This week in Christian history: First Crusade takes Jerusalem, anti-poverty activist born

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 10, 2022

Japanese Christian anti-poverty activist born – July 10, 1888

This week marks the anniversary of the birth of Christian evangelist, writer and social reformer Toyohiko Kagawa in Kobe, Japan.

After his parents died when he was a child, Kagawa was baptized by an American Presbyterian missionary and studied theology in Japan and the United States.

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Kagawa was known for his charitable work among the poor in Japan, as well as his involvement in social reform movements like organized labor, suffrage and anti-war activism.

“He took part in the campaign for universal adult male suffrage, which was achieved in 1925, and helped organize the Japanese Federation of Labour,” noted Britannica.

“In 1921 and again in 1922 he was briefly imprisoned for his labour activities. After his release he began to conduct great evangelistic campaigns in the chief cities of Japan and other countries.”