Lifted Vision Ministry

Today I’d like to give an update on the location where the Lord has sent me; the most dangerous slum in all of Japan. Nishinari.
I’m finding that the status of Nishinari since I was last here is much more dire than ever before. More people are on the streets, homeless, hungry and in need of Jesus’ love and salvation more now than ever before. There are plenty of homeless men and women sleeping on the ground and they are all in the same exact state as I remember: completely hopeless, with no God, no hope, a slave to themselves and at the mercy of the streets. Sake machines are a dime a dozen here, with empty liquor glasses overflowing from trash bins and pouring out into all the streets. At these sake vending machines, for a mere 37 cents USD, anyone can buy a large cup of strong sake. With strong alcohol being so accessible and for such a cheap price, it is a major vice for many people who live here.
Nishinari, the slum where I live in and am called to, is the most crime-laden area in the entire big city of Osaka. From walking through this area for only a few hours, I witnessed both drunken and emaciated men and women not properly clothed, sleeping on the hard ground. People being arrested for what appeared to be a drug bust. People fighting and having verbal altercations. Women calling out to us and beckoning us into their shops (where they offer sexual services). Extremely young women at open bars, so extremely intoxicated that they are almost passed out; while multiple men surround them, preying upon them and continually pouring more alcohol in their cup.
This is the daily atmosphere and current status of Nishinari.
With a heavy heart, I’m also deeply saddened to hear that the only Bible study that was happening here is no longer going on. The Japanese woman who was running it on her own volitional, would rent out a room in a building in this area each month and hold a service. She would have a time of praise and worship, teach the Bible, then have a time of fellowship after the service where she would serve a large meal, usually a large pot of soup and rice, to the homeless men and women.
To my shock and dismay, I was informed that sometime in the past two years, that that woman was actually attacked, assaulted, and raped while walking through this area after hosting the Bible study one evening. For her own safety, she is no longer teaching the Bible study, as she is extremely vulnerable being almost 70 years old. My heart is grieved that this has happened to her and the enemy has also used this to stop the Word of God from going forth in this area as well. But God has a plan!
My pastors here, have cautioned me and want me to understand that this area that I live in an extremely dangerous place, especially for women. Due to these reasons, my pastors have asked me to refrain from going to the highly frequented areas when I am alone, to avoid being taken over. They are asking me to only do street evangelism when I am in a group with them and with our team. I am using the utmost caution and God has me in His hands. Thankfully, I praise God, that He has given me a small team of Japanese Christians who are able and willing to do ministry outreach with me on a weekly basis in this area! I really praise God for that! God has already done so much, so please keep updated with my upcoming blogs to hear more! We have a church building, salvations are happening, I’m working with women affected by sex trafficking already and many more exciting updates will be in my next upcoming blogs! God is certainly moving and has done so many amazing things already!
I am praying for opportunities to be used by God to share the gospel! I realize that the spiritual climate here is one of oppression and of great need. Please pray with me for wisdom, protection and discernment! I will heed to the voice of my pastors and also continue to be a shining light for the gospel! Thank you truly for holding me up in your prayers continually! This is a dangerous mission, but one that God is behind 100%! I pray this over myself and please pray with me, Romans 4:20-21!

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21

Let us not shrink back in the face of adversity, but rather take our requests and let them be known unto God! As a missionary, I am flexible, adaptable and teachable to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Please pray that God will continue to use me mightily in the capacity He wants me to, safely and to minister effectively: to make an impact in this foreign land where they so desperately need the Savior! Amen!