Whole Person Healing

A Letter from David and Sue Hudson, serving in Japan

Spring 2022

Dear friends,

The mission committee was gathered for their monthly meeting to hear reports from the hospital chaplains about how they were doing personally, and how their ministry was carrying on in these challenging times. The hospital continues with wise restrictions and prudent precautions put in place throughout the hospital, even in the children’s hospice unit. After we heard the reports, I asked if there was anything more to be shared. Silence. Then one of the doctors spoke.

 “A 14-year-old girl who was suffering with a malignant brain tumor was under the care of the hospital. At the beginning of the year she was a vibrant young girl participating in the athletic classes at her junior high school. However, her muscles were weakening, and her speech was deteriorating rapidly. Her parents decided she should spend some time in the children’s hospice unit where professionals were able to support her and them. She stayed in the unit, playing games on the T.V., interacting  with  staff, enjoying music, and participating in other activities. Feeling encouraged, her parents decided she should spend several days at home with her family. In early May she returned to the children’s hospice unit. She passed away four days later.”

The room was still. I sensed the doctor and several of the chaplains were moved hearing her story. I quickly learned why. The young girl had expressed her hope to some day visit the hospital chapel. Three of the chaplains quickly prepared to honor her wish, by moving heavy chairs aside to make room for her bed to be wheeled into the chapel. Another chaplain began playing the piano. Her medical team of doctors and chaplains surrounded her as life support was removed from her face. Her wish was fulfilled, and she was embraced in the arms of her father and mother, surrounded by visible expressions of love in the front of the chapel under the cross.

Yodogawa Christian Hospital’s Cross

Yodogawa Christian Hospital was founded in 1955 in a poor section of Osaka for the purpose of “whole person healing.” The hospital was  an early pioneer in establishing the hospice movement in Japan and has one of the larger hospital chaplaincy programs in the country.

What does “whole person healing” look like? What does it mean when we say that in life and in death we belong to God? I’m wrestling with that.

Now we “see through a glass dimly…but  we will see face to face.” [I Corinthians 13:12]

John had a vision of a time when God… “will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more….” [Revelation 21:3-4].

Until that time, I give thanks for the hands and hearts serving here at Yodogawa Christian Hospital. During these challenging times in our world wholistic healing is profoundly needed.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, David shared this letter and story with me as I am preparing to join him in Japan on June 10, 2022. He arrived safely in Osaka on April 1, 2022, and quickly stepped into the “role” of Resident Director of the Japan Mission after the retirement of Rev. Bill Moore. We are grateful that he had the opportunity to cross paths with Bill and Ann before their departure on April 6, 2022.

The Japan Mission is in a time of transition, so we welcome your prayers that David and I will follow the Spirit’s leading in the months to come. Yodogawa Christian Hospital practices “wholistic healing” ever since its founding and is presently seeking God’s wisdom about the best way to move forward with the Spirit at the helm of the ship! In partnership with the Japan Mission and the Presbyterian Church (USA), may Jesus’ hands and feet continue to bring people into an intimate connection with their Creator!

We welcome your prayers and support as David serves on the Japan Mission Board and also the Board for Yodogawa Christian Hospital. I look forward to leading some Bible studies in English for hospital staff, as well as participating in the life of the local church there. Having recently completed a “Certificate in Spiritual Guidance,” which was a two-year program through the Shalem Institute in Washington, D.C., I also look forward to prayerfully building relationships with the people God leads us to serve in Japan.

We remain in Christ’s Service,

David and Sue Hudson