Ready with staff in hand

When military and naval training camps were set up in the United States, workers were needed to minister to the Christian Science troops (and others who sometimes became students of Christian Science). These workers were drawn from the local churches. Many church members proved to be ready “with staff in hand” to go forth and fill what was found to be a great need.

That phrase “with staff in hand” just came to mind when I thought of those dedicated Christian Scientists. I looked up “staff” in a Bible dictionary. It refers to the stick which the shepherd used, both to lean on and to guide his sheep. I note that at the Passover, when the Children of Israel were prepared to start on their journey, they were instructed to eat the sacrificial lamb “with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in hour hand: and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover” (Ex. 12:11). Talk about being ready! This is a great thing about Christian Science, once one has had Class Instruction one is made ready to work, to heal. No doubt the workers were all seasoned demonstrators of the Science.

In my preliminary notes I have written, at page 67: At Halifax, part of the work done and funds used was to repair the Christian Science church structure. I find it interesting that there was no claim presented to the City or their Commission for damages done by fire and explosion when two steamers collided in the harbour.

The chapter called Daily Deeds explains the daily tasks of a Camp Welfare Worker. See pages 87-90. The worker’s full day is set out – a very full day. For me it was striking how often The Christian Science Monitor comes into the story -- its being distributed and asked for and READ. For instance, at Camp Custer in Michigan, 800 copies were distributed daily.

The value of the places of refuge that the Welfare Committees provided in the camps is illustrated by this letter of thanks:

"I take this opportunity of thanking you for your kindness and also for the Welfare House (Camp Jackson, South Carolina). It certainly was an inspiration to us. The Welfare House was truly an oasis in the desert — where one found refuge and succor from the many doubts and fears of mortal existence. 'Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need' (Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, page 494). Many times did I go to the Welfare House depressed and with a heavy heart and came away refreshed and in a buoyant mood” p. 114, Christian Science Wartime Activities.

Joyce Voysey