Back at Home

So, we're back at home. It's kind of strange. I miss the order and politeness of Japan. I miss the people, especially the many new friends we've made. I miss the food (yes, some of it!). There is so much to miss. I am happy we are safe at home with family and friends. I know that God has done some really cool stuff in Japan and it will continue beyond us. He is great and loves the Japanese people as much as He loves those of us who are American. He loves ALL people. He only wants us to love Him. Hopefully, we will have another opportunity to visit our other home. If it is not in God's plan, we certainly will continue to pray for Japan and its salvation, for the friends who are there praying and acting for that same goal. We are all blessed for the experience.

V

Prayerwalking

For those of you who celebrate, Happy Independence Day! It's early for you, but today is the 4th here. Yesterday (today for you US East-coasters) was spent prayerwalking at the Yazukuni Shrine and the Imperial Palace (please read Josh's comments on the group blog at www.eastmtn.com/japanwalk). It was incredible. There were so many folks at the shrine praying to the buildings and their dead. It is difficult to understand, but we continue to pray. As many bowed to their dead, we lifted our hearts and voices in prayer and praise to the Almighty God, who lives and reigns. We prayed for the people there and those who would continue to come. We prayed for their salvation and turning away from idol worshipping. As I read Psalm 24, I made the sign of the Cross up and down the very pathway that people walked to go to the shrine.

At the Imperial Palace, we prayed for many of the prefectures which were memorialized in stone around the moat (yes, they have a moat!). We prayed for the Christians who live there, for the missionaries who are bringing God's Word there, for new churches to be planted there and for all of the people who have yet to hear the Word.

Today, the rest of the team will be enjoying the company of many school kids at a LABO party. I will be visiting with my friend, Ikumi, and her family. I have not seen Ikumi since she visited me in the US 17yrs ago. This is a joyous occasion!

Battle

On Monday (June 29th), we visited the site of several Buddhist temples and a Shinto shrine in Kamakura. We were in the midst of a spiritual battle, especially at the site of the "Big Buddha". We were overwhelmed by the emptiness and presence of evil. We prayed and prayer walked throughout. It was definitely a relief to know that God was protecting and sending us His healing balm.

Yesterday (June 30th), we visited Waseda University. We helped the Christian student program with their survey of students and their religious beliefs. It is amazing to know that so many have no faith whatsoever. Afterwards, we took a side trip to Ochanomizu. After prayerwalking the streets, we stopped in the Christian Center. It was good to be surrounded by the faithful.

Today we took the time for much needed R&R. Of course for those of you who know me, that means shopping! Some of us, took in the sights, or had adventures in train rides. Anna and I spent the day in the Mitaka shopping district near the train station or eki. It was fun. After laundry, dinner & reading through emails, it has been a long day. Of course, to those on the east coast in the US, it's just late morning! Tomorrow, we resume our prayerwalking. We'll be at the Imperial Palace and perhaps another site.

This has been an eventful trip. I am looking forward to visiting with a friend I haven't seen in 17yrs - before she had a husband and 3 kids! Lots of fun.