Interview: Mary Chikagami Lee, choir director of Stream of Praise

By Eunice Or

A very unique member of the Stream of Praise Music Ministries, Mary Chikagami Lee, is a Chinese born in Japan. She has composed and sung the first Japanese gospel song produced by SOP, which is called "Send me Lord". Meanwhile, she is a full time staff at SOP serving as a vocal coach, choir director and pastoral care.

Official figures show that Protestant Christians constitute less than 1 percent of the total population. Gospel Herald has invited her to speak briefly about her vision for Japan.

R: Reporter

M: Mary

R: Mary, you are born in Japan, how do you think music can change the nation and how music can help to bring the Gospel to the Japanese Christian?

D: If I know the answer, I will go and change the nation. I think one of the things I thought about last time I visited. I think the whole country just needs more praise and worship and what I learned from SOP is that even when SOP went to countries that are not Christians to lead the praise and worship, and not all of the congregation are singing, but when we praise and worship God. When we praise God, God inhabits in God’s people. Even though it is a small meeting and maybe not many people are singing, I just feel the whole country needs more praise and worship by flowing it out in the air, so that’s something that I could do. Not I could do, but somebody can do to change the nation.

Mary Chikagami Lee was born in Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Master degree in Music Education. Prior to joining SOP, she served as the tour director for the Christian evangelical choir "The Japanese Continental Singers" for three years. She has extensive experience in teaching vocalists.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo