If We Are Not Happy and Grateful,

We Are Not Following Konko Daijin’s Faith

Sermon by the Rev. Koji Toshimitsu

Konko Church of Kinoue

 (Reprinted from the August 2016 issue of Konkokyo-ho Ametsuchi)

Being Made to Face My True Self

For the last few years, I had a personal faith motto: “If we are not happy and grateful, we are not following Konko Daijin’s Faith.” Several years ago, I went through a very difficult period in my life. I asked for and received Sacred Mediation, time after time, and I often prayed on my own. Each time, I felt some peace of mind, yet I believed I was left without any divine blessings. I could not even glimpse a clue to salvation. Instead, I was made to see my true self: I was far from being saved. 続きを読む →

Kami’s Blessings Are Unlimited

By the Rev. Ken’o Abe, KonkoChurch of Desaki

(Reprinted from the May 2016 issue of Konkokyo-ho Ametsuchi)

The “framework” for our lives.

One day, Ms. Kiku Okada came to worship and told Konko Daijin, “With my poor health condition, I can’t help thinking that my life won’t be long.”  In response, Konko Daijin said, “Humans are unable to predict their life span.  Since Kami’s blessings are unlimited, practice faith, gain divine virtue, and live a long life.”  If we focus on the phrase, “…Kami’s blessings are unlimited,..” it is possible to imagine a world that easily transcends one’s constrained vision, for this is Kami’s world.  In this divine world, we are embraced without limit and unconditionally, and it extends and expands without end. 続きを読む →

Wasn’t It A Dream?

By the Rev. Ei’ichi Kondo’o
Konko Church of Ueno

What My Mother Wrote in her Diary

Thirteen years have passed since my mother passed away.  My mother was born with a heart condition called atrial septal defect and bronchial asthma.  Because of these congenital conditions, she was very fragile and therefore was not able to take part in school events such as athletic meets and school excursions.  Since I was innately healthy, she often said to me, “How fortunate you are, being given a healthy body!  You can participate in any school event.”   続きを読む →

Fifth Anniversary Ceremony of the Great East Japan Earthquake was held on March 6, 2016. Reverend Toshimasa Okanari, the former Chief Administrative Director, gave an address.

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The Power of Gratitude and Joy―What I Received from My Parents―

By the Rev. Junji Fujii
Konko Church of Kojima Akasaki

Entering a Konko Church with My Parents
My father was born in Konko Town and he was raised at Konko Church of Nuttari in Ni’igata Prefecture, where his parents did goyo (selfless service for Kami/Divine Parent) as the church’s successors. Father finished school in Ni’igata, and he then entered Konkokyo Gakuin Seminary in Konko Town, Okayama Prefcture. After graduating from the Seminary and being ordained as a Konko minister, my father did goyo at the Konkokyo Headquarters for thirty-eight years. His goyo in Konko town lasted until 1995. Shortly after he was done as a staff member of the Headquarters, my father went into Konko Church of Kojima Akasaki on a permanent basis as the church’s successor, since the church had been without Konko ministers for eleven years. Father was excited about his new environment, because it was his long-time dream to do goyo at a local church. He was also pleased with it that the size of the building of the church, its garden and inner room looked like the Replica of the Founder’s Mediation Hall. 続きを読む →

Let’s Be Happy, Thankful and Express Our Gratitude!

Rev. Yasunori Kato

Konko Church of Hirabari

The Spiritual Turning Point of my Father’s Faith

My father, the late Reverend Jonosuke Kato, was the second Head Minister of our church and he passed away at the age of 90 in October 2014.  Father went to be with our Divine Parent (Kami) on the very next day of Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony at our church.  He was a Konko minister for 68 years, serving as our church’s head minister for 40 years.  続きを読む →

Konkokyo Establishment Day Service was held on November 15, 2015. Reverend Toshimasa Okanari, the Chief Administrative Director, gave an address.

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