News by email Donate

Suggestions

Tokyo Olympics 2 banner.jpg
Tokyo Olympics 2.jpg
World News

'Incredible move of prayer' as Olympics get underway

by Marcus Jones

Christians across the world are being called to unite in prayer for Japan as the country hosts the Olympics.

The Games got underway with a muted opening ceremony in Tokyo on Friday; because of the pandemic, no crowds are being allowed into the stadiums.

During normal times, churches in host cities use the Olympics as a spring board for evangelism to their local communities and to tourists.

Big plans were in place for Japan but they too have been stood down because of the country's restrictions to stop the spread of Covid.

"It's a really challenging time at the moment," Marty Woods, from the Japan International Sports Partnership (JISP), told Premier. "Japanese people are very cautious. 80 per cent at one stage wanted the Olympics cancelled. There was no choice but they're not happy about it and some are quite angry."

While physical events may no longer be on the agenda, Christians on the ground have turned their focus to prayer.

Woods says they've taken the lead of the Apostle Paul who had grand plans for evangelism before he ended up in prison.

"He could have said, 'Well, thanks a lot, God', but what does he do? He has the most amazing prayer and worship time where there's an earthquake and he's freed.  

"Every door seems to be closed, but the door of prayer hasn't closed. There's been this incredible move of prayer amongst the Japanese church. 

"The more we think about it, it's the most strategic, central thing that we can do. I think we're learning that in a whole new way.

Through JISP and the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, believers are using this time to pray for the spreading of the faith across the country.

Christians make up just one per cent of the population while many towns and cities don't have a church.

Together, the groups are calling on Christians across the world to help them bring about one million hours of prayer for Japan.

Those wishing to get involved can head to www.japan1million.com.

"Pray that we would see such a move of God," Woods asks. "We've got 30 days; 17 for the Olympics, 13 for the Paralympics and we're praying that God's Spirit would fall on this land in a way that we've never seen before. 

"Whenever you hear about the Olympics, whenever your team wins, can I just ask you to pray 'Come and change this land, make it truly a place where his glory's seen'."
 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate