It's been so long since you've heard from me in depth, all I really want to talk about are the million-and-a-half things that have been happening with Deanna and our kids, but...

Since we are, literally, at the brink of what we consider the most daunting assignment of our life, this note needs to be informational, as well as relational. So please, pour yourself a cup of coffee and read on...

It's all personal

We all compartmentalize our lives: professionally, missionally, and personally. Yet in Christ we have but one life, and God is always dealing with the whole person, every facet, in real time. "In Him we live and move and have our being." 1

We don't serve a God of Multiple-Personality Disorder. 

"It's not personal, it's just _________." 

How many times have I filled in that blank to justify my own selfish interests! I hope to never do so again, because I want my life to be relational, not transactional. And I'm convinced our lives were Sovereignly mapped out for intersections of relationship, first with God, then with each other. 

And, by His providence, you just happen to be part of a small army of friends who have personally intersected with us. Like I said, it's all personal. 

The last 18 months

In June 2016, I laid out our faith-plans for the rest of that year. Little did I know my own "momentary light afflictions" would get in the way. 2  (If you haven't seen that email, it's worth opening just to read about the Miracle on the Mall.) 

• I started having a pronounced increase in symptoms shortly after that announcement in June 2016, affecting the rollout of some upcoming projects.

• Charlotte-to-DC

  That didn't stop us from embarking on a "suddenly" prayerwalk from Charlotte-to-DC that fall. If you haven't seen the national TV-interview that prompted a nationwide embrace from pastors across the country, you oughta...
   
• On that 500-mile prayerwalk, I was in a great deal of chronic pain. It became obvious that my increasing symptoms would require attention when I got home. I would later find I was experiencing a significant relapse, requiring new protocols of treatment. 

• Philadelphia

  Just a couple weeks after returning from that "suddenly," we were called to another one-- this time, to prayerwalk the Bullseye of Battlegrounds, the day before the 2016 Election. 
  
  Difficult as it would be to articulate in this public forum, that single day in Philadelphia remains the most amazing intercessory experience of my life, so far. 
   
• In the polarizing, post-inaugural aftershocks of last winter, God downloaded what I understood to be the biggest assignment of my life...to prayerwalk all 435 U. S. Congressional Districts, as a voice for Biblical reconciliation and unity. We originally intended to start in the late spring, but, quite frankly, I was not physically up to it.

• At our niece's wedding last fall

  As it turned out, we couldn't have started then anyway, as I ended up being "grounded" for much of the summer, allowed to travel only for extended weekends, in order to avail myself to the weekly regimen of a new drug-trial my Neurologist was able to get me into, which has proven very promising.
   
• Just weeks ago, with Deanna's and our team's full agreement, we felt the "green light" to launch ahead by faith. As soon as we said, "yes," I felt better. Go figure.

The next 11 months

Lord willing, by His grace, here's the what-why-and-how of this 435-District adventure we're about to start...  3

But we can't do it without your help--both now and next year. Please prayerfully respond to "How you can help," below, before closing this email. Thank you. 

PLEASE NOTE, this is a special assignment in pivotal times: Having prayerwalked over 23,000 miles across the country to date, calling the American Church to repentance-in-unity, we believe God has directed us to completely change our 2018 plans for the sake of this daunting prayer-assignment at this precise moment in our nation's history. Lord willing, one step at a time...

Mission

To PRAY the length-and-breadth of our nation in this tumultuous time, connecting communities in prayerful agreement, that even in the media-fanned fire of the Midterm Elections, our culture of polarization would be overcome by God's spirit of reconciliation. 4

Mobilization

To PARTNER with pastors, coming alongside to prayerwalk their parishes, honoring them as the visible under-shepherds of their communities, while calling them to come together in friendship-based unity as co-leaders of a nationwide proclamation of united prayer. 5

Message

To PROVE, through our oneness, the Lordship of Jesus Christ. When Abraham Lincoln quoted Scripture, saying, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," his speech became a rallying cry for the preservation of our Union. More than 150 years later, we are as divided as ever. Genuine oneness is not a kumbaya event; it is the manifest unity of the Spirit--exactly what our Lord prayed for, and it is purpose-driven. 6

Map

To PAVE the way toward a nationwide proclamation of prayer on Monday, November 5th, the eve of the Midterm Elections,we believe God has called our team to prayerwalk every single Congressional District in boots-on-the-ground obedience, rallying local pastors as we go. 

This battleground is spiritual, not political. Yet, in an utterly non-partisan way, we believe God has chosen the acrimonious arena of politics for "such a time as this," to demonstrate His merciful healing in response to the genuine repentance of His people. 7  (See 435-District Schedule)

Mandate

To PROCLAIM, through on-site prayer for each Representative from all 435 U. S. Congressional Districts, a nationwide Intercessory Appeal to Heaven on November 5th, 2018, in one united chorus. 8     

. . . 

Red + Blue = Purple 

Not a politically-correct convergence of ecumenical impotencies, but a common trajectory, from varying Christian faith-traditions, toward one transcendent goal of true oneness in Christ, as articulated in the preamble of our Intercessory Appeal to Heaven:

Just as an artist combines reds and blues to create royal hues of purple, we believe when We the People come together under the Master's Hand in genuine unity, we transcend the earthly realm of political party-demarcation and step into the majesty of God's Kingdom. Here, He exhorts us to pray for one another as a "first of all" priority, especially for those He has empowered with governmental authority. And so...

How you can help

For years now, we've followed God's admonition given to the 70, to take no "money belt." Yet, our same all-sufficient God would later counsel His disciples to "take a money belt" (and a sword) when the spiritual battle was about to get gnarly. 9  

And so...if you believe revival will only come from united repentance, then I challenge you to take prayerful action...

Blessed are the peacemakers

The moral fabric of America isn't just frayed, it's threadbare. In these "perilous times," I'm not gonna pay attention to all the polarizing chatter espousing a counterfeit "unity" based on common offense or false outrage. Instead, I'm gonna be a peacemaker. How about you? 10

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  --Jesus

In this blessed season of PEACE, we could sure use some peacemakers. Unworthy as we are to issue this call, would you join us? Together, we will experience the mercy of the Father.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! You are greatly loved and appreciated!

I came back from our 800-mile prayerwalk through California energized.
I must confess, I wasn't completely sure I still had it in me. But by God's grace, I finished strong. I started hearing from God about expanding our prayerwalks, but it was difficult to discern, as we were inundated with family matters at that time. After Mom's home-going and Dad's subsequent solo-visit over the holidays, everything started coming into focus. And so...

We're leaving this weekend to begin a new 1700-mile prayerwalk. Please watch this first two-minute video, then read on...

God's favor on us with pastors-and-leaders has led to a significant change in our prayerwalking model, which will require different preparations. Please watch this second two-minute video, then read on...

When I asked Deanna about adding another shin-splint-worthy prayerwalk to our already-packed schedule, she said, "It's about time!" Add to that what my Neurologist exclaimed at my recent exam, "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!"

Without repentance-in-unity, the American Church will remain powerless to change the course of a nation in decline. Together, we can call on God's mercy to change that. Will you help us do that?

Please go to our brand new Support Page to explore how God might be calling you to be a significant change-agent for the American Church.

And please print out this one-page prayer sheet to post on your fridge. More info here. 

With love and gratitude, 

Postscripts 

• Deanna and I want to thank so many of you for your gracious outpouring of condolences regarding my Mom's home-going.
   
• Don't forget to visit our brand new support page...and please agree with us that in the next 40 days leading up to Palm Sunday (Lent), we will experience a breakthrough in our monthly support! 
   
• To get pictorial updates from the road, you must "like" our page on Facebook.

On Election Day, the final prayerwalking day of our relay, I received an emergency call about my Mom up in Portland, Oregon. I booked the next flight out of San Diego to join my brother and sister, along with our Dad, at her hospital bedside. (Some local pastors heard the news and helped form extra relay teams so I could still make the finish line, from which I was immediately whisked away to the airport, sweaty clothes and all.)

Mom went to heaven Sunday night 11/9/14. In her final days, she'd been in tremendous pain from bone cancer throughout her body, but she's perfect now. When the time came, she let us know she was ready; she wanted to "go home" to be with Jesus. 

All the grandkids got the chance to say goodbye via FaceTime, etc., and we all gathered for her memorial last Saturday, a very touching and honoring tribute. Many came to pay their respects; friends and family flew in from across the country. Our eldest, Michelle, came all the way from South Korea. In a precious note, she described Grandma's lifelong unconditional love for her as the "good kind of messy love." 

That was Mom. She left an indelible mark. (See you soon, Mom!)

I've barely been home 48 hours, but I will write again in a few weeks, for there is much to do. Until then, Deanna and I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. We all have much to be thankful for! 

With much love,
Tom & Deanna 

Made it! Mission San Diego with my dear brother and faithful prayerwalking partner. 

Praying at the USA/Mexico border with Davis Hill & Charles Karich 

Tom & Davis praying

Father Junipero Serra preached here.

