To the Ends of the Earth: Reaching the Unreached — Monday
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
This summer was the craziest summer of my life. In April, I found out that over the next four months, I had the privilege of traveling to six countries to visit Southland’s international mission partners and document what was happening at each organization. I spent my summer in countries that didn’t speak English, eating food I’d never had before, all while hearing about how the Lord was moving internationally. Japan was the last country we got to, and frankly, by August, I was tired. I wanted to sleep in my own bed, and I never wanted to see the Atlanta airport again.
However, what I saw when I got to Japan rekindled my spirits and sparked a new energy in my weary body. I met people who are hungry for God and desperate to tell others about Him in a country where so few know Him. I stayed in four different cities with no less than 1 million people in each city. I was literally surrounded by people, and it is safe to assume that almost everyone I passed did not know Jesus. As I got to sit and interview the missionaries who work for Mustard Seed, I heard over and over again that Japan needs a great awakening.
My goal is to walk you through a week of intercession for the country of Japan, the established church, the missionaries currently there, and the great awakening that has yet to arrive. Throughout this next month of our To the Ends of the Earth series, we will be showcasing four different organizations we partner with, and I pray that God reveals Himself to you more and more each day that you commit to praying for people you will never meet.
Monday’s Reflection
As Paul does in his opening to the Thessalonians, today we will thank God for the people in the church of Japan. Start with this prayer, and continue praying throughout your day for the Japanese church:
Father, I thank You for the church in Japan and the seeds You have planted through Mustard Seed. I ask that You continue to do a good work in their country and bring a great awakening to Japan. I pray that the people of Japan would come to know the name of Jesus, and that their lives would be forever changed by His love.