Greetings Tribe,
Blogger has been good to us since first starting this site in 2008. We've grown up and onward and have just launched the next phase of ministry for The Altar IHOP, Tokyo. Please head over to our website and check things out.
We will occasionally check in at this location but cannot promise that it will be a regular undertaking. We also apologize for the neglect of this site for the last few years. In short, life has happened in a big way and our humble little blogger site was woefully neglected in process.
That said, thanks so much for those who have checked in faithfully to have a look see if there was anything at all new.
We look forward to seeing you over at the 'new' place.
Greatest blessings,
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo Tribe
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, March 14, 2011
Japan Quake Press Release #1 |CRASH Japan
Press Release #1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CRASH Mobilizes Volunteers in Japan
Tokyo, Japan – March 14, 2011 – CRASH (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support, and Hope) volunteers in Tokyo are mobilizing to provide aid to victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck the northeastern coast of Japan on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 2:46 PM.
The earthquake was the largest in Japan’s recorded history, resulting in a series of tsunami that reached heights of up to 23 feet and caused widespread damage. The Tohoku region was hardest hit in the coastal cities of Sendai and Fukushima, where hundreds are confirmed dead, and thousands are still missing.
CRASH Japan, working closely with JEMA (the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Association), has a large network of experienced volunteers who know the culture and language. CRASH Japan’s 24-hour fundraising goal is $100,000. In the last few years, CRASH leaders have coordinated relief efforts in China, Haiti, Indonesia, New Zealand, and other major disaster areas.
On Monday, March 14th, CRASH sent four survey teams to the Tohoku region by train, car, and motorcycle as early as 12:00 am to assess the damage, find staging grounds, and make contact with local communities to prioritize their needs. Additional survey teams will be sent out later in the week.
Teams are facing a situation that is complex, dynamic, and challenging. Communication has been difficult. Cell phones in Tokyo are overextended, and service is unavailable in affected disaster areas. Gas and electricity are being rationed in Tokyo and are incredibly scarce in disaster areas. According to CRASH hospitality worker Bola Taylor, food provisions are also short: “There were 150 people waiting in line at the grocery store for simple ramen, rice, and toilet paper. The shelves were all empty; it was very unnerving.”
CRASH Japan is using funds to purchase vital equipment, such as satellite phones, printers, computers, and wireless routers. This equipment will be used to facilitate communication between the Tokyo command center and cities where infrastructure has been weakened or destroyed. According to Intel Coordinator David Sedlacek, satellite phones are the most crucial tool in making contact with disaster areas and isolating relief needs.
A vast majority of Japan identifies religiously as either Buddhist or Shinto, or both. Only 1.5% of Japan’s population identifies as Christian, but churches all over the country have volunteered their resources in a coordinated effort with CRASH to offer aid to those who are suffering.
According to JEMA President Dale Little, “CRASH is the second-to-none relief network in Japan. No other agency is able to assess the needs on the ground like CRASH, and then take steps toward meeting those needs. The effectiveness of CRASH includes linking closely with local churches in Japan.”
JEMA Vice-President Ken Taylor also commented, “CRASH held its first strategy meeting today (March 13). Many were in attendance from mission agencies and other interested parties. There is a spirit of cooperation and desire to assist in reaching those in need effectively, relevantly, and spiritually.”
About the disaster, CRASH Japan director Jonathan Wilson made the following statement: "Many of us are wondering how we can best respond to the news of the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan. As the television screens pour out images, we pour out our hearts to the Creator to take care of this great nation.
CRASH Japan, a non-profit established for just a time as this, exists to help victims of disasters. We have experienced people who know the culture and language on the ground ready to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Please consider how YOU might be able to help right now by giving a donation that will “kick start” our Tokyo based disaster relief initiative."
Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6cnezwFulgKKpoju51smmfQ/www.crashjapan.com
Donations can be made through:
JEMA's website, http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6DIa0UCtKKvdHe1_0urOavg/www.jema.org, and through Horizon Christian Fellowship's web site (tax deductible receipt provided):
http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6f9FAgmVisflKbvvaS95jnQ/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonsd.org%2Fdonate%2Findex.asp%3Fpurpose%3Djapan_earthquake_relief
PayPal (no tax deductible receipt):
http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6NDKrKVOuLdNXfzXV2ZlEjw/www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php/component/content/article/57-feature-article/500-japan-tohoku-quake-relief-donations
Donate a daily tweet to spread awareness: http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6uwu_YzS4ll7pSzymBTExhw/www.justcoz.org/operationsafe
Press Contact:
Paul Nethercott
CRASH Fundraising & Press Coordinator
Matsukawa Place, Tokyo, Japan
Phone (from outside Japan): 011-81-80-3172-2813
In Japan: 080-3172-2813
Email: crashjapanpaul@ http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6VQV0G5eDKDtwo6lEkz5Q4g/me.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CRASH Mobilizes Volunteers in Japan
Tokyo, Japan – March 14, 2011 – CRASH (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support, and Hope) volunteers in Tokyo are mobilizing to provide aid to victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck the northeastern coast of Japan on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 2:46 PM.
The earthquake was the largest in Japan’s recorded history, resulting in a series of tsunami that reached heights of up to 23 feet and caused widespread damage. The Tohoku region was hardest hit in the coastal cities of Sendai and Fukushima, where hundreds are confirmed dead, and thousands are still missing.
CRASH Japan, working closely with JEMA (the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Association), has a large network of experienced volunteers who know the culture and language. CRASH Japan’s 24-hour fundraising goal is $100,000. In the last few years, CRASH leaders have coordinated relief efforts in China, Haiti, Indonesia, New Zealand, and other major disaster areas.
On Monday, March 14th, CRASH sent four survey teams to the Tohoku region by train, car, and motorcycle as early as 12:00 am to assess the damage, find staging grounds, and make contact with local communities to prioritize their needs. Additional survey teams will be sent out later in the week.
Teams are facing a situation that is complex, dynamic, and challenging. Communication has been difficult. Cell phones in Tokyo are overextended, and service is unavailable in affected disaster areas. Gas and electricity are being rationed in Tokyo and are incredibly scarce in disaster areas. According to CRASH hospitality worker Bola Taylor, food provisions are also short: “There were 150 people waiting in line at the grocery store for simple ramen, rice, and toilet paper. The shelves were all empty; it was very unnerving.”
CRASH Japan is using funds to purchase vital equipment, such as satellite phones, printers, computers, and wireless routers. This equipment will be used to facilitate communication between the Tokyo command center and cities where infrastructure has been weakened or destroyed. According to Intel Coordinator David Sedlacek, satellite phones are the most crucial tool in making contact with disaster areas and isolating relief needs.
A vast majority of Japan identifies religiously as either Buddhist or Shinto, or both. Only 1.5% of Japan’s population identifies as Christian, but churches all over the country have volunteered their resources in a coordinated effort with CRASH to offer aid to those who are suffering.
According to JEMA President Dale Little, “CRASH is the second-to-none relief network in Japan. No other agency is able to assess the needs on the ground like CRASH, and then take steps toward meeting those needs. The effectiveness of CRASH includes linking closely with local churches in Japan.”
JEMA Vice-President Ken Taylor also commented, “CRASH held its first strategy meeting today (March 13). Many were in attendance from mission agencies and other interested parties. There is a spirit of cooperation and desire to assist in reaching those in need effectively, relevantly, and spiritually.”
About the disaster, CRASH Japan director Jonathan Wilson made the following statement: "Many of us are wondering how we can best respond to the news of the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan. As the television screens pour out images, we pour out our hearts to the Creator to take care of this great nation.
CRASH Japan, a non-profit established for just a time as this, exists to help victims of disasters. We have experienced people who know the culture and language on the ground ready to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Please consider how YOU might be able to help right now by giving a donation that will “kick start” our Tokyo based disaster relief initiative."
