p. 12 | In the Mountains of Ararat

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1909

In the Mountains of Ararat

H. J. LOEBSACK, superintendent of our work in the Caucasus, describes the primitive simplicity of some of the dwellers among the mountains of Ararat:—

“From Kars we take the train to Nachitschewan. This name means, ‘We have rested here for the first time.’ According to local tradition, this city was built by Noah, and in a churchyard here they show us Noah’s tomb.

“From this place we go high up among the mountains, a distance of sixty miles, to the Molokan colony of Basartschai. We can reach this place only three months in the year, snow and water making traveling an impossibility the rest of the time. About fifty men had gathered to give us a reception upon the streets of this village. The women and children were clothed as for a festival, and stood upon the flat roofs of the houses. The manner in which we were entertained reminded us of the way Abraham received his guests. Indeed, when evening came, they asked the privilege of taking off our shoes, and every meal-time we were invited to another family. We spent ten days here, teaching and preaching. We told them how the Lord is gathering out a people from all nations, and is making them one people, a people waiting for the coming of the Lord.

“Sabbath morning at seven o’clock we began worship with the singing of psalms, and the service continued until twelve o’clock. We have to-day eighty-six believers in this place. I can never forget how thankful these people were for the light that was brought to them.”