VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
Tamaki Uemura
History is filled with men and women who quietly changed the world by simply saying “yes” to God. Tamaki Uemura was one of them.
Born into a Christian family in Japan, Tamaki learned from an early age what it meant to believe in—and fear—the Lord. Inspired by her father’s unwavering faith, she pursued higher education before returning home with a desire to serve Christ wholeheartedly.
In 1931, she planted a church in Tokyo. A few years later, she became the first ordained woman pastor in the Japanese Christian Church. Her influence continued to grow as she served internationally through the YWCA and courageously proclaimed the Gospel during one of the most difficult periods in Japan’s history.
After World War II, Tamaki traveled to the United States to speak about peace and reconciliation, extending Christ’s love despite the deep wounds left by the war. She later presented a Bible to Japan’s Empress and was invited to teach Scripture to the royal family.
Tamaki also boldly opposed the development of nuclear weapons, reminding world leaders that true security comes from trusting God, not human power.
Her life challenges us to ask ourselves: Do we fear God more than we fear people?
Jesus prepared His followers for opposition when He said, “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you… This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:12–13, CSB).
Tamaki never allowed fear, culture, or opposition to silence her faith.
May her example inspire us to stand courageously for Christ, trusting that even one faithful life can leave an eternal legacy.
—
Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
“Power Points: God at Work through Women Leaders Yesterday and Today” by Leecy Barnett