In the domain of Hosokawa, there were many martyrs who followed the Lord
faithfully until they died.
One of them, Hayato Kagayawa was born in Settsu, Takatsuki (now Takatsuki
city, Osaka) 16 years after Francis Xavier began to spread Christianity.
His family were all faithful Christians. He believed in Jesus Christ when
he was 10 years old, and decided to live his life for Jesus and got baptized
by Father Luis Frois. In those days, Oda Nobunaga authorized Christianity,
many churches were built, and many people were saved.
In 1587, 12 years later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the nation, issued edicts proscribing Christianity. At that time, Hayato served Takayama Ukon as his vassal. Ukon didnft follow Hideyoshifs order and@abandoned his status and honor as daimyo along with his territory of Akashi 60 thousand koku. He kept his faith and believed in Jesus Christ. Although it was in the relation between master and servant, Hayato was taught through Ukon's life the way where the believers who trusts Jesus Christ should follow.
"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." Hebrew 11:26
He had strong and dynamic faith in Jesus Christ without being shaken until
he died martyrdom at the age of 54.