In the chapel

Loft organ

Our newest team member, Davis Hill 

On our way to Mission San Luis Rey de Franci, Oceanside. Another original building. Exceptionally sweet prayer time tonight. 

Mission San Luis Rey de Franci

Irvine. The city of 6-lane boulevards and 3-minute stop lights at each one. God bless all the urban planning commissions everywhere...

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Gabriel Archangel

Tom & Davis

Davis & Kevin

Mission San Buenaventura

Taken from moving car...

Impressive building in Simi Valley

This sweet young lady, Adriana, asked if she could bless two tired prayerwalkers with a late dinner. She recommended a tacqueria right down the street. Tenderest Chile Verde on trip so far... An appreciated gift from an impressive leader of the next generation. Thanks Adriana.

Where I used to take my worship team to coffee between services in Ventura, a million years ago...

Trail where I first started daily prayerwalking in Ventura back in 1995.

Prayerwalked a little bit ahead today, in case the sprinkles turned to showers. Got a lot of help from Toni and Roberta. Thanks ladies!!!

Mission San Fernando Rey de España

Mission San Fernando Rey de Edpaña

Thanks Toni and Roberta!!! 

Prayerwalked through "movie western" country in Chatsworth this morning

Jacob Reeves and me 

SBHOP

SBHOP

Santa Barbara

Rincon

Close to Ventura

Mission San Buenaventura

Mission San Buenaventura

Mission La Purisma

Our new friends, Mike and Vicky Chavez, powerful prayerwalkers...even more powerful (and sweet) saints!

Mission Santa Ynez ( original spelling: Inez)

Original column at Mission Santa Ynez

Mission Santa Barbara. Said goodbye to our new friends, the Chavez's, after a wonderful meal together (thank you Mike and Vicky!), then prayed with our friends Richard and Laurie Crain at the Mission in Solvang.

Missions la Purisma by morning light.

Can you guess where we prayerwalked today?

Praying at the very spot where God gave me the vision for Pentecost Walk on 11/30/2000 (L-R) Roger, Carey, Dave, Malinda, Brian, Me, Kevin, Cliff, Patty, Cindy, Vickie, Mike

A very dear friend of Deanna's and mine, Patty Clark

Our North County early- morning walkers, Debbie and Susan 

Panoramic shot of our prayer meeting in the dark at Mission la Purisma in Lompoc tonight

Kevin's folks were traveling through CA Sunday. Awesome surprise!

Scenery from Templeton, CA

Great meeting at the Mission in San Luis Obispo last night. Thank you Father Russ!

Mission San Antonio. The last pic is our friends, Dan and Jennifer Thompson, who are helping us today, with Kevin's injury. Keep praying!

Mission San Miguel...before sundown! With the help of some dear friends, Dan and Jennifer Thompson. (Kevin rested his heel today; keep praying for his healing)

Six days ago, we started 2 days and 85 miles behind. As of last night, we're only 17 miles behind. Yesterday was awesome, but grueling...12 hours is a long walk. 

This pic is a stock image, because it was about 10pm when we got to the Mission in Carmel. The compound was locked, so I jumped the wall to lay hands on the building to pray. (Before you judge me, ask yourself if you've ever exceeded a posted speed limit.) 

Note: The other side of the adobe wall was a much higher drop (in the pitch black dark) than the shorter side I scaled. (Cue "Mission Impossible" soundtrack.) Thank you God for no broken ankles and no encounters with the Carmel police department.

San Juan Bautista by morning light. Statue of John the Baptist, winding mountain pass to next Mission in Carmel. 

WALKED 11 HOURS TODAY. Kevin got way more miles in than I did, as I was hobbling a bit. But the shin braces really helped. Tomorrow should be killer (in a good way). Pictured: San Mateo County building, in a really cool section of Redwood City.

Inside Santa Clara Mission, in the middle of the SCU campus, where my brother and one if my cousins went to school.

10 hours prayerwalked today. Almost to Mission Santa Cruz...no extra time to climb this awesome tree. Splints a little better. Thanks for praying.

Shinsplints are literally a pain. 
I had some funkiness in my right foot that caused an unusual gait with my left leg, which caused the shinsplints in my left leg, which caused me to compensate with my right leg, which caused the shinsplints in my right leg. 
Good thing THE CROSS caused all injury, illness and sickness to be defeated!!! 
Please help us pray this promise in today! Lots of miles to cover… We're hoping to walk well into the night.

Balboa High School in San Francisco. My dad's alma mater.

Kevin found his religion today. Dutch Brothers.

If you gotta prayer 22 miles your first full day, this isn't bad scenery.

Mission San Rafael at daybreak.

Our First day out. Mission Sanoma.

On our way. Praying with Ben and Jarvis Medel 

 Mission San Rafael Arcángel.

In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to observe special "holy" days, but only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) and only once a year. This Sunday we will celebrate the day that changed all that, once and for all! Christians worldwide will celebrate the tearing of the veil and the unveiling of New Covenant life in God's presence! (Brief Scripture references)

AND YET, if we're not careful, Easter Sunday can get dumbed down to "invite an unsaved friend to church" day. This Holy Week, let's be mindful that WE are the very co-laborers Christ commands us to pray for in Matthew 9:37-38 and that the Great Commission is a 365-days-a-year lifestyle made possible "by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil."

Happy Easter beloved...
Tom & Deanna

P.S. 
Sorry it's been awhile since you last heard from me. Between our mailing list crashing, my dad's health (two more strokes, but he and my mom are doing well), Adam and Michelle coming to visit from South Korea (wonderful) and an extremely full calendar of both pastor-at-large and pastoral-care travels this first quarter, I've only been home a handful of weeks since September. Thank you Jesus for strength!

Thanks.

Tom 

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Prayer Request
This anniversary falls on a date when our nation's trust in her own leaders is at an all-time low. In this ripe moment of opportunity, let's agree together that this nationwide "groaning" (Proverbs 29:2) against deceit and political gamesmanship would spark a resurrected hunger for righteousness...a desperation for healing that is no longer self-centered, but God-centered. For He alone is our hope.

This prayer request is non-partisan. God transcends the puniness of politics. May our witness do the same.  

Tom & Deanna

What an indescribable honor to serve Christ in such a pivotal way.

I use the word "pivotal" on purpose...not to be puffed up about our mission, but because the necessity of the Church (all of us) to rise up in united repentance is truly the "ground zero" pivot point for the destiny of our nation. This simple truth has never been so clear, all the more in the wake of this "suddenly," already proving itself far more strategic than I'd ever imagined.

I've much to tell you, but first I'm going to slow down a bit with my beloved here at home for a few days. She and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your generous support in this critical season. Come Lord Jesus!

Tom & Deanna

Kevin and me at the finish line, Federal Hall National Monument on Wall Street, site of the first US Capitol. 

Halfway along a shortcut through the Bronx Zoo. We almost got locked inside the zoo for the night!

The New York Stock Exchange, right across the street from Federal Hall. 

Faithful prayerwalkers from Bridgeport, CT. Ma Davis, between Kevin and me, is 87 years old. 

Prayerwalking Times Square is always a rip-roarin' good time . 

God bless America. 

The very railing where George Washington knelt to pray about accepting the first presidency, St. Paul's Chapel. 

We thought we would be too late for good weather and fall colors. Thank God we were wrong on both counts!

Gregg Healey, a new prayer-warrior friend, and an invaluable help to us in Connecticut. 

One of the college gates at Yale University, New Haven, CT. 

It snowed a bit (only flurries) later this last day in NYC. Finished just in time...

Inside Trinity Church, near Ground Zero.

Lord, break down every wall in your Church! Come Lord Jesus!

Ministering with Roberto Miranda

We added about 50 miles to prayerwalk through Plymouth

Massachusetts Beauty

Autumn in Rhode Island

The Statehouse in Boston

Crazy Prayerwalkers (Charles Cabral, me, Kevin and Allen Cook)

No Excuses (although I did change socks)

Rhode Island Statehouse

Just finished our fourth day of the Boston-New York prayerwalk. We've come over 100 miles so far, with lot's more to go... Our schedule is absolutely nuts...even more than our usual level of crazy. Lots of folks asking where my blog entries are...it's not for a lack of trying; there is just no time. (Will try to send another email next week...)

Holding up physically pretty well. I'm battling some sickness trying to take me out (it won't) and Kevin had a touch of exhaustion and hypothermia last night (it won't happen again). This prayerwalking stuff is not for the squeamish...but we are rejoicing in the high privilege of interceding for our nation.

We believe God is smiling on our efforts...and that, somehow, in His economy, the dividends for our country's future will be HUGE. We are literally "walking out" this prophetic reminder that as His chosen people, we have authority in...and responsibility for...the land He has given us. As the Church goes, so goes the nation.

God has given us "red carpet" favor all along our route; our entire itinerary is already filled with expectant friends, old and new. Our hosts along the way have been amazingly gracious, and the nightly gatherings have been exceptionally sweet. Thank you one and all!

