For a good many years we had not seen a Japanese ship in our harbor; but on September 15, 1950, when we were out in the Vigilance, we met the first Japanese ship that entered the port after the war. It was the "Hikawa Maru." We turned the Vigilance around, came back, and awaited opportunity to go aboard. None of the crew on the ship could speak English, but a member of the Japanese Society of Portland who had gone onto the vessel, kindly interpreted our message to the captain and told him of our invitation extended his crew. 

Because of the tension which had existed between the two nations, the Japanese were really surprised to find a group of Americans waiting to take them to church, providing free bus service. In spite of the hospitable reception, some of the Japanese were fearful of leaving their ship to go among the Americans. However, out of the crew of 85, there were 50 who responded and attended the service that very first night. 

By the time the next Japanese ship arrived in Portland, The Apostolic Faith needed no introduction to their men, for Tokyo had been informed of the kindness our workers had shown to the Japanese seamen on the first ship. 

Within two years, we visited about 150 Japanese ships; and within the five-year period after resuming postwar trade, we brought 10,000 Japanese to church. Since then, thousands more have attended the services and feel at home among our people. Incidentally, we feel at home in Japan, too, for through so many Japanese seamen visiting our church here, we felt the urge to establish an Apostolic Faith church in Japan; and now have a thriving work carried on there, with headquarters in Tokyo.