The Armenian Mission Field
By Z. G. Baharian
WE have received good news from Malatia. Two persons have accepted the truth as the fruit of Brother Touzjian’s labors. As I formerly reported, Brother Touzjian entered Malatia under favorable circumstances. The pulpit of the church was offered him in which to preach every Sunday as a regular pastor. He accepted it, and during the winter continued his sermons successfully. He held meetings for the women, and visited the families. Besides, he held Bible studies in his own room, all interested ones regularly attending. The result was that a Protestant named Mercelianos Barsamian began keeping the Sabbath. This step stirred up his wife, his mother, and other relatives. His wife bitterly opposed him. This opposition hindered him for a few weeks, but at last God gave him power to obey, leaving everything in the Lord’s hands. Persecution arose from all sides, but he stood firm. A man named Arakel also stood on the side of the truth. The way was opened for Brother Touzjian to labor. When he went to the market, he was invited from the shops to talk about the truth. This agitation awakened envy in the hearts of the church people, and Brother Touzjian was not allowed to preach in their church any more. On Easter day about two hundred flocked to the church, expecting to hear a sermon by Brother Touzjian, but went away with sad hearts. When I was in Constantinople, March 24, for our general meeting, a letter came from the interior of Armenia, dated February 15, informing me that twelve persons had begun to keep the Sabbath. Among them are a local elder. This unexpected news rejoiced our hearts. Last summer I visited this place, and distributed a few tracts. As a result, these souls have taken their stand for the truth. We must go to them soon in order to instruct them and establish them in the present message. Thus God is working to save souls. May many more of his people Israel be gathered, and his name be glorified.