HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
when the opportunity occurred I approached the mother, and with her also, after a time, the inharmonious conditions began to give place to harmony; slowly a great transformation took place. There was, however, the cloud of her indebtedness hanging over her. I then asked for aid on her behalf from the War Relief Committee in Zurich. The sum of 300 francs was given her to pay off the most urgent debts.
“To the poor woman this was a fortune falling from heaven. She could never have dreamed of such a solution. This money, given to her by Love, was the beginning of a new life. The oppressing fears were lifted, and one can truthfully say that blessings were showered upon the family. The child was given shoes, clothing, hats and all necessary things. The husband being, up to that time, in a trying and poorly paid position in the army, was transferred without any special effort to a higher grade. His officer showed so much interest in him that he gave him 100 francs to send to his family, and when at the end of his term of service, the supplies of the company were sold, he received enough to provide for himself for some time.
“The wife herself is completely transformed. She is very happy to have regained her strength so that now she is able to do her washing and housework. She is freed from her asthmatic trouble so that there is no need of a further operation, and often I have the pleasure of looking in her face, now full of contentment, and of hearing her say: ‘How happy I am! How happy I am! What would have become of us if you had not told us about Christian Science!’ ”
Another recipient of help from the Zurich Committee writes:
"At this time I would like to express my gratitude to the Christian Scientists for all the love and kindness shown to their European brothers by helping them financially. I am one of those who have been helped twice by the local Committee, having received 50 francs each time. In the meantime,
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