“To be a member of the church which warmly welcomed me.”

As the war between Russia and Ukraine passed the two-year mark, the baptism of a Ukrainian woman seeking refuge took place at a church in Yokohama.

Katerina Furutova, a refugee from Odessa, was baptized at Hongōdai Kirisuto Kyōkai (Japan Evangelical Church Association, JECA) on March 17.

Pastor Keishi Ikeda asked Katerina before baptizing her, “Do you believe that there is only one true living God who is Creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is your Savior?”

She answered confidently in Japanese, “Hai shinjimasu (Yes, I believe).”

Pastor Ikeda declared, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” as Katerina went down into the water. As the ceremony finished, there was enthusiastic applause as a sign of blessing from those who attended.

Katerina escaped to Japan with the help of Hunger Zero, an organization supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Then in Japan, OASIS, a foundation set up by Hongōdai Church, has been supporting her in various ways. The foundation became her guarantor, helped her with visa and financial support applications and supported her language learning. She attended worship services at Hongōdai Church, where she was warmly welcomed and was even introduced to a part-time job at a steak house. As all of that was happening, she declared, “I want to be baptized.”

“At the beginning, she was insecure and asked us to take her to a psychiatrist,” said Hiroshi Tsukii (advisory pastor, Hongōdai Church). “She often froze while eating in a restaurant or even at home, as if she were remembering horrifying experiences. However, her fear seems to have lessened from being surrounded by loving people. She says she feels peaceful when she’s with people from church, as they are like her family.”

Katerina, whose grandmother was also Christian, was baptized as an infant. “My grandma used to tell me what God is like and what He could do. Whenever I had a hard time, I prayed to God.” Her favorite piece of Scripture is “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Ps. 46:1–2, NIV).

“I wanted to respond to the grace of God who prepared Hongōdai Church for me and wanted to be baptized so that I could become a member of this church that welcomed me so warmly. I am thankful that I am surrounded by such kind people here in this church.”

From Christian Shimbun, April 7, 2024
Translated by Tomoko Kato