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Conditions in Turkey

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 13, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 11.

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Conditions in Turkey

By C. Voigt

It would be difficult for the brethren who live at a distance to get a clear idea of conditions in the Orient, as they are so different from those in other lands. We are accustomed here to a general state of poverty, but now on account of the war, we are experiencing a special scarcity. These conditions would be felt much more keenly by the people of most other lands than they are here, but at the same time even in this land the present circumstances make the people long for a change.
How Turkey has been afflicted during the past few months, and how the people have suffered, is brought forcibly to our minds by the assistance which we are obliged to give. We have one Greek brother who, during a large fire in 1912, lost his house and nearly all that he had, and the mission was obliged to help him. In Brusa we have several elderly members. The committee voted to help them. However, just as we had provided for them by renting a room and procuring provisions for the winter, a fire broke out and destroyed all. One day an aged sister told us of her need. The earthquake of last August had destroyed all she had, and we had to help her to begin anew. A soldier found her nearly dead from hunger and exposure near one of the battle-fields and brought her to us. We might continue this list and tell of widows with large families, of aged sisters who have no one to provide for them. It is true that the different nationalities make provision for their own; but as soon as they learn that one of their number has left the state church and united with us, they refuse him any further help.
There is great misery throughout the country. We feel, as one brother said, that it is almost a sin when we sit down to a well-prepared meal or lie down and rest in a comfortable bed or warm ourselves by a comfortable fire, in view of all the suffering and sorrow that exist around us. I pray God that he may work mightily by his Spirit, as the enemy is determined to hold the people fast.
C. VOIGT.