Nishinari Outreach: Advancing the Kingdom in a Desolate Place! (5/27)

Sharing the gospel to the homeless in Osaka is an extreme privilege that has been an integral part of my ministry for the past 3 years now! Today, with two other fellow-laborers in Christ, we set out to minister to the homeless living in Nishinari, to share the gospel, provide food and gifts, and also Japanese tracts! It was a blessed time!

If you’ve been following my activities recently, you know I’ve been practicing how to make Korean “yakbap” which translates to “medicine rice.” With the help of a lovely fellow Korean missionary from my church who taught me this recipe, we made dozens of these rice balls together and I was able to distribute them all on this day! (30 in total!)

People in Nishinari are especially in poor health due to a variety of factors; old age, harsh living conditions, lack of self-care/access to medical treatment, and lifestyle factors. Nishinari people also sometimes get into fights or hurt themselves while they are intoxicated, and often have cuts/scrapes/sores and even broken limbs.

I usually make and distribute the Japanese onigiri rice balls that they are accustomed to, however, this time I felt led to prepare special, “medicine rice” to accelerate their healing process and support their over all health in a more comprehensive way!

We not only cared for their physical health however! Their spiritual health is the main concern, therefore, I shared the love of Christ, His redemptive power, and explained what it means to believe in the one true God, Jesus Christ, as they ate the medicine.

I shared the gospel with many a listening ear, and although sometimes I was mocked or teased for my efforts, overall, God’s grace abounded tremendously. I was able to give out all of the tracks and medicine rice that I had brought and pleaded with them just one thing, “please read this track just once, then do whatever you want with it.” I ushered them to read it just one time, because I know it only takes one touch from God to change someone’s life completely. Mostly everyone stated that they would give it a read, because it was me who asked them- glory be to God!

People were touched and receptive and almost everyone received my testimony, medicine rice and tracks. They were touched that I made it myself for their sake and many people learned more about Jesus Christ. Glory be to God!

Another amazing blessing is that I got to catch up with some people who have yet to believe, but who I have been able to share the gospel with before. One person said that they are one step closer but still haven’t decided to make the commitment yet. That is the hardest part for the Japanese people, but I am certain that God will continue working on their hearts! Please pray with me that they will hear, receive and believe in Jesus’ name!

-John 15:16 NIV-
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last…”

Additionally, to my surprise, I met another fellow Japanese Christian, who was from a different prefecture but who now lives in Nishinari, who has been a Christian for 10 years! (pictured in the group photo below). We had an encouraging conversation and shared the truth of how God changed our lives publicly, with many listening ears attentive to our conversation. God is turning the Japanese back to Himself! I am grateful that God is making such an impact here and that His heart is truly towards them!

Overall, all the glory belongs to the Lord and it was a very successful day for the Kingdom! Thank you to all who support this ministry and partner with God and myself to bring the gospel to the biggest slum in all of Japan. God bless you!