Pacific Rim August 2007 Prayer Emphasis:
The Osaka Metropolitan Area of Japan

“Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches, and does not know who will gather them. And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee.” Psalm 39:6-7, NASB.

The Osaka Metropolitan area includes 128 municipalities and 29 cities. The largest cities in this area include Osaka (2.6 million), Kobe (1.5 million) and Kyoto (1.5 million). The entire area has a population of over 17 million people, and less than 1% of the people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Although it is rich in culture, history and economic opportunity, it is spiritually impoverished. Most people living in these modern cities follow Buddhism or Shinto traditions.
 
The Gospel has been available in Japan for over a century but continues to have little impact on the hearts of the Japanese people. Still, God is doing a new work. He is stirring the hearts of people in the Osaka Metropolitan area. For example, a Christian recently gave a Bible to one of her friends. The friend responded, "The timing for this gift is perfect. I wouldn't have been open to this before, but now I have a real interest in knowing who Jesus is."

Another group of twelve recently went on a camping trip. After hearing Christian testimonies and learning the hymn, Amazing Grace, two Japanese men indicated that they wanted to “try” following Jesus. God is working in the hearts of people in the Osaka area, but millions more await similar opportunities to respond to God’s love.

Pray that:

The Holy Spirit will burden Japanese Christians to share the Gospel broadly and boldly with all who will listen.

God will help a new Pacific Rim family with culture and language acquisition as they begin their ministry in the Osaka area.

The several believers who were recently trained to share their faith will put into practice what they have learned in Kobe.

People in Kyoto will be drawn to Jesus instead of the ancient temples and traditions of this historic Japanese city.

God will prepare the Osaka area for volunteer teams coming to share His love with the Japanese in the upcoming year.

IMB personnel will have wisdom and guidance on how best to use their gifts, time and resources to impact the Osaka metro area.

The knowledge of God will bloom in the Osaka area like the cherry blossoms that surround the famous Osaka palace.

Download other requests from Around the Rim.

For additional Osaka prayer resources: click here.