AMONG few people has the work of the Christian missionary produced so little fruit as among Mohammedans. For eighty years work has been carried on in Mohammedan lands, but the efforts of the missionaries have been chiefly in behalf of Christians in those countries. This is especially true of Turkey, Egypt, and North Africa. Occasionally, a Mohammedan was converted, but in nearly every case he was soon disposed of. It seems to be an unwritten law for Mohammedans to kill those that apostatize from their faith. As a result, efforts in their behalf have dwindled down to a minimum, and the feeling has become quite general that it is of little use to preach the Gospel to Mohammedans.
But according to Scripture, “This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” From this scripture alone we must conclude that the Gospel, in its closing work, will be preached among Mohammedans, especially as they number so many millions. From the opening of our work in Turkey, I have watched for a beginning among Mohammedans, and am now much rejoiced to see it.
J. H. Krum, our missionary in Palestine, having made visits to Mt. Carmel, Jerusalem, and the plain of Sharon, returned to Jaffa, to continue his efforts there. Unexpectedly, his work turned among the Mohammedans. First, one accepted Christ and immediately began to work for others; soon a second began, and he likewise worked actively for others. This work has continued till Jaffa and surrounding country is considerably stirred. Of his experience Brother Krum speaks, in a letter of May 14, as follows:—
Since I last wrote you, the interest has been growing, and indeed so rapidly and unexpectedly that I could not leave the house any more. For the last few weeks the Muslims have been coming in to morning worship, and also at the going down of the sun. These have nearly all been brought in by our converted priest of the law. [A sheik from Lydda.] He returned from his trip Wednesday evening. He had visited six villages and Ramleh. In Ramleh, he visited a meeting held by a lady employed by the Church Missionary Society. She was speaking on the resurrection of Christ, and that therefore Sunday should be observed. He arose and told them that according to the Bible that was all wrong, and gave the Bible proofs for his assertion. The government in Lydda owes him 350 piasters for teaching, but as he has professed Christ, it refuses to pay him.
He confessed everywhere in Ramleh and Lydda where he is known. He also brought a young man with him to Jaffa,—an “efendi,” i.e., a gentleman. He is the son of one of the richest families in Jerusalem. He has now confessed Christ among those that congregate in my house. . . . He also brought along a peasant from one of the villages, who has since come here daily. Shakker [the name of this sheik from Lydda] has thus far brought in many people. He has been the fisher, while Hafiz and I dress them. Yesterday, we had a most glorious meeting. . . .
A Mohammedan Sheik.
A remarkable feature of the Mohammedans is that they are very quick to decide for the truth. I preached to them Christ only, and no sooner did they see Christ than they knew all the rest. They were all inveterate smokers; but yesterday morning, when they came dressed up in their very best white linen and silk in honor of the Sabbath, I noticed that not one used tobacco. I asked Hafiz, “Do you think they have given up tobacco?” He answered: “Certainly. They said to me, ‘Kall bass,’ i.e., ‘We have finished.’” Yesterday there were seven Mohammedans, eight with the mother of Hafiz, who kept the Sabbath with me. . . . Five of these have committed the Koran to memory, and all except Shakker earn their living by going to the houses of Mohammedans and to the cemeteries to sing parts of the Koran for the people. In other words, they give what we would call Bible readings, and sing hymns from the Koran.
The Germans are all surprised, and indeed all who hear are wondering. The Church Missionary Society has a hospital here since thirty-five years and preaches to each patient before giving him medicine, and only one convert from among Mohammedans is reported. The Jewish Society has operated here seventeen years, and has not one convert among Jews or Mohammedans. The German colonies are here twenty-seven years, and have not one convert from the Jews, Mohammedans, or Arab Christians. I am here six months, and the blessed Lord has given me at the least six already. The Lord be praised. Amen. . . .
I thought Shakker had left for the villages again, but to my surprise he came in yesterday afternoon, bringing in the highest teacher of the Mohammedans in the city. He had talked with him a few hours, and he finally accepted what Shakker told him as truth, and, like all the rest, he immediately expressed a desire to see me. . . . This teacher is an educated, mild man, and really a hopeful case. He prayed with us twice as a little child. He believed all, and appears to love us. He said he would come to me at night, about three times a week. . . .
I had twelve Mohammedans here yesterday, and gave eight Bible readings. . . .
The other Christians are afraid to speak to the Muslims about Christ, and so this work has been neglected.
Already Mohammedans have made efforts to persecute those who have professed Christ. Several narrowly escaped being arrested, while an effort was made to enlist the leading one into the army. This is a common way of entrapping and disposing of such. As this work continues, there will doubtless be bitter persecution. Let all Christians remember these souls in their prayers, that they make a noble beginning, and that the power of God may be manifested in their preservation and deliverance.
