Okio Hino, a medical school professor of Juntendo University who is an advocate for "The Philosophy of Cancer for Outpatients" gave a lecture recently where about 40 attendants gathered.

The lecture was part of the Jesus June Festival 2019 hosted by the Executive Committee of the Movement for Evangelizing All Japan at the Evangelical Lutheran Tokyo Church in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

The Committee was established in 2003 as an interdenominational organization to rebuild Japan and its people with faith in the midst of a crisis of spirituality when young people could not find hope for the future. Christians in Japan actively present the Gospel which has been adopted with the history and traditional culture of Japan to rise up for the salvation of Japan by overcoming the barrier of denominations and sects.

Okuyama Minoru, the chairman of the executive committee, quoted Matthew 24:14, "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" and said, "Jesus said the end of the world will come when everyone becomes Christian. When all people hear the Gospel, the end will come. It is a big difference." He urged, "our evangelism and Lord's coming is related. We must spread the good news with every opportunity with the message of salvation from Jesus."

Okio Hino introduced the activities of "The Philosophy of Cancer for Outpatients" which is spreading throughout the country and explained the contents of the lecture.

He explained how he started "The Philosophy of Cancer for Outpatients," and said Tadao Yanaihara wanted to open a cafe for students in his hometown after he retired as Tokyo University President. However he couldn't fulfill his dream because he had cancer. I am working for fulfilling his dream."

Hino said: "We always lose our place. The first question to humankind was 'where are you?'" And his answer to this question is "I am here. Please, send me" according to the Bible and it's commission. He added that "bringing out characteristics from the cancer patients and letting them work for something on their own is the motto of the Philosophy of Cancer for Outpatients."

He expressed his concern for the students in Japan, saying they are losing hope and clarity, and that the role of Church [to address this] is big. He suggested churches offer coffee shops or other places where students and people in a town can come freely.

Masaaki Tezuka, the chairman of the committee, delivered closing message and said, "Many Japanese long for salvation. I'd like to preach the Gospel and walk together so this nation becomes a nation to praise God."