October 2025 Voice of the Divine Parent

Rev. Nobuharu Uzunoe
Oct 3
7 min read

Vol. 25# 10

Rev. Mitsuo Tamai - Grandma Carrying a Bag - continued from September

Chapter 2: Faith without Truth

In this discussion, we will study the theme, "Turning Our Hearts to Kami." While the phrase "turning our hearts to Kami" may seem simple and easy to understand at first glance, I believe it actually holds a very profound and challenging meaning.

My Experience

One day, back when I succeeded my parents and I was sitting in the church, I suddenly received three urgent letters. At the time, express delivery was the fastest means of communication. Each of these letters contained messages that needed to be addressed promptly and clearly.

● One letter urged a significant decision regarding work.

● The second and third letters concerned issues related to serious, life-threatening illnesses.

Looking at these letters, I didn’t know how to handle them. After the passing of my parents, I had entered the Konko Seminary at a young age to take over the church and had just completed over a year of training at Saizaki Church, my parent church. Therefore, I was unable to give immediate instructions on such serious matters. Nevertheless, I knew I had to provide answers and I was at a complete loss. I prayed earnestly to Kami but felt anxious and helpless. I was concerned whether or not my instructions contradicted Kami's will and whether or not those individuals would receive blessings

The Consultation Process

Whenever I found myself in trouble, I consulted Rev. Jiro Kataoka, the third Head Minister of my parent church. I went to see him and asked, "How can I receive blessings?" Rev. Kataoka said, "You are thinking of writing these responses yourself. You want to write and impress everyone, don’t you?" I replied, "Yes, that was my initial thought, but now it’s different. That’s why I came to ask how I should proceed. I would like to consult with Kami to be able to carry out this task carefully." Upon hearing this, Rev. Kataoka responded:

● "That’s not right. You still have shallow faith, so you do not have the ability to ask Kami to write for you. This way of thinking can lead to negative consequences."

When I tried to write it myself, I couldn't. When I said, "I will ask Kami to help me write it," he replied, "You do not have such power." I urged, "Then, Sensei, what should I do?" but he gently turned away. When I pressed further, he quickly shifted again.

The Content of the Teachings

Rev. Kataoka said, "You probably know an elderly, distinguished minister who has extensive experience. He was not like that when he was young. I will tell you a story about him now." He shared a story about that minister at the mediation seat.

The minister sat at the altar when he was young. One day, an unfamiliar person who saw the Konko emblem entered the church and said, "This is my first visit. I have hit a dead end in my business and am lost about what to do. I thought I could get help here and before I knew it I entered the church. Is it alright for a first timer to come in?" The minister responded, "That’s fine. What has happened?" The person replied, "My business is not progressing. If things continue like this, my store will go bankrupt. I’ve tried everything, but I cannot find a solution. While my thoughts were running through my mind, I happened to pass by this church and stepped in."

Since the minister was young and inexperienced, he didn’t know what to do and lacked the ability to guide him. All he could do was pray earnestly to Kami in front of the altar and asked, "Please bestow this visitor with some good wisdom." However, nothing came to mind no matter how much he prayed. Eventually, he became so tired from praying that he fell asleep.

When he woke up and looked behind him, the visitor was no longer there. He thought, "Oh no!" but it was too late. Despite the visitor’s desperate plea for help, he had unknowingly fallen asleep. He assumed the person must have left in disappointment. He apologized to Kami while feeling miserable and could not sleep at all that night.

Subsequent Events

The next day, the visitor returned and said, "Thank you very much, Sensei. Because you prayed so earnestly, I prayed along with you, and an idea came to mind. I’m sorry to say this after your efforts, but I had to act immediately, so I excused myself. It turned out to be a blessing. Until then, I couldn’t think of anything, but during our prayer together, a solution surfaced, and I received blessings. This was due to Kami and your earnest prayers. Today, I came to express my gratitude and apologize for leaving abruptly." I couldn’t say, "Actually, I was asleep," so I just replied, "Oh, I see. That’s wonderful."