Please remember us in your prayers...that the fullness of God's provision for this prayerwalk through the roots of our nation would be realized.

We welcome and appreciate your prayers and support. 

Walking alongside you,

Tom

(Note: I usually wouldn't share a personal "in secret" discipline, but I felt I should, in order to encourage you at the end of this message.)

JUST TWO WEEKS AGO, God gave me a "suddenly," to kick-off our "homestretch" with a prayerwalk through the spiritual roots of our nation, from Boston to New York.

Kevin Roberts, my right-hand-reverend from years back, is joining me, along with a handful of other pastor friends. We'll be joined by more pastors and prayer-warriors along the way. Already, God is going before us with great favor.

WHY?

Our nation is in absolute turmoil and the truth is: It's not the Democrats' fault; It's not President Obama's fault. Neither Harry Reid, nor Nancy Pelosi, nor George W. Bush, nor Ted Cruz, nor the Tea Party is to blame. AS THE CHURCH GOES, SO GOES THE NATION.

I believe this 300-mile kick-off is a faith-in-action illustrated sermon our desperate need to rise up and re-claim this powerful truth...not out of arrogance, but out of spiritual responsibility. God's promised response to a genuinely repentant people is our only hope!

HOW?

From the counsel of faithful friends, I've committed to stop apologizing for our need of funds. It's time we raised support on purpose, and that time is now. I will be saying more about this in the days ahead, but please don't wait for my written invitation. Click here to give today.

Now a word the Lord spoke to me during my fast:

Two weeks before the "download" for this kick-off...I'd been out prayerwalking all afternoon when evening came. I'd prayed a lot of miles that day and it had been hotter than snot for most of them, but just as the sun was setting, with only a couple miles to go, a surprisingly cool breeze suddenly swept over me. That's when the Lord spoke...

"Just as this cool autumn breeze blows over you and brings refreshing, so I will bring refreshing to you in this autumn season of prayer. Behold, in these days, I am calling my Church in America to pray like never before. Though the fires of tribulation rage all around them, those who dwell in the sanctuary of My presence will abide in the shadow of My peace. I am willing; I am wooing my people into an intimate place of communion with Me like never before."

BTW, this word didn't come until the 74th day of my fast; the download for the kick-off waited until Day 87. Good things happen when we wait on the Lord...

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
(Psalm 91:1-2)

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)

Walking alongside you for repentance-in-unity,
Tom & Deanna

There are many views on the theological significance of 9/11, especially as it relates to God's judgement upon our nation.

David Wilkerson (1931-2011), the founding pastor of Times Square Church and a brother of impeccable renown, wrote a seminal piece about this which I highly recommend:  The Towers Have Fallen But We Missed the Message.

Our family had the distinct honor of spending a private hour visiting with Brother David just days after he penned this powerful message in October 2001. The biblical text of his sermon begins in the ninth chapter of Isaiah; interestingly, the very same place where Jonathan Cahn's recent best-seller, The Harbinger, also begins. Very thought-and-prayer provoking.

Personally, that post-prayerwalk trip to New York was a game changer. I was invited to lead a prayer meeting right at the epicenter of the smoldering ruins of Ground Zero. The picture of all those "tough-guy" construction workers, holding hands in a circle...overcome with sobbing...will forever be etched in my heart. Holy ground.

To give that testimony the room it deserves is fodder for a book, not an email. But I would like to quickly tell you about an experience that happened a month earlier, toward the end of what would become our first cross-country prayerwalk, on Sunday, September 9, 2001:

While prayerwalking with a group of intercessors through downtown Charlotte, NC, I felt moved to look up at the tallest building in the city, the Bank of America Corporate Center. Suddenly, I saw the building explode before my very eyes, as God shouted in my heart, "I'm bringing revival to the United States!"

This vision was so stunning, I thought it was really happening. It took me a while to catch my breath and relay to the other prayer-walkers what I'd just seen. Still shaken by it all, I spoke about it that same evening at a large Assembly of God church in Concord, NC.

TWO DAYS LATER, on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 (the only Tuesday morning of the entire 3400-mile prayerwalk when our team was not out prayerwalking, but "just happened" to all be staying in the same home, and "just happened" to all be watching the news during breakfast...the only morning we ever did so), when I saw the Towers hit on the news, it was supernatural déjà vu. Exactly what I'd "seen" two days earlier in Charlotte.

I would later find that the cornerstone of that building in Charlotte actually reads, "United States Building." So, what does all this mean? Is America coming under judgement? Is God bringing revival to the United States?

Yes, and yes. Because "mercy triumphs over judgement!" (James 2:13)

In these sober days surrounding the anniversary of 9/11, with global conflict and turmoil on every side, let's agree together for a spirit of conviction to grab hold of the American Church. The only hope for healing, the only hope for revival, is through God's response to a genuinely repentant Church. 

Standing with you for repentance-in-unity,
Tom & Deanna

Just a few day ago, Deanna and I celebrated the fifth anniversary of the day God saved my mortal life: June 21st, 2008. I'm not waxing maudlin here; anyone with a similar testimony (and there are many of us) will tell you... There is something particularly sweet, no, supernaturally sweet, about being given a "second chance," a "sequel" to one's life on this planet. 

And I desperately needed a sequel; I just didn't realize it! But that wasn't all I needed. As many of you know, after God saved my life, He saw fit to allow me to press on with some new challenges. [1] 

Note: From a global Kingdom perspective, it's hard to even say the word "challenges" out loud, when writing from the safety and comfort of our air-conditioned home in the suburbs, in a country where, so far, at least, I'm still allowed to preach the Gospel, unfettered, without anyone holding a gun to my head. 
Not to mention the fact that my "momentary light affliction," which, by the way, is producing for me an "eternal weight of glory," pales in comparison to what so many of our friends and family, and so many of you, are going through. (See 2 Corinthians 4:17)

Truth is, this journey of "pressing on" has become the greatest gift I never wanted. To put it in simpler terms, Deanna likes me better now.

My son (in-law) Adam and me at the top (8600') of the infamous Incline in Colorado Springs, a 2100' elevation gain in 2800 steps. (Dude...)

You see, I've always been driven. The first mountain I ever climbed was the tallest in the continental US; the first race I ever ran was a marathon; the first prayerwalk I ever led was across the country. You get the picture.
 
And just like every other gift-mix God sovereignly hard-wires His children with, being a driver can be good and bad. (Just ask Deanna and the kids.) To be frank, until all this drama five years ago, my connotation of "weakness" was akin to name-calling... 

But by God's grace, I'm starting to learn in real life what I'd only understood in Biblical theory: that His strength CANNOT be perfected in me without a corresponding weakness on my part.

My wife is teaching me.
A few months ago, on a particularly beautiful spring morning, Deanna and I were sitting on our front porch steps, sipping (my) coffee and (her) tea. We'd just returned from a criss-crossed blitzkrieg of travel, where we'd barely had a chance to exhale, so this stolen moment together was all the sweeter...

"This is nice," I said.

"Yes," she replied, "It's the first time you've talked to me in six months."

Needless to say, she got my attention. Mind you, she said this very sweetly, with a smile on her face and her arm wrapped around mine. I knew she wasn't being literal, and she knew I knew. But still...

Turns out it wasn't about her feeling neglected; she was worried about me. 

She told me that ever since I'd received my marching orders last summer for CapitalWalk, she'd hardly seen me, even when I was in town. She was glad that I was feeling stronger much of the time, but she was more than a little concerned that I was overdoing it, big-time.

She was right.

So I'm taking steps to repent. 
We were going to start our first tour of 100 cities right after Memorial Day, but now, I've moved it to the fall. (Working on the blueprints right now.) 

I'm also going to finish re-building our house from the water-damage it sustained while we were prayerwalking on the West Coast in the spring of 2012. Since then, life has been one big blur. We've been living in our guest room for over a year now. 

Deanna has been unbelievably patient, and not just about the house. I don't want to exploit her grace; I want to honor it.

And neither of us would mind a little more porch-time...

Our friends are also helping me learn.
A few weeks ago, while in a prayer meeting with a small group of faithful and trusted friends in Ohio, one of them asked me to share how I was doing. (Me, personally, not just the ministry.)

I started in about Deanna and me on the front porch...in Technicolor detail. As I was telling the story, it finally hit me... "I'm overwhelmed." 

Take note that I'm using the "o"-word as a confession, not a complaint.

I'm not a victim; I'm a Christian! Without Christ, I'd be a weenie, just another self-obsessed, burned-out Baby Boomer. But in Christ, I'm a warrior; I'm an overcomer. In Christ, I'm an "escape artist."

No temptation (test, trial) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13, parentheses/bold added)

Confession or not, I realized that, maybe for the first time since this mission began, I was majorly strung out. 

Something needed to change. 

Note: When God created the heavens and the earth, He noted His daily progress as "good." The first time He said "not good" was at the prospect of man being alone. (See Genesis 2:18) Of the countless other scriptural examples, here's another favorite of mine: Ecclesiastes 4:9, which can literally be translated, "Two are better than ONLY one..." 

