Recent Experiences in Persia
By F. F. OSTER
Soon after the war broke out, I visited Urumiah, going by horse through Kurdistan. All along the way I preached the message. In Soujbulak I had the privilege of presenting the Eastern Question to the missionaries there. In Urumiah also, the Presbyterian missionaries gave me an evening to present the Eastern Question. They gave good attention. I found Brother Sperling [music director in Russian army] and Sister Sperling, who were baptized at the first of the year, of good courage, and making good progress in spiritual growth. They gave tithes of all their substance, and without my saying a word about our financial condition or about our being cut off from the treasury, gave a good sum in advance tithes. A few days afterwards it was reported that all the Russian soldiers were to leave Persia, and Sister Sperling was ordered to leave for Russia at once. Even the Russian consul was preparing to leave for Tabriz. All their freight and baggage had been sent on ahead. Brother Sperling at once went to the Russian bank to withdraw all his money, several hundred dollars. It was none too early, for within an hour the bank was closed. War with Turkey seemed imminent. Every one feared a Kurdish raid. Stores were closed. Merchants hid their goods or stored them away, and many families fled to Tabriz and Russia. I took Sister Sperling and the children to Djulfa, on the Russian border, as Brother Sperling was obliged to remain in Urumiah. When I reached Tabriz, I found it quiet. January 5 I managed to buy a horse, so fled by night with Mrs. Oster and baby (four weeks old) from Maragha to Tabriz. Kurds plundered Miandoab and Urumiah, killing many Christians and Moslems. They are coming here in a day or two. Sister Staubert and we are staying at the American mission, where we are being provided for. All is well. We left everything we have in Maragha. The Kurds entered there the next day.