Japan and Guinea-Bessau: Praying Through the Window

JAPAN, EAST ASIA

Population: 126,804,433

Chief of State: Emperor Akiito

Head of Government: Prime Minister Naoto Kan

Christians: 1.5%

Evangelical Christians: 0.5%

Dominant Religion: Buddhism (Shintoism)

Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked

The island nation of Japan was devastated by a deadly earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Tens of thousands died and the nation is still struggling to recover.

Despite being a modern, industrialized nation, Japan has a very small Christian population. It I considered one of the least-reached nations in the world. Traditionally, the Japanese have been resistant to the Gospel, but that is beginning to change.

PRAISE

In "Operation World," Jason Mandryk reports, "Many believe Japanese society is posed for an unprecedented awakening."

PRAYER

• the aftermath of the natural disasters to be a time of awakening for the Japanese people. (The Bible, II Corinthians 4:4)
• the Holy Spirit to move powerfully throughout this nation, softening hearts and opening minds to the Gospel. (The Bible, I Peter 2:9)
• multitudes of Japanese to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 5:1,2)

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA

Population: 1,565,126

Chief of State: President Malam Bacai Sanha

Head of Government: Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Jr.

Christians: 10.9%

Evangelical Christians: 1.6%

Dominant Religion: Islam

Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked

This West African nation is one of the poorest in the world and is also a hub for cocaine being smuggled from South America into Europe.

Thousands of people were killed in a civil war that took place in the late 1990s. Several coups followed, along with the assassination of the president in 2009. As BBC News notes, "Political instability and mismanagement have undermined the economy."

PRAISE

Despite the fact that Islam is practiced by a majority of the population, there is freedom of religion. Give thanks to God for this and pray for Muslims to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.

PRAYER

• an end to the violence, poverty, and drug trafficking in Guinea Bissau. (The Bible, Psalm 5:4)
• the Lord to give Christians boldness in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:19)
• a great harvest of souls in this nation as God's Kingdom comes with power and glory. (The Bible, Daniel 7:14)

For more about Praying Through The Window 9, visit http://www.win1040.com/ today.