God hasn't called us to be Lone Rangers.
When Pentecost Walk began in 2001, it was a family affair, kids and all. What a wonderful adventure to prayerwalk the length and breadth of the nation together! As the mission transitioned into regional gatherings and prayerwalks, our kids went back to regular (not home) school and Deanna went back to being a stay-at-home mom. 

All these years later, ever since our kids were grown, Deanna's been able to travel with me most of the time, which has been a GREAT blessing to me (and the folks we minister with). But she and I are in agreement that her calling is to be my life-partner and helpmate, not my administrative assistant.

Along the way, we've had a great team around us.
Small bands of pastors joined us as full-time missionaries for each of our cross-country prayerwalks, and there's always been a faithful host of friends serving behind the scenes. Most have been (and will continue to be) missionary volunteers, but, one way or another, I'd always had a full-time right-hand brother/assistant at my side...until five years ago. 

This lack of a right-hand man wasn't a big deal for the first two-and-a-half years, when I was fairly compromised and hardly traveled. But ever since God shifted me into full-throttle, I've been getting more and more buried. This crescendoed once CapitalWalk got underway, and hasn't let up. 

Indeed, last fall's 50-capitals-in-50-days was just a warm-up, a preview of the pace our homestretch will require through 2015.

Neurologically, it is "no bueno" for me to overdo it. No violins; just sayin'... I promised Deanna I wouldn't do that, and I wanna keep that promise.

I shared all this with my friends in that prayer meeting.
Suddenly, my very obvious and longstanding need for administrative and ministerial help was elevated to the stature of a prophetic prayer declaration. 

And so we prayed.  (Are you ready?)

Without anybody pitching anybody, BEFORE WE LEFT OHIO, a dear couple stepped up and unilaterally volunteered to cover our costs for an assistant! These folks had already been generous to our mission for some time, but it was really something to witness God grabbing their hearts to come alongside us in such a profound way.

And they weren't even at that prayer meeting!  God sure was.

Now the work really begins.
When I'm on the road, my waking attention is wholly devoted to the pastors and leaders I'm with. While it is my great joy and honor to work alongside these brothers and sisters...this summer, my primary focus must be planning. I simply cannot do that if I'm constantly on the road. 

PRAYER REQUEST:
We hadn't planned or budgeted to be off the road so much this summer, but we truly believe God changed our plans. Without falling into sloppy-agape foolishness, we believe this catalytic gift-promise from Ohio was supernaturally directed by Him in response to our willingness to adjust course, for all the humbling reasons stated in this detailed narrative. 

Those who have followed us for some time know I'm a stickler for "if the Lord wills" disclaimers when announcing plans. This isn't some faithless attempt to "hedge my bets," but the only way I know to safeguard my soul from arrogance, as noted in James 4:13-16. 

There's much at stake. What I witnessed on the CapitalWalk was beyond any level of breakthrough I've ever seen. With all my heart, I believe it was a prophetic harbinger of our homestretch, IF THE LORD WILLS.

In the days ahead, just as He just did in Ohio, we believe God will supernaturally direct people to give generously, in very unexpected ways.

Will you pray and believe with us?

Long before my "sequel..."
Our son, David, bought me a Superman poster for my office, as that's been my nickname around the house for years, especially with him. After the summer of 2008, my family gave me this Superman mug, because now, by God's mercy, the name hits a little closer to home.

I'm thankful for my wife and family who love me. I'm thankful for a treasure trove of friends, near and far, who truly have my back. I'm thankful for an earthly dad who, to this day, is the embodiment of "Clark Kent." But most of all, I'm thankful to the Lord. 

For He alone is Superman.

In Him, may we all be Supermen and Superwomen. May we all be His "escape artists." May we learn to trust Him completely, as He sovereignly allows just enough Kryptonite into each of our lives for His strength to be made perfect in our weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) 

May each of us walk in the newness of the "sequel" He has planned for us! For His mercies are new every morning! He makes all things new! (Lamentations 3:22-23, Revelation 21:5)

With much love and gratitude,

Tom & Deanna

Footnote: 

[1] For those who have been taught that a person of faith can never suffer health challenges (if they only believe), that God would never sovereignly allow such trials in order to shape and perfect His children, I submit that 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 begs to differ. That doesn't mean we aren't healed by Christ's wounds; we are, completely. (See Isaiah 53:5) It just means that God is bigger than us. (See Isaiah 55:9) He is never blinded by the chronological circumstances that blind you and me; He sees the end of our days as clearly as He sees this precise moment in time. Praise the Great Physician! 

2012 was a breakthrough year and, by God's grace, a harbinger of even greater fruitfulness to come. Faithful is He who is calling us. He will do it! (From 1 Thessalonians 5:24) 

Thank you for your faithfulness...in prayer, support and friendship.

Happy New Year beloved!
Tom & Deanna

Important year-end postscripts...

Did you see my one-paragraph, mowing-the-lawn Christmas Spirit message?

IF THE LORD WILLS, this Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, will mark the start of our final prayerwalking initiative across the country to the White House. This has been on my heart since I returned from my 28,000-mile, 50-state journey. Details will follow in the weeks ahead, but we're planning to cover all 50 states, with even more cities, lingering longer with the pastors in each one, and connecting them all with miles and miles of prayerwalking. Come Lord Jesus! 

Snapped on Election Day in Nashville. L-R: Our friends Sarah & Rick Lowe (Sarah heads NDP for the southeastern states, Rick headed a 12-man, 24/7 prayer-shield for me throughout the 50 days), Rick White (our friend and pastor), me, Ricky Skaggs (even sweeter than he is gifted) and Deanna

A letter from our pastor, Rick White

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

My friend, Tom Demaree, just returned from a 28,000-mile prayer-mission across America, where he led on-site prayer gatherings at every Capitol across our nation in the 50 days leading up to Election Day. Most of us cannot fathom the faith and fortitude it must have taken to complete such an arduous journey. Tom's calling is definitely unique. His willingness to take on...by faith...what others would never attempt, is not just commendable; it's inspiring. 

Speaking of faith, I happen to be personally aware of the faith-investment he and Deanna made to embark on this CapitalWalk mission. With only a few weeks to prepare, they had no choice but to invest their own money up front. And their investment was substantial (drawn from limited funds set aside to re-build their house from a water damage catastrophe last spring).  

I'm writing you today to ask you to consider a special "thank you" gift for their mission accomplished. As their friends and prayer-partners, such post-mission support is the least we can do.     

A week ago on Election Day, I had the the honor of emceeing Tom's final CapitalWalk up in Nashville. It was a joy to watch him in action, effortlessly shepherding folks from so many varying streams of church life in a transformational spirit of unity, in genuine humility. It was obvious to all that God was on the move!  

During my remarks, I shared publicly what I'd told Tom privately, when he told me about his 50-day CapitalWalk vision: "God could call 1,000 guys to do what you're about to do and 1,000 guys would say 'no,' but you said 'yes.' And that's what sets you apart; that's what makes you the man of faith I know you to be. I admire you, Tom. You inspire me."

I look forward to hearing more about what God showed him on this spiritual odyssey. I think all of us, as the body of Christ in America, will benefit from the insights Tom will share from this amazing journey. But first, I'm praying he gets some rest! 

Let's pray for Tom and Deanna, for a God-ordained reprieve from the day-to-day pressures of their faith-mission...so they might have the time and resources necessary for the due diligence of waiting upon the Lord for their next steps. 

I believe God has called them forth for "such a time as this." Through our generosity, we have the opportunity to help them fulfill that calling. 

As Tom's friend and also as his pastor, I commend him to you...not only because of what he just accomplished, not only because of what lays ahead, but because of how I've watched he and Deanna gladly lay down their lives for the Church, without reservation. 

I invite you to bless this couple in return, by investing generously in their mission...for the Kingdom's sake. 

Your brother in grace,

Rick  
Rick White
Senior Pastor
The People's Church, Franklin, TN

A postscript from Tom

It is uncomfortably humbling to be honored this way. Deanna and I thank you, Rick, for your kind and affirming words. And to our beloved friends and prayer-partners, we thank you in advance for your response to Rick's invitation. To give a gift to Pentecost Walk today, please click here.

I have MUCH to share in the days ahead. This short-term mission was a glorious game changer. Deanna and I appreciate your prayers and support more now than ever before. My blog will be updated within days, and Deanna and I will be announcing some very exciting "next steps" very soon. Much love from us both.  

Had fun at Living Water before we caravanned to the Capitol.

Lots of fun...

I've only talked about this a million times on this site, but because of adding Juneau and Honolulu (where I'm typing this, awaiting my flight to Oregon) the folks in Olympia got last-minute notice. Still we had a small army that showed up, as you can see in the next pic below.

Pastor Hoel and his wife, Denise, were awesome. Joel had a prophetic word for me before we took off from the church that was deeply affirming. The pray time in the portico was as deep and effective as any I've ever been to...a truly amazing time in the Lord's presence. The tall fella in the back is my buddy, Monte. 

