Blog post July 20

all setup in the training center this morning.  Had a wonderful lunch with our brothers here.  anxious to meet the students and get to the material.

Brother Soon / pronounced "sun" who is the director of all the "seminaries"in the area met us at the hotel and drove us to the training center.   His father was the former leader of the Christians in this area, and was recently released from apprx. 20 years in prison.   The center is about 1.5 hours from the major city of Zhengzou (Jeng - joo).  The trip here was pretty nice, driving was a bit scary, which is normal for here.  Appearantly, the lines on the road don't have any actual meaning ...

 Our interpreter, Grace, has told us much about how the persecution has shifted recently in China.  She says there are so many Christians now that the government has no ability to really control them very well, so the persecution has lightened up quite a bit.  It also is very localized.  In some areas, Christians can meet openly whenever and wherever they want, and in other areas they have to be more discreet.  

In cases where the authorities do interfere, she said it's mostly just taking names and pictures, and maybe some verbal harassment.  

The accommodations here are very nice.  much nicer than I had been prepared for.  they do have beds for us (very firm) and the rooms have a sort of air conditioner that works pretty well!  John says this is much nicer than the norm.  I feel a little spoiled actually.  

will write more soon.  . .

Picture below is our meeting area (not air conditioned)