Japan

In November 2024 we held the third of our Japan on Your Doorstep events. These bring together interested people in the UK and Ireland from across the region for training and equipping to reach Japanese people. Give thanks that around 70 people from the region gathered to consider cultural issues, changes taking place in Japan and how to support those returning to Japan as believers or enquirers. Pray for much gospel fruit from this event.

Christian literature is a huge challenge in Japan. Many Japanese Christians testify to the key part which literature and access to a Bible have played in their coming to faith, however literature is hard to obtain and expensive. Print runs for Christian books are small and stock often runs out. Evangelistic resources which are fresh and which appeal to young people are particularly needed. Pray that Bibles and other Christian literature become widely available. Pray for those writing new and innovative materials to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and to write materials which will enable people to come to faith.

Pilgrimage in Japan: A WEC team are researching and developing resources about Christian pilgrimage tracing the journey of 16th century Jesuit Christians through Honshu to Nagasaki where they were martyred. Pray for more team members to share stories, inspiring interest in the gospel they gave their lives for.

Japanese living abroad have more time to think and consider the gospel.  Away from some social and religious obligations it becomes more feasible for Japanese to visit church and explore Christianity.  Please pray that many Japanese overseas will take advantage of this freedom to come to Christ.  Ask the Lord of the harvest to send Christians overseas to befriend and reach Japanese visitors.  Pray for protection and boldness for Japanese returning home with a newfound faith in Jesus, as well as for a warm welcome from churches in Japan. 

Suicide & Mental Health: Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Mental health in Japan remains a top concern and suicide among Japanese children is the highest in the world. Japanese people can often consider that sharing their troubles with others, even sometimes with family and friends, is rude or burdensome. Please pray that God would work powerfully through his church in Japan to bring hope and light for those who feel hopeless or marginalised

Christian heritage - Many hospitals, universities, schools and colleges were founded by Christians.  Although most Japanese people have never heard the gospel and do not know a Christian, many have a positive view of Christianity because of the charitable work done in the past by those who have gone before.  Give thanks for the positive influence of our Christian predecessors on hospitals, universities, schools and colleges.  Pray for those currently working at these organisations, especially Christians, that they will be salt and light in their communities and point many to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many churches in Japan have either no pastor or are being led by a pastor who would like to retire but there are no successors available. Please pray for all those involved in training Christian leaders in seminaries and other training organisations in Japan. Pray that many candidates will come forward for training, that their course fees and living expenses will be met and that God will raise up a vibrant new generation of Christian leaders to guide his people and enable every-member ministry within Japanese churches.