called | news Higashi Hiroshima Shi, Japan
January 24, 2006
On Tuesday, January 17, Kathy and I attended the largest funeral I've been to in Japan. I was told that over 100 people attended the service the night before, but more than 200 people from the region and other islands attended the funeral itself at the Yoshiura Alliance Church near Hiroshima. The building was literally packed to overflowing - several attendees had to stand in the entranceway to the sanctuary and in an anteroom. When the formal condolence telegrams sent by those who couldn't attend were read, I was shocked by two things: the unusually large number of them and how many of them were from presidents of well-known companies.
Who is this person who died? Pastor Hadama. Some of you will remember that name. About 8 years ago when Kathy and I were on home assignment in the States, I preached often about the need for pastors in Japan. I particularly challenged people to pray that mature men, even men approaching retirement, would commit the remainder of their lives to serving the Lord as pastors. From that time on God has honored your prayers.
One of the first answers to your prayers was Mr. Hadama. At age 58 he felt the Lord leading him into fulltime ministry, retired early from the Babcock-Hitachi Company, and then immediately entered the Alliance seminary in Hiroshima in 1999 with his wife. A few months later I met with him and told him about your prayers for Japanese men to commit their lives to the Lord. As I said, "Alliance people in America are praying for men just like you," this mature and traditional Japanese man dropped his head and began to weep. Then through his tears he stammered, "I am here because of their prayers. Please thank them for me." I did.
In 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Hadama finished their studies at the seminary and were assigned to the Oita Alliance Church on the island of Kyushu. Immediately he began to creatively do evangelism. The church was moving forward in its outreach in that strategic, unreached city.
Then, in 2004, Mr. Hadama was diagnosed with very aggressive cancer in the mouth. In spite of the painful cancer and the often debilitating chemotherapy, he continued to faithfully and courageously preach the gospel and lead the church as best he could. But, in June 2005 he was forced by his deteriorating health to resign as the pastor and return to his home in Kure, near Hiroshima. On January 15, 2006 he lost his battle with cancer, but won eternal health with the Lord.
For 47 years he walked with the Lord. But, he served as a pastor only three and half years. Yet, he did what he was called to do: he gave the rest of his life to serving his Savior and Lord.
If the Lord wills it, three students will graduate from the seminary in March. Three more next year. It sounds as though at least 2-3 others will begin training this April. All of these are in answer to your prayers. All of them are in their thirties or above; Mr. Fujii, who graduates soon, is in his sixties. Please keep asking the Lord to call out His servants of all ages to preach the gospel and lead His flocks in Japan.
 Ken and Kathy Young
Japan Alliance Mission
|
