Click here to download this report as a PDF

A woman from Atlanta came in and browsed around the study room, commenting on our many Bibles written in several languages and even took a photo of them! She sat down and read the 23rd Psalm from the Bible that was highlighted in the study room. We discussed Lamentations 3:22-23: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” We discussed Mary Baker Eddy’s quote, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 494:10-11). She was thrilled because her Bible class in Atlanta was using the exact same passage from Lamentations.

An airport IT worker came in and spent all of his time reading the Bible in the “quiet room.” We talked about some of the healings in the Bible and I gave him a card with Bible passages and quotes from Science and Health.  He asked to take photos of the Reading Room to share with his church members and said he would be back.

A woman from Arkansas stopped in briefly and praised Christian Science and our Reading Room. She left after taking a Christian Science Sentinel from our literature rack and a “quote card” with a quote from the Bible and Science and Health.

A Christian Scientist from Allentown, PA, popped in briefly and expressed appreciation for having a Reading Room at SFO.

A gentleman came in wondering what a Christian Science Reading Room was. After an explanation he asked, “How come I never heard of it before?” He purchased a Science and Health and took a complimentary Christian Science Journal so he could locate a church and Reading Room near his home in another state.

A man came in to look through our “Complimentary” literature stand and selected a Sentinel. He stayed in the study room to read the Bible Lesson and when he came out, I mentioned to him that the Journal had listings of churches and reading rooms around the world. As he left, he said he had found a Reading Room near his home. God’s outreach is continually unfolding spiritual ideas.

A woman came in looking for a newspaper to read before her flight. I told her we could do better than that, and briefly described the periodicals displayed on our “Complimentary” literature stand. She selected two issues of the Christian Science Monitor and the pamphlet “What is Christian Science?”

A fellow stopped in and asked if the Monitor was still in print and I assured him it certainly was. He left with a recent Monitor and a Bible quote card.

A woman came in and said she has never seen or heard of such a place. I gave her a thumbnail sketch of a Christian Science Reading Room. She sat down in the quiet room and read the Bible for about half an hour. She was most appreciative upon her departure in knowing more about Christian Science.

An individual called in asking for help with a painful condition. We talked about God’s spiritual creation in Genesis 1, seeing his status as a perfect, painless idea of God. He felt relieved and grateful.

A gentleman came in while waiting for a delayed flight. He wanted to “know more about this place.” We had a wonderful conversation about the power of God’s love and its benefit to us all. He left with a smile of appreciation.

A traveler walked in and said he had seen Christian Science Reading Rooms in many places and didn’t know what they were. As we began to talk, he asked, “What is Christian Science?” We talked about the basic concepts of Christian Science that extended to a longer discussion of our religion in how it follows the healing ministry of Christ Jesus. He picked up the pamphlet “What is Christian Science?” and a Sentinel from our literature rack as he exited.

A young man came in and sat down and began expressing suicidal thoughts and other troubled thinking. He questioned God’s plan for himself, and I urged him to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.” We talked about God’s ever-present love and that he is the beloved child of God, as we all are. He departed a bit more at peace.

A man from Ireland was waiting for a late flight and was looking in our window. He walked in, saw the picture of Mary Baker Eddy’s childhood home, and asked what it was. As I was explaining, he wanted to know more about Christian Science. While I was sharing the basic concepts, he picked up some literature on Christian Science and also a Journal on the way out the door.

A man came in and asked, “What is this place?” I showed him our quiet room for reading the Bible and praying, and another area for discussion. I shared that Christian Science is a Christian denomination. The founder originally hadn’t planned to start a new church but thought that what she had learned when healed of severe injuries could be incorporated into the teaching of existing churches. When those ideas were not accepted, she didn’t want the revelation to be lost, so she started a church. I explained that Christian Science teaches that God’s laws, as practiced by prophets and by Jesus and his disciples, are still just as powerful today. He agreed and said it was nice our church offers this kind of space, though he is from Australia. I pulled a Journal from the free literature rack, found the listings for Australia, and showed him his options. I also mentioned Christian Science lectures as another way to learn more. He thanked me and went off to his flight.

Click here to download this report as a PDF

Regular Contributions

Contributions are always welcome and can be made on our website at csreadingroom-sfo.org or by check (made payable to: Christian Science Reading Room) to the mailing address:

Kathi Riley, Treasurer
PO Box 340235
Sacramento, CA 95834

Endowment Fund Giving

We have established a Reading Room Endowment Fund to support both short- and long-term operations at the airport. Please consider contributing via our GoFundMe campaign, or reach out with questions to cs.readingroom.sfo@gmail.com.