Web Site: http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6cnezwFulgKKpoju51smmfQ/www.crashjapan.com
Donations can be made through:
JEMA's website, http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6DIa0UCtKKvdHe1_0urOavg/www.jema.org, and through Horizon Christian Fellowship's web site (tax deductible receipt provided):
http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6f9FAgmVisflKbvvaS95jnQ/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonsd.org%2Fdonate%2Findex.asp%3Fpurpose%3Djapan_earthquake_relief
PayPal (no tax deductible receipt):
http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6NDKrKVOuLdNXfzXV2ZlEjw/www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php/component/content/article/57-feature-article/500-japan-tohoku-quake-relief-donations
Donate a daily tweet to spread awareness: http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6uwu_YzS4ll7pSzymBTExhw/www.justcoz.org/operationsafe
Press Contact:
Paul Nethercott
CRASH Fundraising & Press Coordinator
Matsukawa Place, Tokyo, Japan
Phone (from outside Japan): 011-81-80-3172-2813
In Japan: 080-3172-2813
Email: crashjapanpaul@ http://www.facebook.com/l/b77d6VQV0G5eDKDtwo6lEkz5Q4g/me.com
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Japan Quake Update #1
Greetings Tribe,
Please see the following link for a full update on the earthquake and how it relates to The Altar IHOP, Tokyo
LINK
Thanks so much,
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo Tribe
Please see the following link for a full update on the earthquake and how it relates to The Altar IHOP, Tokyo
LINK
Thanks so much,
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo Tribe
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
"The Daniel 9 Prayer" for Japan
All through biblical history, the prophets were known for making prayers of repentance and requesting mercy. Would you join us in praying Daniel 9 over and on behalf of Japan and Asia?
Daniel 9
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you."
"Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him."
"Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us."
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."
Daniel 9
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you."
"Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him."
"Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us."
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."
The Seventy "Sevens"
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision:Sunday, February 20, 2011
Word for Japan | 2011
Word for Japan | January 19, 2011
Jennifer Gracey
Director
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo
Word for Japan
Oh Japan, don’t you know that one drop of Jesus’ blood was enough to cover your sins? Just one drop! All it would have taken was one drop but He gave it all. He gave it all.
You’ve been wounded and struck deeply in many different ways but where I wound, I heal says the Lord. Where I wound, I heal. I will make you, if you are willing to go where I will lead, like my Son- the Wounded Healer. For it was by His stripes that you are healed and where your stripes have been the deepest, I will use them to bring the greatest healing to the nations.
I want you to know and get a revelation of how beautiful you are to me. For I do not see you through the same eyes with which you see yourself. I see you through Jesus and you are oh so beautiful to me. Your worship is beautiful. Your songs are beautiful. Your prayers are beautiful. I do not rate your performance or your beauty on the score of a test or how well you perform your ceremonies. I rate you on how you love me. I want to… I am about to release a revelation to the church… to my Japanese bride of how beautiful she is. Oh, just wait. Just wait and see!
Japan, don’t you know you were created to be a worshiping, praying people? You already have houses of prayer on nearly every corner! The thing is, they are presently temples and shrines. You’re just confused about which god is God but that will be remedied soon!
My people, missionaries, the ones who co-labor with Me in this nation, I want to give you a new way to see these things. So many of you have focused on casting out devils and demons from the temples and shrines but I tell you, there’s another way. A more excellent way!
I want to dare you to do it and see what happens!
Instead of spending your time casting out devils and demons (that’s My job anyway) I want to challenge you to simply go stand in front of these places and prophesy to them. Prophesy to the land they are built on… prophesy “You will become a church in the name of Jesus.”
That’s it. It’s so simple. I am going to make this easy for you. Simply prophesy to the land and to creation to come into alignment with My Word and My divine order.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Answered Prayers: "...and O that a spirit of repentance would fall..."
For a number of years now, the Lord has been stirring the hearts of Japanese, Asian and non-Asian alike in the matter of repentance. As a house of prayer, our part in this stirring is to pray this into a daily reality. Since we held our first prayer meeting in November of 2008, God has brought believers across our paths one by one with the same cry of intercession in their hearts and spirits.
In fact, one of the prayer points on our 10+1 prayer list is for a spirit of repentance to fall upon the church of Japan that she may repent for the sins of the church towards the people of Japan and Asia. This is something we've been praying for with diligence for over a year now- having joined ranks with the voices of all those who've ever cried out to the heights of heaven with this matter heavy on their minds.
At the end of the Tokyo 2010 Conference, it seems the Lord set things in motion to cause that prayer to begin to manifest in a very big way. So big, it even made a post on the Elijah List. Please rejoice in the greatness of our God as you read the article in the link below. This indeed is heavens response to golden bowls filled with prayer and incence.
Elijah List Breaking Christian News Link
Christian Today Australia Full Story Link
In fact, one of the prayer points on our 10+1 prayer list is for a spirit of repentance to fall upon the church of Japan that she may repent for the sins of the church towards the people of Japan and Asia. This is something we've been praying for with diligence for over a year now- having joined ranks with the voices of all those who've ever cried out to the heights of heaven with this matter heavy on their minds.
