Asia Minor by Z. G. BAHARIAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 18, 1908

Asia Minor

By Z. G. BAHARIAN

LEAVING Aintab, by traveling seven days I reached Malatia. This is a pleasant city in the province of Mamouret ul Aziz, or Kharput, situated toward the west. About nine years ago, a young man of Malatia went to Adana to earn his living. Just at that time I was also there, and this young man accepted the truth, and united with our church. Knowing that there was an able man in Malatia who was fond of Bible study, he directed me to him, and we began a profitable correspondence. This old gentleman began reading our tracts, and to study the readings I sent him. He at once began to keep the Sabbath, and about fifteen souls followed him. This brought an agitation in the city. Some of them were arrested, and put in jail.

A Protestant minister was the chief agitator. He proposed to save them if they would put away the Sabbath and keep Sunday. They refused. The governor of the city sent them to Kharput, where the vali lived. The weather was very cold; the roads were covered with snow. But these brave brethren were glad to go. The people were rejoicing over the calamity which had befallen them.

After three days of hard journey, they were presented to the vali. He examined them, and found no fault in them, and they were released, and returned to Malatia. But the governor did not allow them to work on Sundays. I continued sending them readings. A few souls went back, not willing to suffer persecution, but others stood fast. An Armenian brother, our minister who lived at one time in Eguin, visited them, but was hardly allowed to remain one night, and was sent away with a soldier.

About two months ago God opened a way for me to visit these needy souls. I am sorry to find that the first dear old brother died two years ago. He was mourned by many, because he was a father in the city, and a counselor. Now I see three families rejoicing in the truth. Their joy is great because I am with them. In these families there are fifteen adults. We are studying the Bible, and others also attend our studies.

Malatia is a city of gardens and fruits. The water is pure and plentiful. The chief fruits are apricots as sweet as honey, apples, pears, and grapes. One can hardly imagine the plenteousness of these fruits. Consequently they are very cheap. This is the paradise of Asia Minor. We should be thankful that the Lord has planted here his servants to be a light in the darkness. Pray for this field. Z. G. BAHARIAN.