room.

I shared the basic ideas of Christian Science. He learned that God is Life, eternal and everlasting. As sons of God, each one of his friends has continued right on with their lives, whole and free. It was like a healing taking place. This soldier actually came to see that his friends in reality had never died. He said it was like the weight of the world had dropped off his shoulders. He then added this touching remark, “This has to be why I came in here today.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude for his new understanding of Life.

Just in from Paris, this visitor said he felt drawn to come into the Reading Room. It turned out he was upset over a serious break up with his wife who was still in Paris and he thought a divorce might be imminent. We spoke at some length about God being divine Love and ever-present. After a while he said he was convinced that “With God all things are possible.” He wanted to turn right around and go back to Paris to forgive and make up with his dear wife. It was a beautiful sight to see him leave with great joy and expectation.

And for you make radiant room …

This comment came from a visitor who appeared to be in great pain when he came in, “I was desperate when I came in here and I am leaving with a book I never knew existed. I have hope”.

This anxious traveler confessed,“I feel like a new man now that I’ve found Science and Health.”

Another said, “Now I know why my flight was cancelled. There should be a place like this in every airport in the world.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Christian Science churches and individuals for their interest and support of this Reading Room. For comments, questions, or to send a donation, please mail to:

Christian Science Reading Room Jointly Maintained
Clovese Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer
7817 Arthur Street
Oakland, CA 94605-3226

Download PDF version of this report

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

From our visitors:

“Now I know why my flight was delayed. I would never have enjoyed the peace and warm welcome I found here.”

“What a beautiful place this is. I am so glad I discovered you.”

An airport policewoman remarked, “This place brings such a spiritual light to this airport, it warms us all just looking at it.”

“There should be a place like this in every airport,” said a teenager from the Ukraine on a visit to the US.

A Christian Science Reading Room at SFO is many things – a welcome place to find a break from travel – a place to discover inspirational things to purchase or peruse – friendly attendants who can listen and enjoy visitors from all corners of the globe. We give friendly suggestions on where to get something to eat, how to find BART, or assistance in reaching a relative who does not answer the phone. Above all we are here 365 days of the year, ready to serve the airport community with a warm welcome and a listening ear. Our staff is dedicated to offer comfort, hope and healing to all who find their way to our door. Barbara Brown, Librarian

A young man from Tanzania came in and asked me about witchcraft and how to defend himself against it. I referred him to the Bible and showed him the 91st Psalm and pointed out how it was all about divine protection. He was greatly impressed with what he heard and said he was much relieved and would return on his way back.

A woman came in to borrow scissors. However, I soon learned of a deeper reason. She said she was more interested in something on prayer and picked up a booklet titled “Overcoming Grief.” I sensed she was struggling with grief and offered to help. She seemed eager to share her troubled story. We talked about divine, infinite Love, and how she reflects that Love and protection. She was so ready to hear these assuring thoughts, all she could say was, “Thank you,”over and over.

This visitor was a skeptic from the start and asked questions on every point in our discussion. However, after 30 minutes of patient explanation, he did a complete turn around and left with not one, but three copies of Science and Health. I asked what he planned to do with three copies and he replied, I am giving them to members of my family. “I hope you keep a copy for yourself,” I said. He answered, “Yes. I believe this book will save my marriage.”

A Muslim gentleman came in, looked around, and politely asked if he could pray. I welcomed him to our study room and closed the door. I also prayed in silence for peace and brotherhood for all mankind. Upon leaving he said, “I thank you for your services. This is a wonderful place.” What a blessing we are to people of all religions who come to this place and feel loved and welcome.

A man from Madagascar came into the Reading Room frustrated and sad. He had read the information on his ticket wrongly and now would have to wait until the following Tuesday for his next flight to Madagascar. Worse yet, it would cost him an additional $128 which he did not have. I assured him that his Father-Mother God was looking after him, and would bring about all that he needed. I asked if there was anyone in Northern California that he could call. He remembered a friend in Berkeley. He called her and she in turn called a business friend in Southern California who assured him the $128 would be paid by his business. The woman from Berkeley offered to come and pick him up at the airport and give him a place to stay for a few days. He was so grateful for this Reading Room that he took many photographs of the Reading Room for a keepsake.

From a letter received earlier this year: “My daughter and I traveled to Africa last November and the day of our departure I could barely move because of severe back pain. Upon our arrival at San Francisco Airport, we headed to the Christian Science Reading Room. The woman at the desk was very calm, humble and spiritually focused. It was an absolutely wonderful, holy time that met our individual needs. I felt so embraced and uplifted as I continued to think about God’s perfect care for me. By the time the Reading Room closed, I was moving with more freedom. I knew healing was taking place. We joyfully and gratefully proceeded to the airline for our next flight. On the day of our arrival in Africa, I was completely healed of pain. What would we have done without the inspiration and upifting help we received at that dear Reading Room the day before?”

An airport worker walked past the Reading Room looking up at our sign. He walked back and forth seeming hesitant to come in. I waved to him to come in. He did. He said he was a baggage handler in Terminal 1. He shared that he was a serious Bible reader. After showing him around, he couldn’t get over that a place like this was right at hand where he worked and provided such a welcome. He left all smiles as I invited him to come back. “I will, I will,” he said.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Christian Science churches and individuals for their interest and support of this Reading Room. For comments, questions, or to send a donation, please mail to:

Christian Science Reading Room Jointly Maintained
Clovese Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer
7817 Arthur Street
Oakland, CA 94605-3226

Download a PDF version of this report

“A grateful heart a garden is, Where there is always room For every lovely, Godlike grace To come to perfect bloom.” Hymn 3

Our garden cherishes many Godlike graces. We know that our visitors are led to our door from all parts of the world. Some are barely able to speak English. Many make a discovery they had no idea was about to bless them and carry out a book of Truth they never knew existed. We’d like to share some grateful hearts that found a place to bloom in our Reading Room.

