Chapter 12

WITNESSING IN CAMP AND TO PROFESSORS

On the Asiatic side of the city in Suadiye YMCA had a beautiful campsite. Every summer young people from the city would come for a time of recreation. This was long before Istanbul's population exploded. At that time Suadiye, Erenköy and Bostanci were just villages. The American director of the YMCA had heard of Vahram and arranged for him and his friend Aram to have a holiday free of charge at the camp. Normally this place would have been out of their reach. So before they went they prayed that God would use their witness there.

In the light-hearted atmosphere, someone had an idea — with the help of a friend he would catch the Turkish camp director and throw him fully clothed into the Marmara Sea! It was really hilarious to everyone except to the victim. He emerged from the water sopping wet and choking. "Are you pleased with your accomplishment?" he gasped.

Now the camp had a set of rules, and the designated punishment for this kind of horseplay was that the instigator provide a new set of clothes for the victim and then that he be tied to a tree without food. The punishment was carried out to the letter and the director himself bound the culprit with rope to a tree. The prankster's friend said to Vahram, "If you believe in doing good, why don't you untie our friend and let him go and get something to eat?" "How can I set someone free who is being punished by the director?" answered Vahram. "I have no authority to do this. But..." he continued, "if the director approves, let him free this man and tie me to the tree in his place." Hearing this, the director proceeded to tie Vahram to another tree. Vahram said, "Now that you have tied me up you must set him free." So the director untied the prankster and let him go.

Vahram asked the director, "Do I have any guilt in this affair?" The director said, "No!" "Then why did you tie me up?" The director replied, "You asked to be tied up in his place." Then Vahram began to explain that the sinless and guiltless Lord Jesus was hung on the cross in our place and there he died. "Just as the prankster here accepted my being tied in his place, so we too must accept through faith Christ's taking our place. He must repent of all our sin and ask God's forgiveness."

The illustration was apropos and its application exact. But there was a camp rule that any conversation about religion was forbidden. The YMCA director entered in nervously, "I wanted to give you two weeks of rest in this place, but you don't seem to know the meaning of the word 'rest'. You are simply carrying on your work here". They almost sent the two friends home, but the matter was resolved amicably and they stayed. Whenever Vahram and Aram found the camp entertainment crude they would slip away to their room and pray.

At this time the city's population was only 750,000 and the news spread quickly. But instead of rejoicing over what was happening, the Protestant churches were unhappy. There was an Armenian professor named Dr. Hagopian. One day Vahram decided to take some of the young believers to visit him. Each one explained his conversion story, telling how Christ had made him a new person. The professor listened with patience to all of them and then remarked, "Is this all you're busying yourselves with?" And with that he sent them off. While many were affected by the message of salvation, others decided it was not for them.

Vahram's main concern was to relate to everyone what Christ had done in his own life. One day along with some others he went to visit Dr. Huntigton, a well-known teacher at Robert College to tell him their life stories. These were simple young men having come out of an irreligious background. Their lives had been completely transformed during the revival. An intelligent hearer could appreciate the change which had taken place. After listening to the testimonies with interest, the doctor exclaimed, "Thanks be to God for His work of salvation in your lives!"

As he travelled from place to place selling Bibles, Vahram had some interesting experiences. Once in a while it happened that he approached people absorbed in amusing themselves. When he tried to sell them books, they would make fun of him. Then he would read from the Word: "Of whom are you making sport? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and put out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit?" (Isaiah 57:4). This appropriate rebuke would sober and silence them.

Chapter 13

ON ROADS AND TRAMS

One day when Vahram, Artaki and Aram were praying together they said, "We put great emphasis on house meetings and get much joy over the salvation of a lot of people. But many know nothing of our meetings. How will they hear the name of Christ? It's up to us to take the Good News to the highways and byways. We could at least start to preach in the streetcars." So they started on the trams, Vahram with his violin, Artaki with his harmonica and Aram also helping proclaim new life to men and women in song and speech. In the early thirties 'New Life' was the brand name of a caramel that was being pushed everywhere on the market. It had so caught the public imagination that within a short time everybody was singing the virtues of 'New Life': "It cools the mouth, refreshes the breath, gives new whiteness to the teeth, stops coughs and colds — there's nothing that 'New Life' can't do!"

