This month, we are praying for Northeast Asia, which consists of eight countries. Of the 708 unique people groups in this region, 520 (73%) are considered unreached.
Pray for Northeast Asia
Pray for healing and unity in the Korean Peninsula. Pray that the Church in the South would walk in humility and oneness, and for any future reunification to be led by righteousness, peace, and justice.
Pray for the persecuted church and those imprisoned in many of these countries. Pray for perseverance in the midst of suffering and for the Lord to continue to provide for daily needs.
Pray for doors to open so more workers can be sent to these restricted countries to share the gospel. Pray for protection over those who are already in these areas.
Pray as many in this region celebrate holidays this month: August 11 is Mountain Day in Japan, and August 15 is Liberation Day/Independence Day in North/South Korea.
Additional Resources
When God Interrupts Our Plans
Written by a Global Partner Serving in Northeast Asia
I have a longtime friend among the ethnic people group we’re trying to introduce to God. I want her to experience worship alongside Christians, even if they’re not from her people group. I knew with her shyness she’d be very reluctant to encounter so many believers at once, so we picked a special evening event when others were expected to bring friends.
We knew the church family had one believer from her people group. Of course, it would be amazing for my friend to meet him. But, I heard from his wife that he was unable to attend the event. Out of town.
The date was reserved. Rented car reserved. All four of us teammates were looking forward to the evening.
But our friend canceled. Her factory boss assigned overtime.
God, You have something else in mind? Don’t You see her?
What had seemed an exciting answer to prayers suddenly looked like a deflated car ride. We texted some prayer warriors. “Help us look for whatever God is doing here.”
Another friend from this people group, whom we’ve known for years, hadn’t been too willing to hear about God. Yet, given the weeknight, I suspected she had an open evening.
I texted her, bracing for our next no. “Want to come?”
“Mmm. Sure. When do we leave?”
She had never met a follower of Christ before she met us. She also truly believed no Christians could exist among her own people.
But God.
God both chose her for that evening event, and He brought the church’s only ethnic brother back early from a business trip.
He was the first person to greet her when we entered the gathering hall.
He welcomed her in the natural ways and language of their people. Then, he took his leave so she could settle in with us to absorb her first encounter with the very new world of Church.
She experienced worship, intrigued with the song lyrics lifted by hundreds of voices.
She listened to the evangelist intently, evaluating everything that came out of his mouth.
In the car ride back she admitted that the “storyteller” had reasonable things to say, calling his words truth, yet not Truth.
We remain in prayer for her. God is stirring a restlessness as she ponders her many questions.
Kids Activities
Check out these activities to help your kids learn more about Northeast Asia.
Games & Recipes
Kemari
This traditional ball game is over 1,000 years old!
Chinese Yoyo
Also known as a diablo, this hourglass-shaped cup is held and tossed using an string.
Mochi Recipe
This Japanese rice cake can often have a sweet filling—even ice cream!
Sheet Pan Bibimbap
This Korean dish consists of white rice with sauteed vegetables and fried egg
Taiwanese Recipes
Check out these recipes from Taiwan and try one out for yourself!
Share Your Experience!
Parents! Did you and your kids complete one of these activities? Send us a photo for a chance to be featured on Calvary Kids socials!
People Group Highlight:
The Tsaatan
The Tsaatan (translated “those who have
reindeers”) live in Northern Mongolia and are
one of only a few reindeer herding peoples
worldwide. They follow the religion of Tengrism,
which worships creation and ancestors, and they
believe the ghosts of their ancestors live as
animals. Tsaatan’s lives revolve around reindeer.
They live on things reindeer produce—like milk,
yogurt, and cheese—and reindeer are even used
for transportation. Because they are a nomadic
people group, there are many obstacles for
sharing the gospel.
Pray for avenues to share the gospel with the Tsaatan. Pray that they would lay aside their other religious books for the Bible and worship Jesus above all else.
Past Regions
Looking for prayer prompts and ways to engage with regions we prayed for in past months? Find them below!