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On Friday, Dec. 19, travellers on U.S. 54 Highway east of Nevada probably noticed three pedestrians with a dog heading east on the north shoulder.
On my first sighting just outside of Nevada, I did little more than take notice of them, wondering if their car had broken down. As I got closer I could see that one of them wore a bright red Santa hat. Walking with her was a boy and a girl, holding hands, with a dog on a leash. They were smiling, and waving to all who passed them by.
Having made several round trips that day, I became more curious with each time I passed or met them. There they were, still walking, smiling and waving to the traffic, a few miles further each time. By late afternoon they had walked at least 14 miles. I couldn't help but stop to satisfy my curiosity and find out what they were doing, and why. Here's the story they told me:
Lyn Hanush, coordinator of Great American Journey, Walking and Praying for America, said, "God planted this on my heart 50 years ago. Over the years it sort of came and went until (the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.) It was then it really took roots and I knew it was time to pray for America."
After three years of arduous planning Lyn's dream became her reality.
Crossing the Canadian border into the USA at Blaine, Wash., as she took the first step of a journey that would take her more than a year and 4,000 miles, her first thoughts were "I was so excited I just couldn't contain myself, the beginning of a journey, and a dream come real, I cried."
Weather and health conditions have not been a sizeable problem. They were delayed a couple of days in Kansas by snow, but other than that, plus a few aches and pains and some blisters in the early going, the trio of walkers have stayed healthy and in good shape throughout the trip.
The three are relying entirely on faith and donations to fund the journey. A motor home -- also donated to them -- is their home. They return to it daily via the shuttle after walking 15 to 20 miles, relocating the motor home every week or so.
Lyn estimates they had covered about 2,250 miles upon passing through Nevada. From here, their route will take them through El Dorado to Branson for Christmas, through Arkansas to Tennessee, then south to Key West, Fla., the final destination. When asked what was the most interesting experience she had encountered so far, Lyn talked fondly of their experience on the Crow Reservation. "People told us 'don't go there, it won't be safe,' but I felt God was leading me. The Crow people were wonderful. They talked openly to us, asked us to pray for them and they would pray for us. We were very impressed with their kindness.
Another special memory would have to be the Grand Tetons, they were so very beautiful."
Lyn added, "every town we travel through, we pray for them and leave a prayer stone with what we prayed for on each rock. Our purpose in this is to pray for America while our ultimate goal is to give God the glory -- that is important to us."
For further information about the ministry, call (888) 411-8621 or visit the organization's Web site at http://www.greatamericanjourney.com/.
