WEDNESDAY: Easter

morning, resurrection

eggs, egg dyeing, Jesus

dying, brothers in

arms, English camp,

dancing, Texas BBQ.

Last Supper & s’mores.

These “brothers in arms” face the beautiful lake at our wilderness camp outside Berlin, instead of the war back home—in Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan & Afghanistan. This peaceful calm and brotherly love stand in contrast to stark realities of the life and death they’ve left behind. This array of Yazidis, Hindi, several searching Muslims and one new convert to Christ (following Tuesday night’s talk!) enjoy one another and us, showing kindness at

every turn. A witness to atrocities of war, even the murder of family, these youth may have escaped with just their shirt on their back, but they carry lots of other baggage. We love them, listen to their tales of woe, and love them s’more. We embrace diversity, comfort the afflicted, and invite conversation about Jesus. They serve alongside, invite us to dance and explore doubts & differences. God is drawing many to himself, as in Acts 17:26,

“From one man God made every nation of people, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he

determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so people

would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

The displaced peoples of the Middle East who now find themselves in Germany are, as a result, more available and receptive to the Good News of Jesus. Our preacher of the day, Steven, not only talks about Jesus’ sacrifice for sin in its historical context (see his notes, at L), but is also adept at conveying the Easter message via opening “resurrection” eggs (see above) and getting everyone to interact during his talks.

The camp would not have been the success it is without behind-the-scene’s help of five ladies (Kathy, Carol, Jean, Giovanni & Sue). Sue, in particular, is sought out for her trauma and relationship counseling.

May the fires from camp keep burning in our hearts beyond this week, as we resume ministry in Berlin, Wisconsin, and throughout North America.--D