Category: Prayer Update

Kanagawa’s capital, Yokohama, is the second largest city in the nation and where the Protestant Church began. In 1859, the first Protestant missionaries arrived in Yokohama, and a prayer meeting was started in 1872. Nine students were led to faith and eleven people from this group became the charter members of the first Protestant church in Japan, organized on March 10, 1872.

• Population: 8,600,109
• City with only 1 church: 1
• Towns/villages with no church: 6
• Church/person: 1: 17,269

Dec 17: Many of the churches in the Yokohama and Shonan areas are the first churches in Japan. Pray that these churches will sense the unity of Christ in the gospel.

Dec 18: A family in Yokohama celebrates a heritage of five generations of Christians. The first Christian in the line was also one of the first Protestant Christians, who became one of the first pastors. There are now 25 living believers in the family. Pray that every Christian parent will also see the next generation following Jesus.

Dec 19: Pray for “Harbor View of Christmas”, a special evangelistic outreach in which 100 churches cooperate. There are usually 600 people who come to hear this gospel presentation.

Dec 20: Pray for the many well-known Christian schools in this prefecture: Ferris Women’s School with 3.150  students, Kanto Gakuin with 16,350 (Jr. high through college), Meiji Gakuin Univ. Yokohama Campus, Aoyama Gakuin Univ. Atsugi Campus, Toyo Eiwa Women’s Univ., and others. There are 63 Protestant kindergartens and 27 day-care centers here with 10,600 children.

Dec 21: Pray for the many children and adults who attend English conversation classes at churches and Christian schools throughout Japan. For most it is their first time to read the Bible.

Dec 22: For Christian general hospitals: Kinugasa Hospital with 299 beds and Neo Gospel Clinic.

*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.

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.

Tamagawa Seigakuin

Tamagawa Seigakuin is an all girls junior and senior high school located in Setagaya ward. There are 1,060 students. Students have a 20-minute chapel time every morning. The faculty is 80% Christian. Junior high students are required to attend a local church every Sunday. About 10-15% of the senior high girls attend church regularly. On average, 15 students are baptized each year. Students also have on hour of Bible class each week.

Meiji Gakuen University

A survey conducted at the university for the graduating class of 2002 indicated that 34.7% became more interested in Christianity during their time at school. Only a few are actually baptized. Pray that the 34% will have many other exposures to the gospel after university.

*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.

<TOKYO>

• Population: 12,082,143
• Towns/villages with no church: 5
• Churches per person: 1: 12,192
• Average worship attendance: 58

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the largest cities in the world. There are many famous temples and shrines in the metropolitan and suburban areas, such as the historic Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu, Jindai Temple in Chofu, and Mitake Shrine. Meiji Jingu shrine always tops the list for being the most popular shrine during New Year’s. The first Protestant church in Tokyo was established in 1873 by the eight members of the Yokohama Church.

November 28: There are approximately 651 churches located in the wards of Tokyo. Pray for these churches to have an effective ministry for the gospel. The total number of members is decreasing, but worship attendance has been rising from an average of 52 per church in 1999 to 58 in 2004. Many of the smaller churches struggle especially because of the high cost of meeting places, and the busyness of the big city.

November 29: Pray for the Christian Diet members, and for groups dedicated to pray for the government and for politicians. Pray for the Tokyo and Hachioji Easter Rallies, the North Tokyo and West Tokyo Pastors Fellowships, and other groups throughout the area.

November 30: Pray for Christian book stores (CLC Ochanomizu Book Store, Oasis Book Center in Shinjuku, Kyobunkan in Ginza, Avaco Book Center at Waseda, and others). A number of Christian radio and TV programs are available, but usually they are broadcast during the early morning hours.

December 1: Intercede fore the more than 25 Christian schools with about 105,000 students – that they will always focus on the gospel truth. Several of the largest schools are: Aoyama Gakuin with 25,800 students, Rikkyo with 22,200 and Meiji Gakuin with 15,400. Pray that the schools will be able to hire Christian teachers and staff. There are at least 119 Protestan kindergartens and 50 day-care centers in Tokyo with 16,900 children hearing about Jesus every day.

December 2: Pray for the 57,000 people of Tokyo who attend Christian worship. What a powerful influence they are  when they become doers of the Word!

December 3: Remember the many Christian social welfare programs. Pray for the day laborers who sleep at rooming houses in the Sanya district and other ghetto areas. Pray that the close to 30,000 homeless will respond to the gospel. Remember those who share the gospel as they serve by offering food and shelter to the homeless.

