Japan is a nation of one people, but in their hearts they are divided. Some are atheists, others Shinto (a traditional religion in which a variety of false gods are worshiped) and an equal number of Buddhists. Most Japanese practice both Shintoism and Buddhism. Only about 1.5% are Christians.
When I traveled to Japan as a missionary in 1983, the percentage of Japanese Christians was lower at only .5%.
I worshiped and taught English classes at Hallelujah Community Church in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, just outside of Nagoya, a major city. The church was full of youth, single adults, young men studying to become pastors and the fellowship was quickly growing.
Their lives centered around God as they lived believers’ lives in the midst of darkness. They clung closely to each other, believing, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
What I remember most about these believers was their dedication. Three times a week they regularly fasted as a church body both breakfast and lunch. Before the fast broke, a time was set for prayer. They came together and on their knees loudly called on God to help them.
This church was open everyday. There was constant ministry happening.
Nearly 40 years later, we see the work of God and His ways reach fruition. Hallelujah Community Church is still in existence today and has grown to 13 Japanese branch churches, and plantings of international churches in Brazil, the Philippines and even in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This kind of work can only be accomplished with proper leadership, men and women, who are after God’s own heart and follow His ways. In this situation, Pastor Sakakiyama has led his church, with his wife, devotedly for decades as God directed.
Why fasting and prayer?
In Esther 4:16, the queen called for a fast of all the Jews in Persia. She too would fast three days, in preparation for her entrance to the king’s court. which was against the law, knowing very well that she herself could die at his command. In this case, the body of believers in God were called to act as one, for the sake of their queen, their representative at court.
Ezra and the Jewish people stood on the bank of the Ahava River. They needed God’s protection while traveling and invoked it with prayer, petition and fasting. (Ezra:8:21-23)
In Acts 13:2, the body of New Testament believers in Antioch were worshiping and fasting. During this time, Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Fasting and prayer are very powerful ways of God. They are His ways. Lord Jesus Himself fasted and prayed in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Church, have you humbled yourselves to God’s ways, praying and fasting together as a body on a consistent basis?
Pastors, elders and deacons, are you leading your church body in God’s ways?
Regular fasting and prayer directs us by Holy Spirit, in the way we should go, as seen in Acts 13:2, under the mighty arm of protection of God in an ever darkening world.
(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon