“You will be called repairer of broken walls, restorer of streets with dwellings” — Isaiah 58

Since 2008, God has called me to use the arts as an avenue for being an agent of his love and justice. Sacred Streets is the way I do this best: by making face-to-face portraits of people living on our city sidewalks. This ministry fulfills God’s call for believers to be found in the margins of society and identify with those in poverty (Isaiah 58:10). The finished portraits are beautifully displayed in sacred spaces built from recycled street materials, putting God’s story of redemption on display.

Why do I focus on people who are unhoused? Of the total unhoused population in the US, California accounts for 30%. This population represents the bulk of injustices in our world—people who are mentally-ill without care, abused and disabled without support, from broken families, and trafficked. Billions in government spending and programs in California over the last six years has not slowed homelessness. Why? We must start with identity. People on the streets often do not see themselves as valuable or worthy enough to accept a free apartment. A revelation of identity as a beloved child of God with a purpose for living gives people the necessary vision to change their life path. This is the reason for relational portraits.

And then there’s the audience. I am aware of our secular world where people are jaded to Christian-speak. They need to see and feel the gospel to let it penetrate their heart. So, for the thousands of people gazing upon this work and the art, Christ’s love will be shown through the power of art and story. Sacred Streets artwork opens people’s eyes to God’s work of “making all things new” even today. (Revelation 21:5)

Sacred Streets Director:  Jason Leith See More Artworks: sacredstreets.org