Walking in God’s Love
A Testimony from Ueda and Ikebukuro
Chaa Chaa Ogino
(Galilee Maruko Christ Church
/ Chuo Fukuin Church)
My name is Chaa Chaa Ogino.
Since April 2013, I have been serving together with my husband, Pastor Michio Ogino, at Galilee Maruko Christ Church in Ueda City, Nagano.
From April 2025, God opened a new door for me to also serve at Chuo Fukuin Church, supported by the prayers of Pastor Sekiguchi, Pastor Toshiko, and our loving congregation.
Looking back, all I can say is this: God has been so good to us.
We see His hands, His surprises, and His love every day.
1. Introduction
These two verses are the center of my faith.
To fear God alone, and to never lose love—because Jesus loved us and saved us first.
This is how I want to live and serve.
2. God’s Leading to Ueda (2013–2016)
When we first came to Ueda, we did not know anything.
But God slowly taught us about the land and the people.
Life in Ueda is full of small joys—beautiful farms, sweet rice, kind neighbors.
At the same time, God worked inside us.
He taught us to be honest, open, and simple before Him and before people.
He also opened unexpected doors:
* speaking at schools and community centers
* serving as MC for local Taishokoto events on TV
* learning farming—rice, apples, grapes
All these were small things, but through them we could show God’s love in daily life.
Those first three years were full of learning and grace.
3. Ministry to Hikikomori and NEET Youth (2016– )
Around 2016, God brought hikikomori and NEET youth into our lives.
Their pain, their loneliness, their hopelessness—it changed our hearts.
We began small:
* helping them study for high-school diploma
* building simple daily routines
* offering job training and work experience
* giving a safe place to belong
God blessed this work.
Five young adults have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior so far.
We believe two more will come this year.
To see hope return to young faces—this is one of the greatest joys in our ministry.
4. Partnership with Local Churches (2017– )
From 2017, God connected us deeply with other churches in the area.
We supported them through English classes, counseling, and consultation.
We carried burdens together. We prayed together. We served church members together.
Sometimes ministry was not easy.
But serving as a team—seeing God unite different people and different churches—was beautiful.
It was a precious lesson of how the Body of Christ should work.
5. Serving the Wider Community (2019– )
Since 2019, we have been walking with many parts of local society:
* troubled children and parents
* public schools
* local community programs
* local businesses
* farms and orchards through prayer and practical help
Our congregation is full of love and understanding.
They fear God and support His ministry with humble hearts.
Their unity and prayers are the strong foundation under our feet.
A New Calling in Public Service
In April of this year, God entrusted me with a responsibility I never expected.
I became a member of the Board of Education in Ueda City—
the first foreigner in Japan to serve in such a role.
At the same time, I was appointed as a member of the Nagano Prefecture Youth Suicide Prevention Council.
These roles are humbling and heavy, but I believe they are part of God’s heart for the vulnerable.
I step into these meetings with fear of God, asking Him to guide every word.
They are not positions of power, but positions of listening, compassion, and quiet influence—
to protect children, to support families, and to bring God’s love into difficult places.
6. God’s Provision in Our Needs
We had many difficulties—financial, emotional, and spiritual.
But in every situation, God’s help was greater than the problem.
In July 2023, even when our finances were tight, Michio-sensei completed his PhD.
Pastors and believers from many places prayed for us and supported us.
Some sent rice, oil, potatoes, vegetables—everything we needed.
We tasted God’s faithfulness through His people.
That season was full of tears, gratitude, and worship.
We are also invited to hospitals, schools, and local gatherings to speak and pray.
It is always God’s grace that opens these doors.
7. Serving at Chuo Fukuin Church (2025– )
In April 2025, God led me to Chuo Fukuin Church.
Here I serve with:
* Pastor Sekiguchi
* Pastor Toshiko
Pastor Toshiko still lays her hands on me and prays loudly and clearly.
Isn’t it a massive blessing, the centennial birthday-Pastor lays hands and blesses us! Her whole life is a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness.
We also serve with Pastor Joyce Kitano, and God gave us new ministries:
* Myanmar ministry every Sunday afternoon
* Street evangelism every Saturday evening
The church members are warm, prayerful, and full of love for Jesus.
In the past two years, four couples got married, and one more is preparing.
God is building families and strengthening the community.
8. Speaking on Life and Death
On December 8, 2025, I will join a local monk in a public conversation on “life and death.”
Only God knows the true meaning of life and the reality of death.
9. Conclusion
My desire is simple:
I want to speak love.
I want to speak God’s Word.
I want to speak salvation.
I want to obey Him.
I want everything to reflect His glory.
God is faithful.
He continues to work in us and through us.
We are humbled and grateful to be part of His story.
Amen.
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