PRAYER GUIDE – WEEK 4 (Sep 26th – Oct 2nd)

The northern region of Tohoku is made up of six prefectures which are Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Local industries can’t fully support the economy, and many young people are leaving the region to work elsewhere. This region was the center of 3.11, the earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disaster in 2011. Nearly 16,000 people lost their lives during this devastating tragedy.

• Pray that churches in areas of declining population will not be discouraged.
• 2011 was ten years after the 3.11 disaster. There are those who continue to need God’s compassion and restoration in their hearts and lives. Pray for local Christians to be living witnesses of God’s love and care to those around them.

Sports, one of the universal language that transcends national borders, has a great potential for missionary work because of its ability to connect people.
Last year, the Tokyo Olympics were held without spectators, which closed off many opportunities for sports missions, but please pray that the preparations and prayers made for this event will bear fruit.

• Pray that the number of churches that understand sports will increase.
• Pray that Christian athletes will manifest God's glory in their sphere and be an encouragement to the sports world.
• Pray that children and students who are involved in sports-related club activities will grow as worshipers and show the glory of the Lord through sports.
• That community partnership teams (networks) would be formed through sports in each of the 47 prefectures.
• That Christian sports teams would be increased and used to manifest the glory of the Lord for the gospel ministry.
• That mission organizations that can be used for sports ministry will be blessed and used. (JiSP, FCA, Athlete Church, etc.)

There are some Japanese people who have an impression that Christianity is difficult to understand or is old-fashioned. Other people may not know enough to have any opinion at all. Further misunderstandings can emerge through contacts with Jehovah's Witnesses or cults that seem Christian.

There are positive impressions too. Some Japanese people see Christians as caring or kind. Others see the Bible as a source of wisdom. Despite being a tiny percentage of the population, many Christians have had a positive influence on society.

• Give thanks that many Christians are respected, and pray for open hearts toward Christ through them.
• Pray that negative stereotypes or false ideas about Christianity will be changed through positive interactions with Christians.
• With the issue of the former Unification Church shaking up the political world, it is conceivable that Japanese society will take a hard look at the state of religion. In this context, let us pray that the true Christian church will be able to bear a good witness against the world and bring hope to the world.