December 4: The multi-faceted ministry of Ochanomizu Christian Center (OCC) serves as a hub for the evangelical movement. The 9-story building is located in a busy part of Tokyo, surrounded by many colleges and universities. Its rooms and halls provide facilities for many evangelistic outreaches, a language school ministry, and offices for a number of para-church organizations.

December 5: Four islands of the Izu island chain are without churches. Toshima, Kozushima, Mikurajima and Aogashima, with a total population of about 1,500.

*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.

<Chiba>

• Population: 6,001,032
• Towns/villages with no church: 29
• Churches: person: 1:18,240
• Average worship attendance: 33

Chiba is located next to Tokyo and Narita International Airport is actually in this prefecture. The percent of farm land in Chiba ranks third in the nation and it also functions as a major hub for heavy and chemical industries. Narita Fudo Shrine is famous for its New Year’s worship and attracts many people every year. Protestant ministry started in Chiba in 1873, when one of the first Protestant missionaries to Japan held meetings in Yokaichiba.

November 21: Four TV programs share the gospel each week. Pray that many who are seeking help will tune in and receive God’s salvation.

November 22: The ministries at the HiBA (High school Born Againers) camp and the Agape no Sato. Ask the Lord to raise up more retreat and camp centers here that would also effectively minister to the millions in Tokyo.

November 23: Tokyo Christian Gakuen at Inzai is making a significant contribution to the evangelical movement by training believers for ministry. It is made up of Tokyo Christian University (160), Tokyo Christian Theological School (44), and Kyoritsu Christian Research Center (25).

November 24: Kujukuri Home Hospital with 189 beds providing clinical services, a nursing home and rehabilitation facilities. Pray that many will see Jesus in the loving ministry of each person working here.

November 25: A variety of ministries are reaching out to those who have been involved in prostitution, to needy women and children and the mentally disabled. Pray that all will clearly demonstrate God’s love.

November 26: Sanbu (20,176) is the largest of the 29 towns and villages in Chiba with no churches. Since population will continue its rapid increase, aggressive church planting is needed.

*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.

Saitama is a northern neighbor of Tokyo and much of the prefecture is being urbanized, creating the feeling that it is simply an extension of Tokyo.  Moutain farming villages still maintain religious beliefs deeplyrooted in folklore and superstition. On the other hand, many people in the urban areas participate in “new religion” activities.

In 1872, Kyuemon Kojima from Saitama visited Yokohama to sell his silk products and there he heard the gospel from missionary Hepburn. In 1875, he received baptism and brough a number of Bibles back home to open his own home for evangelism. In 1879, the Wato Church, the first church in Saitama, was formed.

<Saitama>

Towns/villages with no churches: 49

Churches/person: 1: 17,946

Average church attendance: 35

Sep 27: The planting of new churches is scarcely keeping up with the rapid population growth. Pray that Saitama churches will catch the vision for aggressive church planting. Pray that as the churches grow, their vision for evangelism will also increase.

Sep 28: Television Saitama broadcast Life Line (Sat. 8am), Harvest Time (Sat 8:30am), and Invitation to Happiness. Pray for salvation decisions and effective follow-up.

Sep 29: Oer 6,600 students are attending Seibo Gakuen, Urawa Lutheran Gakuin, Sei Gakuin ad Rikkyo Gakuin. May each student experience the meaning of grace and lordship.

Sep 30: Omiya Central General Hospital with 266 beds. The home page for the two Kiamoto City clinics, Gospel Clinic and the South Gospel Clinic shares a clear gospel testimony.

Oct 1: “I will obey your word” (Psalm 119:17). May the Christians of Saitama be revived and obey His Word today.

Oct 2: The cities of Hasuda and Hatogaya have only one church each. There are 27 towns and villages with no church. washimiya, Matsubushi, Kamisato, Kawajima, Menuma, and Yoshimi are the largest of these.

*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.

The Sambika (hymnal) was published in 1954 and the Sambika 21 in 1997. These hymnals contain many of the high-church worship songs. The Seika was first published in 1958 and was recently updated as the New Seika. It includes more praise songs, as well as some newer Japanese hymns. In addition to these two standard hymnals, many praise and worship books are being published, with a growing number of original praise songs being written by Japanese.

Outside the church, Christian music has opened up two doors of opportunity. One is through the classics with Bach; the other is centered in a Black Gospel music boom. Classical music of the church, such as Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Ninth Symhony, has always been popular in Japan, but recently there has been an increased interest in Bach and his Christian message. Also the popularity of Black Gospel music has birthed gospel choirs all over Japan. The Halleluja Gospel Family is a growing network of about 20 gospel choirs with over 500 members (80% non-Christian).