Monte and his wife, Denise. We became friends in Bismarck before they moved to the Seattle area. Denise makes a killer blackened Ribeye...Buffalo, that is...

From our hotel, early the next morning. Thank you Susan for the great hospitality!!!! (BYW, my good friend and wing-man with me for WA state was John Monroe, but somehow, he managed to stay out of the pictures. Love you John! Thanks so much!)

The morning servies were extremely powerful...God really gave a word-in-season. The prayer gathering on the Capitol's Portico was beyond anything I've experienced in the 43 capitals before Denver. As with all breakthrough things of the Lord, it's hard to articulate. You had to be there. Some of that "sense of awe" stuff talked about in the second chapter of Acts. 

Really looking forward to seeing Pastor Shawn Siegfreid and all these sweet folks again. Thanks for walking by faith, Shawn, to extend the last-minute invitation. God's hand is truly on your state!

Our daughter, Michelle, made Denver happen. With all the re-working of our Western US schedule (to include Juneau and Honolulu), it would have been much easier to do Denver last Friday, but Mickey-Pie really asked me to pray about coming Sunday...so her husband, Adam, who serves our country at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, could join us. At the end of an AWESOME day at the Capitol, everyone thanked Michelle for her faithful and bold counsel to her dad. Hallelujah! 

As folks were still arriving at the Capitol, Deanna was riding over with another good friend of ours, Rita Witten, and they'd lost their way. You can see me answering her call. 

A brother from Focus on the Family drove up to record much of the event "live" and to do an interview. I'll try to share the post. 

Michelle (on right) and her friend from the Springs, Hillary, walking up the steps. There were already so many folks assembled on the front steps, we honestly thought another event was underway.

A way-good lunch afterwards with good friends, old and new. L-R, Dan Feilmeier, Sherrie Siegfreid, Bonnie Feilmeier, Deanna, me, Paula Miller, Dave Miller, Michelle (Sanborn), Adam, Shawn Siefreid, Shaden Siegfreid

People kept coming. We couldn't all fit in the portico at the top of the stairs.

I'm posting this in the car, en route from Sea-Tac airport to Olympia, Washington for our 45th CapitalWalk. My close friend, John Monroe, who just recently moved his family up from Santa Maria, CA to Edmonds, WA, is my chauffer and wing-man for the night. Way good to be with John.

So...I just wrote a way-too-long diatribe on how ridiculous it is to go to 50 capitals in 50 days when you don't have contacts in most of the cities, etc... The long prose wasn't cathartic, just honest...and the bottom line was how GLORIOUS this has been. Nonetheless, maybe it's the Lord that I lost it... Gone.

So, instead of writing it again, let me just say that even though I had the PERFECT contact for Austin (Steve Hawthorne of Waymakers, a friend and mentor since 2001) I didn't call Steve until just a handful of days beforehand. So if you're thinking how dumb that is-or-was of me...all I can tell you is this:

YOU try going to 50 capitals in 50 days with hardly any notice... We're doing the best we can, and it truly has been glorious. Even though there were about six other events going on that same day in Austin, Steve helped us gather a small band of prayer-warriors to agree with us for the sake of the GREAT state of Texas, for the USA, and ultimately, for the GLORY of the King!

Austin started with a rippin' post-airport lunch with a buddy named Seth. He and I have been friends for some years, "pen pals," really. He met me when I spoke at his home church a million years ago, and reached out in partnership and support. Pretty sweet face-to-face, finally... BTW, I had some kind of breakfast corn-tortilla burrito type deal, but way different than anything I'd ever had before. Muy bueno!

Seth and Jesse (he and Lisa's third of three boys).

Everything's big in Texas...

...and beautiful

Thank you Thana and Dick..and all!

No wonder God has blessed this state. 

An unusual adobe-style Capitol. Don't let the sunny decor fool you...it was 38 and windy and my toes were numb in my flip-flops.

"Morning Prayer" an Apache statue right at the front doors. (Deanna is 1/32 Apache)

Prayed with the dearest brother! The Honorable Secretary of State, Max Maxfield. What a tenderhearted guy!

A beautiful, yet simply designed Capitol

A beautiful, albeit sleepless morning with some sweet saints. Come Lord Jesus!

Major bummer. Sat still almost an hour. Then started creeping along, only to be turned back by a closed freeway due to ice. Had to divert all the way south through Fort COllins on a slippery road, to arrive in Cheyenne after 5am for a 7:30 am prayer meeting. Who can sleep when you need to get up in 90 minutes? Not me.

What a gorgeous town Salt Lake is. We had to do a "drive-by" there...no big meeting...because we had to get down the road to Cheyenne by bedtime. But we ran into a closed freeway and I ended up getting ZERO sleep...not quite enough. 

Never seen so much marble in my life!

Brigham Young...the campus down the street is equally impressive.

The architects sparred no detail...

Celestial lighting is a definite theme throughout 

We were given a private tour of the whole place (which was already locked up, but not for us) by Officer Shawn of the Utah Capitol Police. We had a very warm and engaging talk about theology. Shawn was (and still is...so far) a Mormon. 

The Mormon Temple used to stand head and shoulders above everything in town. Now it's dwarfed by a gleaming modern skyline.

We started the drive to Boise the night before from Helena. Icy roads. We passed a rolled over vehicle and had to proceed slooowly. After a night and day of slippery driving, we arrived just in time for a SWEET meeting. 

We encountered more "winter wonderland" than we bargained for on the way in to, and out of Helena. Just as the last presidential debate was about to start, we had a quick prayer meeting on the steps, to stay ahead of the ice on the way to Idaho for the next day. Thanks Diane and Ralph Hoffman!

Wish we could have stayed longer to pray in this city. Looking forward to next time.

The country gentleman from Virginia is definitely warm-blooded. But we got out of there in time to stay ahead of the weather. Ralph does ALL the driving, while I answer calls, texts and emails from the passenger seat. Couldn't do it without you, brutha!

We hung out with our good friends at New Song and at the First Baptist. I shared at both churches that morning, and then some folks came out from other churches across town. Pretty good for an afternoon when the Vikings were playing!

This guy looks religious here, but Larry's actually one of the sweetest (in a smart alecky way) friends a guy could ever have. But don't tell him I said that; it will go to his Norwegian head!

Chanda (who's a big help behind the scenes as a ever-faithful volunteer) and her new baby girl, Bella...70 lbs. of pure sweetness!

Even North Dakota has Mexican food. (With Tim & Annie Tripp)

Pierre (pronounced like "peer") was a "drive by." Because of the 1000+ mile day we gad, and to be in Bismarck, ND in time for morning services the next day, we had to get in and get on... We hooked up with a local pastor, Dallas McKinley (what a wonderful young leader...Lord bless Dallas, Sarah and their kids), was happy to meet us there for a quick agreement. It was 64 marvelous degrees outside. Hallelujah! BUT THERE"S MORE! (See next pic)

BUT WE HAD 150 ADDITIONAL FOLKS IN AGREEMENT that day in South Dakota. My good buddy, Dale Bartcher, who leads a ministry called Family Heritage Alliance in Rapid City, hosted a prayer rally that same day, where, in the shadow of Mount Rushmore, they all agreed on our Pre-Election Prayer for America. Yes Lord! 

All our friends in the Twin Cities (whom we'd prayerwalked with before) were out of town on other prayer initiatives/retreats. There is more going on for national prayer RIGHT NOW than ever before in my lifetime. But some sweet folks were happy to join with us at the 11th hour on a COLD morning in Minnesota. It was--as it always is--an honor to agree with these passionate saints. 

Wisconsin has been in the forefront of the news over the last year or so. The Church has been castigated--by association with certain political viewpoints--in a town where political castigation is celebrated by pop culture. The reaction of these folks? They don't fight back; they keep coming back for more in the love of Christ. That doesn't mean they don't have political opinions, but they're actually more interested in reaching the lost than winning a political argument.

At least that how they (and how I myself, and I'm hoping, how you) want to be. Lord, give us a laser-focused heart for Your harvest!

My kind of hippies-for-Jesus

Was joined by my buddy Dan Feilmeier. He had driven out the night before--all the way from FOrt COllins, Colorado-- to join us, along with his sisters, Chris and Carla, in Lincoln the night before. Great to be with you Dan. Looking forward to Denver on the 28th. 

Me and my wing-man, Ralph. What a faithful friend he's been to me on the road. Don't know how I got started without him. 

The Statehouse of this highly-engaged state is gorgeous.

House side

Shirley, standing right next to me, prayerwalks the Capitol every Monday. God bless you Shirley!

A hearty 24-hours-notice crowd. 

Thank you Pastor John Morrow, for gathering a small army on an NFL-broadcast night with less than 24 hours notice. First evening I was almost ready to put on long pants.

Even with that friendship and favor, in the fast-and-fruitful scramble of things, the gathering in this capital city, like so many others, was still thrown together in just a couple days. Thank you Zoie for all your help. And thank you to the small army of pastors and leaders that rearranged their schedules at the last minute. Next time, we'll actually give you some reasonable notice. 

