Japan has one of the world’s most powerful export economies, but was heavily affected by the 2008-2009 worldwide recession. Low birth rates and an aging population are major societal and economic concerns for the future. Though there is freedom of religion, over 70% of Japanese claim no personal religion, and most follow the rituals of ancestor-venerating Buddhism and polytheistic Shintoism. There are very few Christians. Christianity is still considered an outside, western religion rather than a universal faith, despite 500 years of Christian presence in Japan. It is the largest unevangelized nation, even though they are completely open to missionaries. […]
Category:Pray for Our World (countries E-M)
Jamaica is a large mountainous island in the Caribbean. Jamaica has a wonderful Christian heritage, and one of the highest number of churches per square mile with several Bible schools and seminaries. However, gangs and drug cartels have also brought high crime, violence and drugs to the country. The Rastafarians is a common religion in Jamaica, characterized by the colors green, gold, red and black that you see in Jamaican hats, symbols and clothing. It is a mix of Christian beliefs, black consciousness ideas, and social movement. Dreadlocks, reggae music (popularized by Bob Marley), the use of marijuana, and their […]
Category:Pray for Our World (countries E-M)
Italy is a mountainous peninsula that dominates the Mediterranean Sea and includes two large islands, Sardinia and Sicily. Italy has contributed much to the world – legal systems of Roman law, Latin language, Renaissance culture of art and music, and many fashion innovations. Christianity flourished here but soon became a formalized state religion of cultural Catholicism. They were virtually untouched by the Protestant Reformation and have never had Biblical revival. The Roman Catholic Church is now in crisis. Though the church is active in Italian identity, very few people faithfully practice Catholicism, even as low as 3%. Organized crime is […]
Category:Pray for Our World (countries E-M)
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, but it is not recognized internationally. The land is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as their Holy Land. Israel became a nation again in 1948 after almost 2000 years. The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria in 722 BC and the southern kingdom (Judah, capitol Jerusalem) by Babylon in 586 BC. After 70 years of Babylonian exile, they returned to their land in Jerusalem and rebuilt King Solomon’s temple. After Christ and the subsequent fall of Rome in 70 AD, the Jewish temple was destroyed, the nation dispersed and Jews scattered […]
Category:Pray for Our World (countries E-M)
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About the Author
Sue McCusker is a writer, Bible teacher, and web developer who loves sharing the stories of life, hope, and faith she sees around her every day. She has written for Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and teaches the story of God in women's Bible study.
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Happy are the feet of those who bring good news! Isaiah 52:7
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