Syrian Mission by W. C. ISING

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1911

Syrian Mission

By W. C. ISING

W. C. ISING

Last winter our first public effort in Beirut was made in presenting the truths of the third angel’s message to a large audience. The hall of a hotel was filled with a mixed congregation, while large numbers had to be turned away for lack of room. The lecture on the prophecies of Daniel was illustrated by stereopticon views. On noticing, however, the religious tendency of our study, the people soon showed their dislike of such topics; they had expected a cinematographic show, which at the present time is being introduced with much favor on the part of the people.

We have had much difficulty in finding quarters to continue these meetings, since suitable places for such purposes can not be obtained in this country. Private homes were refused for fear of the Catholic and other clergy, so that the only place available was our home, whence no one could turn us out. These studies were attended regularly by a number of persons, especially college students, who seemed much interested in the prophecies.

As a result of our labors, five souls were baptized in the Mediterranean. One was a pharmaceutic student who just received his diploma the day before his baptism. He stood faithful to the truth from the day he recognized and accepted it, and bore some good testimonies in behalf of it, which resulted in his being released from the studies on the Sabbath for several months until the graduation. He is a young man from the city of Mosul (ancient Nineveh), to which place he has returned, planning to enter upon the services of the mission that sent him to college. These studies, I am sure, have caused a stir among his fellow students, who have been freely discussing the subjects.

Another of the candidates for baptism was an earnest Christian, who had formerly come from the ranks of Islam, from the heart of Mesopotamia, bearing the name of Father Abraham of old, who issued thence to follow the true God. This brother is now engaged in the work of translating and preparing literature in the Arabic language.

We are sure that the message has reached a large number of persons who are deeply stirred by its solemn call, and who will in the course of time cast their lot with God’s people, notwithstanding the perplexing situation of taking an open stand for the truth, in view of severe persecution on the part of their relatives and religious leaders. But the words of Christ are true even here: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8: 32, 36.

Beirut.