In the past, I really disliked the thing called "religion" and thought that it made people worse. Every time there I saw a religious conflict or incident happening in the world, it confirmed my thoughts. I was determined not to be religious, no matter what. As a result, I decided that I would do my best to live my life by my own strength. However, I was paralyzed by my own limitations and would ruminate on the harsh reality of my shortcomings no matter how much I tried to do my best. 

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After working as an office worker in Japan, I came to Sydney, Australia at the age of 24 to enter the culinary industry. Unfortunately, as stress relief, I began to drink alcohol with friends. Eventually, the amount I drank increased, and I became a person dependent on alcohol. I wasn't sure why, but although I disliked "religion" at the time, I married a Christian woman, accepted her invitation to come to church, and started reading the Bible. It was not until much later that I realized that this was all God leading me in His mercy. I was 40 years old when I was baptized.

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I was a person who hated religion, yet I became a Christian. After my baptism, I studied at a seminary in Sydney and became a pastor because I wanted to receive the life-giving love of the person of Jesus Christ, not the “religion” of Christianity. Jesus Christ willingly died on a cross in my place. He took upon Himself the sin of my self-centered life that I had lived without regard for God. On the third day, He defeated death, was resurrected, and gave us eternal life. I believe everyone can experience such renewing transformation only through this kind of real and genuine love. 
 

Will you join us to learn about this love from the Bible? Whoever you are, whatever your background, you are welcome to join us.