We thank our participating churches that serve on the board year-round. They are:

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hayward

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Altos

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oakland

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Palo Alto

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael

“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

The post Fruitage Report Spring 2025 first appeared on Christian Science Reading Room.]]> 1008 https://csreadingroom-sfo.org/2024/11/18/fruitage-report-spring-2023-2-2-2/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:14:12 +0000 https://csreadingroom-sfo.org/?p=977 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)   Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a ...

and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.

A woman came in and proceeded to the study room for an hour of reading. Before departing she exclaimed, “The last time I visited I read from the Bible and that ‘other book’ and by the time I arrived home, there was no longer discomfort in my legs. I was completely healed!” Sharing in the gratitude of her healing, I asked if the “other book” she mentioned was Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. She responded, “Oh yes!” I was so grateful she shared her healing with me. She then exclaimed, “I’ll be back!”

An airport employee briefly stopped by to share how much he appreciated our display stands with the daily posting of Bible verses and passages from Science and Health that correspond with the Weekly Bible Lesson. He said he routinely stops by to read the open books and inspiring passages through our large front glass window, accessible to passersby anytime of the day or night.  Selecting and sharing these passages from our Pastor, the Bible and Science and Health, is always an enjoyable and rewarding activity of serving as a Reading Room attendant.

During attendance at an out-of-state Christian Science Bible study event, I mentioned serving as a Reading Room volunteer attendant at the airport to a man who recently moved to San Francisco. That topic prompted another event participant to tell me that someone from their church in Southern California learned of Christian Science through the Reading Room at the airport and eventually became a church member. His entire family now attends the same church. Although this visit to our jointly maintained Reading Room took place years ago, it’s lovely to hear of the impact the visit made.

A traveler visited with her dog. There had been some airline-related issues that led her to rebook her flight and so she was looking for a quiet place to pray before her delayed check-in. Sensing some impatience and frustration due to the delay, I saw an opportunity to share with her an experience and lesson on grace and patience. I told her about my mom and how she would prepare to host the ladies bridge group. The day before she would make floral arrangements with flowers from her garden to place around the house. She would store the flowers in the refrigerator overnight to keep them fresh. One time, however, she was a flower short and decided she would “help” a flower open so it could be beautifully displayed along with the other open ones. The next day when she moved the flower arrangement from the refrigerator, that forcibly opened flower had shriveled and wilted. I then shared with her a spiritual perspective and lesson from the experience: It is otherwise helpful and more useful for us to forgo self-will and to let our activities progress in accordance with the natural unfoldment and timing of God’s plan and qualities through each of us as His creation. The woman thanked me for sharing these ideas and departed with a complimentary Christian Science Monitor taken from the literature basket. I was later reminded of this quote from Science and Health, “The only intelligence or substance of a thought, a seed, or a flower is God, the creator of it.” (509:5-6)

A traveler stopped in because he had heard about Christian Science and our Reading Room location at the airport. He wanted to spend a few minutes prior to his flight reading healing testimonies. I handed him a copy of a recent Christian Science Sentinel and showed him where he could find weekly testimonies from individuals who relied on Christian Science prayer for healing.

A traveler visited who appeared to be quite pressed for time but was determined to learn about Christian Science before checking in for her flight. She first asked a question our attendants hear a lot, “What is Christian Science?” After explaining to her that it is a Bible-based religion which adheres to the words and works of Christ Jesus through the daily demonstration of those practical truths, she asked a follow-up question about what she could personally do each day to practice Christian Science. I was led to share with her this passage from Science and Health, “Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers. Practice not profession, understanding not belief, gain the ear and right hand of omnipotence and they assuredly call down infinite blessings.” (15:26-30) We talked briefly about these three activities and how they improve our spirituality and morality which leads to healing both sickness and sin. She was so grateful for our brief discussion and her introduction to Christian Science and Science and Health.

A visitor came in and walked into the study room and began to read from the “oversized” Bible that was opened to the 23rd Psalm. Shortly thereafter he came out to the attendant’s desk to comment that he was feeling very sad due to the passing of a family member. He then shared that he received a great deal of comfort and inspiration reading Psalm 23:4 and 6, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” and “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” We discussed Jesus’ overcoming the belief of death by his understanding and demonstration of life eternal, as God’s child created in His spiritual image and likeness. (Gen. 1:26) We also recalled the Bible verse from Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” I then shared with him a passage from Science and Health, “Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof.” (246:27-28) As he was leaving, I gave him a Christian Science Sentinel from our literature basket which included an article addressing the false claim of death. He departed with a smile and a wave.

