Day 4
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. The President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, arrived in Guinea-Bissau to attend the celebration. He expressed his joy at being there in Guinea-Bissau at that historic moment. Portugal was coming with its weight with the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic. He stressed that it was fundamental and irreplaceable and declined to discuss the Portuguese political situation. The head of state declared that his visit greatly complements Guinea-Bissau’s independence. In brief statements, the President of the Republic only commented on the representation of the Portuguese state at the official celebration of Guinea-Bissau’s 50th anniversary. Pray for the people of Guinea Bissau to understand a real celebration in life accepting Christ and our sins forgiven (The Bible, Romans 11:27).
Source:
Guinea-Bissau is one of the world’s poorest countries. It relies on revenues from raising a cashew crop to feed most families, and its economy depends greatly on foreign aid. Umaro Sissoco Embalo is the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau since 27 February 2020. Nuno Gomes Nabiam is the Prime Minister since 28 February 2020. Outside of the agricultural sector, the government struggles to pay its workers. There are suspicions that the country aids the Latin American cocaine trade as the narcotic reaches Europe. Freedom of religion exists in Guinea-Bissau; however, an animistic Islam dominates the greater culture, particularly in the north and east. Christianity sees greater success in the south and coastal regions. The country has the sixth highest mortality rate in the world. Illicit drug trafficking has grown almost unchecked, as the government has no coast guard, police have no cars available, and the navy has no boats for patrolling the North Atlantic shores.

Day 4
Japan
December is the busiest month for many churches in Japan. Although there are few Christian Believers in Japan, most Japanese people are interested in Christmas celebrations. While it is essentially a commercial festival in Japan, it is still a significant opportunity for churches to organize outreaches in the form of Christmas parties, celebrations, plays, and music events. Many Japanese Christians will invite their neighbors, friends, and family to attend the outreach events. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open many hearts to recognize that Jesus is the real reason for Christmas and that God is with us even today (The Bible, 1 Kings 8:29).
Source: Christian workers in the region
An archipelago of 6,852 islands, Japan has the world’s third-largest economy and is a major donor to world crises. Three-quarters of the nation’s population lives in big cities, together with one of the world’s most aging populations has resulted in specific needs in rural areas as young people all move to the cities in search of work. A strong traditional core has been flanked by a progressive younger generation valuing Western culture and ideas. Japan suffers from a high suicide rate, the leading cause of death for those under 30. Fewer than two percent are Christian; it is still one of the world’s most secular nations. Seventy percent of Japanese identify with no personal religion, although most adhere to Shinto and Buddhist customs. This year Japan was rocked by the assassination of former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, during a campaign speech. The election was won by the new prime minister, Fumio Kishida.
