 |
| ... |
 |
| ... |
 |
|
We need intercessors who will continually go before us and claim the victory as we minister to the lost. "I sought for a man . . . that should . . . stand in the gap before me for the land" Ezekiel 22:30
STATISTICS
|
... |
Non-Religious: - Up to 84% of Japanese claim no personal religion, but most follow the customs of traditional religions because of family pressure and superstition. Therefore, the following percentages are only estimates:
Shinto - 80% practice it at least once a year; 3% claim to be Shinto
Buddhism - 68% practice it periodically; 20% practice regularly.
New Religions - Most are Shinto and Buddhist offshoots and increasingly reflect a New Age world view. An estimated 100 new religions are founded each year.
1996 Statistics from Christian Information Service & Operation World
SOCIAL PRESSURES
Obligation to satisfy the demands of employers in a culture where conformity is a moral obligation makes it hard for polite, hard-working Japanese to openly accept the responsibilities that they feel would be placed on them by following the teachings of the Gospel. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to the Truth and bring a strong conviction of sin.
The youth are turning away from the values and work ethic of their parents, and are embracing materialistic pleasures rather than the true and living God. Please pray that economic instability and fears of the future will shake many out of their complacency.
Demonic forces associated with idolatry in temples and ancestor worship in homes have never been decisively challenged. The social pressure to compromise and commit idolatry is very strong. Please pray that the church will recognize this evil and teach more effectively against it, and that the believers will have the courage not to compromise.
Read what Peggy Verwey has to say about intercesory prayer.