Chapter 30

PACKED MEETINGS IN ALEPPO

The journey from Damascus to Aleppo took four hours. Vahram was by now accustomed to travel in the various parts of Lebanon and Syria. He had a long-standing invitation to visit Aleppo; the Christians there had been praying much for it. The periodical ' MARANATHA' already referred to, had in the past carried some of Vahram's messages and news about his activities. It was published here by Apraham Seferian. Visiting this historic city and having fellowship with God's people was his ambition. The time had now come. A vast number of believers gathered to welcome him. The usual schedule started immediately. Everybody was excited to come to the meetings. Vahram's mother tongue Turkish was second language in this city. He felt very comfortable preaching in it.

Aleppo has the highest number of churches of any city in Syria. Every day at least two meetings were held. As soon as one meeting finished in a church, everyone would head for a home where another meeting was scheduled. As in Turkey and other places, meetings had no time limit. Men and women, young and old, would fill the biggest room in the house with not a square inch to spare. Everybody would listen with undivided attention to this messenger of God about whose ministry in Turkey and in the recent months in Lebanon they had amply heard. His messages followed the same style as everywhere. Their simplicity brought thorough satisfaction to hearts, and many responded to the invitation.

There was an amazing interest among young people. The believers who had been praying for years were witnessing new power. Fresh vigor was coming upon the churches. The elderly Armenians who had come from Turkey and knew only Turkish were remarking with tears in their eyes, "We have heard a totally satisfying message". The city of Aleppo, scene of other revivals in the past, was now experiencing a new wave of awakening.

In his free hours Vahram as usual devoted himself to spending time in the market place selling Scriptures, witnessing to people, talking to some in depth. Here again book sales broke all records and local Christians were encouraged for witnessing. The Word of God spread swiftly in all directions. Visits to schools, hospitals and homes for the elderly brought assurance of God's faithfulness and rejuvenated hope. Every cloud has its measure of moisture, every heart its share of sorrow and the appropriate duct its measure of tears. So this special messenger sent by God could touch the relevant cord of the heart, stirring it for higher realization and fuller expectation. By these it was evident that -Vahram was an effective instrument in the hand of Christ. Often his exuberant heart would break forth into joyful hallelujahs and others would be caught up in praise to the Savior. Those who until then had indicated no interest in Jesus Christ grasped a new realization of Him and they in turn were apprehended by Him. Some found salvation, others sanctification, some fresh comfort, some physical healing and many a new dimension in human relationships. The weeks invested in Aleppo and its outlying sections enlightening people about Jesus Christ and reaping a harvest drew to a close. It was time to move on. The next place on the agenda was Amman, the capital of Jordan.

Chapter 31

REVIVAL IN AMMAN

Many people having heard about Vahram Tatikian's evangelistic tour were praying that God would lead him to Jordan. They waited expectantly for God to open the way. Indeed, it did not take long. The brothers and sisters welcomed him as a person ready to meet their needs.

The first meeting was held at the church where Pastor Kirkorian was ministering. The burden of Vahram's message was: "God says, 'One of us has to change so that we come to agreement. Who, then, is it to be?' " Could there be any doubt about the reply to this radical question? The Holy Spirit started pricking sinners who realized that the only way to answer satisfactorily was to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. In one of the first meetings, Vahram's eyes were drawn to a woman who was silently weeping. With a handkerchief in her hand she was constantly wiping away her tears until the end of the meeting. Somehow, she could not compose herself to stand up and say, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, save me!" Friends explained that she always cried during the meetings without any apparent relief. Let us read Vahram's own account: "I approached the woman and asked her. why she was weeping without finding relief. Her response was, 'I'm a wretched sinner'. I said, 'Repent and turn to Christ. He forgives all sins.' Again she began to cry, so I earnestly entreated the Lord asking Him how I might help this woman. Christ said to me, 'Call at her house and speak with her there.'

"The next day taking one of her Christian friends with me I visited the woman. She opened the door joyfully and immediately began to pour out her heart. She talked without stopping for a whole hour while I listened. Then I opened the Bible and read from a few passages. The three of us knelt down and prayed. The seeking woman finally opened her heart to the Savior, telling Him that she was a sinner, and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. Then and there she received assurance that she had become a child of God. God truly changed this sorrowful woman giving her the certainty of salvation. She started testifying at the meetings and each time she prayed twice. What a happy outcome! Hallelujah!

"This incident taught me an important lesson. Some people do not open their hearts and explain their problems at a meeting. If we don't encourage them to express their need, they may remain with a sorrowful heart for years. Therefore, it is very basic to ask from God what people's problems are, then if possible to visit them at home. There, openly talk with them about their sin and the issue of eternity, listening also to what they want to say. If this is done, the person can be brought to a free decision. At every place I visit, the Holy Spirit teaches me valuable lessons."

