Faith Experiences
Hideo Ikeda
April, 2025
A Life Saved from Liver Cancer, Devoted to Others
Kamakura Church Aki Jorei Center – Hideo Ikeda, 78 Years Old
Good Morning. My name is Hideo Ikeda.
My wife’s parents joined our Church around 1960 and were devoted members. After our marriage, at my wife’s recommendation, I received the Ohikari (sacred focal point) in 1972 when I was 25 years old. Our three daughters, along with our sons-in-law and six grandchildren, have also been permitted to walk the path of faith, and I feel truly blessed that our entire family has joined our church.
My journey of faith took a significant turn 12 years ago when my grandchild received a great divine blessing. At the time, my grandson was just one year and three months old. I did not realize he was standing behind the car I was driving, and as I shifted into reverse, I felt the tires roll over something. Shocked, I shifted gears, only to drive over the same spot again. I had run over my own grandchild, with the tires passing over his body twice.
My mind went completely blank, and I felt as if my soul had left my body. My wife and fellow members immediately began channeling Johrei (the Divine Light of spiritual purification) to my crying grandson, while I prayed in desperation to Meishu-sama. The tiny child was rushed to the emergency room. A member who had been nearby later told me that they had seen a whitish, fluffy light appear between the tires and my grandson’s body. Miraculously, he was found to have only tire marks on his stomach, but no other injuries. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, believing firmly, without question that Meishu-sama had saved him. That grandson has since grown up healthy, received the Ohikari last year, and now often gives Johrei to my wife and me.
Since this great blessing, I have actively engaged in giving Johrei, attending the Center, and offering my service. Among these, I particularly love the practice of Mitami-migaki through which by prayerfully focusing while cleaning we can purify a space in a most sacred way. I had learned of this practice during member’s training, and it has become an integral component of my serving.
Indeed, it has become my life’s purpose. I also drive my wife and fellow members for visits without hesitation. Additionally, I joyfully participate in volunteer activities, such as cleaning the local river and helping elderly individuals who live alone by cleaning or organizing their homes. I am naturally someone who enjoys helping others and seeing them happy. I love building harmonious relationships and working for the benefit of others.
In mid-May of 2024, my doctor, who was treating me for gout, advised me to undergo MRI and CT scans. After reviewing the results, the doctor told me, "There is an unidentified mass. You should go to a larger hospital."
On May 30th, while pruning trees and weeding the garden at the Johrei Center, I suddenly experienced severe pain in the right side of my chest. I asked the church ministers and center leaders to offer prayers for me. Many members immediately began praying and channeling Johrei to me with deep sincerity, for which I felt incredibly grateful and supported.
On June 7th, I was admitted to a local cancer center for further tests. The doctors diagnosed stomach cancer that had metastasized to my liver, stating that "the entire liver is covered with cancer," "this is extremely severe and dangerous," and "although we will begin chemotherapy immediately, the chances of eliminating the cancer are nearly zero." I was in complete shock. I worried about medical expenses and my future, feeling completely lost.
On June 20th, after undergoing treatment and being discharged on the 27th, I returned home but continued to suffer from severe chest pain, sleepless nights, loss of appetite, as well as swelling in my abdomen and legs. Even with Johrei, my condition did not improve. The doctor told my wife and children that it was terminal cancer, and I had only one month left to live. My family prepared for the worst. My wife encouraged me by saying, "No matter what happens, Meishu-sama will guide this purification for the best. Let’s accept this with gratitude. We will do everything we can as a family and leave the rest in His hands." Her words gave me strength.
I resolved to entrust everything to Meishu-sama. From that moment, my wife, family, and fellow members took turns offering Johrei, sometimes for up to eight hours a day. Many people also performed Johrei remotely through focused thoughts. I could only feel deep gratitude for their support.
On July 16th, due to dehydration and severe malnutrition, my weight dropped drastically, and I was hospitalized once again. My wife, wanting to support me, brought "Life-Giving Carrot Soup" from Yoshiko Tatsumi Sensei along with natural rice porridge to the hospital. Miraculously, I was able to eat. I made every effort to consume food while my family and members continued daily Johrei and prayers. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes.
My daughters, who lived far away, returned home, and our entire family united in giving Johrei. Gradually, my appetite returned, and I felt my strength coming back!
While hospitalized, I frequently thought about the unfinished work I had left behind and the community cleaning activities I could no longer participate in. I found myself thinking, "I wanted to clean that place," "I wanted to help tidy that person’s home," and "If I recover, I want to do it again."
Perhaps motivated by these thoughts, I slowly regained the ability to sit up on my own and began rehabilitation and walking practice. Finally, on August 11th, I was discharged. My doctor was astonished, saying, "You were given only one month to live, and now you’ve improved so quickly!" He immediately arranged for home care services, including a nursing bed for my house.
Upon discharge, my legs and abdomen were still swollen, and walking from the car to my home’s entrance was certainly a struggle. Though I could go to the bathroom alone, I needed assistance for bathing and relied on others when showering. However, with continued Johrei and prayers from many, all my worries about post-discharge life vanished. This, too, was a great miracle.
On August 13th, I went to the medical center in a wheelchair for chemotherapy. Thanks to Johrei, I experienced no side effects, and gradually regained the ability to take care of myself. As I moved around the house and climbed stairs, the swelling in my legs and abdomen subsided, and my skin, which had become rough, started peeling off to reveal fresh, smooth skin underneath. How amazing, the power of Johrei.
On September 3rd, I underwent a CT scan. The doctor was shocked, saying, "The cancer has dissolved into liquid and has significantly shrunk." Overjoyed, I sincerely thanked Meishu-sama. I believe the Johrei purified my body and activated my natural healing abilities, leading to this miraculous recovery. I deeply resonated with the experiences described in Dr. Kenji Yamamoto’s book Invisible Power, Visible Effects, which discusses the enhancement of natural healing abilities.
I resumed my community service by participating in my beloved practice of river cleaning as part of my rehabilitation. I was overjoyed to return to work and my volunteer activities. I even started enjoying karaoke and mahjong with friends, who were amazed at my recovery.
Our home hosts a weekly Johrei gathering every Thursday. I often tell my friends, "My wife can do this," and encourage them to experience Johrei in our home.
On September 24th, blood test results showed that my cancer markers were nearly undetectable. On October 1st, I visited the Johrei Center to offer my gratitude.
On November 5th, during a medical consultation, my doctor said, "Your stomach cancer has shrunk, and your liver cancer is gone. This is truly a miracle. Such cases are so extremely rare."
This incredible experience of terminal cancer disappearing in just five months has made me realize my mission to share the miracle of Johrei with as many people as possible.
On December 23rd, I was able to attend the long-awaited Birth Festival to express my deep gratitude for this miraculous turn of fate.
Finally, on February 18th of this year, 2025, I was told, "The liver cancer has completely died and turned into liquid. Your test results are excellent." I have been given an extension of life by Meishu-sama. With hearts filled with gratitude, my wife and I will continue dedicating ourselves to the salvation of humanity and the construction of a heaven on earth.
I sincerely thank the Divine God and Meishu-sama.