A government estimate in 2003 lists the number of homeless in the nation at 25,000, but many believe that it is probably several times higher. They are concentrated in Tokyo’s 23 wards and the cities of Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, and Osaka, but are found throughout the nation. The Salvation Army and a number of other churches are seeking to creatively reach out to them. One of the most visible among those ministering is Pastor Haruko Morimoto and the Seikawa Christian Evangelical Church in Sanya. She has ministered in that area for 29 years, has served over 1.2million meals, and baptized nearly 3,000 people. A number of churches have meetings and serve meals in local parks, and the Tokyo Chuo Church has over 500 homeless attending their worship services. Pray for those who daily share the gospel and lend a helping hand.
*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.