Beyrout, Syria, July 1St, 1889.
Dear Brother,—I will give you a line or two to tell you that we are all well, through mercy, and getting on our way in peace, although, as you know, a summer here is no light thing.
Just now we have with us another brother from Mesopotamia, He has been one with us in spirit for six or seven years, and corresponded with us, but has not before had the opportunity of breaking bread in fellowship. He has come, or rather the Lord brought him, a long journey, and we are very thankful. He gives a good account of the blessing which many souls in those parts have got through reading the books, and I have no doubt that the time is near for us to seek to see them, and help them by oral ministry. This brother will start back next week, taking a mule’s load of books with him for use as the Lord directs. He goes by way of Damascus, and thence north, visiting many places by the way. But we have a large field before us. He himself has been a schoolmaster and preacher, and for many years has had acquaintance with many persons and places. He is now elderly (about my own age), quiet and intelligent, with a good deal of gift as a pioneer. He has faith and love for souls.
And now the question before us is to seek strength and energy to follow the Lord as He is working, and visit souls in these northern parts. This brother speaks three or four different languages, although the Arabic is used in most of the parts immediately before us. But there we begin to meet the Nestorians, whose language is Chaldaic, which this brother knows. Turkish speaking Christians are also found there, and he speaks Turkish; some of the descendants of the ancient Medes are also there, called Kurds, of whom some are Christians, and their language is Kurdish, which he speaks also. Armenians also adjoin them. Well, thank God, it seems all clear for us to go on where He is working. It may be His will for some of us to go about the last of September. The brother here who went two months ago visiting some of the assemblies in Egypt, will be on his way home this week, having visited those assemblies that were specially on our hearts, and it seems has been blest and refreshed. It may be the Lord is preparing him for the north. He would do well in giving them a clear gospel, and also helping any who gather to get on their way. Also the other young brother from here, who is off in ministry in Damascus, would do well in the north country, as he has a nice gift and clear knowledge of the word. Now, whether either of these or both may be led of the Lord to go north, I do not know, but I feel it is possible. And also that He may enable me to go also. It would be better if I could go with them at first. Perhaps an absence of three months would suffice for me. The others, if led, might remain. The door is open for a clear gospel, and some are far enough to desire to break bread, a few at two places. Still it is the primary needs of souls that press upon me. The poor Yezedees or devil worshippers are also there, and this brother knows them. There are also several of the Christian sects, especially the Syreachs who are Jacobites, like the Copts, are simple and accessible. Also the Nestorians, who allow of no pictures or images in their churches.
The word from upper Egypt is that the work goes on with much blessing in many places. But I do not give details today. We do not think less for Egypt, although we are now caring more for regions north. In fact, the Lord Himself has brought these brethren so as to encourage us, and to assure us that He has gone on before. Much love to all saints with you. Your brother in Christ, B. F. Pinkerton.
Beloved brethren, God is answering many prayers; let us not cease to pray. He is opening doors in these ancient lands. Long have I felt deep interest in these very Yezedees, and had a strong conviction that God in the riches of His grace would bless even these very Yezedees. Oh, let us cry to God to grant a deep wave of blessing there as in Egypt. How remarkably He openeth and no man shutteth. May we all be stirred up to more sympathy and prayer. And may He sustain our beloved brother in this long and dangerous journey. Blessed to be in such a work in the company and fellowship of Him who said: “Go ye into all the world and preach the glad tidings to every creature,” and again, “Feed the church of God.” Many of that flock are in those dark and cruel lands. The Lord preserve His dear servants. G S.