_You must have been very surprised by the great earthquake that recently occurred in Sendai.
“There are about 20-30 members in Sendai. On the day when the earthquake occurred, there was no way for us to know whether they were safe or not. Though we called the members in Sendai hundreds of times, we failed to contact them because all communication systems in the Sendai area were down. Since airplanes were also unable to take off and all roads were closed as well, Sendai was totally isolated. About a week later, we were able to get in contact with them. They were all safe. Father and Mother protected them with the power of the Passover. I truly give thanks to Them for that.”

_Would you tell us the situation when the earthquake took place?

ⓒ 2011 WATV

“It was after the time of the afternoon prayer on Friday. Suddenly we heard a thump and felt the whole building shake violently. Earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. The shaking usually stops after about 30 seconds. So, when the earthquake occurred that day, we thought it would soon stop like normal, but it didn’t. The quake lasted less than three minutes, but it felt very long to us. There was nothing for us to do but pray. When the shaking stopped, we went around the station to fi nd our brothers and sisters. In Japan, people are taught that the area around a station or a square is a safe place in an earthquake, so they gather together there when an earthquake occurs. Thousands of people were densely gathered around the station in a state of tension. We became very anxious because we had to find our brothers and sisters among so many people there and we were also unable to contact the members in Sendai. In this situation, we did not know what to do. At that time, I realized deeply how precious each and every soul is. Thankfully, all our members returned to Zion safely and hugged one another.”

_The earthquake in Sendai must be so strong enough to be felt even in Tokyo.
“It was the fourth largest earthquake in the world ever recorded by seismic instruments. The quake shook half of Japan. The distance between Sendai and Tokyo is about 400 km [249 miles], which is approximately equal to the distance between Seoul and Busan. Despite that distance, Tokyo was greatly affected by the Sendai earthquake. People were also very shocked. The whole country was plunged into a deep depression. The only thing on my mind was that we should preach the gospel quickly to people in Japan. ‘I should have delivered the gospel to them before that tragedy occurred.’ As I thought that I was negligent in preaching the gospel, I felt really sorry towards Father and Mother.”

_How are the Japanese members doing?
“They give thanks to God for saving them all from the disaster without anyone getting hurt. ‘There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, (Lk 21:11).’ Actually, although we used to read this prophecy, we just understood it by knowledge, but as we saw the prophecy unfolding into reality, we clearly realized the promise of the Passover. In other words, we came to realize the value of the truth and the power of God’s word, which we were keeping. And we were also able to understand just a little bit of Mother’s heart. How pitiful are those people who are helpless before disasters! Now we’ve been able to preach the gospel with Mother’s earnest heart, rather than just saying, ‘If you keep the Passover, God will save you from disasters.’ ”

_The atmosphere of Zion must be quite different than before.
“The members all became one naturally as they were in an emergency situation. Falling into temptation or being hurt by another member—this kind of matter was nothing to them in that situation. We all had only one thought: ‘We must save even one more soul quickly.’ When I came to Korea this time, I brought the members’ letters containing their earnest wishes for the doors of the gospel to be opened wide in Japan. All the members are so eager to preach the gospel. Though they are somewhat restricted in their outdoor activities due to radiation, they try to proclaim the Passover extensively throughout Japan by earnestly preaching it to each and every soul—even to those who heard the truth a long time ago, while diligently studying the Bible as well.”

_What is the response of people when they hear about the Passover?
“Many people open their minds and come to God. Among them are also brothers and sisters who once stopped coming to Zion. There are already many who have promised to keep the Passover. So, we expect that numerous souls will return to Father and Mother this time.”

_Let me change the topic. Would you briefl y explain how the gospel has progressed in Japan?

ⓒ 2011 WATV

“Though the gospel began to be preached in Japan early, it was in 2007 that the Church was fi rst established in Tokyo. After that, the members—especially male adults and young adults—became active in preaching the gospel, and it kindled the fi re of the gospel in Japan. As their fervor continued to burn, many souls streamed to Zion endlessly. Whenever Mother called us, She emphasized the importance of bearing ‘good fruit.’ Engraving Mother’s words in our hearts, we focused on solidifying our faith last year. As a result, we were able to ensure our internal stability and to bring forth many gospel workers as well.”

_It is very joyful news that many gospel workers have been brought forth.
“Most people in Japan do not know the Bible. So, there were many diffi culties at the beginning. However, as we began to have an organized system of Bible study, we were able to carefully teach them that the Bible is fact and a divine revelation from God. It is also the same with the members. After understanding what kind of book the Bible is, they learn the truth about God the Father and Mother. Since they realize the existence of Christ in full assurance of faith in the Word, they are able to grow quickly as gospel workers. Just as a kernel of wheat must die to produce many seeds, there is suffering until a soul grows. However, since God gives us grace through those souls, our Church can grow.”

_Actually, there has been a preconception that it is difficult to preach the gospel in Japan. What do you think about that, as a missionary in charge of the gospel work in Japan?
“Some may think that the gospel can hardly prosper in Japan because its culture has been strongly influenced by Buddhism or because of some other reasons. However, that is just a stereotype. If we get stuck in a negative frame of mind and keep thinking, ‘It’s impossible,’ we fail to do even things that we can do. All the work of the gospel is led and managed by Father and Mother. Recently, many people have opened their minds wide. Witnessing that, the self-supporting mission volunteers from Korea also feel that they are well able to fulfill the gospel work in Japan because Father and Mother help them. It is never difficult to preach the gospel in Japan. Just seeing the new members grow to be gospel workers very quickly these days, we can confidently predict that the gospel work in Japan will be accomplished in an instant. So, I am sure that Japan is a fertile land for the gospel, which has infinite potential.”

_You are going to return to Japan after the General Assembly. Is there a resolution you have made this time?
“The General Assembly was a great time for me to remind myself of the mindset that I had at first and to engrave the truth deep in my heart again. Mother told us that the secret of success in the gospel is to preach each and every word of God preciously, being moved by the Holy Spirit. I am afraid that the members may have missed many things in God’s word because I was lacking in earnestness. For this I feel very sorry towards Mother. When I return to Japan, I want to share the grace and love of Father and Mother not only with the members who have titles or positions in Church, but with all the brothers and sisters, through the words of God. If there are many gospel workers who are clothed with the ability to preach and are moved by the Holy Spirit, our Elohim will not worry about whom They will send and where They will send them. Additionally, the glory of Father and Mother will quickly spread from one end of Japan to the other.”

_Do you have any desire for the Churches in Japan?
“Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures. The prefectures include one metropolis (Tokyo), one circuit (Hokkaido), two urban prefectures (Osaka and Kyoto), and 43 ken (regional prefectures). There are still many regions in Japan where the gospel has not yet been preached. After experiencing the great earthquake this time, I feel so heartbroken because I do not think that I have tried my hardest for the gospel. This year, I want to put all my effort into spreading the gospel to give Mother great joy. We will all work hard to lead even one more soul to salvation by sending gospel workers throughout Japan and establishing Zion in every region, so that 2011 will be the year when we accomplish the gospel in Japan.”