Christianity has the image of something foreign or exotic in Japan, something that may be an interesting part of Western history and culture, but has no real significance for Japan. People generally enjoy the superficial and romantic aspects of Christian tradition, such as a date for two on Christmas Eve in a sea of fairy lights, or a wedding in white in a specially designed wedding chapel. For some Japanese, Christianity is something scary, associated with gloomy church buildings and religiously motivated wars. Others keep their distance because of bad experiences with Christian-inspired sects and cults.

But most Japanese have never had the gospel explained to them in a way they can understand, nor have they been told what Jesus is really all about.

Pray that the people of Japan will understand that at the center of the Christian faith is the person of Jesus Christ, and that he loves them and is the answer to their deepest questions and longings in life.

Pray that they will see the difference between Western tradition and true discipleship of Jesus, which is independent of origin and culture. Pray that they will understand that Jesus is also the creator God of Japan, who wants to enter into a relationship with each of his creatures.

Pray that Japanese people who are seeking the truth will meet people who can explain God’s plan and the gospel to them. Pray that Japanese Christians will be filled with love and compassion for their neighbors and the courage to share their faith with others.