A Softening of Hearts

Online Master’s Student Charlotte Otsu Is Edified While Studying the History of the Japanese Church

When coasting through the history of Japan, a few things likely stick out. Cultural and technological success, monarchical reign, lack of colonization, the love the Japanese people hold for their land, natural disasters and likely much more. However, one often overlooked factor within Japan’s history is the humble existence and growth of the Christian Church and the spread of the gospel.

Charlotte Otsu (’19 & ’25) resides near Tokyo, Japan, and is working toward her Master of Divinity online at Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School after earning a Master of Arts in Formational Leadership from LBC | Capital. As part of her studies, she found the opportunity to study the growth of the Japanese Church and the softening of Japanese hearts.

“The light bulb went on and, from about 400 years ago, when the first missionary came into this country, the Lord just opened those doors,” Otsu shares.

As she studied the Japanese Church and Christian movement, she could not deny the clarity of God moving and working in this nation.

“God allowed this nation to be closed for 250 years,” she says, “but the struggle of the Christian Church was not in vain. All of this happened within God’s plan of redemption. God uses all things, even natural disasters, to mold and create a softened heart to the gospel, but the Japanese people do not know it. “

Otsu’s passionate pursuit of studying the history of the Japanese Church has been encouraged and edified through her experience in class with Dr. Mark Draper, Director of Library Services.

Draper stimulated Otsu’s direction through historical perspectives on Church and culture. She shared her appreciation for Draper’s willingness to spend countless hours with her, helping her walk and talk through these thoughts, as well as find online research resources that would challenge her to investigate the Church and culture in her backyard.

“He not only taught me,” shares Otsu, ”he mentored me to ask questions and discipled me to give me a deep love for history. So, I ransacked the treasures of online and library resources and discovered answers and an understanding that God’s grace operates to soften a nation’s heart.”

Otsu serves in her church in Japan to teach Bible classes, lead prayer ministry and mentor women to help them to know their value. She emphasizes to them that, “when they walk with Jesus, their identity and status are in God.”

“The Japanese people have a heart that gives everything for one purpose,” she continues. “These people are ripe to receive the gospel.”

Through her research and studies, as well as her love for the Japanese people and the Church, Otsu swells with confidence that “God is a redeemer, and He is going to redeem. Jesus’ work of redemption is going to be powerful here in Japan, I just know it.”