My wife, one of our sisters, and I have just returned from a trip to Albania, where we visited an isolated Sabbath-keeping family, and held a number of meetings. This is the first time I have been into the interior of the country. Previously my work has been confined to Smyrna.
A SCENE IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
We found this family shining as a bright gleam in the midst of great darkness. The Greek orthodox religion largely prevails throughout this territory, and owing to this family's fidelity to the Sabbath truth, its members were excommunicated from the church, and afterward boycotted by the people. These shocks seem to have had the same effect upon them that gusts of wind have on trees which stand exposed in the open, and which are compelled to strike their roots firmer and deeper, in order to be able to withstand the storms. This brother and his wife have learned to trust more fully in the precious promises of God, and are stronger for the experiences through which they have passed.
Our services were well attended, and several are much interested. But their faith is not yet strong enough to encounter the church's excommunication and such treatment as our brother received. The dear Lord never deserts his children. When this brother, who is a weaver, could not find sale for the articles he wove, some Jews proved to be his friends, and sold them for him. Thus a way of escape was opened to the faithful commandment-keeper when the prospect was very dark. Now the situation is much better, for the people have gradually become accustomed to buying from him again.
Our visit caused quite a stir in the village, and a little while before leaving, I asked the sister if she did not fear that persecution might again set in. She replied, “No; that is the time when we are strong.” This showed us plainly that the spirit of the early Reformers still lives, and that even in this country there are honest souls who will yet do and dare for the sake of conscience. We think that in the near future others will take their stand.
Although this place is in Turkish territory, the Greek element prevails, but the language is mixed with Albanian words. The sister who accompanied us acted as interpreter, and we got along nicely, being thankful that we were able to make ourselves well understood.
It was my privilege to baptize Brother and Sister Brakas and their eldest daughter, and they were full of rejoicing to be able to follow our dear Saviour's example in being buried in the water. We rejoiced, and praised our Heavenly Father for leading out these dear souls to be such bright lights, and we hope these same mountains may witness many similar scenes. We were a happy company as we descended the hills to the clear river below. Two of the children were too young to climb down among the rocks, so their father carried one, and I the other, for he wished his whole family to be present.
I think our work is not going to stop in Albania with these first fruits; for these dear people, who came into the truth by reading a tract which some one had given them, have a missionary spirit, and are trying to help their neighbors to see the light which is so precious to them.
During my stay of about nine days, we had a number of meetings and studies, and were often kept busy between times in answering the questions of interested ones.
The Bible custom prevails here when guests are departing, and we had something of Paul's experience of which we read in Acts 21:5: “And they all brought us on our way, with wives and children.” We felt sorry to see some walking so far, for the children had to be carried back, but their wish was to come. We formed quite a procession, with our mules and drivers going ahead, and the company following. What especially touched our hearts was to have four Greeks, who had been attending our services, risk the ban of the church, and walk publicly by our side through the village, and afterward for about half an hour on the way. One of them had already been threatened by the priest; but it was evident that the Word of God was having its effect, and making them all strong. After they left, I mounted my mule; but our brother and his daughter would not leave us, and still kept walking on and on. They would not hear of riding on my animal, for this was their way of showing their appreciation of us.
Our Father's care was over us, and we returned safe to Smyrna. Our prayers regularly go up to heaven for our brethren in Albania, and we ask you also to remember them, and that you will not forget us in Smyrna.