Although the meetings in Amman were continuing very encouragingly, Vahram wrote : "I said to myself that time to visit Jerusalem has come. But a man came to the place I was staying. He told me it would be profitable if I could visit his home before going to Jerusalem. Taking his request seriously, I went along with the pastor of the church for the visit. It was a family of eight people who were Palestinian war refugees. In their cramped quarters they put us up for the night. The next day was Sunday. We got up at five. I had a very useful visit with this family. God enabled me to encourage and comfort them. From there I walked to church. I spoke in Turkish and my interpreter translated the message into Arabic. A young man repented and turned to Jesus. Immediately he gave his testimony. The people suggested that I speak in a second meeting. Later I learned that this church had long been praying for revival. God did not leave that prayer unanswered. This meant my projected trip to Jerusalem was again postponed. God's plan had to take precedence."

While in Amman, one morning Vahram was praying with a family when he had a puzzling vision.. Standing before him was a man dressed in Arab-style garb. Not knowing how to interpret this, Vahram asked, 'My Lord, is this Vision from you or is Satan trying to play tricks on me?" A hand lifted the man's robe and underneath Vahram noticed that his body was bound tightly with a thick rope. A sweet voice spoke to him, "'Satan, who has his dominion in Amman, is bound." Vahram continued: "following this, I saw the earth open under the man and swallow him alive."

While Vahram was still in a state of astonishment, the little girl of the family began to pray very earnestly and sincerely. He learned later that this little girl knew how to plead with God. Her mother and father had taught her from an early age to pray in faith. God had led her to pray for the city of Amman. She had prayed continuously for the binding of Satan who had caused men to commit every kind of sin, but whose dominion, was already being challenged. Now God was revealing to Vahram the actualization of her prayers in a striking vision. "How un-searchable are His judgments!" (Romans 11: 33)

Chapter 32

"THE YEAR OF JUBILEE"

Having had this amazing experience with the girl Vahram stated in one of his letters: "This has proved to me once again that if mothers and fathers would teach their children how to pray earnestly while they are still small, God would raise each of these little ones to be a hero of faith and prayer." Following the vision, meetings in Amman spread rapidly and the spiritual awakening reached new dimensions. This fascinating revival continued for nine months. Old believers from those days still bear witness how the sweeping impact of the Holy Spirit during those nine months brought genuine fear of God and evident reverence to many a heart. These people say that the effect of that time can never be forgotten.

Vahram always spoke through an interpreter, but actually the Holy Spirit was communicating the heart-searching message, bringing into light the inner thoughts of many. Night after night, God in his sovereign power was leading seekers to salvation and newness of life. People leaving the meeting without any sign of commitment would spend that night and the next day in such anguish that they would be apprehended by the Holy Spirit the following evening. As soon as the meeting ended sinners would approach Vahram and tell him they were now ready to repent and to accept Jesus Christ as savior. People returning home on public transport were singing hymns and testifying to others without embarrassment. In a brief time, news of the spiritual awakening spread everywhere. Amman had never before experienced such joy, excitement and seasons of refreshing.

Five percent of the total population of Amman bore the name 'Christian'. Quite a number of these were attending the meetings and most became followers of Christ. In the meantime, a growing number of Muslims started attending. They had heard what was going on, and came to see for themselves. Some were converted to Jesus Christ. The news spread fast, and a certain anxiety surfaced. Conversion of Muslims, after all, was not in the framework of the accepted norm. A Muslim could not abandon his religion!

Radio stations referred to this development with warnings attached: If Muslims continue to attend these meeting and become followers of Christ, churches just might be closed. Naturally, fear spread and Muslims grew hesitant to attend. But believers visited these people in their homes and explained what following Christ meant. They encouraged and comforted recent converts.

Following the meetings, Vahram would go to a home for the evening meal. Some unconverted person present would come under conviction of sin. Leaving the table, he would kneel down and settle life's most important issue before God. Then he would return to the meal. These were amazing acts of God. Pastors were radically revived; Their sermons took on fresh vitality which warmed every heart. The effects of the revival were the talk of the town.

One evening a young man who loved the violin was passing by. Hearing the sweet strains of a violin, he was drawn into the meeting. Soon he started to tremble under conviction of sin. He was converted and went home rejoicing. Another young man smoked three packets of cigarettes a day. To those who told him that the cigarettes would kill him, he tried to joke about death, retorting, "Splendid! Then you'll have your way when I'm carried into the church!" So he was making light of his predicament. Well, this young man came to a meeting one evening in spite of himself - probably in answer to much prayer. He sat down by the door so he could make a quick exit when the craving overpowered him. But he was so gripped by the message that he didn't leave once. When the call to simmers was given, he jumped out of his seat and rushed forward. He repented that evening, becoming a liberated follower of Jesus Christ. He started attending the prayer meeting. Cigarettes, drink, gambling womanizing and all similar practices vanished. Vahram expressed his sentiments saying, "I feel as I'm in the year of Jubilee described in the Old Testament. Slaves are liberated, heavy chains shattered, prisoners freed, sinners totally forgiven, and men and women are shedding tears of joy. Believers who had fallen away, grown weak or who had stumbled on the pilgrim way have repented and come back to the Lord. This is a real revival. Hallelujah!"

