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The Work in Turkey

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 7, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 27.

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The Work in Turkey

By Z. G. Baharian

Z. G. BAHARIAN
I FEEL sure the readers of the REVIEW are waiting to hear the outcome of my case. My petition to the minister of the interior was given attention. I had to wait about six weeks for the answer. As far as we knew, the commission below the minister of the interior regarded our case with favor, but we could not know what their decision was, until it was sent to the minister of the police for execution.
The first intimation of the actual state of things which we perceived, was the closing of our three meeting-places. When this happened, I began to expect a very unfavorable decision. After several days, I was called up, and told that I must go to Aintab, province of Haleb (Aleppo). I could take my family with me if I desired. I thanked God for this news, and received it as an answer to my prayers. I decided to go alone. A free transport was granted me, and a policeman accompanied me to an Austrian steamer. Our boat started, and the officer returned, leaving me to make the trip alone. This was on the seventeenth of February. I found myself in a foreign boat, free to go to any country. This tried me. I was strongly tempted to stop at Cyprus, and labor there under the protection of the British flag; for six days I was in the midst of a severe mental struggle over the subject.
When we arrived at Larnaka, Cyprus, Brother —, who had been in the truth for several years, met me, and I landed, and baptized him in the sea. While we were earnestly praying, God led me to decide to stand firm by my conviction that it would be best for me to go to Aintab, although the way seemed dark and indistinct before me, and I felt that not many troubles awaited me there. Therefore I returned to the ship. I have committed my soul and my all to the Lord as I never did before. As I decided to step forward into an unknown future, God promised me that in every step my feet should stand on the Rock; I never had such an experience, and I am glad to have it now, as it is teaching me what it is to walk by faith.
On the twenty-fourth of February I landed in Alexandretta. From here I am to go to Aintab. The police took my passport, and read in it that, because my staying in Constantinople was unlawful, I must not be permitted to return to that city, and that I was to be sent to Aintab. I supposed he would arrest me, but he did not. God had already wrought one deliverance for me. I was left free to pursue my journey to Aintab alone. I thank God for this bit of light amid the darkness. As we have several believers in this seaport, I have thought to remain here over the Sabbath. Many others also are coming to hear the truth. I expect to leave within three days.
Yesterday I heard that Brother —, a pharmacist in Antioch, has been under arrest for a week. It is commonly reported now that all Sabbath-keepers in Turkey are to be soon placed under arrest. I hear that a brother from Hadjin, in Cilicia, has also been arrested while preaching in the villages. Brother — has been imprisoned for five months in Ourfa. It seems to me that our time of trial is right upon us.
While en route to this place, I met a governor who was going to the province of Bitliss. As he was a member of the commission of the sublime porte, where my case had been decided, he was curious to know more of our truth; several times he called upon me, and I improved the opportunity to preach to him a crucified and risen Saviour. During the seventy-nine days of my imprisonment in Constantinople, I came in touch with many souls from various parts of the field, and God enabled me to call their attention to the gospel truth for this time.
God has taken me from the city of Constantinople, and sent me to this southern field, teaching me that I must trust in him. My future is unknown to me, but God is my light and my guide. Thanks to him forever.
“Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me. The changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see. I ask thee for a present mind Intent on pleasing thee.”