On every tram, ferryboat and street comer vendors were crying, 'New Life, New Life'! One day when the three friends were on a tram spreading the news about genuine new life, one passenger shouted, "We haven't got much out of the old life; let's give the new one a try." Then and there he wanted to buy new life. But the brothers explained that real new life is without money or price, it is the free gift of God's grace.

Another day Vahram and Aram were on their way to visit some newly arrived families from Anatolia. At one of the tram stops Aram said, "Come on, let's sing a hymn!" So the two began to sing, "Hallelujah to the Lamb who washed away our sins and gave us new life!" A passenger muttered, "We can't escape these songsters". Immediately another rejoined, "What songsters! These are Jesus-propagandists!"

Vahram and his friends were taken to the police station several times, but were always allowed to go free. One day, when Vahram was being held in a police station an older sister, Rebekah, heard it and hurried there to pray. The police were amazed to see such a close bond. Vahram explained, "You see, we're brother and sister." But one of the policemen was puzzled. "How can this elderly lady be sister to someone as young as you?"

One day, again in the tram, Vahram began singing "Lo, He is coming in the clouds, the Lamb that was sacrificed!" Everyone listened with interest. Two young men standing nearby asked Vahram what the song was about. He replied, "It's about Jesus Christ who came down once and was offered as a sacrifice for sinners. He will come a second time to judge those who have not repented. We should be prepared for His coming." One of the passengers, an elderly man, rose angrily to his feet exclaiming, "Efendi this is not a church; it's public transport!" One of the young men retorted, "Sir, why do you interrupt our conversation? Did we ask your opinion?" "Come to your senses," replied the man. "They are feeding you poison." "What has poison got to do with it?" replied the young man. "Can't we think for ourselves? You hear what he's saying — he's talking plain Turkish." In exasperation the man shouted "Police!" At that moment, the tram was passing a police station. The man made the tram stop and forcibly dragged Vahram into the police station. "This man has been singing a spiritual song on the tram," he announced. One of the young men had followed them into the police station. The elderly man became suspicious, requesting to see his identity card and asked him, "How is it that you side with such a person?"

As for the police, they first of all took the elderly man to a room for questioning. Waiting outside, Vahram prayed earnestly. As the elderly man was coming out, Vahram ran and kissed his hand. He said, "Please forgive me sir for arousing your anger." The man was flabbergasted, not knowing what to make of such behavior. Then Vahram was summoned inside for questioning by three officers, but at this juncture the door opened and the elderly man appeared. "I apologise for dragging him here by force," he said. "I withdraw my allegations. Please do not take any action."

When the police chief questioned Vahram about the incident, he offered the following explanation: "Inspector Efendi, I used to live a sinful life, but one night God showed me in a dream the terrors of hell. For days I was ill and could not eat. This remarkable experience led me to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus forgave all my sin and saved me. He gave me a completely new life. Now I am always filled with joy at my deliverance from hell. No money, pleasure or entertainment could offer such delight. While men are struggling in the slavery of sin, should we keep silent? God commands that all men repent and believe in Christ."

The inspector interrupted, '"Don't you know our authority? Singing of hymns and calling people to believe in Jesus is not allowed on the trams." "Sir," said Vahram, "Jesus Christ is coming again to throw Satan into the lake of fire, and Satan will drag many sinners with him. He is the most pernicious enemy of man. Is it out of place to tell men and women to be liberated from Satan's clutches?" The inspector said, "Who doesn't know that sin is wicked? You're not a hojal, neither a priest nor a rabbi. Who are you to praise Jesus on public transport?" Vahram replied, "The motivating factor is the transformation Jesus brought about in my life. Actually, he is the one speaking." 0ne of the policemen asked him, "Which faculty did you graduate from?" He replied, "What faculty! Police bey, I don't even remember going to school." The policeman mused, "This is really strange. You didn't go to school. Then how can you teach so well?"