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 at the airport for 67 years, sharing Christian Science and its healing principles with approximately 5700 visitors each year including travelers, airport personnel, and the local community–with over 60 copies of Science and Health sold annually!

Regular Contributions

• Please consider giving during our donation matching campaign!
• Every dollar, up to $50,000, is being matched with contributions made between April 1 and July 1, 2024.
• Contributions are always welcome and can be made on our website at csreadingroom-sfo.org or by check (made payable to: Christian Science Reading Room) to the mailing address:

San Francisco International Airport
Christian Science Reading Room, Terminal 2
San Francisco, CA 94125

Endowment Fund Giving

• We have recently established a Reading Room Endowment Fund to support both short-term and long-term operations at the airport.
• Our $4.5 million dollar endowment goal is ambitious, but necessary for sustained operations in an expensive operating environment – we need your financial support today for tomorrow!
• Please consider giving to the Endowment Fund as part of individual, church, or CS Association outreach, or a future financial commitment through personal estate planning.
• If you are interested in giving to the Endowment Fund, please contact us by email at csreadingroomsfo@gmail.com.

We thank our participating churches that serve on the board year-round. They are:

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hayward

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Altos

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oakland

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Palo Alto

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael

Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.

“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.” (No and Yes, 10:6–10)

Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.

A traveler, who was talking on his cell phone, approached our front window to read the daily Bible lesson citations marked in the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. After a few moments, I realized he was reading aloud from both books, sharing the citations with a friend through his phone. What blesses one blesses all! (S&H 206:15)

A San Francisco police officer came by one day while on duty, and exclaimed, “I love your daily Bible selections in the window, I read them all the time, thank you!”

An airport employee stopped by to specifically express and share his appreciation and receptivity to the Christian Science Tenets he saw hanging on the Reading Room wall in a picture frame. I shared with him that the Tenets were included in the Christian Science Textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, authored by the religion’s discoverer and founder, Mary Baker Eddy. He took a photo of the Tenets with his phone and was happy to have them for future reference and reflection. He said he would be back to pick up a copy of Science and Health!

A man walked up to read the Bible lesson citations from the marked Bible in the front window. He came to the door and told me how thrilled he was to read them. He went back to take a picture of the verses and said he was eager to call his father to share the passage. After he departed, I thought about how wonderful it is that our pastor, the Bible and Science and Health, is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. “So shall the glory of God be revealed, all flesh shall see it and all shall be healed; in word and deed declare Him and adore Him. God’s will is done, and all is plain before Him.” (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 246:3)

A visitor came by and started to read the weekly Bible lesson citations from our window and kept looking to his cell phone. After several minutes outside, he entered and went into the study room and pulled one of the bound Christian Science (CS) Journal volumes from the shelf. Shortly thereafter, I went into the study room to offer some assistance and found him with tears in his eyes. He mentioned hearing that Christian Science was a cult religion and wanted to see for himself if this was true. When he was reading the weekly Bible lesson citations out front, he also began reading about Mary Baker Eddy and The Mother Church on his phone and decided to come in to learn more. He randomly grabbed a 1952 CS Journal (Volume 70), and started to read an article on page 169, “The Baptism of the Holy Ghost.” He shared that his wife had lost their son during childbirth, and they were very distraught about it and couldn’t understand “why God had allowed this to happen.” But he said the article immediately consoled and comforted him as he realized more about the truth of God’s love for all mankind, including his son who had passed away. His tears were actually tears of joy from his realization of God’s unyielding love for all His children as expressed in the CS Journal article. The gentleman said he initially came to the Reading Room with the intent to criticize and could only find the love of Christ. He stayed for over two hours asking many questions and departed with several complimentary periodicals, including a recent CS Journal so he could locate a Christian Science church near his home. “Ear hath not heard, nor hath lip spoken, the pure language of Spirit.” (S&H 117:14-15)

An airline employee, who seemed very hurried, entered and asked if we had a Bible for him to read. I showed him to the study area, and he sat down to read an open Bible already marked with the 23rd Psalm. After an hour of additional study, he arose and asked if he could come back. I told him he was always welcome here!

