I was born and raised in a typical Japanese family who honors his ancestors, accepting both Buddhism and Shintoism. My parents who were both from Fukushima moved up to Tokyo as soon as they got married. In the meantime they had hard time to make ends meet for living. My father who only graduated from the elementary school worked hard so he could send his children all the way up to college. In my early school days I couldn’t find anything to pursue and was not confident in myself at all. However, when I began to learn English for the first time in my middle school, I was fascinated with English language and began to get good grades at the same time in all other subjects.
Then I was admitted to a Catholic university only because I wanted to learn English. I had a prejudice against religion, assuming it would narrow our perspective. Naturally I avoided the Bible-related class and I was judging some of the students who attended mass.
In my senior year I visited my mentor to thank her for helping me finish with my graduation thesis. She was a sister (nun) and an English literature professor. I don’t remember what we talked about but only the word I vividly remember is the scripture she quoted from the Bible: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) I was so impressed with the hope-filled word. Since then, I opened my heart to God and started to seek Him.
Actually I was told the love of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ’s cross, right after my graduation, by American Christian students who came to Japan with Campus Crusade ministry. I heard for the first time that God is love and the Creator. I had been going to Shinto and Buddhist temples at the beginning of a new year. I opened my heart to God the Creator who has character—He is the real God.
Later I learned the central sin is being apart from God, including selfishness, pride, envy, lie, etc. in our hearts. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my Savior and Lord—who paid the price of my sin on the cross. While attending church, I was more assured of the salvation from judgement and eternal death, the sure hope of Heaven, the love of God for each and every one of us.
After graduation, I got a job at International School in Tokyo. I worked in the school office, speaking both English and Japanese. It was like a dream job for me, but several years later, I offered to God my fascination of English and its culture, devoted myself to Him and chose to go to seminary.
Now I live in the U.S., sent as missionary. I have never studied overseas but my continued interest in English language was put into use and prepared me to live abroad as I followed the Lord. I am so thankful to God for that. I thank and praise the Lord who has been leading and guiding my life for the best.