We try to keep you updated on timely important issues for prayer.  But sometimes it is not obvious what we should pray for missionary ministries.  Of course we should pray for their health, growth in love for Christ, wisdom and energy in all their ministries, their marriages and families, and for good relationships with nationals.

The following link has some good resources in this area: http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/HowToPrayForMissionaries/prayForMissionaries.htm .

Japan is relatively open to religious work by missionaries and the growth of the church.  The doors are open for more ministry due to openness.  From a recent research into global restrictions on religion, Japan was found to be one of the lowest countries with restriction on religion according to research conducted by the Pew Research Center.  (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1443/global-restrictions-on-religion) . In fact, Japan was lower in government restrictions and social hostilities than even the US and one of the few countries with in the Asia-Pacific region.  There remain social pressures in Japan but this information should spur many of us to be more engaged in Japan while these conditions continue.