A young man and woman entered and asked if they could read quietly in our study room while they waited for a connecting flight home. They mentioned having just flown in from their honeymoon at a Pacific resort destination. They both reached for a flyer off the attendant’s desk titled, “What is Christian Science?” and sat down to read in the study room. Over the next two and a half hours they read Bible verses from a large reader’s edition and the husband began to share with his wife financial and scheduling concerns about his returning to university this fall. It reminded me of the universal passage from the chapter titled, “Marriage” in Science and Health, “Fulfilling the different demands of their united spheres, their sympathies should blend in sweet confidence and cheer, each partner sustaining the other, — thus hallowing the union of interests and affections, in which the heart finds peace and home.” (S&H 59:11-16) The wife lovingly discussed each concern with her husband until he appeared reassured and confident in moving forward—the time then approached for them to connect with their last flight leg home. The couple departed outwardly expressing much gratitude for the quiet time of study and reflection they experienced, and I audibly expressed gratitude for the divine progress that unfolds daily in each of our lives.

A young man came by to visit, exclaiming he had some time before his flight departed and wanted to “check us out.” He asked about Christian Science and after explaining to him that it is a Bible-based religion which adheres to the words and works of Christ Jesus through the daily demonstration of those practical truths, he shared that he was very conflicted about his own religious beliefs. He proceeded to explain that one of his parents was Muslim and the other Christian. We talked about the universality of God and man. I read to him the respective definitions of each from the glossary in the Christian Science textbook and he really appreciated hearing the ‘connectedness’ between God and ‘his image and likeness,’ man. (S&H 591:6) He couldn’t stay long, and before departing asked rather sheepishly if I would give him a hug. I did so and then shared with him the spiritual universality of brotherhood and love, despite humankind’s individual beliefs. He took one of our Reading Room information flyers and said he would return on subsequent flight connections through the airport.

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 at the airport for 66 years, sharing Christian Science and its healing principles with approximately 5700 visitors each year including travelers, airport personnel, and the local community–with over 60 copies of Science and Health sold annually!

Endowment Fund Giving

• We have recently established a Reading Room endowment fund to support both short-term and long-term operations at the airport.
• Our $4.5 million dollar endowment goal is ambitious, but necessary, for sustained operations in an expensive operating environment – we need your financial support today for ‘tomorrow!’
• Please consider giving to the endowment fund as part of individual, church, or CS Association outreach, or a future financial commitment through personal estate planning.
• If you are interested in giving to the endowment fund, please contact us by email at csreadingroomsfo@gmail.com.

Regular contributions are also always welcome.  Please return to our main website page to do so, or mail a check to our Treasurer at:

Harley Bennett, JMRR Treasurer
23871 Willows Drive, #384
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

We thank our participating churches that serve on the board year-round. They are:

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oakland

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Palo Alto

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Altos

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hayward

First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael

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)

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)

Click here to download this Fruitage Report as a pdf.

A former airport policeman stopped in indicating that he was in town for a meeting. Our conversation turned to the Bible when he asked, “What is Christian Science?” I began by explaining that it’s a religion based on the word and works of Christ Jesus and the examples of Jesus’ teachings that we can apply and demonstrate in our lives each day. I handed him a Christian Science brochure on the topic, and we agreed that if everyone were to live by the Sermon on the Mount, our country and world would be a very different place.  We also appreciated together the value and power of living that life for ourselves and following the example of Christ Jesus in everything we do. He spoke of the devil and so I asked him if he had seen the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid” to which he had.  I then described the scene where Ursula’s (the sea witch) two eels talked with Ariel, the Mermaid, suggesting for Ariel to go to the sea witch for a solution to her problems. Of course, Ariel says “no,” then the eels say, “It’s only a suggestion,” and Ariel accepts it and fatefully goes to Ursula. The visitor agreed that error’s claims are false and can’t suggest we do anything we don’t want to do. But, if we are alert to rejecting these false claims and replace them with thoughts of God, good, we are victorious and will stay on the straight and narrow path with Him. He said he used to get a beverage from the café opposite the Reading Room, but never ventured in to talk. He was glad he came in for the visit.

A young woman came in to ask if she could charge her cell phone, and immediately asked, “What kind of place is this?” I told her it is a Christian Science Reading Room, a quiet, peaceful place where people of all religions can come to study, pray, and be closer to God. She walked into the study room and as she charged her phone, she began reading recent copies of the Christian Science Sentinel and Journal. After an hour, she came out and asked if the testimonies of the healings she read were true, and I assured her they were. I further explained to her that a Christian Science Reading Room is a place to study and pray in a quiet, healing atmosphere and is part of the Christian Science Church, a religion that bases its teachings on the healings and lessons of Christ Jesus, the Way shower. I shared with her that all the healings she read were from Christian Scientists around the world, and there are Reading Rooms, as well, open to the public for spiritual discovery and support. I discussed Jesus’ healing ministry and, through study of the Bible, the lessons it taught Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science.  We talked about Mrs. Eddy turning to the Bible and reading of Jesus’ healing of the palsied man in the book of Matthew when she seriously injured herself after a fall on the ice.  Her clear understanding of how Jesus healed the man, seeing that God created all of us in His image and likeness, spiritual and perfect, led to her immediate and complete healing of all injuries from the fall. I then turned to Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy and read to the visitor the first few words on page 1, “The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God, — a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love.” She asked how she could learn to pray for healing, and I told her she could learn more by reading Science and Health and that there were many practitioners listed in the Christian Science Journal who would support her desire to heal herself and others.  She readily purchased Science and Health and picked up a brochure titled, “What is Christian Science?” Upon her exit, she smiled as I handed her a copy of the previous month’s Christian Science Journal from our complimentary literature basket.

