Kyoko, a young mother and nurse has worked at a hospital in her neighborhood for several years.  Then, 2 years ago, she came to know Christ.  Her life changed dramatically as she grew in her Christian life.  She is a member of the cell group Jane attends.  Kyoko has joined the weekly Praise & Worship Team.  She has a clear understanding of what it means to be committed to Christ.  Her faith was put to the test recently as an acquaintance who was in the hospital where Kyoko works, passed away.  It is a Japanese custom that the body is transferred to a room called “The Resting Spirit Room”.  There is an altar and according to Shinto religion, family and friends burn incense and pray to the spirit of the dead person. 

Kyoko was asked to join the family and other nurses (all not-yet-Christians).  She went with them.  But, what would she do when it was her turn to go up to the altar where the deceased body lay?  This was her first experience to deal with these rituals since becoming a Christian.  There is heavy pressure from family and friends for even Christians to burn the incense.  But that day, Kyoko made a decision in her heart.  Yes, she was representing the hospital and her fellow workers were all around her, but she would not partake in this ritual, choosing instead to pray to her God.  It is a moving story of a young lady who gave her full commitment to the Lord, telling Him in her heart that day that even if she was fired, she would not burn incense and bow, praying to the spirit of the dead person.

In ways only God can do, another young nurse observed Kyoko.  Later, she approached Kyoko, sharing her admiration for what she had done, and began asking Kyoko about  Christianity.  She is now attending Yachiyo Church and our cell group.  She shared last week that she wants to make her faith in Jesus public by being baptized.  Please pray for God’s protection on both of these young women.  And by the way, Kyoko did not lose her job!! (Praise the Lord!!!)