Turkey by ROBT. S. GREAVES.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 2, 1908

Turkey

By ROBT. S. GREAVES.

SMYRNA.—We have arrived in Smyrna, and have secured comfortable quarters for the time being. Brother C. D. AcMoody met us when we landed, and as he speaks the Turkish fairly well, we got along nicely. He stayed with us a week, and returned home yesterday.

The Lord has blessed us on every hand, even in the smaller details of our arrangements, and we feel very glad to be here, and to have the privilege of working in the Levant for the advancement of our great gospel truths.

Strange sights meet us on every hand, and not only the name of this city reminds us of the Bible times, but the general Eastern life, and things that formerly we have only read of, impress us. We have obtained some books on modern Greek, and expect to make this our principal language, as many of the people here are of this nationality.

There is an American hospital and college; but as we do our shopping, etc., we seldom find any one who speaks English, so you may imagine we have quite an interesting time, though it is not nearly so difficult to get along as one might think. The money system is rather puzzling; for not only do they charge for changing larger coins into smaller

ones when they are trading with you, but they have a system which is peculiar to this part of Turkey. The president of the college told me that few people ever even try to learn it, except those who expect to reside here permanently.

We have every reason to be of good courage; for we see the Lord's blessings on every hand, and we believe that our coming to this country will not be in vain, but that something may be done for the Master. Generally, the people seem kindly disposed. Truly the field is ripe unto harvest, though the laborers are few. Our thoughts often go to the brethren in the home land, and we believe that they are all much interested in having this field entered. Remember us in your petitions to heaven; for we realize our great need of divine help and grace, before we can do for these dear souls what we desire to do. I do not think it will be long before we shall know enough of the language to be able to visit among them with tracts, etc., and when this work is once started, it will soon lead to greater things.

ROBT. S. GREAVES.