January 25, 2006
More than 200 people from Hiroshima and other Japanese islands packed the Yoshiura Alliance Church for the funeral of Pastor Hadama on January 17, 2006. “The building was filled to overflowing,” says Alliance worker Ken Young. “Several attendees had to stand in the entranceway to the sanctuary and in an anteroom.” Numerous people who could not attend, including presidents and CEOs of prominent companies, sent letters of condolence, which were read during the service.
Pastor Hadama’s name is familiar to some Alliance family members. About eight years ago when Kathy and Ken Young were on home assignment in the United States, Young preached often about the need for pastors in Japan. He particularly challenged C&MA churches to pray that mature men—even those approaching retirement—would commit the remainder of their lives to serving the Lord as pastors. “From that time on God has honored your prayers,” Young says.
One of the first answers to those prayers was Pastor Hadama. At age 58 he sensed the Lord leading him into full-time ministry, retired early from the Babcock-Hitachi Company, and entered the Alliance seminary in Hiroshima in 1999, along with his wife. A few months later Young met with Hadama and told him about The Alliance’s prayers for Japanese men to commit their lives to the Lord. When Young said, “Alliance people in America are praying for men just like you,” this traditional Japanese man dropped his head and began to weep. Then through his tears he stammered, “I am here because of their prayers. Please thank them for me.”
In 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Hadama finished their studies at the seminary and were assigned to the Oita Alliance Church on the island of Kyushu. Immediately Hadama initiated creative evangelistic outreaches. The church was moving forward in its ministry in that strategic, unreached city.
Then, in 2004, Hadama was diagnosed with aggressive cancer in the mouth. Despite the painful disease and the often debilitating chemotherapy, he continued faithfully and courageously to preach the gospel and lead the church as best he could. However, in June 2005 his deteriorating health necessitated his resignation as pastor. On January 15, 2006, he lost his battle with cancer but won eternal health with the Lord.
For 47 years Pastor Hadama walked with the Lord, though he served as a pastor for only three-and-a-half years. He did what he was called to do: he gave the rest of his life to serving his Savior and Lord.
“Lord willing, three students will graduate from the seminary in March, with three more next graduating next year,” says Young. “At least two to three others will begin training this April. All of these are in answer to your prayers. All of them are in their thirties or above; Mr. Fujii, who graduates soon, is in his sixties. Please keep asking the Lord to call out His servants of all ages to preach the gospel and lead His flock in Japan.”