A powerful, 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Japan on New Year’s Day, causing significant damage and initiating rescue and recovery efforts.
The quake, centered in the coastal prefecture of Ishikawa, led to significant structural damage, disrupted essential services, and heightened the need for emergency assistance and humanitarian aid in the affected areas. The response to this natural disaster involved national and local authorities, as well as various aid organizations, working together to address the immediate needs of those impacted and to begin the process of rebuilding and recovery.
Let’s pray for the church in Japan and the advance of the gospel through compassionate relief. Here’s how.
- God’s Guidance for Japan: Pray for the leaders and decision-makers in Japan, including government officials and emergency response coordinators. Ask for God’s wisdom as they manage the aftermath of the earthquake and the Haneda Airport incident.
- Church Leaders in Japan: Pray for church leaders in Japan to provide hope and comfort from God’s Word to those overwhelmed by fear and loss. May they be beacons of light in this time of darkness.
- Salvation Amidst Crisis: Pray for the salvation of the Japanese people, particularly those directly affected by these tragic events. Ask God to use these circumstances to draw hearts towards him.
- Protection for First Responders and Affected Families: Pray for the safety of first responders working in the affected areas and for their families who await their safe return.
- Spiritual Awakening During Tumultuous Times: Ask the Lord to move powerfully in the hearts of many in Japan during this tumultuous time, bringing spiritual awakening and growth.
- Mercy, Peace, and Wisdom: Pray for a swift and peaceful resolution to the challenges posed by these events, and for wisdom for all those involved in the recovery efforts.
- Strength for the ABWE Japan Team and Partners: Pray for the ABWE Japan team and their ministry partners as they assess their involvement. Ask for strength, guidance, and discernment in how best to serve and minister in these circumstances.
- Healing and Restoration: Pray for healing for those who are injured and for restoration of the communities affected. Ask God to provide comfort and hope to those who are grieving.
- Global Church Response: Pray for the global church to respond with compassion and support, standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Japan during this crisis.
