Japan is known as a difficult place for Christian missions, called “hard soil” and a “graveyard” for missionaries. Christianity began there in 1506, but faced strong opposition. Early leaders like Oda Nobunaga welcomed Christianity, but later rulers persecuted Christians, banning the religion for over 260 years. Despite this, underground Christians kept the faith alive. Today, Japan has about 8,000 churches, but Christians make up only 0.3% to 0.8% of the population. Most church members are elderly, and many churches risk closing in the next 15 to 20 years. Japanese culture and pride, indirect communication, and strong traditions in Shinto and Buddhism make spreading Christianity hard. Pastor Liu urges Christians to see Japan as an important mission field, needing more missionaries and new strategies. He reminds believers that everyone can share the gospel, even if they are not full-time missionaries. Japan remains an unreached nation needing hope and faith.
Sovereign LORD, break the chains of traditional oppression and spiritual blindness in Japan. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your Will be done in the country, in the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen (The Holy Bible, Matthew 6:10).
Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes and minds of the people of Japan to be receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Savior (The Holy Bible, Matthew 24:14).
Pray for the LORD to raise more prayer warriors to break through the strongholds of traditions and cultural barriers upon the people of Japan (The Holy Bible, 1 Timothy 2:1-2)
News Source: China Christian Daily
Image Source: Canva
