Japan | Blessing Opens Doors in Japan [Video]

As they changed how they viewed the environment, they noticed that God was also bringing them more people who had a deeper curiosity about Jesus.

Novo staff Christian and Rie describe Japan, where there are 8 million deities, as spiritually hard soil. For many years, they invested in traditional ministry approaches. After participating in Novo’s Activating Prayer Cohort, they were reminded of the spiritual authority they had as followers of Jesus. They began leaning more deeply into joining with other believers in the power of prayer. It was a real turning point for them in the ministry.

Though many people in Japan are resistant to Christianity and the Bible, many are also spiritually seeking and open to conversations and prayer. Linking arms with other followers of Jesus and incorporating rhythms of prayer-walking, worshiping in public spaces, and speaking blessings helped them see the people and land of Japan in a new light. As they changed how they viewed the environment, they noticed that God was also bringing them more people who had a deeper curiosity about Jesus. Praise, prayer, and blessing were gateways to share more about the true Creator God with Japanese people.

As Christian reflected on some of the bold things he, Rie, and other followers of Jesus have experimented with over the past year, he said, “We realize we should really be a little more courageous, trying different things… trusting God and trusting the Holy Spirit as he moves us and encourages us.” God is opening up unexpected doors to the gospel as the Holy Spirit moves.

Hear directly from Christian and Rie about how prayer and the power of God are changing their ministry here: