Prayer Walking

On Thursday afternoon, the typical flow of automobile and pedestrian traffic was somewhat distracted by a sight a little out of place on any other day.

There at the side of Illinois Street a large wooden cross was resting against a street sign. On the cross were meager goods and two flags: the U.S. flag and the black and white POW-MIA flag. Near the foot of the cross were a few belongings, very few considering he has been on the road for nine years.

His visit to Sidney is spiritual in part, but not Baptist, Methodist, Catholic or any other name above the door.

“I'm praying over your town,” Joe Shortino said.

He is from the Front Range area of Colorado. He said he is not here to push is faith, but to talk with people he meets.

I've been through 20 states,”he said.

He doesn't carry food, cash or even a bedroll. Yet, he has never had to sleep on the streets. He said he did get shot at once, and had rocks thrown at him.

His motivation is simple: “The Lord.” He said Christ is the change needed for the nation, and for the world. He is also showing support for the United States and for veterans.

“I believe Christ is the answer,” he said.

He said he would be walking and praying through Sidney through the weekend.