Yaeyama in Japan
YAH-ay-ah-mah

Once independent merchants who sailed to China, today the Yaeyama are mostly farmers, raising sweet potatoes and rice. The Yaeyama of Japan is one of several people groups living in the Ryukyu Islands to the southwest of the mainland. The family is central to Yaeyama culture and life, and they dislike being alone. They spend any time available with families or friends, and children and older widows will often find others to sleep next to them. The Yaeyama are considered Buddhist, though traditional shamanistic practices are still prevalent. Some of these include the belief in unseen gods, demons, and ancestral spirits, as well as "kami," whom they believe have the power to cause harm if they do not appease it. Unfortunately, the Yaeyama are considered second-class citizens in Japanese culture, leaving them searching for a sense of belonging.

Ministry Obstacles
The shamanistic beliefs of the Yaeyama convince them to put their faith in spirits rather than the God of the universe.

Outreach Ideas
The Yaeyama may be attracted by the God who calls them to belong, the one who is always with them and will never leave them.

Scripture Focus
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."  Isaiah 61:10

Scripture Prayer
Pray for the garment of salvation to come to this people group.

Prayer Focus
Pray that the Yaeyama may be given opportunities to spread the gospel in their own communities and among their own people. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Yaeyama and for strong churches to be raised up among them.

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