Miyako Ryukyuan in Japan
pronounced: mee-YAH-koh ree-YOO-kyoo-un

During the early 1400s, the Miyako Ryukyuan had their own kingdom. The powerful empires of both China and Japan had an interest in taking control. The Japanese proved more adept, and the islands became a part of the Japanese Empire. The traditional religion of the Miyako Ryukyuan was a version of shamanism with women as the shamans. During the 1920s, Shintoism and Buddhism vied for prominence, and today the Ryukyuan adhere to a mixture of the two, blended with traditional shamanism.

Ministry Obstacles: Their beliefs leave no room for a powerful Savior who can save them from sin and death.

Outreach Ideas: The Ryukyuan 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: "You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
- Isaiah 62:3

Prayer Focus Pray for this blessing to come to today’s people group. Pray that Ryukyuan believers may find opportunities to spread the gospel in their own communities and among their own people. Pray for a rapid growth of disciples among the Ryukyuan who will be sound in doctrine and fervent in love. Pray that they would discover the dignity of belonging to the King of kings.

Sources: People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project..