At the end of the Tokyo 2010 Conference, it seems the Lord set things in motion to cause that prayer to begin to manifest in a very big way. So big, it even made a post on the Elijah List. Please rejoice in the greatness of our God as you read the article in the link below. This indeed is heavens response to golden bowls filled with prayer and incence.
Elijah List Breaking Christian News Link
Christian Today Australia Full Story Link
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Truth: Christianity in Japan
Here are some news articles reporting most accurate results of percentage of those claiming Christian beliefs in Japan. The articles were written based on Gallup Polls conducted in 2006.
Why is this important? Because there are reports all over stating the percentage of those who call themselves Christian range from .5-2%. While this may have been true in the past, there is no doubt (based on real experiences) that Jesus is indeed increasing His government in Japan. Especially among the younger generations.
While still trying to locate the results of the original polls by the Gallup association, these news articles reflect the results with consistency.
Please keep in mind, the house church (organic church, simple church, cell groups, etc...) which meets in a wide variety of creative locations is very much alive and well in Japan. The numbers of these groups are challenging to track and record as most are informal meetings of those who prefer, for many reasons, not to go to traditional main stream churches.
Links:
Gallup poll of Japan finds Christianity on the upswing | Christian Examiner staff report
More People Claim Christian Faith in Japan | Christian Post
Gallup Poll of Japan Finds Christianity on the Upswing | Church Solutions
Why is this important? Because there are reports all over stating the percentage of those who call themselves Christian range from .5-2%. While this may have been true in the past, there is no doubt (based on real experiences) that Jesus is indeed increasing His government in Japan. Especially among the younger generations.
While still trying to locate the results of the original polls by the Gallup association, these news articles reflect the results with consistency.
Please keep in mind, the house church (organic church, simple church, cell groups, etc...) which meets in a wide variety of creative locations is very much alive and well in Japan. The numbers of these groups are challenging to track and record as most are informal meetings of those who prefer, for many reasons, not to go to traditional main stream churches.
Links:
Gallup poll of Japan finds Christianity on the upswing | Christian Examiner staff report
More People Claim Christian Faith in Japan | Christian Post
Gallup Poll of Japan Finds Christianity on the Upswing | Church Solutions
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What She's Doing Well
For sometime now, it's been on my heart to ask Abba what the church is doing right. When I first got back to the US, that's what I did. I asked God, "What's she doing well?"
The reason? It seemed like so much of what I was hearing and reading was focused on how bad off the church was. How immature she was. How so far off target she was...
Knowing that I personally tend to not respond well when I am in the "there's nothing positive about me" rut I decided to apply that to the church. Hence, the question "What's she doing well?" The following is the response I heard from Holy Spirit:
"She loves me."
"Oh, how she loves me."
"She may not know how to do things the way I want them or even be able to (know how) follow my directions...
... but, she loves me."
"Like a little toddler loves his or her parents...
... she loves me."
"That's what she is doing well."
The association to the reply that I have is very much something I could connect with. You see, for the better part of the last 10 years I have spent myself invested in teaching children. And one of the many lessons that came out of that was how much little ones wanted to follow directions and "get it right" but how so many times, they fell far short of the objective. This, often was due to developing motor skills or comprehension. Other times, it was due to a thing simply being so new that there was no grid for the request and no matter how much the desire was set in tiny hearts to do as asked, they simply couldn't and needed instead to be shown with patience and encouragement how to complete a task.
It was with this picture in my mind that Abba spoke His words, "She loves me. That's what she is doing well."
The point being, He knows we're not "there" yet. He knows, we fall so far short of out goal and the desires in our hearts to follow directions. He knows what we don't know. He knows what we can and can't quite do yet. And while being obedient to the things He's called us to, He is full of knowing that with out His loving and patient guidance, we'll never arrive in that place.
So what does He do? Instead of judging or criticizing His bride for her multitude of failures and shortcomings, He delights in the one thing which is perhaps, most essential to moving the Father's heart. He is glad, that she desires to do well but even more overjoyed that she, His beloved one knows enough to simply love Him with all of her heart.
