From the Superintendent's DESK

The dedication of a new church building for our Kawasaki, Japan, congregation was held this past Sunday, November 24. Director of East Asia Work Bill McKibben and his wife, Lori, were blessed to attend, representing the Portland headquarters.

Seventy years ago, the first Apostolic Faith Church in Japan was dedicated after missionaries Arthur and Miriam Allen established a congregation in Tokyo. Then, eight years later, on October 14, 1962, a church building was established in Kawasaki. When the Tokyo building was sold, a “new” building was constructed in Kawasaki and dedicated on October 21, 1971. Earlier this year, it became necessary for this building to be demolished and replaced due to current needs and building regulations concerning earthquake safety. This new building had been the vision of Hidehiro Ouchi, who was pastor of the congregation for many years. Though Brother Ouchi passed away several years ago, the Japanese Board of Directors and Yoshiki Ohno, the current pastor, followed through with his vision. They completed the new building to the glory of God.

For this dedication weekend, the McKibbens were joined by South Korean District Superintendent Kim Jeong Min and Philippine District Superintendent Fernan Fiegalan, along with their wives. On Saturday evening, the group met for dinner and a time of fellowship with Brother Yoshiki and his wife. Brother Bill said they rejoiced together in anticipation of the dedication service and of the Ohnos’ first child, who is soon to be delivered. He requests prayer for this family.

The Sunday dedication service was held on a beautiful, sunny fall day. Every seat in the sanctuary was filled with an overflow into the narthex area. In addition to the local congregation, the service was joined by Lee Sooyoung, a Korean brother who, along with his family, worshipped in Kawasaki as a graduate student. Another in attendance was Kelsey Filimon, a member of our Sacramento, California, congregation, who was visiting Japan. 

The service began with the reading of Psalm 70:4, which states, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love they salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.” This was followed by an opening prayer by Brother Ohno. Then the congregation sang the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Brother Kim and his wife sang a vocal duet of “Grace,” with each verse in one of the three languages of those present: Japanese, Korean, and English. Brother Fernan and his wife also provided a song special, titled “In Christ Alone.” The Holy Spirit was very present during these special numbers as they sang for God’s glory.

Before the dedication sermon, Brother Yoshiki presented a Bible reading from 2 Chronicles 7:11-16, a portion of King Solomon’s prayer at the Temple dedication in Jerusalem. Also, the congregation sang another hymn titled “You’re the Word of God the Father.”

Brother Bill took his sermon text from 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, describing the glory and presence of God which filled the Temple as the priests and people worshipped after the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies. Those attending were challenged not only to pray for God’s glory to inhabit the new building but, more importantly, to inhabit each of their hearts. They were also reminded that worship is to be focused on the Lord because He is good and His mercy is everlasting. Following the sermon, the congregation sang the hymn “Praise the Lord” and then Brother Bill offered the dedicatory prayer. 

To conclude the service, representatives from the construction company were honored. Also, a letter of special greeting from Superintendent General Sola Adesope on behalf of the Apostolic Faith headquarters and churches around the world was read to all. Afterward, many of the gathered leaders and local saints joined for lunch in the downstairs activity room of the new church. As they did so, they rejoiced in the goodness of God for providing this new place of worship.

Following the dedication service, Brother Bill wrote that one woman who attended said she was saved and water baptized last year as a result of her daughter attending our Sunday school. He remarked, “It was a joy to hear that God is still at work in Japan.” He also requested our prayers, saying, “Continue to pray for these precious saints as they share the good news of the Gospel.”

As we rejoice with Brother Bill and the Kawasaki saints over this new convert, let’s pray the new church building will become a spiritual lighthouse to all of Japan.