Lifted Vision Ministry

*Below you can see pictures & videos of the care packages, tracts, the public worship and the event!*

1. Preparation – We met at 11:00am and joyfully began unloading vans full of goods that came from no specific organization, but actually each member of our church contributed what we could to give to the homeless today! It felt very much like the first “Acts” church in which we assembled what we had and everyone distributed it for the good of others. (Acts 4:32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.) We assembled over 150 care packages which included: a Japanese tract, a homemade rice ball, ramen, various little snacks and sweets and hand warmers.
2. Public Worship– From around 12:00pm – 3:00pm we moved over to the homeless Triangle Park and the public worship began! We danced, prayed aloud and just had fun worshipping the Lord God Almighty using guitars, a keyboard, ukulele and our voices! Many people were intrigued at what was going on and what kind of event we were having; and many homeless joined in singing and dancing as well! This attracted so many people and allowed many opportunities for people to come up for prayer and for the gospel to be shared.
3. Distributing of Goods to the Homeless: From 3:00pm-5:00pm (after we felt enough homeless were congregated to our area) we distributed warm clothing items such as long johns, coats, scarves, sweaters, gloves, pants, shoes, etc. as it is very cold in Osaka and will become even colder in the upcoming months this winter season. We also distributed blankets and heat packs for the hands and body. They were all well received well and with joy and gladness!
4. Evangelism/Sharing the Gospel: As we were distributing the care packages, we were sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the homeless we were ministering to. Using the care packages as a point of contact and gateway for conversation, I was able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with two Japanese homeless men specifically. I shared the gospel with them and told them that through faith alone in Jesus Christ that they can be saved. They both listened intently as I shared the story of Jesus Christ with them and I could see them pondering over the idea of Christ’s life and considering it all. Although they did not make the decision to follow Him right then and there, I do believe God touched their lives and that they could make the decision in private, Lord willing! Let us pray in this way for their salvation! They thanked me for sharing about Jesus and mentioned that they had never heard of Him and his story before with smiling faces. I also had the opportunity to pray over two different people during the event. I praise God for allowing me to minister in this way!

Overall: It was an incredible time of sharing the gospel in a place that does not know the name of Jesus, providing physical and spiritual aid to the homeless and ministering through prayer and just loving on people! We invited them to church and hope to stay in connection with those we ministered to today! Please check out the videos/photos below!
*You may click on the photos to make them larger!*