An airport worker was on his way to the airport ‘Lost and Found’ desk and stopped in to ask, “How is Christian Science different from other Christian religions?” After some discussion of Mary Baker Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science, the visitor agreed that healing is possible as he shared examples of answered prayer in his own life. He asked for something he could take with him to better understand how Science and Health serves as an interpretive companion to the Bible and how both are recognized as our pastor.  I also explained how Christian Science churches around the world hear the same Bible lesson each week.  Prior to departing, the visitor purchased a copy of the Bible lesson, and he picked up a Christian Science Sentinel from our literature basket as well as an invitation flyer to an upcoming local Christian Science lecture. The visitor retuned 15 minutes later and shared that ‘Lost and Found’ was unable to locate his item. He then smiled and said he must have been led to this part of the airport terminal to stop and visit the Reading Room!

A gentleman who works at one of the airport Information booths stopped by to say that he has read The Christian Science Monitor since he was in college and how much he appreciated its “fair reporting.” He only had enough time to read a current article on Ukraine, but he gratefully accepted a recent Monitor from our literature basket on his way out.

I was getting ready to close and looked up when I was greeted by a young pilot from a regional airline, who asked “What is this place?” After mentioning that Christian Science is a religion based on the word and healings of Christ Jesus, I gave him a copy of a brochure titled “What is Christian Science?” and he took some free literature as he exited. I hope he might pass by again and visit sometime!

A man walked by the Reading Room a few times and I asked him if I could help him. “Is this the Reading Room?”, he asked. When I confirmed that it was, he said he saw our sign down the hall, that he is a Buddhist Priest, and was seeking a place to pray. We started to talk about some of the basic understandings of the world’s religions and, especially, the effect of Jesus’ ministry on the world. I told him our Reading Room is open to visitors of all backgrounds and practicing religions as a place for study, sharing, and learning more about Christian Science.

A visiting traveler went into the study room to read through the Beatitudes in the book of Matthew. Upon exiting, he mentioned heading to Iowa to conduct a memorial service for his grandfather and that he found what he needed for the service.  He said he would stop by the Reading Room on his return to San Francisco.

An airport electrician came by to read passages from an open Science and Health and Bible displayed in the front window. Upon leaving, he stuck his head into the doorway and said, “My father is a minister and I always like to tell him of the Bible passages in your window for us to discuss.”

An airport police officer came in for the first time and appeared to have a certain sadness about him. I expressed how wonderful it is to have so much of God’s abundant love around us, as a source to draw from when in need. We discussed the 91st Psalm in the Bible and how God’s love embraces us all. The visitor then appeared to be more at peace and, upon leaving, said he will be back. Shortly thereafter, I learned the visiting officer was so despondent because he shot and killed a criminal in the line of duty six months prior. I felt blessed to have been able to discuss some of the healings in the Bible with him that resulted in broadening his awareness of Christ in his life.

A man came in who shared he was raised in Hong Kong and that he now lives next to a Reading Room in San Francisco which he’s visited several times. He also shared that he has attended three services at a local Christian Science church. He had several questions about how to pray without being distracted. I shared some ideas with him when it occurred to me to call my daughter who manages The Mother Church department in Boston, MA that handles the language translations of all of Mary Baker Eddy’s written works. She told me how to find the link to the two Chinese translations of Science and Health at the website, christianscience.com. He seemed very pleased to know where to find and purchase a Chinese translation of the Christian Science textbook.

A traveler on a long layover followed the airport maps to our location.  After arriving, she explained how she found us and remarked how surprised she was to see a Reading Room in an airport.  She was even more surprised when I explained we had been at the airport for nearly 66 years.  She said, “I am a Christian and feel such a sense of peace knowing you are here, and I know it has to be a blessing for all travelers arriving and departing the airport.”

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 the 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)