The inspector pressed him further: "You say that Christ has transformed your life. Tell us a bit more about that." Vahram explained, "If a vine in a vineyard yields sour, tasteless grapes, the vinedresser prunes it, digs it and spreads manure around it. Then he waters it and does anything else that needs doing. But the vine is still the same vine.

In the end he cuts a branch from a vine that is yielding sweet fruit and grafts that onto the useless vine. Only then does the vine begin to produce good fruit. You see, I used to be that vine, bearing tasteless fruit. Jesus Christ made the necessary graft into my life through the sacrifice of His blood and I became a different person. My own personal efforts had not helped at all. When Christ does the work of grafting in the sinner's life, he becomes a saved and purified person." "So no other graft takes, then?" the inspector exclaimed. "Exactly," replied Vahram.

The conversation took on a friendly tone, "Well then, where will you go from here?" "To a prayer meeting," said Vahram. "And after that, God willing, I'll go home." "I don't want to prolong this affair," said the inspector. "If I refer it to the courts, it will be a lot of involvement for you. Since the man who brought you here has decided not to accuse you, you can go. Only, don't preach on the streets, boulevards and trams." He gave Vahram's identity card back to him and they warmly parted ways.

Chapter 14

HEALING MIRACLES

A house meeting was in progress. The presence of the Holy Spirit was sensed by all. A believer entered, bringing a hoja with him. Those converted recently were sharing their testimonies with joy and delight. It was obvious that the hoja was deeply affected. After the meeting he said to Vahram, "I have no doubt that there is a special power here. I have a sick daughter at home. Could you please come and lay your hand on her and pray?' I have faith that she will be healed." The hoja gave his address to him. The house was right beside a mosque. Let's hear the story in Vahram's own words:

"Entering the house at the given address, I prayed aloud with deep earnestness, after which I gave my testimony explaining how Jesus had saved me. Then I left. The girl was healed. Her father spread the news all over, also relating it to other hojas. He explained how his daughter was healed after prayer in the name of Jesus. Shortly thereafter the hoja attended the meeting again and related how his daughter had been healed through prayer. Later on this girl put her trust in Christ the Savior."

Another time a brother was ill. He sent for Vahram to come and pray for him. The Holy Spirit did not permit Vahram to go immediately, but after praying for a while he went. The man said to his wife, "Get a bit of oil in a saucer and let Brother Vahram anoint me and pray." Vahram read James 5:15: "And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." As commanded, the man openly confessed his sins and then prayed with special thanksgiving. At that moment he was healed.

A young believing sister had contracted tuberculosis and was at the point of death. She was shivering and delirious with a high fever. When Vahram arrived, a circle of relatives were at her bed praying. When the prayers were concluded, an inner impulse drew Vahram to the head of the girl's bed. He laid his hand on her head and prayed to the Great Physician. During the night the Lord Jesus spoke to the girl in a vision, "Araksi, I have healed you." Araksi was totally delivered from TB. She was healed. The next day the doctor came again to the house. Not recognising her, said, "Where is the girl who is wrestling with TB?" Araksi said, "That's me!" and testified to the joyous change. The doctor, unable to constrain himself, burst out: "The power of Christ is truly sublime." Araksi later married and became the mother of three sons.

A young Christian woman just home from the hospital after childbirth suddenly lost her voice. She could not speak at all; nor could she eat or drink. And, naturally, she could not breast-feed her baby. Her mother-in-law sent word to Vahram. When he arrived he read several miracles of Jesus from Matthew, chapter 8. First he prayed, then he asked her to pray. She knelt down and repeated the prayer taught by Jesus to His disciples (Matthew 6:9-15), after which she called out, "My beloved Savior" three times. Afterwards there was an interesting development. The young woman related how she had seen the risen Lord Jesus and how he delivered her from the control of a dark power. This power had prevented her from eating and drinking. Now she was free. By the time Vahram was about to depart, the girl was healthy and full of joy.

