Kessal, Aleppo by Z. G. Baharian

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 3, 1902

Kessal, Aleppo

By Z. G. Baharian

Turkey

Cilicia

OUR worker in Cilicia, Brother A. Buzugherian, of Hadjin, hearing that some were studying the truth at Osmaniyeh,—a town eighteen hours from Adana,—went there. He was cordially received by a man named David. Meetings were held, and many came to hear the message. Brother Buzugherian writes from Osmaniyeh, February 7:—

“I hope that you have received the postal card I sent you last week. Many eagerly listen to God’s word. Some wicked persons tried to hinder the work by banishing me to Adana, but God worked just the reverse. At first I preached with fear, but now I preach freely. The effort against me brought the truth to the attention of many officers of the government.”

The authorities were favorably disposed toward him, perceiving that he was falsely accused of being an agitator against the government. The result was that Brother David began to keep the Sabbath.

Kessal, Aleppo

While Brother Buzugherian was working at Osmaniyeh, he received a letter from Brother E. Ayvazian, our worker at Alexandretta, requesting him to call there, and with him visit some places in the province of Aleppo. So after spending a few days in Alexandretta, these brethren went to Antioch, where we had four brethren in the truth. Staying there only one day, they started for Kessab, an Armenian town, where Congregationalists have had many proselytes. Our message had gone there through tracts and by those who visit Alexandretta from time to time, and two persons had already accepted the truth. There was much excitement on the arrival of our brethren, and with threatenings two Armenian tax collectors commanded them to leave the town; but they were impressed by the Holy Spirit that they must remain, and preach the gospel. Two others accepted the truth, and the meetings were well attended. The Protestants at once sent word to the missionary of Aintab, Mr. Saunders. He came to Kessab, and at once held a meeting with the bishops of the Catholic and Armenian churches. They wrote a paper of accusation, Mr. Saunders signed it, and the local editor of the Protestant church carried it to the governor, who resides in a village near by. Our workers were arrested, and imprisoned in Ordon, the village of the governor; then they were sent to Jesser Shougher, where they were detained ten days, after which they were sent to Aleppo. There the police investigated the matter, and learning by telegram from Alexandretta and Hadjin that they were good men, let them go to their own places.

In Aleppo two men of influence have been especially interested. They desire to hear the truth, and have requested that our literature be sent to them.

This imprisonment has attracted much attention, and by it God again brought the message before the government. I am sure that the seeds sown by these brethren will be fruitful. Dear brethren, pray for our field. Z. G. BAHARIAN.