The Armenian Mission Field by Z. G. Baharian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1912

The Armenian Mission Field

By Z. G. Baharian

AZABAGHA.— After our general meeting in Bardizag, Nicomedia, I went to Tokad, and soon after, in company with Brother M. N. Askabedian, I visited Azabagha, an Armenian village near by, where two aged persons accepted the truth. We remained with them about ten days, instructing them in the message, and they were comforted by the Spirit of God.

SIVAS.— From Azabagha we returned to Tokad, and prepared to go to Sivas, the capital of the province. Brother M. Aslikian, our canvasser, also accompanied us. Brother Ashikian looked over the city, and next day started out to sell our publications. We also visited some friends, and held studies in our room. We had no intention of staying in Sivas, but our friends entreated us to rest a few days and hold Bible studies, so we remained five days. Good seed was then sown, and we left the city with the hope of returning to labor there next winter. On June 17 we started for Zara, twelve hours’ distant, toward the east. Our canvasser continued his labors in Sivas, and later wrote us an encouraging letter, telling us that he visited every shop and house, and sold about 450 piasters’ (about twenty dollars) worth of tracts and books. All in that city have heard that Sabbath-keepers have come, proclaiming that the end of the world is near.

ZARA.— This is a small city, situated on the slope of a mountain. We saw many artificial caves, where people hid themselves during the invasions of Jinguishkhan’s armies. Zara has been visited by Congregationalist, Disciple, and Mormon missionaries, and each denomination has a group of believers among the Armenians. One of the Mormon believers, M. Shirinian, came to Constantinople in 1895, on his way to America, heard about our work, studied the third angel’s message, and was converted. Instead of going to America, he went back to his home, and has been a faithful witness in Zara. We were glad to see him again after such a long time. He welcomed us to his home, where he and his wife were alone, his children living in other houses. He is sixty-nine years old, but strong in body and faith.

We tried to hold meetings, but there was a spiritual lethargy on the people. After the proclamation of the constitution, socialist lecturers visited the city, turning the minds of the people away from religion. We stayed fourteen days, and held meetings evenings and on Sunday. Some were interested. Brother Askabedian tried to sell our publications, but sold only about two dollars’ worth of tracts and books. Faithless Armenians despised and mocked him, but some seemed favorable.

June 30 was a good day. Brother Shirinian and his wife followed the example of their Lord, being buried in the watery grave. In the evening we had the Lord’s Supper, and the next day we left the place, committing the believers to the grace of the Lord.

Z. G. BAHARIAN.