Today we went to Kamakura. This is an “older” suburb of Tokyo in the sense that it has many shrines and temples that have been standing since the 12 and 13 hundreds. I’ll upload the pictures and do a special post just for them (sorry, borrowed computer with different applications plus late evenings).
While Kamakura is a more historical area, it subsequently is also a very “spiritual” center as the numerous shrines and temples attract many seeking peace and enlightenment.
Our hearts were all greatly burdened for those that went to these places to worship. One, in particular, was a Buddhist site that held a monumental statue of Buddha. Many were standing before the statue burning incense and bowing. The shere magnitude of the craft demanded some recognition, but it seemed apparent to us that there was negetive spiritual oppression taking place as well. I truly could not imagine such a place giving anyone even temporal peace, and I am left feeling ever more grateful for the surpassing peace that God gives us.
We visted only one Shinto shrine, and the atmosphere of the place was strikingly different than the Buddhist temples. I’m honestly not sure I can properly relate what the place was like. There was such a variety of things happening. There was a ritual of sorts taking place that if one participated in it, supposedly they would be granted happiness. But there were also a lot of shops even on the grounds of the shrine, along with all of the tourists. We climbed to the top of the shrine (60+ steps) and we prayed, sang a little, and read some scripture passages.
Before we left we had a conversation with a man named Tatsuyoshi and his wife. We actually crossed paths with them two more times after that. So, please remember to pray for them, that they would become more spiritually hungry, and interested in learning about Jesus Christ.
So yes, please pray that the hold on Japan that the Buddhist and Shinto beliefs have would be broken. That the people of Japan would come to see that the greatest work, worthy of true awe, was not a building or scuplture that was made, but the great sacrifice of Christ dying on the cross for us in order that we might be pure and spotless before God. And as mentioned earlier, please remember to pray for Tatsuyoshi and his wife, that God would not only continually draw them to Himself, but that they would be open to His call.
