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!