Although there are pockets of evangelical Christians among them – even in the United States – the Japanese remain one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. There are approximately 900,000 in the United States, with at least
1,000 in Arkansas. Most of them live in Fayetteville and Little Rock. They are often very hard workers and take a lot of pride in their education and accomplishments. Some own restaurants and markets, and many are connected to area universities and colleges. While younger Japanese tend to assimilate to Western culture, many still maintain strong ties to their Japanese culture. The native religion of Japan is Shintoism, though most Japanese claim to follow Buddhism as well.

There are approxiatemly 130 Japanese households in the Little Rock area with no evangelical focused ministry. 

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that God would raise up more laborers to work among the Japanese.
• Pray that evangelical Christians would be proactive in developing sincere friendships among Japanese neighbors, co-workers, and students.
• Pray for the Japanese to seek the truth and hope of the Gospel over the pursuit of materialism and success.

Partnership Opportunities:

• Pray! Pray for these requests listed and for the Japanese people. Pray how God would have you become more involved.
• If you live in Central Arkansas and want to know how you can actively become involved with reaching the Japanese and/or helping start this church plant, contact Vince below.