p. 15 | Turkey by Z. G. Baharian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 10, 1903

Turkey

By Z. G. Baharian

MARASH.—The third angel’s message entered this city in 1895 through two brothers who were converted at the massacre. For about six years they were the only Sabbath-keepers in the city. One of them went to Albistan with a business, where he still dwells. Through his active labors, several souls accepted the truth, so that in Albistan about ten rejoice now in the message. The other brother also worked faithfully in Marash, and the Lord gave him several converts. In the last two years five souls have accepted the truth. Several days ago I received a letter telling of the obedience of another. This new brother relates his experience, which sounds like the trials of the Inquisition of old. He belonged to the Armenian church, but was led to the Protestant church through the meetings held in the homes of the people. His interest was in spiritual things. Through one of his friends he was led to our brother to study the last message. Seeing that this is truth, he continued in his study. Protestant people, seeing his interest in our message, tried every means to hinder him, but in vain. His father was enraged against him. One night he heard his father talking to his mother: “O wife, if I knew for certain that this boy would be a Sabbath-keeper, I would kill him now.” The church committee called upon him several times, and tried and censured him as a heretic. At last he gave himself to the Lord, and united with our little flock.

All the members in Marash are active, and several others are studying the message under trying circumstances. A student in C. T. College at Aintab has been interested through the readings sent by them. God is helping me in preparing lessons from the Bible for their benefit. They are a means in the hands of our scattered brethren to work among the people.

A VISIT TO NICOMEDIA.—In September a brother came from Bardizag to Constantinople for a short time on account of his wife’s health. While we were talking about the condition of the churches in that province, he asked me to go with him to Bardizag. About five years I was detained in Constantinople, but the Lord convinced me that this time I must go, trusting his protecting power. September 27 we left, and

passed that night in the city of Nicomedia. I was glad to meet there the two souls who came into the message only four weeks ago. We had an interesting meeting. Next day, not being molested by the police, we crossed the bay to Bardizag. O, the joys and rejoicings when the brethren and sisters met me once more. I stayed there eleven days, holding meetings.

God in a marvelous way put his hands over our enemies, and no one dared to stir the police against me. This was a miracle. October 3 was a blessed Sabbath day. Our subject was the cross of Jesus revealing the secret spirit of sin, which is enmity against God. Sin always conceals its real character, showing itself to be righteousness. But God gave his Son to dwell in the flesh where sin had had the dominion. Sin rose up against him, persecuted him, and killed him, Jesus also gave himself to be killed that it might be known to all that sin is enmity against God. But the sin is in us. So the cross of Jesus reveals unto us that the sin which entered into us deceitfully and works in us deceitfully, is enmity against God. Whatever we do toward each other, we do it to God. This truth led them to repent. When they saw that in everything that they do against one another, the spirit is to put God to death, they were separated from sin, and were reconciled to God and to one another. I found by experience that we shall not war against God if we really see that we are doing so.

When I was thinking of coming back to Constantinople, there came from Shag-shag, a call to visit this place also. God encouraged me to accept the call, and I remained there four days. For a long time this company had been left to themselves, and many questions had arisen among them; but, thank God, he came near and gave repentance to their hearts. Language can not describe the wonderful workings of the Spirit. Every soul was thinking about himself, and not about some one else; and when each one was reconciled to God, peace and harmony reigned. God gave us victory over sin. Two brothers from Bardizag had accompanied me, and we returned with great joy.

While we were entering into Bardizag, word came to us that the police were waiting for me, because some one had stirred him up during my absence. We did not enter into the town till it was quite dark. And next day, very early I crossed the bay to Nicomedia; and arrived at Constantinople in safety. Thank God for his guiding and protecting hand! Thank God for such a blessed experience! Z. G. BAHARIAN. Constantinople.