Lifted Vision Ministry

Everyday in the Airin district of Osaka (Nishinari), Day Laborer’s wait outside for the chance to hear their numbers get called, hoping to earn a day’s wage each day. From 5:30am, I see large crowds of homeless men lined up outside, taking numbers and then waiting for the opportunity to hear their number get called with anxious looks and anticipation. If their number should be called, this would secure them a seat in a work van and provide an opportunity for them to go to a work site to earn money for the day. There are so many day laborer’s here that are homeless and hungry; sleeping on the streets as well. The daily anxieties and worries they face are great, and without a relationship with God, real peace is no where to be found…

What might not be known about them however, is that these are some of the kindest people I have ever met. They are well known in their communities and are always helping out one another and sharing the little that they have. They are modest, don’t ask for anyone’s help, and are some of the most grateful people I have ever encountered.

This is the largest population of people that I minister to, and I’ve come to know many of them quite well. I am always grateful to meet with them, share the gospel, pray with them, etc. and have seen such growth in them in the past two years while living and ministering here. They increasingly get more and more interested in the things of God and have an abundance of questions every single time they see me. To see the Lord working in someone’s life is one of the greatest joys, isn’t it?

In fact, what they have taught me, is that it really is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving to them and getting to know them has brought me more joy than I can put into words. It is for their sake, that God sent me here to minster, and their needs are great. Not only physically, but their ultimate need, to encounter the one true and living God, is greatest of all. The people of Nishinari always tell me how grateful they are for the supplies you provide to them through your generous giving. Whether it be a blanket, a tooth brush, a towel, a cookie, a bottle of water or even a conversation; they are eternally grateful and their hearts soften right before your eyes when talking with them. I praise God!

On behalf of everyone here, I want to say thank you so much to everyone who also feels the burden of the poor in this area with me; for your sacrifice of prayers and financial giving, that is transforming not only their lives, but your lives as well.

-Proverbs 19:17 ESV-
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Let’s continue to share in God’s work together and help the poor to see the light of Christ!

-Acts 20:25 NKJV-
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
God bless you!