Pray for Japan - Day 4 Japanese Believers

Living in America, it is easy to take it for granted that everyone has some knowledge of Jesus Christ and often a family or personal history with God. Many here may be only nominally "Christian" but in Japan, believers (<2% of the population) may be considered traitors or at least outsiders to family and country. In a culture that values group identity and honoring ancestors, we can only imagine how difficult a decision it is to follow Jesus Christ and leave Buddhist and Shinto beliefs behind. Even Japanese who become believers in the U.S. have a hard time maintaining and growing in faith when they return to Japan.

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them." (Psalm 145:18-19)

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Please pray today for the Christ-followers both in and outside of Japan. Pray that they find courage daily to live for Christ, especially when life takes them directly into the face of their old traditions and beliefs. Pray that they feel the presence of Jesus everywhere they go and in everything they do. Pray that they find a new identity in Christ that stands tall against the world around them. Pray that God would bless them and their families and protect them from fear and discouragement. Finally, please pray that they never feel alone; that they feel the love and care of a genuine Christian community, even if some of us live far away.