From Jinan, China,

 It’s awesome to be reminded on a daily basis the purpose
behind what you do. It seems providential that things are orchestrated in such
a way that you are able, if you open your eyes, to see Him in different and
exciting ways. Here at camp those nuggets of His reality have shown up in
relationships, creation, and “coincidence”.

 The relationships beginning here show promising
opportunities for revelations of Truth. Students and leaders alike are curious
as to the source of our joy. They wonder why 19 Americans would come all the
way to Jinan. The answer, of course, is simple. However, we could take it as a
pat on the back or allow this to inflate our egos. Instead, we choose to recognize
them as opportunities only He could provide and create. It is easy to sit here
and write this as a matter of fact, but the truth is that it is a daily
struggle to make sure the “He must increase, and we must decrease.” (said by a
guy named John)

 The creation truly does shout His name. Just a few
hundred meters behind the camp is a beautiful mountain with an ornate pagoda
atop it. To the south west is a much taller mountain with another pagoda. To
the north and east are awe inspiring mountain ranges with cliffs, jagged
elevation changes, and outcroppings. Simply put, your eyes cannot meet the
horizon without taking in His glory. Furthermore, China is known to be hot and
humid. That’s still true, but the air in this mountain valley seems to be just
a bit more crisp than in the city. Evenings are not sweltering and the teachers
have not mentioned even once that they wish not to wear pants in the morning to
teach. Again, simply opening your eyes and engaging one’s senses enables even
the least astute person to perceive His presence.

 Coincidence. What a funny word. There are things in this
world that are just plain silly because of their similarities. However, some
things people label as coincidence is simply a distraction from providence. Over
a quarter of last year’s Jinan camp students are back this year to learn and
deepen relationships. It must be a “coincidence” that this camp handed out more
Truth material last year than any other, and has the highest return rate ever. It
also must be a “coincidence” that we were asked to continue in our current sleeping
accommodations, contrary to plan, so as to preserve the harmony that is
perceived in the Americans presence. A guy named Luke said that when the
workers were sent out, they were told to pronounce/bring peace to a house. When
they returned, they reported that it was not them, but Him that brought that
peace through them. However, this is merely coincidence…

 Please lift: continued good health, courage, humility,
discernment, and rest.

 Until Friday,

 Your BTW team