Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Letter from Japan ! ! ! Prayer Needed
Below is an email that I received from Judith, a missionary in Japan. She is Joel Osbourne co-partner in Sendai. Please pray for Michi, Kaori and Miki esp those who know them personally during AOF2.
Over the past few weeks Michi has been seriously considering getting baptized. A few weeks ago she called her parents to tell them she wanted to be a Christian, but they told her to wait. On Sat. night her oldest sister called trying to convince her not to be a Christian, telling her she'll face persucution and cause problems for the family.
In the end her sister asked her to convince the family that it's OK for her to become a Christian in a family meeting on August 16th. It will be Michi's parents, her two sisters and their husbands against Michi. She is quite burdened with this and knows that by becoming a Christian it will likely cause problems between her and her family the rest of her life.
She doesn't know how to answer their questions, she's afraid of what they might try to do to her and she's sad that this is creating such a huge barrier between herself and her family.
She's told me it's ok to ask for prayers on her behalf. I ask that if you are willing to committ to praying daily at least until the 16th that you pray that the hearts of her family members will be open, God will give her words to explain her decision, God will protect her, and will give her an amazing sense of peace that only he can give.
I'd also like to ask you to pray for two other girls from cell group, Kaori and Miki. They are both getting close to making the decision to becoming a Christian and are certain their families will not agree.
Please pray that Michi, Kaori and Miki will not give up inspite of their family oppostion, but that they will have strength and peace from the Lord and that they will choose Him.
If anyone would like to choose a specific day of prayer and perhaps fasting for these three girls, especially between now and the 16th, please let me know so we can specifically pray for you that day.
If you have anything to share from your time of prayer/fasting.... a scripture, an encouraging word, etc, feel free to send it directly to them or to me. Also, I think it would be a huge encouragement to them just to know you are praying.
Thank you all so much for your prayers!!!
Blessings, Judith
