p. 15 | Our Work in Asia Minor by Z. G. Baharian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 22, 1906

Our Work in Asia Minor

By Z. G. Baharian

God gave us an opportunity to hold a Bible school for our workers in Asia Minor. Brethren Elexan Buzugherian and Enoch Ayvazian, my prison mates, attended the school, also Brother H. Touzjian, of Marash, and Brother Garabed Simionyan, of Aksaray, Iconium. These were our workers. Besides, a brother from Marash took part in the lessons. The school was under the leadership of Brother Wakeham, and continued a month, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 20, 1905. It was a success. God's protecting hand was upon us.

After the school, the workers went to their fields. Brethren Buzugherian and Simionyan went to Adana, and from there Brother Simionyan intended to go to Iconium. As they had no passports for the interior, both were arrested when their journey was half finished, and were kept in Osmaniyeh about ten days, until notices were received about them. Then they were sent to Adana under soldiers' care. I quote from Brother Buzugherian's letter of December 12, written from Adana:—

“From Osmaniyeh we were sent to Adana, and presented directly to Vali, the governor. He asked where we had come from. I told briefly how I was imprisoned in Ourfa and acquitted, and was now going home. Then Brother Simionyan said that he had gone to Aintab to be baptized. The governor was very angry, and cursed, and commanded that we be exiled. Our papers were written, and we were told to be ready to go. My father gave a petition and tried for my deliverance, but in vain. At last I told him that it was impossible, and that he should go after Loutfi effendi, through whose guarantee I might go to Hadjin without soldiers. Loutfi effendi called on Vali, and presented my proposition. Vali called my father and asked him about me. As my father was unable to relate the circumstances of our acquittal in Ourfa, Vali sent for me. I was not aware of what had taken place. The guardians told me that probably Vali would beat me. While I was going, I prayed for strength to bear the beating. I went before Vali, and saw that there was a council, including

the Armenian bishop and my father. Vali asked me, ‘Who is this man?’ I answered that he was my father. ‘Honor your father,’ said Vali; ‘Loutfi effendi will be a guarantee for you, and I shall leave you, but you must promise these three things: You must shave your beard, you must quit the Sabbath, and you must not preach to anybody.’ After praying in my heart, I said, ‘Sir, I obey my father, and I would obey you also, but with humble spirit I say that I can not promise these things, as they are against my conscience. If you should beat me now, and send me down, I should preach the truth to the prisoners.’ Vali said, ‘This religion has been prohibited; you must not call gatherings.’ I answered: ‘Sir, we have no church building here; but if I should promise you not to preach, it would be against my conscience, also a lie; for wherever I go, I preach the truth.’ Vali said, ‘I shall cause you to drive out of this country if you will not quit the Sabbath and the preaching.’ I said, ‘Sir, there are about three hundred Sabbath-keepers; I also would go with them wherever you sent them.’ My father said, ‘Sir, threatenings avail nothing; if you should bring a knife and threaten to cut his throat, it would be in vain; he will not quit his religion.’ The Armenian bishop was always accusing me, but Loutfi effendi was opposing him. At last Vali let me go free. Now I am free, thank the Lord.’”

So in a marvelous way God has saved him. As for Brother Simionyan, I will quote from his letter of January 8, from Nevshehr, Iconium:—

“After waiting two days in prison at Adana, I was started in company with a guardian soldier, my hands being tied with iron bands. I was obliged to give half a dollar to the soldier to untie my hands, because I could not mount the horse. He untied my hands, and they were not tied any more until I arrived here, but in one place the officers tied me by the throat with an iron chain, and once also a soldier in Negdeh beat me. They stole my blanket. In Bor I was put in a dark place, with no light and no heat. The snow drifts were very severe, and one might die readily; nevertheless, passing through these dangers, I arrived at Aksaray. The ruler did not let me go free; four or five days I remained in prison, and then was sent to Nevshehr. Yesterday I was made free through a bail-bond. I thank God that I passed through these experiences. I thank him for the lessons he taught me through difficulties. Now I shall pass the winter here. Pray for me.”

Our Brother Enoch Ayvazian also went to Alexandretta, near Antioch. New citizen papers were being given in this land. Brother Ayvazian is having much difficulty in getting his. I quote from his letter of December 17:—

“I went to Belan to get my paper; there also I could not get it. The Protestant sect is telling the government that I am not a member of this sect; likewise the other sects. I called on one member of the Protestant national council, who dealt with me very hard. He said that they would not acknowledge us. I told him, ‘You are taking into your body many liars, murderers, and fornicators, and calling them Protestant; but as soon as one obeys God and keeps his Sabbath, you are denying him.’ He said, ‘They are far better than you.’ This man proposed to give me my citizen paper on condition that I give them twenty-five dollars in advance. This was an unjust proposition.’”

Unless he takes his citizen paper, he can not travel or enjoy his civil rights. This they know.

This is our present situation. Difficulties lie on every hand, but the message is going. At present three souls obey in Aintab. Brother Buzugherian reports from Adana that our church there has been revived since his arrival. He has visited Tarsus also, where we have now three believers. A sister has been added. Remember this field in your prayers.

Z. G. BAHARIAN.