Believers were constantly praying and witnessing to sinners everywhere, explaining to them the urgency of repentance. One of the believers stayed with a Muslim young man until midnight explaining to him the way of salvation. In the end he became a follower of Christ and was exuberant in his new-found faith.

One evening the message was based on Daniel:6:10-23: how the mighty God delivered his faithful servant Daniel in the den of lions, how He thwarted the schemes of evil planners and ultimately judged them. An atmosphere of holy reverence held sway. After the message many repented, openly confessing their sins. One person after another called on the name of Christ. These meetings which did not follow a set pattern, were climaxed with singing, testifying and conversions. Whenever Vahram preached, he depended. on the authority and power of God's Word. In relation to this, he commented: "The Holy Spirit burned hearts like fire, cut them like a sword and broke them like a hammer." This was in accordance with the testimony of the scriptures: "Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of hosts: 'Because they have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall devour them' (Jeremiah 5:14). "...there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9). "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden..." (Hebrews 4:12, 13a).

The singing of hymns could be heard all around. certain people in their home who were convicted by the Holy Spirit would kneel down and repent. A soldier came into one of the meetings and complained about his spiritual lethargy. "I have been a believer for a long time, but I can't say that I am enjoying the complete measure of my salvation," he said. "I read the Bible, pray and attend meetings, but I'm not a joyful believer." The young man knelt down and prayed earnestly: "Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:12). After his prayer the Holy Spirit directed him to this truth: "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death" (Revelation 12:11). "Can you bear witness to others about the cleansing effect of the blood of the Lamb that you experienced?" asked Vahram. "No," said the young man, startled. "I wonder if that is the reason for my lack of inner joy." Vahram said, "You have answered your own question." and they knelt down to pray together. "Oh my Lord, I will speak to everyone of your love, grace and salvation. Please help me," prayed the young man. He made his commitment known to the elders of the church. From then on he enjoyed his redemption to the full. He constantly told others about his savior, always expressing the total enjoyment of his salvation in his revitalized life.

Vahram gave a two-fold encouragement to new believers: "Give yourself to prayer. Tell everyone that you are washed in the blood of the Lamb. Prayer and witnessing are the keys to a joyful Christian life. If you don't put these into practice, you will fall into barrenness and lethargy in your new life. You ought to know that the moment you were redeemed you were washed in the blood of the Lamb. To affirm this, start witnessing immediately, and in order to receive support from God give yourself to prayer." Vahram was one who could put into practice God's living Word.

Chapter 33

THE EXTENT OF THE REVIVAL

Vahram obtained permission to visit the inmates in the central prison, an unparalleled opportunity! Thanking the Lord he took his interpreter with him to visit the place. He saw the prisoners in shackles. Some were even forced to spend the night in this way. There were Muslims, Druzes and Christians. He explained the suffering and death of Christ the savior, his forgiveness and redeeming love for them all. He made it clear to them that Jesus Christ had come to break the eternal chains and to set men and women free. The prisoners were visibly touched. Some repented and asked God's pardon, calling on the name of the Lord. He taught them the nature of the new life in some detail and impressed upon them the joy of living a delivered life. And eventually, when they are freed from their prison chains, their call is to live the life of the delivered sinner. His heart was gladdened on one hand, but on the other the visit had upset him. For years he had been calling everyone to repentance, stressing that hell was a stark reality and not a figment of the imagination. The pitiful scene he had just witnessed reminded him that if individuals must be cast into a place of punishment to satisfy earthly justice, how much more severe will divine retribution be. He never forgot this prison experience. From then on, he felt he must emphasize more specifically the terror of the sinner's punishment.

The revival in Amman picked up momentum. Hundreds of people came under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, repented and passed from death into life. Many backsliders were restored to faith in Christ. Once again, there were those who became angry. They downgraded the believers, even intimidated them. The devil's fury against the spiritual awakening and his resorting to a variety of schemes was nothing new for Vahram. He wrote the following: "Satan is incensed to the extreme, but victory belongs to the Lord. Hallelujah!"