We gathered at a store-front church only blocks from the Capitol, where even more folks were able to join us. (Thank you Carrie.) After a short-and-sweet time of worship and exhortation, we walked (with the strong winds, it was more like being blown down the street) to the Statehouse where we prayerwalked throughout and had a special time of worship and prayer right in the Rotunda. (Ralph shot a great video, which I'm gonna try and figure out how to edit/post today in the car.)

During the years where I did a lot of work in Washington DC, I didn't know of another member (Congress or Senate) who garned the same depth of respect from other real-deal believers, whether public figures or behind-the-scenes folks, as (then Senator) Sam Brownback. Proud to know you, brother. May God continue to give you great favor, as you continue to seek Him with your whole heart. 

Praying for David, the Chaplain of the Statehouse

Senate Chamber

Phyllis praying that members would embrace the fear of the Lord.

What a rip-roarin' prayer time we had at the Statehouse!

We were hosted by our good friends, Roger and Dolly Velasquez. Started at their church, and then caravanned up to the Statehouse. These folks "get" it...the path to national revival is paved with genuine repentance. It was truly an honor to hang with these prayer warriors...I can't wait to go back there with Deanna when the dust settles. 

With Vanessa, Roger and Dolly Velasquez

Memorial at the Oklahoma City Bombing site. Hallowed ground. 

Next Capitalwalk I'll get a better camera. 

Had a great time of prayer with Harry Li and his team at Mosaic in Little Rock.

The Statehouse in Little Rock

Just figured out how to add more pics per entry. Check out these bronze doors.

Gargoyle themed statuary surround most Capitols. In their day, they weren't considered evil; in fact, most all of them were dedicated by devout clergymen. At least these in Jefferson City have a Biblical message. 

Too many 1,000-mile days this week. Pretty tired. On the way to Jefferson City, I saw this building along the highway, thinking, "Hey, why can't we just prayerwalk here and call it good?" (Thank You, Lord, for supernatural strength and endurance.)

Springfield is the only Capitol we've been to where the House side is more opulent than the Senate side. 

Fascinating and surprising afternoon in the "Land of Lincoln." Though we got to walk by Lincoln's home (btw, I'm hoping to figure a way for someone to build our gallery remotely, because we have loads of spankin' pictures, just no time [or signal, or both] to load them from the road), Springfield is not the quiet little country town you'd expect. There are a lot of issues of governmental corruption in this state, and the capital city reflects that. 

Now, I'm NOT cursing this state that is highly treasured and beloved by our heavenly Father. (Scroll a a few posts back to Lansing, Michigan.) But, I am saying that "righteousness exalts a nation" (or a state) "but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) Our guides and prayer partners for Springfield, Annie and her sweet tribe of prayer warriors from the Illinois House of Prayer (just four blocks from the Capitol) shared many interesting prayer-points with us about this corruption, still prevalent in their state. For example, in the "Governor's Gallery" in the Capitol building, which is architecturally stunning on the inside (pray we can get our gallery updated during this trek), four of their last five Governor's are in jail. 

This is not a Democrat-or-Republican issue, beloved. These felons came from both sides of the aisle. This is a sin issue. So, let's pray... 

Lord, we lift up the great state of Illinois and ask that You continue to expose sin in the highest places, in government and even in Your Church. We ask, Lord, that wherever sin issues can be dealt with privately with loving accountability...before they become criminal issues...that by Your mercy, you offer folks that option. But Lord, wherever people are determined to be unrepentant, even in Your Church, wherever secret sin is prospering, we ask for heavenly exposure, that there could come genuine confession and that from that genuine confession, authentic repentance would rise up, bringing "times of refreshing." (Acts 3:19)

Refresh the "Land of Lincoln!" Refresh this blessed state and refresh her faithful prayer warriors and intercessors who serve You tirelessly as they stand in the gap for their homeland. Refresh us all, Lord Jesus! We desperately need times of refreshing. Pour out Your gift of repentance on Your people. Convict us to go about our daily lives, conducting ourselves in accordance with our Biblical namesake, as Your "special treasure, above all the peoples of the earth," the very people You've called us and EMPOWERED us to be! Expose every hidden thing, that we would be pleasing to You! AMEN. 

I already posted this on Instagram, but it was worth repeating here. (Join Instagram and follow me there)

More magnificent statuary in this city than even in Washington, DC. I have some good friends in this state, but they were all out of town when we cruised through in a blur. God bless this "heart" of the Heartland. 

Somebody's praying, beloved. And their prayers are effective. God cover this sweet city in this state that is a TREASURE to You! Bless their leaders and their intercessors. (Thanks Gina, for hosting us on 24 hours notice.)

Met up with a mighty band of prayer warriors from the MichHOP right across the street for the Capitol. Wonderful time outside and inside the building. 

Spent a good while praying over the Senate floor in Columbus, where a "Heartbeat Bill," which was introduced and passed by Ohio's House months ago, a bill that would effectively end over 90% of the abortions in the state, has been stalled in the Senate. But God is on the move in Ohio! Hallelujah!

Groovin' (inside the Capitol Rotunda) on a Sunday afternoon. We had the place all to ourselves for over an hour. Pretty sweet stuff. 

Historical Executive Mansion on Capitol grounds in Frankfort . . . a little Marie Antoinette vibe...

A sweet prayerwalk under the stars. Quiet, holy, peaceful. (Thanks again to the sister who led out in prayer for Frankfort on this morning's conference call.)

I-65 N toward Frankfort, KY

Today I'm joined by my good buddy, Ralph Whitaker. He and his wife, Kim, are as gracious of friends as anybody could ever ask for . . . all the more now, since their Virginia home became our CapitalWalk road-headquarters last week. 

Ralph was there first-hand when the unexpected scheduling change with my nephew was unfolding, and he was so compassionate to my need for a wing-man (and so passionate about this 50-state mission) that he asked the Lord if he could join me for a spell ("for a spell" is my affectionate nod to Ralph, a true Virginia country gentleman). 

So, off we go, with plenty of gas in the car, and an overflow of fire in our hearts! Thanks Kim (and Storm, their youngest daughter who's still at home) for letting me borrow your husband (dad) for a couple weeks! 

Come Lord Jesus! Yes, come quickly!  

Hawaii State Capitol (which I'll visit Thursday, November 1st)

Spent all day re-working our schedule to accomodate on-site visits to Juneau and Honolulu. 

Oh . . . and for all you pastors out there suddenly feeling the call to come help in Honolulu, get in line! I've already had dozens of offers!

Seriously, who in their right mind would fly to Hawaii for just one day? (I have to be in Salem, Oregon the very next day.)

But crazy has always worked for me. As long as it's crazy for the King. 

The Louisiana Senate floor

As I've challenged others over the last number of weeks, I've been very convicted myself over my own lack of prayerfulness for the local leaders in my city, county and state. There's much at stake for our nation right now, far beyond the presidential race. 

LORD, help us fulfill this "first of all" command to a depth of obedience that is entirely pleasing to You. Where our lack of prayer has stayed Your hand of deliverance and justice, forgive us O God and turn our hearts, that they would rightly align with Your heavenly directives. God, we are honored to partner with You in our prayer closets for the healing of our communities, for the healing of our nation, and ultimately, for Your glory!

Make us joyful intercessors! AMEN. 

Usually Deanna does all the driving (but not these last 3 weeks)

My third fly-by of this adventure. God says it still counts.

Pastor Larry and I on the Capitol's steps-of-the-states. (Great coffee, btw)

Hung out with a small band of passionate prayer warriors this afternoon under the guidance of Pastors Larry and Brenda Bizette. I love Brenda's combo Italian/Louisianan accent! 

(Pastor Larry and I on the Capitol's steps-of-the-states. Great coffee, btw)

Pulled off the highway in Destin, Florida this morning for a quick prayerwalk en route to Louisiana. The sand looks like sugar! So gorgeous! Need to come back here with Deanna after all this is over. 

After 21 days on the road and as many CapitalWalks, the Lord met me in a profound way last night. You see, this "suddenly" mission (which was downloaded with only a few weeks to prepare) has not only been the most arduous assignment I've ever stepped up to, but, it would seem, the most heart-rending as well, at least at times. Let me explain...

One of the occupational hazards of being on the "front lines" (or, as Scripture would call it, "a journey too great" for us) is that if we don't guard against it, we can sometimes feel just like Elijah felt (worth re-reading about), like we're the only one. But, just as God assured Elijah there were 7,000 others, so God always assures us we're not alone.

In my case, this mission isn't "my first rodeo," and so, I'm very thankful for the preemptive wisdom God has given me to avoid that kind of self pity. (Not that I've never gone there before; check out these lyrics to the bridge of a song I wrote a few years back, called, "You're My Peace:" Circumstances rising up before me/Giving place to all my doubts and my fears/I'm feeling sorry for myself, oh poor me/Haven't I learned anything all these years?) 

