Asia Minor by Z. G. Baharjian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1907

Asia Minor

By Z. G. Baharjian

MALATIA.—I remained here twelve days, holding meetings every evening for Bible study. About ten from outside were always present. Many others would have come if the owner of the house had permitted them to do so, but to prevent any commotion, he let only those come in who really wished to hear. I spoke more about the true faith in order to save them from the human traditions. All saw very clearly that anything that is not spoken by the Lord can not be a foundation to the faith. I took some Bible examples to show them how to be justified. I expect that the seed sown will bear fruits to the glory of God. The burden of my soul was the revival of the brethren. They had accepted the truth, but were not sanctified through it. They had not yet seen the real character of sin. After dwelling some on the present message, last Sabbath (August 31) I held four studies about the mystery of iniquity, or sin, that is enmity against God. I was glad to see that the Spirit of the Lord melted the hearts, and the victory was ours.” The next day four brethren were baptized, and we had the Lord’s supper, too.

As I had to go as far as Erzinjan and return before the mountains would be covered with snow, I was obliged to leave Malatia, hoping to stop there several days on my return. On my way to Eguin I stopped about three hours in Arabkir, a city of about two thousand houses, where are about two hundred Protestants. I called on their pastor. He despised me because I keep the Sabbath

and sow such seeds. He said that the days of the week have been changed, so that we don’t know that the days are the same as those of creation. I asked him to give me a Bible to read a few passages, but he refused. Then I required from him historical or Bible proofs to show that the days have been changed. He was ashamed not to show even one. So I took my turn, and advised him not to be a despiser, but to hold to the truth. We parted with a better spirit.

There I talked with an Armenian school-teacher, who showed an interest to hear our message. As we had no brethren in this city, I left it soon, and in company with twelve soldiers I came to Eguin. These soldiers were going to keep the way from Eguin to Erzinjan from the assaults of Dersin Kurds, who were robbing the travelers. Thank the Lord, he kept me safe through this journey also.

Z. G. BAHARJIAN.