Every morning Vahram would get up early and with fasting and prayer would seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as God's weapon against all difficulties and attacks. When dealing with those who couldn't stand the believers making them the object of spite, he always displayed love and a forgiving mien. Being in a strange country, some may have thought he entertained fear in his heart. conversely, this demeanor was emanating from a valiant heart. The befitting words of Isaiah brought him fresh reassurance: "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her sons" (Isaiah 66:8). And truly, what was happening was not to be concluded in one day.

In teaching and encouraging both old and new believers, he would stress to them the importance of humility. He would intelligently counsel them never to attribute an advance such as this to human success. Rather, each person should seek the continuous support of the Holy Spirit. He would repeatedly emphasize the praise-worthiness of Christ, and against this, his own unworthiness. At times, he would relate the absolute supremacy of his Lord in tears. In view of this deep conviction, he sought divine counsel in every matter: What should the subject of his message be? Which hymns should be sung? Who should be visited? God's instruction to Jeremiah" became his motto:

"But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings" (Jeremiah 23:22).

"We do not know the needs of those present in the meetings," he would say, immediately adding, "But God knows. A consultation is what we need. In a sense, revival is a consultation with God. If we are alert to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, He is ready to direct us in very situation. Let us be careful not to go out to face the people with whatever comes to mind on the spur of the moment. 'A friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him' (Luke 11:6). If we come to the Father with this desperate prayer and insist in our plea, the promise of the Lord Jesus Chris in this parable will come true: 'Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you'(Luke 11:9)."

It will be understood from these words that this man's preaching power did not come from his brilliant intellect, oratorical skill or theological niceties. There are many who possess all these qualities and yet cannot introduce sinners to the Savior. Vahram could speak only two languages, yet he addressed multitudes of people from a wide spectrum of nationalities, and stirred them to repentance. Human know-how and proficiency were not the factors. What was written in the Scriptures about the apostle Peter was confirmed in Vahram’s ministry, as it has been with so many others: "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, what shall we do?' " (Acts 2:37).

Be it in New Testament times, in Vahram Tatikian's day or in the present time, God's power and mighty works are invariably displayed through man's weakness. Vahram had his faults, just like the rest of us. But in the energy of the Holy Spirit he knew the secret of wrestling with his deficiencies and overcoming them. In whatever situation he was, his Instructor was the Holy Spirit.

Vahram did not censure or condemn sin in an individual sinner. He would approach the sinner with love and allow the power of God to bring conviction. His service for his Lord was a miracle of grace. His life from beginning to end reflected his faith. His humility was a putting on of Jesus. The truth that God exalts the lowly in heart and humbles the proud was proven in the life of Vahram. He lived very modestly. He could lie down on the bare ground to sleep if called for, or go to bed hungry, but he would never fail to dress neatly. He regularly pressed his clothes and polished his shoes. He shaved every morning, a practice not generally followed in his land. He lived in harmony with Christ's well-known command: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Following these few observations about God's instrument in the ongoing revival in Amman, we return to its progress. At one of the meetings a man came forward to give his testimony. Everyone gasped when from under his outer robe he produced a dagger. "Do you see this?" cried the man. "I served a long prison sentence in this city. On release I went to Bagdad. There again I was put in prison for killing someone. That sentence, too, finished at long last and I came back to Amman. I bought this dagger on my return here. My intention was to kill the one who had informed on me. One evening somebody who hardly knew me said, 'Would you like me to take you to a meeting? You'll hear a speaker who has come all the way from Turkey. And he doesn't speak Arabic either. He speaks through an interpreter'. I didn't have the slightest desire to come to such a place. It was as if my feet dragged me against my will. When I heard the preaching this evening, I realized that it was exactly for me. The incomprehensible love of Jesus Christ utterly broke my hard heart. So when I pondered the fact that Jesus had died for a wretch like me, I started to weep. Since Christ, the son of God, because of His great heart of love, has given Himself over to death so that I might be saved, I surrender this weapon of death before you all. That unfathomable love has cleansed and conquered my wicked heart. It has saved my enemy from death and delivered me from another stretch in jail."

So saying, he left the cruel weapon on the pulpit and pleaded with Jesus Christ and the society he had grieved to forgive him. Then he offered up a very moving prayer that proved the genuineness of his repentance. He earnestly cried to God to keep him from every sin from then on. There wasn't a dry eye in the place as hymns of praise and thanksgiving rang out, welling up from the depths of every heart. Everyone felt it was an experience of unimaginable sweetness. And the man crying like a child, said, "Brothers and sisters, please pray for me that my Lord who has saved me may keep me ever faithful." The elders of the church took the dagger and kept it as a reminder of that blessed evening. The angels in heaven rejoiced over the entry of a great sinner into the Kingdom of God. One soul had been kept from committing murder and another from being murdered. And God's servant in this glorious event was Vahram. What rejoicing there was among the young people as they gathered around the newly-converted man at the close of the meeting!