Matsuo Machida’s Cross-Country Pilgrimage Continues

Modern-day pilgrim and peace walker Matsuo Machida from Japan has completed the first three weeks and more than six hundred miles of his epic “Peace Walk across America,” departing Ely, Nevada this morning on his daily journey east. He’s been accompanied so far by Bay Area Family Church member Bill Bechtel, who will hand the baton to Luke Higuchi of New Jersey, who will escort Machida further down the highway.

Because of the intense summer heat, Machida can only walk for a few hours in the early morning and again in the late afternoon, resting in the daytime. However, this should change as he leaves the desert behind and heads across the Rockies. As he arrives in more populous areas, there’ll be some opportunities for Unificationist communities to greet him and welcome him for dinner. In the meantime, our prayers for his safety and success are much appreciated.

The grand finale of his peace walk is planned for the Washington Monument on September 18, the 39th anniversary of True Father’s historic 1976 speech to over 300,000, America and God’s Will. In his address, True Father memorably shared his vision and hope for America:

At this crossroads of human history, we must listen to the calling of God. God prepared America for 200 years. This is the time for awakening. America must accept her global responsibility. Armed with Godism, she must free the Communist world, and at last, build the Kingdom of God here on earth. God has chosen America as the flag bearer. America must rise up! Today. Tomorrow may be too late!

Japanese speakers are invited to view Machida’s daily blog here.