Still, this has certainly been a barnburner, to say the least. (Now, it may sound like I'm contradicting what I just said, and pulling out my violin, but I'm not. You try even getting to 50 capitals in 50 days! As my dear friend and former Pentecost Walk missionary, Bobby Burkhardt, would say, "Not for the squeamish!") 

So, by God's grace, I've been guarding my heart, but I've still been quite exhausted and feeling more than a little tender. Out of the 21 Capitols I've prayerwalked so far, we've had remnant-reinforcements at 18 of them. Instead of being AMAZED that on such short notice, God pulled 18 meetings (some with less than 24 hours notice) out of His spiritual hat, being the driven guy that I am, I've focused more on the three where I was alone, the most recent (and most tender) of which was last night.  

Now, let me paint the picture of last night for you... 21 days into this sleep-deprived non-stop mission, with almost 6,000 miles on the rental car already, having just prayed alone in Montgomery earlier that same day (even though my friend, Huey Hudson, agreed with me by phone on site), driving 12 hours in the car by the time I arrived in Tallahassee... Add to this that I have no prior paradigm for prayerwalking that doesn't always include others, sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands of others, add to this that my nephew, whom I dearly love, came and went unexpectedly, and that I'd stayed up with him until almost daybreak the previous two nights as we'd prayed and talked through his challenges, and then the biggest piece of all... That my beloved, Deanna, was sobbing during a late night phone call en route, as I was closing in on Florida's capital, wanting to be strong for me, but so deeply feeling my pain and not wanting me to feel like a failure...

Tender...

So I get to Tallahassee. It's beautiful. It's balmy. It's as peaceful an atmosphere as I've felt in years (the kind of atmosphere where God's "still small voice" can get through). I'd asked a Capital Police officer, a tall, mountain of a man named Sultan,  where I could park, and he allowed me to park in the "restricted lot." (Favor) I asked my new African-American friend if he was a believer, because I already knew he was. He and I agreed in prayer. It was powerful. It was Matthew 18 heaven-and-earth moving. We talked frankly about the need for the "white" Church (forgive the expression) to stop turning God into a Republican, and for the "Black" Church (again, forgive) to stop turning Him into a Democrat. It was a beautiful bridge.

Sultan was more inspired by this mission than anyone I've ever met. (He was too shy for a picture by the way, all 6'8" 280 pounds of him.) He gave me the run of the place, allowing me to walk anywhere around the Capitol I wanted, for as long as I wanted. 

In this silent, balmy sanctuary of God's presence and peace, where I'm guessing hundreds of unseen angels were praising God in agreement, the "still small voice" of My Master spoke:

"I am pleased with you, son. As you connect these Capitals across the land, I am changing the spiritual landscape of this nation. I am bringing breakthrough. This mission is central to what I'm doing in this nation, at this very hour, and I am with you. My hand is on you, and I am pleased with you." 

Beloved, ultimately, we serve an audience of One. From here on, I will still contend for crowds wherever I go, but whether hundreds join me or whether I am alone, I am His. And because I am His, I am never alone.

Somehow, by His unfathomable grace, my meager efforts (with your prayers, our efforts) are pleasing to Him.

Come Lord Jesus! Come quickly!

Agreed in prayer over the phone with my dear friend and Alabaman, Pastor Huey Hudson

Sorry it’s taken me this long to start posting. Honestly haven’t had a spare second until now (and we tweaked our schedule to make this time). BY GOD’S GRACE, we are not burning out, but take my word for it, 50 Capitals in 50 days is a real barnburner.

We've split this recap post in 27 separate entries, starting from my send-off at our home church. Scroll through the list to your heart's content. 

From now on... I’ll be sharing something (almost) daily. It won’t always be so “report” centered as this first long entry was, but if you can hang with us, I believe our agreement in prayer will move heaven and earth, for the sake of our nation and, ultimately, for the glory of our King!

We are only one jigsaw puzzle piece of God's glorious last-days blueprints, but, by faith, I believe a SIGNIFICANT piece.

TO PRAYERFULLY TRACK WITH US, please subscribe to these posts, and then share them on your social media.

Keep praying, beloved. Something incredible is happening.

First time we had the cops called on us. These two cruisers pulled up and Officer Pitts and Officer Golden followed their orders to shut us down. They politely removed us from the Capitol steps, but graciously allowed us to continue praying in a penned off section. I had the chance to pray for both of them, which was a sweet as can be. Loving folks face-to-face changes everything. 

A old pastor-buddy from the first cross-country prayerwalk, Don Brock, would have put a big shindig together if he hadn't been on vacation, but because of the 50-state scurry and the challenges that put on our schedule to re-route some cities, I agreed with Don on site in prayer. Even though I was in a rush to get to Atlanta later the same day, I lingered there for almost an hour, having an awesome time of onsite prayer for the Palmetto State.

Due to scheduling changes, I had to do a fly-by here. But I prayerwalked the grounds for quite some time and believe it still "counts." God is connecting the spiritual dots form coast to coast. Come Lord Jesus! (Will post more photos in the gallery in a day or two...)

Ralph and Kim Whitaker

Still, to finish well, we stayed an extra day at our good friends, the Whitaker's, in Amelia Courthouse, Virginia...they could not have been more gracious.

My nephew, Jared, returned home today. I treasure the ten days we had together, as he and I are closer than ever. It was very bittersweet to see him off to the airport, via Amtrak (where, unfortunately, he missed his stop for BWI and had to take 27 planes, 13 taxis, 3 rickshaws and a moped to make his rescheduled stand-by flights, the NEXT day...perhaps I exaggerate a bit, but I feel his pain).  Bottom line, he needed to get home. He was needed at his newlywed home, and he needed to be there. The expression, "It's all good" applies here (and everywhere else in our lives and mission endeavors), if we declare it in God's context of Romans 8:28. 

God bless you Jared, and your dear wife, Melissa. Your giftedness as a photographer is massive, but not a smidgen as big as your heart of compassion! Aunt Deanna and I are honored to know you. We love you like a son, and look forward to the next opportunity to be together. Peace to you both as you settle back into Seattle life. 

This is what I've been doing for about 15 hours today. Another "download" day. Come Lord Jesus! The first two weeks were so action packed, we didn't have a chance to stop and post, or to return many calls (spotty signal on the back roads) for the capitals ahead. But it's all good...we'll just double-up some days and get back on schedule. 

Our good friends, the Whitaker's, made their country home our temporary field office. We've taken over their kitchen table, where they insist on feeding us! Thanks Ralph, Kim and Storm!

Taken on my morning run yesterday.

Hey beloved... We had an AWESOME time in Tom's River last night at Walt Healy's church. Today, we are camping out in the lobby of our hotel, before we take off, determined to get some posts out. 

The first 15 days have been such a blur that we needed to tweak our schedule to catch up on this stuff. We will make up for the time spent; we won't skip one single Capitol. Although we'll have to double-up on a few days to make up for this "download day."

BUT...we're not parked; we're passionate. (Even though sitting still with a laptop is far more difficult than prayerwalking across the country.) 

After all, God didn't call us to park. See Romans 13:11-13 from The Message.

Pastor Maureen Healy and me. She and Walt are so genuine...real spiritual parents in the Beloved.

Two entries ago, I told you the challenges surrounding the geographic and scheduling proximity of America for Jesus. They all applied here in New Jersey. 

Nonetheless, we had an awesome time as the guests of Pastors Walt and Maureen Healy at the Church of Grace and Peace in Toms River, NJ. We started at their morning services, prayed with a small contingent from their church on site at the Capitol, and then came back for a rousing prayer meeting that evening. All very Word-honoring, and therefore very sweet. Thanks Walt!

Remember, beloved, we sow in the invisible, and we reap in the invisible.

But, since we'd scheduled ourselves to be close by geographically during these two days (just in case), most all of the church/prayer-leader hosts we would typically connect with were already in Philly at the event, and therefore NOT in Harrisburg or Dover. We had just one brother join us in Harrisburg, but a great brother...a pastor and psalmist named David Rosen, a friend whom I’d first met 11 years earlier up in New England.

The open door at the top of the stairs is the Governor's office.

But the three of us we weren’t the only prayer warriors at the Pennsylvania State House. After praying on the steps of the Capitol late that night, I noticed a police guard inside and walked up to the glass door to “sign” a thank-you to him for letting us linger. Without noticing, I’d had us praying in full view of a “No entry beyond this point” sign the entire time. (Dork alert.) Not only wasn’t he upset, but he motioned us inside.

Get ready for a “favor is better than talent” story…

So this precious brother, a sergeant with the State Police in the Great Commonwealth of PA, became the focus of the entire evening. Officer Richard Cooper, or Rick, as he introduced himself, was quite gracious. I introduced myself and what we were doing, and before you knew it, Rick was telling us his testimony of being miraculously healed from thyroid cancer and a subsequent “supernatural sunbeam” encounter with the Living God. Even with all this, due to Rick’s liturgical-only background, he didn’t know if he was “in.”

