Facing Evacuation
On the Sunday before their forced removal, Lester Suzuki had preached a sermon to the Nisei congregation of the Japanese Methodist Church in Los Angeles: “Brethren, we are facing the…
A Voice in the Wilderness
What might a Christian minister say to his congregation to prepare them for unjust suffering? What hope could he offer in the face of the uncertain future? Sermons and testimonies…
A People Displaced
Evacuation Orders Throughout the spring of 1942, notices posted on telephone poles and public buildings informed Japanese Americans of the impending evacuation: “ALL PERSONS OF JAPANESE ANCESTRY, BOTH ALIEN AND…
Immovable: Help for Imperfect People (Ps 15)
Read Psalm 15: A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walks blamelessly and does…
Taming Lions: Help When Enemies Slander and Accuse (Psalm 7)
Read Psalm 7: A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. 1 O LORD my God, in you do I take…
No Fooling Around: Help for the Believer Burdened by Evil (Psalm 14)
Read Psalm 14: To the choirmaster. Of David. 1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who…
The Church’s Response
The Nikkei church did its best to remain calm amidst the storm. For instance, the morning after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rev. Daisuke Kitagawa offered his services as an…
The Power of Confession: Help for the Spiritually Depressed (Psalm 6)
Read Psalm 6: To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in…
Light for the Eyes: Help For the Despairing (Psalm 13)
Read Psalm 13: To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2…
My King and My God: Help When You Fear the Wicked (Psalm 5)
Read Psalm 5: Psalm 5 is divided into five stanzas (called strophes in Hebrew poetry). In strophes 1, 3, and 5, the psalmist looks toward heaven and casts his eyes…