Through walking the streets of Nishinari, the strong smell of garbage and alcohol permeate the air in a way I have never experienced before. It’s a sad realization to know that these are the every day living conditions of the forgotten homeless here. There are many subtle “corners” where you can buy a big, strong glass of sake for as little as 35 cents USD! Due to this, as you can imagine, alcohol addition is a massive problem here, as it is not only cheap and easily accessible, but it has also become a way of life for these homeless men and women. Please see the video below to get an idea of what the sake machines look like and how many there truly are. Those who understand addiction or who have been affected by someone with substance use disorder understand it is a terrible and hard road to walk. Despite the addiction and sake culture here in this area, I believe that God can pull anyone out of any type of addiction no matter how severe! I’ve seen it too many times in my life to not have the faith to believe it!
-Jeremiah 32: 26-27-
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Now that we are holding a weekly Bible study in this exact area (every Wednesday 11am-4pm) we are seeing the same homeless come and hear the word of God each week; eager and with hungry hearts to make a change in their lives! With more prayer and more outreach, we can and will make a huge Kingdom impact in this area as the Lord has decreed it.
I believe it is God’s will to save those suffering here in Nishinari and not only that, but to heal this land as well! Let us continue to pray against these stumbling blocks and that Jesus’ name would be exalted in even one the most peculiar of places- Nishinari! Let us pray for many more souls to be added to the Kingdom of Heaven and for God to pour out His mercy and salvation upon each and every thirsty soul here! Thank you for reading and praying with me! God bless you!
Lifted Vision Ministry 