Vahram would constantly testify to his own healing at the hand of the Lord and he always prayed for the sick. Yet he avoided placing undue emphasis on physical healing. He held the view that although the body might be healed, in the end it must die and be buried. Contrary to this he emphasised the immortality and eternity of the soul. So he centred his attention upon its salvation and on reconciliation with God.

Chapter 15

VAHRAM RESIGNS FROM BIBLE SOCIETY

Vahram's wide-ranging efforts caused tension in his relationship with the Bible Society. The Society's method everywhere was strictly selling books. The colporteur was not to get involved in witnessing and preaching. When the Society's director once again reminded him of this, Vahram realised that the time had come to make a decision. The Holy Spirit had called him to witness, preach and encourage people to commit their lives to Christ. How could he deny obedience to this call? To make a concession just to avoid trouble was unthinkable. Seven years had come and gone; many books had been sold. He now resolved that this service must come to an end. The director accepted his resignation with deep regret. When this ministry stopped at the end of 1937, Vahram was stripped of the small salary he had been receiving. However, his trust wasn't in the Society, but in his heavenly Father who would not let him go hungry.

The Bible Society director, Lyman McCallum, was very sad to lose such a diligent worker. In fact, he continued to give Vahram a small stipend out of his own pocket. God, the source of every blessing didn't slacken in meeting all Vahram's needs. One of his supporters was brickmaker Hovannes Jevherian. Whenever he had a suit or coat tailored, or bought a new pair of shoes, he would supply the same for Vahram. What does the proverb say? "A liberal man will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:25) .

In 1943 Hovannes Jevherian suffered with the extreme tax imposition placed on the minorities. It was called "varlik vergisi" which means "tax on wealth". He hurried to David Giray, thinking he could help him. But to his dismay, he discovered that David was under the same imposition. So the two of them started to pray. While they were praying, Vahram dropped in and said, "Brother Hovannes, don't worry! About this time yesterday I was praying and the Lord revealed to me that your tax imposition would be paid." And by God's provision this happened.

For information's sake: This happened at the height of Hitler's conquest of Europe. Whoever failed to pay this unreasonable imposition within two weeks' time, his business and other property, such as house or land, were impounded by the government. Even then, the proceeds of these sales did not suffice to pay the tax. Then the person was shipped to eastern Anatolia to work on road construction for a pittance as if he could ever work long enough to wipe out his debt. As may be surmised, this led to the death of many. Finally Hitler's armies started retreating in Europe. This signalled deliverance for these people who then returned to Istanbul as broken men.

Vahram shared such visions with the brothers and sisters, always bringing joy to their hearts. Often when a brother or sister was undergoing some ordeal, Vahram would have a word from the Lord directed to that person. This was the consequence of the believers having been taught to share all their concerns with each other for prayer. Even when the believers were undergoing hard testings they still had confidence in God's care.

Although Vahram severed his relationship with the Bible Society he continued selling books as before, only he bought them at a discount with his own money. He now felt the liberty to witness as he was led. At the same time, he didn't have to miss any of the meetings. A new place had to be found for the widely-spread meetings. The believers began to pray. Overlooking the Golden Horn on the Hasköy hills was an abandoned Protestant church building. All the Protestant families had left this area. There was neither preacher nor caretaker. Vahram was able to secure the key from one of the Protestant churches. The provision of this building was certainly from God. Regular meetings were started. At a time when the official churches were closed to them Vahram's Lord was pleased to unlock a church for the believers when they desperately needed one. During the years of World War II this church became one of the city's important centres for prayer. People walked long distances to attend these meetings.

Meanwhile, on Sunday mornings Vahram was conducting another meeting in Üsküdar at the American Academy. They were the only meetings on the Asiatic side. His messages were the cause of rich blessing to many. He considered the Asiatic side of the city crucial for evangelism. He would often visit homes and lead family Bible studies. One of these places was Maltepe where there lived a much-loved Muslim family. He would travel there by ship, from Haydarpasha by train and then would walk for half an hour. One evening he visited until late. Darkness had fallen. The lady of the house offered him a lantern. "Don't worry, woman," said Hasan bey, her husband, "He works with the Lord. His Lord will light his way, nothing can harm him."

