Pray with Japan on Sunday, June 10, 2018

Lectionary Selection: Mark 3:20-35

Prayers for Japan:

God, your Spirit opens us to new patterns of relationship,

Just as Jesus sat with like-minded people and called them his family, allow us to embrace people who have a common heart for peace and dialogue, and to see them as family. At this time we are particularly mindful of the people of East Asia, as leaders gather to discuss the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We know that the road to overcoming divisiveness and building trusting relationships will not be easy, but we place our trust in your hands, and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer requests from our partners at the NCCJ.

Please pray, in the spirit of Article 9, for lasting peace among the nations of northeast Asia.
Please pray that those who soon meet to discuss peace on the Korean Peninsula will be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Japan:

Religious leaders are gathering in Hiroshima on the 13th of June for The Sixth Global Inter-religious Conference on Article Nine. Leaders of various faiths, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Islam, have been gathering once every three to four years to discuss the meaning and importance of Japan’s Peace Constitution. As religious leaders they have shared a common commitment to protect life at all costs, and to speak out against forces that make for war. They have claimed that Japan’s constitution represents a treasure for all of human kind. Koreans have consistently played a vital role in this inter-religious dialogue. This year in particular marks the 70th year of divided rule on the Korean Peninsula. Ever since spring, there is a new breeze blowing on the peninsula, where leaders have opened new channels of communication to discuss the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We have witnessed leaders from South and North Korea embrace each other in hopes of establishing a new relationship. Global Ministries will be a part of the inter-religious dialogue, to pray and act together for lasting peace in the region.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Jeffrey Mensendiek)

Mission Partners in Japan:

More about Japan: https://www.globalministries.org/japan

Global Ministries Mission Co-worker in Japan:
Jeffrey Mensendiek is assigned to Kwansei Gakuin University, on faculty of the theology department, and a chaplain of the Center for Religious Activities. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.