A rare story of a Japanese Christian in Brazil
The couple in the picture above is Jorge and Marcia Nishimura of Brazil, whom I met at the Global Kingdom Netwrok Partnership. This gathering of Christian political and business leaders was unique in that the attendees came from five continents and from a variety of denominations. I have been asked by the organizers to facilitate one of the 12 tables during the three and half day event.
Over breakfast Jorge and Marcia told me an interesting story. The story began back in Taisho and Showa Eras of Japan (between 1920 and 1932) about a young man named Shunji. Second born to a family of Christians, Shunji had dreamed of becoming a pastor and went to Bible school. In the years of late 1920s and early 30's, Japan's economy was in dire straits. Typically the second son was sent away to alleviate the family's condition.
Shunji was sent to Brazil through the Rikkokai Mission. Rikkokai was started back in 1867 during the years when Christianity suffered much persecution in Japan. Arriving in Brazil at the age of 21 with no connections, no money, unable to speak Portuguese Shinju managed to survive his plight. Initially working as a farmhand he saved enough to go to school in Sao Paolo. While there he took on a variety of odd jobs that included becoming a waiter and repairing a variety of implements. Eventually graduating from engineering, Shunji married. With a failed business and unable to provide for his young family he moved to the agricultural town of Pompeia. It was here that Shunji would invent his first agricultural sprayer - the Jacto.
Through the years Jacto would be improved into one of the world's most reliable farm sprayers. Today there are over 80 models sold in over 100 countries worldwide. The company has over 3,000 employees worldwide.
Today Jacto's products consists of hand held, mounted units to large scale sprayers.
An array of world class products that is respected all over the world.
Listening to Jorge and Marcia was a treat as once again we see that God guides the destiny of His people, wherever they may be.
Jorge is presently the Chairman of the Board of Jacto. He and his siblings have inherited the company from their father Shunji.
Today Jorge and Marcia serve in a ministry known as Unibersidad de Familia. The University of the Family.
The ministry has helped preserve marriages and relationships by doing classes on the family. A total of 700,00 participants have gone through their ministry.
I write Shunji's story to inspire all of us to stay true to God's will and purposes for our lives despite how things may look like at the present.
God is in control even at times when we don't think He is.
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt." Genesis 45:8
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