Saku City and Funa Tsunagi Ishi

Why is there a picture of a rock on my post? I’m glad you asked! Saku City is famous for many things and one of them is this rock. What makes it significant? Well, for one it is called Funa Tsunagi Ishi, which is just fun to say! Though its english translation of “Boat Connect Stone” is not nearly as thrilling. The city is divided by the Chikuma River and is prone to flooding. It’s inconvenient now, but was often devastating in centuries past. Bridges were constructed to connect the two halves of the city, but would soon crumble because of flooding. The continual rebuilding of bridges was becoming a finical burden. Therefore in 1873, it was decided to put 9 boats side by side across the width of the river and a plank reaching from boat to boat. This made a bridge that would raise and lower as the water levels changed. Funa Tsunagi Ishi was the key element. The hole on top of the rock was used to connect each boat using rope. Thus the name, “Boat Connect Stone.” So, once again what does this have to do with praying for this city? It was the rock that held the bridge together. In spite of the floods, it was the foundation of connecting two groups. Sound familiar?

Eph. 2:14-20 For he (Christ) is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Our firm foundation is Jesus Christ! He is the bridge that brought man and God back together in sweet fellowship. Christ, He is foundation that holds when the floods come! The relationship between God and us is pivotal on the Rock of Ages! It is not on the works of Buddhism or the prayers at Shinto Shrines. There is only one way to the Father, and that is in the Son! In Japan, Funa Tsunagi Ishi is no longer used, but is a reminder of what once brought the city together. Let it serve as a reminder to us that God desires that these people be brought to himself!

PRAYER POINTS

• 101,279 Population – That God would soften the hearts of the people and turn to Him
• Shinto Shrines – That they would leave their Gods of stone and wood
• Buddhist Temples – That they would turn from their gods that cannot save
• Faith Baptist Church – That God would bless as more are saved
• Nozawa Gospel Church – That the Gospel would be preached
• One hour from Tokyo – That this Key city would be used to reach all of Japan
• The Rising Son Mission – THAT THE NAME OF CHRIST MIGHT RISE IN THIS CITY!

There are 100,064 people that live in Konan City and most of them have been to the largest Hotei Buddha statue in Japan. They will come on a daily basis and pray asking for wisdom and blessings. Konan City is a Buddhist strong hold in Japan, but the statue is nothing more than a pile of rock. They are praying to a god that cannot save. Ro. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth! The Gospel is the only hope for the people of this city! I ask that you would pray that God would send proclaimers of the Gospel to Konan City, and that the name of Christ would rise in Japan!

Kani city is located in the Gifu Prefecture and has an estimated population of 99,318. Athens, GA (Home of the Bull Dogs) is 3x larger in area, but has close to the same amount of people. Hopefully that gives you a better idea of how dense the population is in Kani. The town of Kani was formed in 1955 by a merger of 7 towns and villages, and later gained its city status in April 1, 1982.

Kani City is located in the “heart” of Japan, in the south part of Gifu Prefecture. It is a city formed on tradition and history, with abundant greenery and a rich natural environment. The hill situated in the east part of the city is famous for being the cradle of Shino Pottery. The central part is famous for being the place where the great General Mitsuhide Aketi was born and for the ruins of Akechi Castle.

Many Buddhist and Shinto Shrines are located throughout the city. Every time I see a picture of one, it reminds me of Is. 45:20 “…they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save”