Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Missions and Prayer

DSCN0412
{photos I've collected for my missions prayer board so far...}
Missions and prayer have been heavy on my heart lately. This summer I’ve made it a priority to spend time in prayer consistently. I’ve been challenged to truly commit to praying for those I’ve told I’ll pray for and for those whom God places on my heart. I want for people to know that when I say I will pray for them they can count on me to intercede on their behalf.

I've been thinking a lot about my personal friends living overseas. These thoughts spiraled into thoughts of my own desire to teach overseas one day…a dream that is wedged deep in my heart. Those thoughts led me to think about missionaries around the world. The believers who are sharing the Gospel in nations around the globe in a multitude of ways. I’m so thankful I come from a church that is heavily missions minded and I’ve had the privilege to hear stories upon stories from missionaries over the last few years. They always stir my heart!

Since I can’t physically go overseas at this time, I want to actively be lifting up missionaries around the world and the nations that they are laboring in. In order to be intentional about this, I’ve gone through my planner and assigned every week until the end of the year a specific country. Each week, I’m going to commit to praying for that country. The nation. The people. The missionaries living in that country. Etc.

This week I’m praying for Japan…a few facts about the nation:

-Population is around 126 million

-Nearly 80% live in cities; around one-fourth of the population lives in or around Tokyo

-Religions: 84% are Buddhist/Shinto/New Religions; 15% are Non-religious; 1% are Christian

-About 70% of churches have an average attendance of less than 30 people

-Much of the nation remains unresponsive to the Gospel…many want to worship the way that their ancestors have for ages

There is so much more to this country than just cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji. I’m lifting up this nation to the Lord this week. There are not any restrictions to witnessing or preaching the Gospel in Japan! The doors are wide open for ministry and I’m praying for a vibrant and biblical church to rise up.

Are you interested in hearing about the countries that I’m praying for each week or even joining me? If so, I would love to share from now on!

10 comments:

Jasmine Victoria said...

Such a unique post! I love how you planned this all out over so many weeks. Can't wait to hear about the others!!

Megan said...

What a great idea! My husband has a book that helps you pray through the nations.

Ameera (أميرة) said...

Love love love this post! This kind of post has a special place in my heart. I met some workers who worked in Japan for over 20 years and now are mobilizing college students. They have some amazing stories, like how God used gospel music as an outreach. Crazy, right?
When do you go back to school?

Allison said...

My church did something similar to what you are doing with a book that had facts and told you which nation to pray for. So cool! I love your discipline and desire to pray for others.

courtney said...

you are awesome to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, as well as the lost. keep it up... your prayers are powerful!

Sarah said...

Great post! I am definitely interested in hearing about your weekly countries, and I would love to join you!!

By the way, I nominated you for the Liebster award (check out my blog)

Have a wonderful day Sam!

Sarah

Chantel said...

What a beautiful idea! I am also a teacher dreaming of teaching overseas. I would love to see the countries you are praying for each week and would definitely join in with you!

Lauren said...

What a beautiful idea! i love that you're taking action through prayer when you can't be there physically!

Amanda Wissmann said...

Hi dear! Stopping by from "The Sweetness of Laughter" {She recommended your blog as I am in search of some inspiring, encouraging, motivating blogs of women with hearts for the Lord} :)

I think this is a fabulous idea! Just curious. In the pic above, are these the countries you are praying for? Peru caught my eye, because I live in Peru :) Just wondering if you personally know someone who also lives here, or if this was a generic pic?

Either way, I love this idea! It would be fun to make a prayer wall for friends in other countries! :)

Hope you don't mind if I stick around! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to catching up on a few posts!

Blessings!
Amanda @ www.amandalaura.blogspot.com

Kaitlin said...

This is awesome, Samantha! I will definitely be praying with you :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...