Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/209

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WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE

The work continued to grow rapidly and on the expiration of the lease, larger and more centrally located quarters were obtained. By the month of December from 50 to 70 were in attendance. Moreover, a Distribution Committee of officers and enlisted men had been formed to aid in preparing papers for mailing and local distribution, and some of the soldiers took upon themselves the loving duty of going to the hospitals to read or write letters for afflicted comrades.

Arrangements were made with Y. M. C. A. Secretaries to post notices announcing that the Christian Science lesson kit could be borrowed from the Secretary to study the lesson, and a set was supplied every Secretary who was willing to accept it.

One of the duties of the Committee which became very heavy toward the end of the war was writing letters to soldiers in the field. These were in reply to calls for help. In some instances the boys were merely homesick, nervous, discouraged, or felt they were being discriminated against by officers; in others serious maladies, vice and its effects, and inebriety had to be overcome. In return, letters of thanksgiving and praise to God were received, stating that discords had melted away into their native nothingness.

On every hand, among officers and men there existed a wonderful spirit of helpfulness. An automobile was placed at the disposal of the Committee as often as was needed and a pass furnished by the Post Commandant admitting the Worker to all Government enclosures.

Enlisted men who had been sent to other fields would come back “home” to Tours on leave and stay overnight. Many boys said they would rather come

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