Tochigi (marked below in the map) is another prefecture in Kanto area. It is famous for hot springs and beautiful scenic spots. Agriculture is the main industry in Tochigi, and people are known to be conservatie, modest, rather non-confrontive, and have a relatively strick ethical code. In 1873 the prohibition against Christianity was removed, and preaching points were established the next year at Utsunomiya and Nikko, resulting in Utsunomiya Church being established in 1885.
<Tochigi>
- Towns/villages with no church: 37
- Churches/person: 1:18,931
- Average church attendance: 26
Sep 6: Pray that today someone will meet Jesus through these radio broadcasts: Walking with Jesus, Joyful Good News, and Path to Zion broadcasts.
Sep 7: Missionary training center has up to 40 Japanese missionaries preparing for cross-cultural ministries around the world. Asia Gakuin (Asia Rural Institute) trains missionaries for rural areas. Often up to 35 people are in training at one time.
Sep 8: At least 12 Protestand kindergartens and four day-care centers are sharing the gospel with close to 2,000 children and their families.
Sep 9: Approximately 50 people regularly train at the Child Evangelism School. Pray God’s blessing on the literature ministry of Christian Book Center and the Logos Book Center, and on the 286 bed Hiki Hospital as the staff witnesses and provides a chapel ministry.
Sep 10: Over 200 people every day are being touched by Christian staff in facilities ministering to the handicapped and elderly of Tochigi prefecture. Pray for special strength for the staff and their effective witness.
Sep 11: Praise God that the number of churches, members, attendance, baptisms and SS all improved. Pray for the towns of Tanuma (29,413) and Ishibashi (20,380) with no churches and Moka and Otawara (each with over 50,000) with only one church.
*All information and prayer requests taken from “Operation Japan -Prayer Guide- Third Edition” -Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, 2005. To purchase a copy of “Operation Japan” book or the Interactive CD version, go to: http://www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php?option=com_banners&task=click&bid=10.