May we continue to look at the Bride of Christ with these eyes. Not with judgement or harsh words about how badly she's messing up but with eyes that see the heart of the matter. That she loves Him in the midst of her myriad imperfections.
To borrow Abba's words, "Oh how she loves me."
Wow. Does it get any better than that?
"You have ravished my heart, My sister, my bride; You have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, with one link of your necklace."
Song of Solomon 4.9
Blessings,
jg.
The reason? It seemed like so much of what I was hearing and reading was focused on how bad off the church was. How immature she was. How so far off target she was...
Knowing that I personally tend to not respond well when I am in the "there's nothing positive about me" rut I decided to apply that to the church. Hence, the question "What's she doing well?" The following is the response I heard from Holy Spirit:
"She loves me."
"Oh, how she loves me."
"She may not know how to do things the way I want them or even be able to (know how) follow my directions...
... but, she loves me."
"Like a little toddler loves his or her parents...
... she loves me."
"That's what she is doing well."
The association to the reply that I have is very much something I could connect with. You see, for the better part of the last 10 years I have spent myself invested in teaching children. And one of the many lessons that came out of that was how much little ones wanted to follow directions and "get it right" but how so many times, they fell far short of the objective. This, often was due to developing motor skills or comprehension. Other times, it was due to a thing simply being so new that there was no grid for the request and no matter how much the desire was set in tiny hearts to do as asked, they simply couldn't and needed instead to be shown with patience and encouragement how to complete a task.
It was with this picture in my mind that Abba spoke His words, "She loves me. That's what she is doing well."
The point being, He knows we're not "there" yet. He knows, we fall so far short of out goal and the desires in our hearts to follow directions. He knows what we don't know. He knows what we can and can't quite do yet. And while being obedient to the things He's called us to, He is full of knowing that with out His loving and patient guidance, we'll never arrive in that place.
So what does He do? Instead of judging or criticizing His bride for her multitude of failures and shortcomings, He delights in the one thing which is perhaps, most essential to moving the Father's heart. He is glad, that she desires to do well but even more overjoyed that she, His beloved one knows enough to simply love Him with all of her heart.
May we continue to look at the Bride of Christ with these eyes. Not with judgement or harsh words about how badly she's messing up but with eyes that see the heart of the matter. That she loves Him in the midst of her myriad imperfections.
To borrow Abba's words, "Oh how she loves me."
Wow. Does it get any better than that?
"You have ravished my heart, My sister, my bride; You have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, with one link of your necklace."
Song of Solomon 4.9
Blessings,
jg.
Monday, November 16, 2009
God's Rice Field & Building Altars on the Threshing Floor
For sometime now, I've been studying and researching the Father's heart on our location and how it connects with the name of our HOP. The more I pursue this, the more firmly I believe our prophetic destiny as a house of prayer is written into our name and the locations where we met. Please see this link for the first writing. Please see this link for the second writing.
The first place of meeting was in a cafe. A place of eating and feasting called "The Decision." (At the time, it was still known as Art Cafe Decision by most)
That cafe is in an area of Tokyo that hosts the seat of government for the nation of Japan. The name of that area is called Chiyoda-ku.
The name of the area within Chiyoda-ku where The Decision is located is called Kanda.
The English literal translation of the chinese characters for Kanda is as follows:
>In 1 Chronicles 22, David makes a decision and determines that this will become the new location for the Temple of the Lord and the place of the altar for Israel's burnt offerings.
Moving forward to 2 Chronicles 7, Solomon has already become king. He has completed building the Temple of the Lord as instructed by his father, David and gone through the process of dedicating the newly completed temple. Before the Solomon and the people, fire again falls upon the altar which compels the people to worship Him all the more. Starting with verse 11, Solomon receives a response from the Lord to his prayers of dedication.
Then the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.
It is interesting that the altar which David built was one with a purpose of intercession. It is interesting that the altar was needed due to a decision David had made. It is interesting that the altar was built on a place where grain was separated from the chaff. It is interesting that God is the one who chose the location of the altar which later became the temple.
It is interesting that the story of The Altar IHOP, Tokyo so closely shadows some of the themes found in scripture.
And this is the word I believe Abba is continuing to speak to us about it:
Grace,
jg
The first place of meeting was in a cafe. A place of eating and feasting called "The Decision." (At the time, it was still known as Art Cafe Decision by most)
That cafe is in an area of Tokyo that hosts the seat of government for the nation of Japan. The name of that area is called Chiyoda-ku.
