Source: International Mission Board, January 7, 2020
Prayer strategy leaders in Japan long to see the nation transformed by the hope of Jesus, and they’ve committed to pray daily for the nation. There is excitement and enthusiasm for what they see God doing. Rather than yielding to the darkness, they are invigorated by the light of the gospel. Across Japan, [we] are hearing reports of God doing amazing things that offer hope of what may come:
- A church in the heart of a bustling shopping and social hub in Tokyo has been languishing. This church’s leaders wanted to know why Tokyo Baptist Church was healthy and growing. When they approached the church for answers, God opened the door for the leaders to speak of the importance of standing on the authority of Scripture and yielding to the lordship of Christ. Through ongoing discipleship efforts and prayer, this church could soon be revitalized and play a key role in reaching the city.
- A healthy church near Yokohama has been holding festivals with remarkable results. The festivals allow local residents to meet Japanese Christians and see the joy they have found in Jesus. This has prompted people to visit the church following the festivals to learn more about what they have seen and heard. The pastor of the church is praying for God to reach ten million Japanese people by 2024.
- Japanese people are choosing to listen to and believe the gospel as it is proclaimed during international sporting events, at ongoing festivals, and through personal relationships. Additionally, Japanese business people are learning from Christian business leaders how faith and business can intersect.
Increasing prayer, churches working together, and more people hearing and responding to the gospel through the church’s desire to engage the lost have all been precursors to spiritual awakenings in past generations. The signs point to a growing spiritual awakening in Japan.
» Read full story. The Olympic Games will come to Tokyo this summer; visit the Prayer page of IMB’s Olympic ministry website.
» For some perspective on urban Japan, see Every Country Highlighted on This Map Has a Smaller Population Than Tokyo.