A Call for Immediate Help by Z. G. Baharian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 24, 1909

A Call for Immediate Help

By Z. G. Baharian

[Our people will have learned from the Bulletin and Review that during the General Conference word came from Turkey that numbers of our brethren and sisters there had been killed in the recent massacre of Christians, and others left destitute. A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the Conference, and it was understood that this would be followed by gifts for relief if required. Now we print letters from Turkey showing that brethren there are in need. The General Conference Committee has instructed the treasurer to cable to Europe authorization to the subtreasury to send on necessary relief. There is no time to collect such a fund. The relief money will therefore be taken from the mission treasury, already overdrawn. Will not our people, therefore, bear this in mind, and MAKE AN EXTRA GIFT in the midsummer offering, Sabbath, July 3, on this account? If all will do so, sufficient extra will be given to replace the relief forwarded, and there will be no need to call for a special fund. GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.]

An Urgent Appeal for Cilicia

Dear Brethren and Sisters in the Faith:

I am sure you have heard about the events which have been taking place in Turkey. A constitutional government was established last year, which caused great joy to the Armenians especially. The people of the Islam faith were not reconciled to it, but were obliged to keep still because the Young Turk party had the power of the army.

Influences worked secretly until they succeeded in overthrowing this new régime this year on April 13. It had formerly been planned to slaughter all Armenians and constitutionalists. Now the reactionary elements began to carry out this plan in the provinces of Adana (Cilicia) and Haleb (Antioch). Awful was the news that reached us from day to day. My heart went out for the believers in these places, but I could learn nothing about them. At first I heard that all the believers were safe, and I was glad; but soon we began to receive true information concerning them. The following letter is from our Brother Charles Simmons. He has been in Adana and Tarsus, and has seen their poor condition. The elder of the church and several other brethren who were very faithful, have been murdered without mercy. I don't know why God allowed this thing to happen to them. The rest of our people are in great need, without money, without beds, and without raiment. At this time I appeal to you in their behalf. While the people of the world are opening their hearts toward these provinces, is it not proper that you remember the believers just when they need your help? Please read carefully the letter of Brother Simmons, and act immediately as the Spirit of God moves upon your hearts. Send all money to the Foreign Mission treasury.

Yours in the message,

(Signed) Z. G. BAHARIAN.