It's January and we are approaching month 5 of the World Race. A break through month as U squad pioneers the country of Japan. We are blessed to have this opportunity to partner with one of our awesome squad leaders Zach Cobos and the ministry he will be working for in Japan for the next few years. To learn more check out his blog (http://zachcobos.theworldrace.org/?filename=saidoredemption-ministries-a-call-to-japan)
Here are the basics of Osaka, Japan my home for the next month:
Osaka (??) is the third largest city in Japan, with a population of over 17 million people in its greater metropolitan area. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe–Kyoto trio. (Courtesy of wiki-travel)
There is freedom of religion in Japan, however 70% of Japanese people do not claim a religion. Although many do not claim a religion most follow the practices of Buddhism and Shintoism which is where many of there customs and rituals that are observed on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, funerals, and religious holidays come from. As of the 2010 edition of the operation world prayer guide about 3% of those in Japan consider themselves Christians.
We are not really sure what our ministry will look like this month, there are many unknowns but as we go I will do my best to write about what we are doing,
Here are some things that we are praying for this month as we go to Japan:
Spiritual Openness: it's difficult for Christians to live out their faith as they are often pressured to conform to the customs of shintoism. Christianity is also considered a western religion. Pray for a change in mindset and openness to the gospel.
Missions in Japan – Japan is the largest un- evangelized nation that is completely open however it's a difficult mission field because of the spiritual, socio cultural, and financial difficulties. Pray that those who God has called would go through the process of adaptation well in order to God's work in Japan.
(Operation World 7th edition, 2010)
Thank you for continuing to partner with me in prayer and support. I am about $1800 in pledges and donations away from fulfilling the final amount of $15,500. Would you consider partnering with me financially on the world race? You can go to the donate link on the upper left side of this page in order to give.
God Bless you!!!
Anna
