p. 10 | Rustchuk, Bulgaria by Z. G. BAHARIAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 25, 1915

Rustchuk, Bulgaria

By Z. G. BAHARIAN

Z. G. BAHARIAN

THE peculiar experiences through which I have recently passed may be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW. October 27 I left Constantinople in a Russian boat called “Tsar Michael,” in order to go to Samsun. On the night of the twenty-ninth it arrived at Sinub, and was waiting outside the harbor for the morning in order to discharge the passengers for that place. But before it was light, we noticed that the boat suddenly started, turned toward the north, and began to sail with all the speed it could muster. We learned a little later that the political relations between Turkey and Russia had been severed, and that we were taken prisoners and were going to Russia. On the boat were about thirty Moslems, thirteen Armenians, several Greeks, and a few Persians. Some were rich, others were poor. Many had taken money sufficient for the voyage only, so we were all deeply anxious.

October 30 we passed before Theodosia, Yatta, and Sevastopol, toward Odessa, but suddenly our boat turned to the east, and on the thirty-first anchored at Iskadovski, a small village. We heard that war had been declared against Turkey, and we were captives in Russia. Ten soldiers came up to the boat to guard

us. After two days, officers came in and took all guns and revolvers that the passengers had. All Moslems were selected and sent into the interior, and liberty was granted to the rest to land and buy things from the market. We heard that all Christians were to be left in this village. We sent telegrams to the governor of Odessa asking permission to go to Odessa. It was granted, and in the same boat we were taken to Odessa, November 9, and left free to go anywhere in Russia, but had no permission to go out of the country. We were glad for so much freedom. I went to a hotel near the Armenian church. I was a stranger in a strange land, and had only forty dollars. I spent fourteen days in Odessa. At the Café Constantinople I found a number of Armenians gathered. God gave me opportunities to talk with them concerning present truth. Many heard for the first time that the end is near and that the present condition of things is a special sign of the times. I searched anxiously in this large city for our people, but found none.

I tried to get permission to go to Bulgaria, but was refused. Later a prominent Armenian sent the Armenian priest to the general governor, and secured his consent. This was a miracle indeed. November 23 I left Odessa by train, and the next afternoon arrived at Reni, and from there crossed the Danube by boat, reaching Rustchuk on the morning of November 29. Here I found a dozen believers in the message, and I was thankful to be free. Several days I held meetings with the church, and strangers also attended our studies. I see that Bulgaria is a ripe field, and many will accept the truth through the labors of the believers. I intend to go to Constantinople. This is not a wise step, looking at it from a human standpoint, but I must go in order to be at the head of my work.

I believe that the merciful hand of God guided me through this experience. I felt his presence nearer than ever before. I do not yet understand his purpose, but I was always assured that a good purpose was working. My faith is firmer.

As correspondence was very irregular, many hearts were troubled concerning my sudden absence. Let all be glad that I am alive and free. Thanks to God for his mercies.

Dec. 9, 1914.