Mr. Yataro Yamaguchi 1
For two years in my early ministry I was associated in various places with a Japanese evangelist, Mr. Riuza Kasamatsu, who had become a Christian in California and afterwards gave himself to ministering the Word among his own people, many of whom were settled in that state.
At one time we spent some weeks in Sacramento, where I preached to those whose first language was English, and he preached to those who spoke only Japanese.
At this time he introduced me to a Japanese fruit contractor, Mr. Yataro Yamaguchi.
This man had been brought up in one of the many Buddhist sects in Japan, and at one time had decided to give up all earthly employment and retire to a Buddhist monastery in order to obtain the salvation of his soul.
His father was opposed to this, and insisted that, as the eldest son, it was his responsibility to get into some lucrative business where he could help to support their rather large family.
So, putting aside the question of his religious longings, Yataro Yamaguchi concluded he had best emigrate to America.
Upon reaching Stockton in California he inquired of a friend as to which was the best religion to profess in the United States, so as to make the most friends and accumulate the most wealth.
His friend, who spoke English, found a Methodist minister and explained that Yamaguchi wanted very much to be a Christian.
It was difficult to make anything very clear, as the supposed convert spoke no English and the pastor no Japanese; but on the assurance of the friend that all was thoroughly understood, the young man was solemnly sprinkled in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and received into the church.
He cultivated the acquaintance of people in the church, and through them found many opportunities to turn an honest dollar.
Later he returned to Sacramento, where he became a contractor, using large numbers of his fellow-countrymen to pick, dry and pack fruit - a business that brought in good financial returns.
Hearing Evangelist Kasamatsu preach about surrendering to Jesus, he became greatly concerned about whether he was really a Christian and the two of them had many long talks. As a result of these conversations Mr. Yamaguchi became convinced of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
But he felt that he could not commit himself to Christ and be known as a born again Christian, as it might interfere seriously with his money-making, which had now become an obsession.
He did not see how he dared take issue with his countrymen, and he realized, too, that the Christian lifestyle standard was so high he was afraid he could never live up to it.
