top of page

Messages

National Appreciation Service

April 6, 2025

Vice-President Rev. Romilson Candido

 

Congratulations on this Monthly Appreciation Service!

 

To everyone here in person and those joining us online – Happy Spring!

 

Today, I have the honor of representing the President of our World Messianic Church – Miroku Association in North America, Rev. Marco Negrao, who is currently at the Guarapiranga Sacred Grounds in Brazil.  

 

Thank you for your continued dedication and support in helping to expand the Divine Light Program across North America.

 

The mission of our World Messianic Church, or Miroku Association, is to build Paradise on Earth — a world of Truth, Virtue, and Beauty.  

 

And speaking of beauty, we have a very special event coming up: an Art Exhibition on May 10th.

 

I would now like to invite Rev. Terry to share more details.

 

  • Pilgrimage to Japan will be from Sept. 25th to October 6th 2025

 

 Every month we receive a message from Reverend Marco Antonio Baptista Resende asking:

Let’s study Meishu-sama’s teachings and follow Meishu-Sama’s example to recognize God’s constant presence in our lives. With this awareness, let’s dedicate ourselves to practicing faith in our daily lives.  

  • What are the **basic Messianic practices?  

  • Johrei (spiritual purification through divine energy)

  • Reading Meishu-Sama’s Teachings

  • Participating in services

  • Guiding and helping others

  • Offering donations of gratitude

 

Now, I would like to share a message from the President of our Izunome Kyodan in Japan Rev. Sugihara

 

Congratulations to everyone on this Spring Service

(…) Recently, a devastating earthquake occurred in Myanmar, and the number of casualties is increasing daily. I offer my heartfelt prayers for those who have passed away and for the fast recovery and rebuilding of the affected areas.

Despite the turbulent global situation, natural disasters, and challenging economic conditions, we are able to live each day with hope under the divine protection of God and Meishu-sama. 

 

With deep gratitude, we reaffirm our commitment to serving in dedication to humanity.

Additionally, today, we had the honor of hearing the wonderful testimonial of Mr. Hideo Ikeda from the Kamakura Aki Johrei Center in Japan. What did you think about this amazing faith experience we just heard? 

It was amazing! “(…) 12 years ago his grandchild received an extraordinary blessing. He was just one year and three months old, his grandson was accidentally run over by Ikeda’s car. Unaware that the child was behind the vehicle, Ikeda reversed, feeling something under the tires. He changed gears and drove over the same spot again. Realizing he had run over his own grandchild twice, he was overwhelmed with despair. His wife and fellow believers immediately began administering Jorei to the crying child, while Ikeda desperately prayed to Meishu-sama. The child was rushed to the emergency room. A witness later recounted seeing a whitish, fluffy light appear between the tires and the child’s body. Miraculously, the boy suffered only tire marks on his stomach and no injuries. Deeply moved and grateful, Ikeda firmly believed that Meishu-sama had intervened. Today, that grandson is healthy, has received the Ohikari, and often gives Johrei to his grandparents.

On June 7, a diagnosis of stomach cancer that had metastasized to his liver. Doctors declared the condition extremely severe, stating that his liver was completely covered with cancer and that even with immediate chemotherapy, the chances of eliminating the cancer were nearly zero. Ikeda was in shock, troubled by concerns about medical expenses and his uncertain future.

By June 20, his condition deteriorated further, with persistent pain, loss of appetite, and swelling in his abdomen and legs. Despite receiving Jorei, there was no improvement. His doctor informed his family that the cancer was terminal and that he had only one month left to live. Faced with this grim prognosis, his wife reassured him, saying, "No matter what happens, Meishu-sama will guide this purification for the best. Let’s accept this with gratitude He received Jorhei from his wife, family, and fellow believers for up to eight hours daily. Many others offered remote Jorei through focused thoughts.

On September 3, a CT scan revealed that the cancer had dissolved into liquid and significantly shrunk. His doctor was stunned.

On November 5, during a medical consultation, his doctor confirmed, "Your stomach cancer has shrunk, and your liver cancer is gone. This is a miracle. Such cases are extremely rare." This incredible turnaround in just five months reinforced his mission to share the miracle of Jorei with as many people as possible.

Teaching of Meishu-sama: "A Gracious Person" During today’s service, we studied the teaching "Being a Gracious Person." Meishu-sama emphasized the importance of this, stating:​ "This is surprisingly significant in life. Not only does it affect an individual's destiny, but it also has great implications for society."

He explained that when we interact with pleasant people, we, too, become pleasant, and this positive energy spreads, ultimately leading to a more harmonious society. This, in turn, reduces conflicts and crimes, creating a spiritual heaven on earth.

Please watch on you tube: Merci! by Christine Rabette. With Jan Hammenecker as the laughing guy.  Short film made in Bruxelles in 2003. 

Furthermore, Meishu-sama pointed out: "This requires no money, no extra effort, and can be done immediately. There is no greater blessing than this."

However, He advised that superficial politeness is not enough. True pleasantness comes from a sincere heart filled with altruistic love.

When we think of “pleasant people,” many of us imagine someone who is always smiling. In a survey by Professor Mieko Nishikawa at Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, 35% of people said their first impression of a pleasant person is someone who smiles.

A study at a well-known women’s college in the U.S. followed graduates for 30 years. It found that those who smiled in their graduation photos were much happier later in life than those who didn’t. This supports Meishu-sama’s teaching that being pleasant is closely connected to our personal destiny.

When we think of a smile, we naturally remember Meishu-sama’s warm and radiant smile. His smile has comforted us in sad times and given us strength when we needed it. It shows his deep kindness and the love of the Divine Parent. Let us follow his example and try to smile sincerely from the heart.

In the same survey, the second most common trait of a pleasant person was “someone who greets others warmly and responds to greetings,” with 24% of the votes.

Meishu-sama valued greetings deeply. He once told his close followers:
“When you see someone in the morning, greet them right away. Even if it’s more than once, that’s okay. And always reply clearly when someone greets you.”

The Power of Active Listening


The survey also showed that a common trait of an unpleasant person is “someone who only talks about themselves.”

Many of us have encountered people who dominate conversations or interrupt others. This behavior often leaves a negative impression. In contrast, we tend to feel positive toward those who truly listen to us with empathy.

I once heard an interesting story from a university hospital. Doctors who gave detailed explanations about a patient’s condition weren’t always the most appreciated. Surprisingly, some patients felt those doctors didn’t explain enough. On the other hand, doctors who spent more time listening—even if they didn’t say much—were often seen as kind and caring.

This shows that when people are in distress, what they need most is to feel heard and understood, not just to receive information. The same is true in our everyday lives. When we give advice or guidance, we should be careful not to speak too quickly. Instead, we should take time to truly listen to the other person’s heart.

“Love comes from God. So when truth, goodness, and beauty are present, love naturally gathers there.”

 

Let us follow Meishu-sama’s example of selfless love by studying and practicing his teachings, so we can grow more love in our hearts.

Thank you very much.

bottom of page