PRAYERLINE: PRAY FOR PEOPLE IN JAPAN AND MONGOLIA AS THEY SEEK THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTIMAS.12/12/2016 Monday, December 12, 2016
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10b-11, NASB) Hi, this is Eleanor Witcher of IMB’s prayer team, joining you in prayer for East Asian peoples. “Merry Christmas” banners in English are seen in many shops throughout Mongolia in December, but very few Mongolian people in this traditionally Shamanist, Tibetan Buddhist, and atheistic country--in which less than 5 percent of the 3 million citizens are followers of Jesus--know the meaning of these words. Many of the traditions that surround Christmas were brought from Russia during Soviet times and transferred to New Year’s Day so as not to put an emphasis on anything “religious.” With the desire to help Mongolians understand the true meaning of Christmas, a team of visiting university students will brave the cold of Mongolia over their Christmas break to share about Jesus. Many Japanese love to see the bright illuminations all across the city of Tokyo from now until December 26. Hearing Christmas songs in department stores and coffee shops has become the norm. Do the Japanese really understand the deeper meaning behind the season? The answer is: not usually. Some may have gone to Christian kindergartens and participated in the yearly Christmas play and sung the songs about the baby Jesus. Others might have attended a Christian high school or college, where they were exposed to the nativity story. But when the average person is asked, most will say, “Santa Claus, Christmas cake, and presents for children.” Missionaries all across Tokyo spend the month of December sharing the true story of God’s plan for redemption and salvation, beginning with the birth of the Christ child. * Please pray for those planning these outreach events in Japan and especially for those coming to hear the Good News. * Ask God to direct these students as they travel through harsh conditions, and ask Him to prepare Mongolian hearts to hear and receive the Good News of Jesus. * Rejoice in the Savior who has been born for all
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