The meetings had spread in every direction on both sides of the Bosphorus, but the focal point was in Gedikpasha where the largest concentration of people lived. In that congested area, when the weather was hot, doors and windows of the house would be opened. Some of the neighbors were unhappy with this because words of conviction emanating from inside, along with testimonies and songs were overheard all around. At times, believers were even beaten as they left the meeting. God's witness supported by the Holy Spirit was spreading everywhere. This was one of the distinguishing marks of the revival. It began by the Holy Spirit with a tiny spark, but spread like wildfire. On certain occasions, whole families would respond to the Savior's call.

Chapter 16

THE PRIEST'S IN TROUBLE AGAIN!

In 1941, the war raged on in all its fury. The government abruptly drafted men from the minorities whose ages spanned a period of twenty years. In fact, some younger ones discharged shortly before from regular service, were called up again. The task assigned to all draftees was road construction. Vahram and Aram were sent to the same location. Here at Kuri Kemeri, between five and six hundred men were assigned to build a road. From morning to night they labored with pick and shovel. Naturally, most of them did not know Vahram. Those who saw his devotion to God and how he was encouraging everyone soon started calling him 'the priest'. Many contracted malaria. Aram, knowing Vahram's weak constitution, asked the commanding officer if he might be given lighter work. The sympathetic officer complied and gave him an easier job.

Some of the soldiers were sent into an old Turkish bath which was being used as a prison, for unruly behavior. Vahram and Aram volunteered to join them. Their punishment: three days' confinement. Shut up in an old haman, what was there to do? Everyone started telling each other stories. Most of these were filthy, centred on experiences with women. Aram explained to them the story of Joseph. Vahram related the story of Samson with its bitter consequences. Unbeknown to them, the officer was listening outside. He opened the door and came in. "Vahram, I thought you were an intelligent fellow," he said. "But now you're talking about some imaginary man who shakes the pillars of a great hall and topples the whole building. What a crazy tale!" .

Vahram said, "Sir, I didn't invent the story; it's recorded in the Holy Book." The officer was intrigued and wanted to be told every detail of the story. As a result, he gave permission to Vahram to hold a meeting every Sunday. Behind such developments, Vahram could always see the hand of his sovereign Lord and his intervention in such circumstances. This so-called military tenure was full of similar experiences.

Among soldiers there are always some rough characters. They dislike godliness. "Come on, let's pull a trick on Vahram," said one of them. So they planned their scheme.

In an out-of-the-way place, they arranged a raki party, a strictly forbidden act for soldiers. They wanted to include Vahram. He joined them, but refused to drink. Instead, he opened his Bible and started reading to them. They were not disposed to respond. Suddenly, four of them jumped to their feet, grabbed him and forced raki into his mouth — a very upsetting experience for Vahram. In leaving, he sensed the pitiless nature of Satan and felt deep grief for sinners caught in his clutches. Not letting the sinner escape his hold is one of the most effective weapons in fighting the truth of Christ. Some of those who saw that Vahram didn't inform the officer about the prohibited raki party ridiculed him calling him a coward. Mockery in response to the preaching of God's word has a very long history (cf. Acts 17:32).

One of the soldiers made up his mind to have Vahram swear. Naturally, he refused. Whefi the instigator saw he couldn't accomplish it, he hit Vahram on the head with his fist, making his nose bleed. Again Vahram did not run to the officer to complain, nor did he bear a grudge. Christ's life had become his. Another time from a high wall a few fellows threw dirty water on him, soaking him from head to foot. He said, "Praise the Lord!" From that time on, whenever they heard the cry "Praise the Lord!" people around would say "The priest's in trouble again!"

At last this hard service was concluded with much witness left behind. He came back to the brothers and sisters, praising God for his gracious shepherding. The believers had not slackened in their devotion to God, nor had they given up the meetings. In the absence of one regularly teaching the Word, both men and women had given themselves to prayer as a closely-knit family united in Christ. God did not leave these prayers unanswered. He had protected and used Vahram and returned him safely to them.