During this story at the altar, I was told, "Even though the minister is old and has a beard now, he was once young too. Therefore, it’s only natural for you to feel troubled by something like this. It would be strange if you weren’t. However, there’s no need to worry so much. You shouldn’t think of thoughts such as asking Kami to write for you, but rather ask to write with Kami’s assistance."

Later, the parent minister became serious and said, "Understand that it is Kami who will write the response with you. It is not you or Kami using you to write. You are writing the letter together with Kami. So, do not misunderstand this point."

About Faith

Faith development occurs because Kami prays while looking toward us, allowing our hearts to wish for blessings, enabling us to have faith and helping us turn our hearts to Kami as we realize our blessings. This is true faith. The essence of this teaching begins with Kami thinking of us and calling out to us.

Faith does not begin with our hearts turning to Kami; rather, it starts with Kami’s heart that is turned toward us. I hope you will understand this well and keep it in mind.

Finally, the Voice of the Universe #93 says, "Practicing faith means directing your heart toward Kami." This is not a command from Kami. Instead, Kami is expressing, "I am thinking of you, so please connect with my heart." I hope you will understand this thought clearly.

To be continued in the next issue.

Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit

018 Have someone list to your story

During a hardship, share your story with someone.

A wounded heart can be healed with a single expression,

“That must have been hard.”

After someone has listened to your story and when you feel calm, ask someone else who seems sad, “What’s wrong?”

From there, the circle of support will expand.

Bylaws Revision Project

As noted in last month's newsletter, the church is revising its current bylaws in order to bring them up to date. Church bylaws are a set of rules and church practices, especially related to decision-making. The Gardena Church Bylaws can be viewed in the attachment below.

A special meeting of the membership will be held in the cafeteria after Sunday service on October 12 to allow members to ratify the board-approved bylaws. To "ratify" means to "give formal consent to" documents approved by the board, per legal practice. No changes can be made at the ratification stage, but questions can be addressed at the October 12 special meeting. A quorum of membership is required to ratify the bylaws, so please plan to stay after church and attend this brief meeting.

Chicken Teriyaki Sale update

Dear friends,

It was great seeing you at the Chicken Teriyaki Sale hosted by the Gardena Church Shintokai. Thank you very much to everyone who joined us for the cutting preparations, cooking chicken, packing containers, and all the various goyo that made this event possible. We also appreciate everyone who ordered chicken plates; We hope the meal was flavorful and enjoyable. We look forward to continuing these events to stay connected with local Konko Churches and the community. See you at the church soon!

With Sincere Gratitude,

Gardena Church Shintokai

Daily Calendar

Day 4. A heart of true gratitude is the beginning of divine blessings.

Even if you feel you have flaws and shortcomings, they are all invaluable gifts from Kami.

If you can accept this perspective, your life will become brighter and change significantly.

"My head is big, my legs are short, and I'm slow at running...There's no way I can be popular."

Each of those traits is an irreplaceable part of your individuality.

Day 5. Being cured from an illness is not what we should be grateful for, rather, always being in good health is.

It is tough to have a headache, stomachache, or toothache. It is admirable to be able to express gratitude for the times when you are not in pain.

“I’m so glad my cavities were treated at the dentist. That is true, but we should be even more grateful when there is no pain on a regular basis.”

Day 6. If people prayed before taking medicine, blessings would be quick.

Instead, they take medicine before praying, so there are no divine blessings. Before taking medicine, let us first ask Kami for guidance.

“It is important to ask Kami’s assistance in all matters”

Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements

Morning Service

On Sunday, October 5, we will be holding a morning prayer at 9:00 a.m. After praying, let us clean the inside and outside of the church. The Shinto-Kai meeting will follow the cleanup. Everyone is welcome to join.

Monthly service

On Sunday, October 12, at 10:00 a.m., we will be holding the Monthly Service at the Gardena Church Mediation Hall. After the service, we will be holding a meeting to discuss the Gardena Church Bylaws. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Gardena Church Work Committee Study Group

The GCWC will meet on Sunday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please contact Rev. Uzunoe if you are interested in joining this group.