Investing in God’s Future
Recently I heard an inspiring story about a group of American women who helped improve the lives of thousands of residents of Osaka, Japan. In 1955, women in Presbyterian congregations all across the country donated a total of $208,577 because they wanted to share God’s love with people in another part of the world. The women decided to give the money to build a health clinic in Osaka. Sixty years later, the small health clinic has grown into the top ranked private hospital in Japan. Its annual budget is $241,000,000.
There are very few Christian churches that are growing in Japan. But hospitals that were started with help from churches are the one place where Christian ministry is growing. The hospital in Osaka provides a dynamic example of ministry resulting from a partnership between medical healing and spiritual growth.
All of the medical facilities, including patient rooms, are built around a central space for worship. As patients come from all across the city to receive medical treatment, they come in contact with doctors, nurses, and staff members who worships twice a day in the central chapel area. Patients in their rooms who do not wish to experience daily worship can push a convenient button, cover their window with a set of blinds, and opt out of the sights and sounds of Christian worship. But 90% of patients choose to leave their windows open to experience this part of the hospital’s ministry. In a culture in which 99% of the population is not Christian, patients from all across the region continue to stream to this top-ranked private hospital in Japan. As they experience medical treatment and compassion, they have the opportunity to learn more about the wholeness that Christ offers.
There is a joyful end to this story about the Osaka health clinic. Four years ago, a delegation from the Japanese hospital attended a national meeting of Presbyterian Women. They presented the women with a check for $208,577, the exact amount of the original gift. As the delegation expressed their thanks, they said, “Thank you for trusting us with this gift back in 1955. Now, let’s take this money and use it for some other group of people in Asia.”
Because of the transforming power of God’s Holy Spirit, sixty years from now, another community somewhere in Asia will have a similar story to tell. I am thankful that Jesus continues to use the faith and generosity of groups like Presbyterian Women, and all of Christ’s followers, to share his healing and wholeness wherever God calls us to serve.
” …So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.”
(Mark 10:50-52, New Revised Standard Version)
Blessings,
Pastor Karl
Source:
Hunter Farrell, Director of Presbyterian World Mission, PC(USA);
2/28/15 presentation at First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, Florida.
Pastor Karl Kling 