We had a chance to pray with and for him, and his family. Nothing like blessed assurance!

Suffice it to say this "chance" meeting with a humble brother was TRULY a divine encounter. Thank you Rick, for the sweetest evening so far!

And thanks, David, for the awesome time and the great Chile Relleno at La Fiesta!

We started at David’s Tent on the Ellipse, then prayerwalked to City Hall (the de facto working capital of DC) and then onto the US Capitol (the legal capital of DC). What an awesome day! Come Lord Jesus!

Me and Fresh (Rev. Dr. David Freshour)

With ONE DAY’S notice, a diehard couple of intercessory leaders, Bob and Annette Stagmer, gathered a band of mighty men and women to storm the Capitol gates and agree with us for a deep work of repentance-in-unity for the Church in Maryland. Hallelujah!

We were joined and hosted by my close friend David Freshour, who, along with his wife, Maureen, pastors Chevy Chase Baptist Church in DC. Thanks Dave & Mo, for putting most of your busy plates on hold for two days. And to Lucy (their daughter and upcoming singer/songwriter), GREAT song, girl! Proud of you!

We had a decent sized group, but look like specs on the portico of this monumental edifice.

Got to have supper at our good friends, Ralph and Kim Whitaker’s, then rush to an evening service at their church, then caravan for an HOUR to the Capitol for a nightwatch/prayerwalk. Thanks Pastor Dave from Amelia!

I finally joined up with my nephew, Jared. He’s a newlywed (almost two years now), busily building up a new photography business, but he set all that aside to join his Uncle-Pastor Tom as a missionary volunteer for this adventure. Now THAT’S faith. Well done, Jared. Please pray for his wife at home in Seattle, Melissa.

My good friends, Rodney Lord and Gordie Deer, pastors from up in Marietta, Ohio, picked up Jared from the airport and brought him down to Charleston. These guys are covenant brothers and good buddies in Christ. Thanks guys for coming through for the Team.

We had some bad news upon Jared's arrival. An elderly neighbor of theirs, a kindly old man with Alzheimer’s, was accidentally shot and killed by the Seattle Police Department as they responded to a 9-1-1 call that the elderly man himself had made. So tragic. He was beloved by all his neighbors, including Jared and Melissa. She is still undone, and ministering to many neighbors. Please pray.

Thanks Pastor Phil and Suzette...and Sarah!

This first nightwatch/prayerwalk in Charleston was such a joy. (More pics in Galleries)

We're good at orchestrating big events, but not so good at responding to the Holy Spirit in real time. I’m all for planning, and I can assure you that I don’t think something needs to be spontaneous to be holy, but (to the best of my knowledge) this mission was a “suddenly,” the kind of endeavor that simply by its last-minute nature, will require folks to respond by faith quickly...IN REAL TIME. 

Now, it’s a big mistake to ever presume that everybody would want to get in on your deal, no matter how God-inspired that deal might be. Oftentimes, it’s truly impossible for folks to change their plans at the last minute, and as well, they shouldn’t. God plans are good plans. 

Even here in New Jersey (where I'm writing this in a hotel lobby), one of my best friends up in Cranford had an all-day event at his church involving a ton of volunteers and guests coming in.  This had all been planned months in advance, so, as painfully ironic as it was, his church (which is like a home away from home to Deanna and me) couldn’t participate yesterday in Trenton. (But I’m going there to speak after this mission to give a full report).

Alas, some Concord-area folks who I thought would be all over this didn't even get to hear about it. But stuff happens. We're all overloaded. We're all rushed. Personally, I probably miss it at least half the time; I just won't know which half until I'm face-to-face with my Master...and then I won't even care. 

Come Lord Jesus.

But…we had a spankin’ time anyway. Our host church that morning, Grace Ministries International, pastored by my friends Allen and Lucie Cook, brought a small army up to the State House to agree with me, as we connected the spiritual dots from coast to coast. Hallelujah! Thanks Allen and all…you are precious to me!

This Statehouse is especially dear to my heart, having led a 14-hour prayer meeting in its bowels (about 200 folks in a room BFD-rated for 60) during its battle over its first stab at a “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA). The story of that day was a life-long eye-opener for me, but too long for this space. (I’ll try to share it by video during this 50-day adventure or blog about it after we get back.)

(Somebody please remind me!)

Met a new friend, young enough to be my own son…Jonathan Friz. What an awesome dude. He had Brandt Gillespie shoot a video of us in Roberto Miranda’s (Leon’ de Judah's) studio. We still haven’t got our hands on it, but will post as soon as we get it. In the meantime, here’s a post of the interview I did of Jonathan, when he turned the tables on me and had me play host…

But above all that, the biggest treat of the day was getting a chance to pray with my long-time faithful friend in the Lord, Sister Katherine Puleo. God used Katherine to single-handedly turn the tables on governmental prayer in the Commonwealth a generation ago. Bless you dear one!

Many other New England leaders describe Rhode Island as “tough ground,” often mentioning the “Independent Man” who sits atop their Statehouse as, perhaps, a prophetic explanation for this. Could be, I suppose… But in my experience, when it comes to spiritual strongholds in high places (see Ephesians 6:12), none of us are immune, regardless of whatever silly “totems” the adversary might want to puff up in our thinking.

Truth is, we’re ALL too independent. As the Church, we’ve taken our Declaration of Independence (against tyranny and oppression) and used it as a theocratic justification for all the “self-made man” accolades we pat each other’s backs with. I’m not preaching against personal responsibility, God forbid…but couldn’t the American Church really use a “Declaration of Dependence” upon Jesus Christ?

But I didn't end up praying alone. God sent a lifeline, a lifelong street-mission pastor named John Staiger. Here’s a pic of me with this mighty prayer warrior. God bless you John!

Let’s pray: If Rhode Island, like the rest of us, is too independent, bring conviction, Lord and heal her from the inside-out. Set the body of Christ ablaze with repentance-in-unity! In the meantime, forgive us if we’ve inadvertently cursed our brothers and sisters in Rhode Island and called it “prophesy.” The challenges of spiritual warfare are real, but succumbing to fear (and even superstition) is never Your portion. We speak blessing on Rhode Island and a deep DEPENDENCE on You for all things, for them, AND for us. Amen.

And thanks to Marie and Pastor Steve for trying on such short notice...next time.  

We met in one of the oldest churches in New England.

This was a breakthrough city…where the prayerwalk was a great mix of folks across the bandwidth of church life…pastors, leaders, intercessors, families; everybody. I made a new friend in Pastor Rick McKinniss, a tell-it-like-it-is brother who is full of grace. Great combo. Looking forward to going back to Hartford. Thanks Rick!

(And Audrey!)

(And Pastor Marion!)

This was the first capital city where I “deputized” some other pastors to pinch hit for me in the evening meeting…due to the sobering realization that with the geography we have to cover, we had to make some adjustments. A new friend from Cambridge, VT, Craig Bensen, gave me a GPS unit for the car. (Thanks Craig!) Somehow, I programmed it for all back roads, which probably took longer, but that drive from Albany to Hartford was absolutely breathtaking! (Sorry I didn’t think to video it from the dash.)

I'm an old dog learning new tricks with all this social media stuff.

We ran into this older gentleman named Jesse on the street. Jesse has no legs. He was "walking" to the Capitol to complain to the governor about his ill-fitting prosthetic legs, which he'd been carrying in a plastic bag (weighing 8 lbs.) while negotiating crutches from the bus stop to the Capitol. We carried his "legs" to the Capitol for him, and visited with him for quite a while. BUT THE BEST MOMENT was when my friend Jody, who is profoundly hard of hearing, prayed for him. I was so overcome, I quickly got my phone out to record this God-moment. I missed the very start of her prayer when she said, "I have no ears, and you have no legs, but we have a God in heaven who loves us. Someday, when we get to heaven, you will get new legs and I will get new ears.”

(I know the audio from the street is terrible, but turn it up and listen anyway. It’s well worth it.)

And thanks to Pastor Kevin Kidd for the love AND the seafood platter!

Nate, Michael, and me...the pastor and my good buddy, Jeff Tarbox, was across the room

Steve "1200 Miles" Wylie

A buddy of mine from home, Steve Wylie (a way-gifted songwriter), drove our rental car from Franklin, all the way to Biddeford, Maine, 1200 miles by himself! This gave me another day and a half with full wireless access for the advance work I was buried with, before flying out just in time for Sunday morning. Thanks Steve! Couldn’t have started well without you.

With only a few weeks notice for this 50 day adventure, overwhelmed was a considerable understatement, especially since we had TWO separate meetings scheduled daily, a noontime prayerwalk and a follow-up meeting in that same Capital each evening.

We’ve since transitioned into a new model of having our get-on-the-same-page gatherings at an area church in the evening (when more folks can come), then caravanning together to the Capitol for a moonlight nightwatch/prayerwalk on the Capitol grounds. Waaay sweet. Sort of a spiritual “field trip” for adults.