This dear woman came into the Reading Room and said she desperately needed something to read. She had been unemployed for 15 months and had a job interview with a large California company. She found several Sentinels with perfect cover titles, “Work for Everyone,” “Prayer for the Economy,” and “As a Little Child,” She was so grateful and said, “What a Godsend that you are here in this airport.” She said that she belonged to another Christian denomination but that she always stopped in Christian Science Reading Rooms for prayer and inspiration.

(From a note received in the mail)

“Recently, my dad was traveling via the San Francisco airport to visit my sister in Hawaii. Things were not going well. He was bumped from his flight and stuck for two days in the airport. On one of those days, about six oclock in the morning, he saw the Reading Room. It had not opened yet, but he read some of the things in the windows. Later that day, he called to tell me about it and how it really brightened his day. He doesn’t go to church but we, his children, were all raised in Christian Science. I thought I would just let you know what a blessing you were to my weary father that early morning. The Reading Room can have a healing effect even when it’s closed. JK”

After studying our window, this woman came in and simply asked, ‘What is this?” What a wonderful opportunity to tell her what we are and what we do. I also added that we are the only Reading Room in the world located in an airport. She talked a bit about her church and its pastor. This gave me an opportunity to show and explain our Pastor, its value in our services and daily study. She was impressed and proceeded to browse the children’s product display saying she was looking for a book for her daughter. She ended up purchasing Science and Health and Jesus Parables for little Children and left a generous donation. Most dear was her overwhelming gratitude for our Reading Room being here. She said, over and over, that God must have drawn her here because it met her every need that day.

Our garden grows:

A Taiwanese woman said she was looking for a religion that was better than what she had. She got what she was looking for and left with Sentinels, a Monitor and such gratitude for our Reading Room.

A woman who works for Alaskan Airlines was so impressed with our products, she returned later in the day and purchased 15 of our themed booklets, 3 CDs, The People’s Idea of God, the book Poems, by Mary Baker Eddy, and the CD/casssette collection called “A Light Unto My Path.”

An Iranian was grieving for his wife who had passed on several months ago. He left in a very different frame of mind and asked for the address of the Hayward Christian Science church.

A man named Jeremiah turned out to be a real skeptic at first, but 30 minutes later left with three copies of Science and Health. I asked what he planned to do with three copies and he replied, “I’m giving them to members of my family.” “I hope you keep a copy for yourself,” I said. He answered, “Oh yes, I believe this book will save my marriage.”

Three young people came into the Reading Room to look around. They were speaking a foreign language and I inquired which language. They said Portuguese. I said, “Oh I have a wonderful book in Portuguese.” Surprised to find a book in their very own language, they promptly asked to see it. They began asking questions so I told them about Mary Baker Eddy and a little about Christian Science. I turned to the definition of God, and showed them how the Glossary worked with spiritual definitions of major names in the Bible. Their enthusiasm brought this remark, “How is it that Christian Science Reading Rooms are not

found in other airports?” They went right to the ATM machine and got enough money to purchase the Portuguese translation of Science and Health. I thanked them for their wise purchase and told them I knew they would heal with it.

“This is really a great place,” my visitor said, and then revealed what made him say it. “I used to date a girl who was a Christian Scientist,” he said. “She was the most wonderful person I ever met. I really should have married her.” This unhappy husband and father, who had just put his wife on a plane for a 2-week vacation, told of his plight in a marriage that had become seemingly hopeless. As he talked, he kept referring to the loving qualities of his former Christain Science girlfriend. He talked about her compassionate, gentle and loving nature. I listened prayerfully. After we considered the source of his former friend’s qualities and recognized that they came from God, he realized that he and she, and yes, his wife, possessed these same qualities. He began to brighten up when he said, “There’s hope.” “Yes there is,” I said and asked “What are you going to do while your wife is away?” We both agreed it was a golden opportunity for him to make a new beginning. To bravely go forth with the spiritual power of divine Love which he possessed as a child of God. I showed him several editions of Science and Health. “I want this book for sure. I’m like a new man,” he said. I rejoiced in seeing this man’s desert blossom as the rose.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of travelers from around the world have visited the Christian Science Reading Room at the San Francisco International Airport. They come with questions and are greeted with great love by our dedicated staff.

Not only Christian Scientists, but hungering hearts from every continent and every religious background stop by to learn something of the Christ, Truth. Many leave with a copy of Science and Health, a helpful Sentinel or Journal, the Christian Science Monitor and always words of encouragement.

IN THE BEGINNING

This landmark Reading Room has a very inspiring history. Our Fall Fruitage Report for 2006 tells how it all started in 1955, when a soldier asked the CS Monitor table attendant for the location of the nearest reading room. When he learned how far away it was, he commented “You should have a reading room in this airport.” Many months and a thousand details later, the Reading Room opened its doors in January 1957. As the Airport expanded, our location has changed several times. Challenges have been met with much devotion to this holy purpose.

Read more about our history

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j03r2EtDtU&rel=0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfTMy6aG4k&rel=0