Manny Pena
Christian Science Nurse
Los Angeles, California

“I had been sitting on the sidelines with Christian Science for many years. Then one day I found myself embroiled in a conflict with the hospital where I worked as an emergency room nurse. I thought, maybe it’s time to look into this Science. I began to study and attend church. The more I studied Christian Science, the more I realized that what I was doing to treat patients was not going to bring about true healing. So I would tell them, “I don’t think what we’re doing is going to help you. I think you need metaphysics,I think you need to understand your relationship to God.” The patients were receptive and listened to what I had to say.”

“I became a Christian Science nurse because I want to learn as much as I can about true healing. Every day I take my nursing to God. What do You want me to do in this room? How do I help? When I’m nursing I feel like I’m standing on holy ground. I’m so glad that I’m a part of this whole Movement. I remember the first day someone called me a Christian Scientist — I felt so proud because I couldn’t wait to become one!” 

Manny’s Story: When Manny first found out that there were Christian Science nursing facilities where patients relied totally on God for healing, he left all of his medical training behind and, with the help of The Albert Baker Fund, began his training as a Christian Science nurse at Broadview Christian Science Nursing facility. Since that time he has taken Christian Science Class Instruction and is well on his way to Journal-listing. Manny’s long-term goal: to enter the public practice of Christian Science.

Back to Five Stories from Albert Baker Fund Students: Passing the Blessings Forward.

Stephen Calkinskeyes
Chemistry Major
Elsah, Illinois

“If you had told me that I could lose my business, sell my home, pay off my debts, and yet be able to go back to school for three years, with my wife and five kids, to start and finish a chemistry degree, I would never have thought it possible. And yet it is! God has given me an incredible opportunity to take another direction in my life, to improve my thought and circumstances. Yes, I sometimes feel overwhelmed with what needs to be done and how much time I have to do it, but I trust God will carry me through. I can’t do it, but God can. More than anything else, I’m learning to trust God with my every step, to listen to Him and obey what He wants me to do.”

Stephen’s Story: When Stephen lost his mortgage business he decided to return to school and pursue his long-time dream to finish college. So with one year of college credit on his record, he took his family back to Illinois where, with the help of The Albert Baker Fund, he enrolled as a Chemistry Major at Principia College, thirty years after graduating from high school. Along the way, he made a promising, God-directed discovery regarding a process that turns sewage into fuel. His chemistry courses are helping him research and prove a process patent for his discovery. What next? Stephen is considering entering a PhD program when he graduates. His enthusiasm and good humor in the face of challenges are an inspiration to his fellow students. All other adventures aside, his long-term goal is to enter the public practice of Christian Science.

Next story: A desire to learn about true healing

Rebecca Kaufmann Aldinger
Graduate Student and Instructor
San Francisco State University

“English teachers have so much potential to impact the way people think and the way people make sense of the world. I love working with college students because they’re going through an exciting transition. It’s exhilarating to help someone learn how to be a successful college student, how to be a good reader, how to think critically. I’m never bored!”

“I see so many parallels between learning to be a good teacher and striving to grow as a Christian Scientist. In both cases, you need to be honest with yourself and examine your thinking. They’re both demanding. The discipline I need to be a good teacher is the discipline I need in my practice of Christian Science.”

Rebeccaa’s Story: With help from The Albert Baker Fund, Rebecca has completed a Master of Arts in English from San Francisco State University, with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and a graduate certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading. In January she will complete her second graduate certificate in Teaching Composition. In spite of her education and experience, Rebecca feels she is “just scratching the surface of what it means to be a good teacher.” She credits a turning point in her spiritual growth with a challenging trip to Chile that was filled with prayer and study. While there she was able to help an acquaintance who was in a great deal of pain. Rebecca found that she was able to speak the Truth to her in effortless Spanish, and the woman had an instantaneous healing. “I realize that when you’re working through your own challenges, you’re also poised to help others,” says Rebecca.

Next story: Trusting Each Step of the Way

Matt Clark
MBA Student and New Ventures Editor
The Christian Science Monitor
Boston, Massachusetts

“If you look at the pace at which things unfolded for me to enroll in the #1 MBA program for entrepreneurship and innovation, and apply what I’m learning everyday while working full-time at The Christian Science Monitor, it could only have been through God’s direction. I went from rebelling against the changes that I thought were weakening the craft of journalism, to realizing that I needed to be part of helping The Monitor find a new business solution.”

“Sometimes the demands feel impossible. But all things are possible to God. I stop and listen for guidance from God. Things are just too complicated not to be led! It’s an exciting time at The Monitor. Our reliance on divine power is no small part of why we’re making such great strides.”

Matt’s story: Matt was fulfilling his dream to become a foreign correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor when he came to see that The Monitor’s real need was to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. Soon after, he found out about the Babson College Fast Track MBA program, was accepted, received financial assistance from The Albert Baker Fund, and enrolled. The Babson program focuses on solving complex business challenges with an entrepreneurial spirit — finding new opportunities within the challenge. This whole new way of looking at things is giving Matt a tool box of practical skills and strategies, putting him at the center of The Monitor’s efforts to build a sustainable new business model.

Next Story: Teaching and Learning in the Classroom