(suh-POHR-oh) – August is a special month in Sapporo, as well as all over Japan. Schools are out for summer break and the celebration of Obon is on everyone’s mind. Obon honors departed ancestors who have this one time during the year to return to visit their families. The Japanese travel back to their home cities, go to cemeteries to bring flowers, drink, and eat special food. It’s a difficult time for Christians who want to honor their ancestors but not worship them. They want to find ways to share about their faith in Jesus with family who don’t understand why they can’t participate when praying to these departed spirits. Pastors who are first-generation Christians are always feeling this pull between family and faith. Pray for the many believers as they strive to be witnesses and the salt and light of Christ to their families during these days the second week of August (Matthew 5:13-16). Pray for strength to withstand the pull of family tradition and stand firm in their faith in Jesus.