Sep 20: Pray for Christian musicians who serve as soloists and instrumentalists, and for the many groups, choirs, bands and orchestras. Pray that many more will dedicate themselves to music ministries. The Evangelium Cantrai serves churches through concerts they conduct throughout the country. They also seek to introduce biblically-based music in the churches.

Sep 21: The Euodia Ensemble seeks to spread the sweet aroma of Christ through their music ministry. Recording uses music as a tool for evangelism by sponsoring concerts, music seminars, music production and sales.

Sep 22: Tokyo Christian Choir is a Christian group that receives training and performs for special concerts, such as presentations of The Messiah at Christmas.

Sep 23: Word of Life Press Ministries’ Life Productions diision produces recordings by Japanese Christian musicians, administers the Living Praise song book and sponsers evangelistic concerts.

Sep 24: Pray for the many Japanese studying classical Christian music, and for those who are learning Black Gospel from Christian teachers. Pray that their eyes will be opened.

Sep 25: The purpose of Christians in the Arts Network (CAN) is to encourage, connect, equip and mobilize musicians (and artists of all genres) to be creative leaders of a moement turning people to the worship of Jesus Christ in Japan and beyond. CAN’s projects include an annual Worship Seminar, “Alleluia Seminars” for local churches and Cristian Leadership Training Center.

*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.

Gumma is a mountainous prefecture in north-west Kanto area. It is the nation’s highest producer of silk thread, and many towns in the southern section of the prefecture are becoming centers for electronic and chemical industries. In 1874, Jo Niijima, the founder of Doshisha University, returned from the USA and began teaching Christianity in his hometown, Annaka, in Gumma. The Annaka Church was established in 1878. Kanzo Uchimura, another Christian leader at the time, was born in Gumma as well.

<Gumma>

Towns/villages with no churches: 33

Churches/person: 1: 16,998

Average church attendance: 28

Sep 13: Both Life Line and Harvest Time TV programs are available here. Pray that whole families will become Christian through these ministries.

Sep 14: More than five camping and retreat centers are ministering here. Many churches from the surrounding prefectures and Tokyo benefit from these facilites. May the Holy Spirit refresh and fill each Christian who comes to these facilities.

Sep 15: Over 5000 children and young people are attending Christian schools and kindergartens. For most of them this is their first and primary contact with Christianity. Pray for open hearts.

Sep 16: “The Son is the radiance of God’s gloy and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). Pray for the people of Gumma to recognize that Jesus is the Son of the living God.

Sep 17: Orphanages: Jomo Airin-sha Chigyo Home and Komochi Yama School with 56 children. Maebashi Home for Mothers & Children with 20 families. Pray for the several welfare facilities ministering to the elderly.

Sep 18: There are 33 towns and villages with no churches. Niita-gun has no churches and includes Kasakake with 27,461 people. What a needy area!

*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.

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.

Here are some daily prayer requests for Ibaraki prefecture. Ibaraki prefecture is in Kanto area, which includes Tokyo (Marked below in green). The northern part of Ibaraki is mountainous while the south is quite flat. Ibaraki has a strong agricultural industry and the least number of people claiming to have religious beliefs.

<Ibaraki>

Towns/villages with no churches: 33

Churches/person: 1:17,808

Average church attendance: 28

August 30: Pray that the people of Ibaraki will come to know that there is no security except in Jesus and that their temoral and eternal hope lies in Him (Matthew 8:20).

August 31: Four radio programs on Ibaraki Radio are sharing the gospel, and in Tsuchiura and Tsukuba churches are cooperation in providing cable TV programs for evangelism.

September 1: Ibaraki Christian Gakuen with 2,760 students—pray that this school will remain faithful to the gospel. Pray that the Hakujuji Nursing School will send many faithful Christian nurses to hospitals around Japan. Hakujuji General Hospital is one of the few Christian medical facilities.

September 2: Pray for the many who have no faith. Kashima and Inari Shrines are two well-known Shinto worship locations.

September 3: Facilities for the elderly: Tsukuba King’s Garden with 50 beds, Hakujuji Home and Aiyuen with their long history of service, and others.

September 4: Ami is the largest unchurches town in the prefecture with 46,873 people. The other five larger unchurched towns, Chiyoda, Ina, Makabe, Ishiege, and Yachiyo have a combined population of over 120,000.

*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.