The name of the area within Chiyoda-ku where The Decision is located is called Kanda.
The English literal translation of the chinese characters for Kanda is as follows:
神 = God
田 = Rice FieldIn 1 Chronicles 21, David ended up at a threshing floor. A place where the harvest was brought in and prepared for distribution. In the context of the story, God speaks and instructs David to construct an altar in that place. David purchases the property and does as directed. In the process of making the sacrifice and carrying out the act of worship, fire falls from heaven and burns up the sacrifice in response to David's prayers.
>In 1 Chronicles 22, David makes a decision and determines that this will become the new location for the Temple of the Lord and the place of the altar for Israel's burnt offerings.
Moving forward to 2 Chronicles 7, Solomon has already become king. He has completed building the Temple of the Lord as instructed by his father, David and gone through the process of dedicating the newly completed temple. Before the Solomon and the people, fire again falls upon the altar which compels the people to worship Him all the more. Starting with verse 11, Solomon receives a response from the Lord to his prayers of dedication.
Then the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.
It is interesting that the altar which David built was one with a purpose of intercession. It is interesting that the altar was needed due to a decision David had made. It is interesting that the altar was built on a place where grain was separated from the chaff. It is interesting that God is the one who chose the location of the altar which later became the temple.
It is interesting that the story of The Altar IHOP, Tokyo so closely shadows some of the themes found in scripture.
And this is the word I believe Abba is continuing to speak to us about it:
I AM the LORD of the Harvest. The grain is mine. The kingdoms of the earth are mine. The governments of the nations are mine. The "field of japan" is mine and my kingdom will be made manifest in the earth.More insight to come as it is made known. Connecting threads are on The Decision and Ecclesia Cafe as modern day threshing floors and further study on altars.
Grace,
jg
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
We Are ONE!!!
On November 5, 2009...
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo will be one year old!
(yay Abba!!!)
Please come and join us at any one of our sessions the first week of November to celebrate the wonderful things God has done with us this past year.
Thanks so much and we are looking forward to seeing you.
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo will be one year old!
(yay Abba!!!)
Please come and join us at any one of our sessions the first week of November to celebrate the wonderful things God has done with us this past year.
Thanks so much and we are looking forward to seeing you.
The Altar IHOP, Tokyo
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ANNOUNCEMENT: You Tube
The Altar IHOP | Tokyo has a You Tube channel!
We've go a "how we got started" video posted as well as some links to other you tube video clips that the Lilley's of Fire & Fragrance (YWAM association) have been posting while visiting in Japan.
Please take a moment to look when you get a chance. There's some good stuff up there that will give you an idea of what's going on with the prayer movement in Japan.
Grace & Glory,
jg
The Altar IHOP | Tokyo's You Tube Channel: click here
We've go a "how we got started" video posted as well as some links to other you tube video clips that the Lilley's of Fire & Fragrance (YWAM association) have been posting while visiting in Japan.
Please take a moment to look when you get a chance. There's some good stuff up there that will give you an idea of what's going on with the prayer movement in Japan.
Grace & Glory,
jg
The Altar IHOP | Tokyo's You Tube Channel: click here
Monday, September 28, 2009
Q&A: Does IHOP have a meaning?
Answer: There are technically two ways to read "IHOP" One way is actually from part of a prophetic word given to Mike Bickle, Senior Director, of The International House of Prayer, Kansas City (IHOP-KC) by Bob Jones in the very early days. It goes like this:
I = Intercession
H = Heart of Jesus
O = Offerings to the Poor (i.e. orphans & widows)
P = PropheticThese are very important elements of the core vision and function of a House of Prayer.
The other way to read "IHOP" is the one most are familiar with and goes like this:
I = International
H = House
O = Of
P = Prayer
The best way to understand "IHOP" is to think of it in the following terms:
An International House of Prayer (IHOP) is a place where the body of Christ can find people who choose to Intercede for the things God puts on their heart to pray. i.e. the lost, human trafficking, 7 mountains, etc... It is a group of people who desire to know and have the true heart of Christ. It is a group of people who are dedicated to giving to the poor and especially helping orphans & widows. It is also a group of people who walk in the prophetic believing this is one means by which they can draw closer to the Father.
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