Nobu Ono, which means “spirit faith.”

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

I am a professional “janitor.” I’ve been told that when I was three years old I disappeared after supper, and was found in the kitchen, standing on a stool at the sink, washing plates with a soapy cloth, and singing “Jesus Loves Me.” It took my brothers ten years after the passing of my mom to accept that this is my job. I am a professional janitor and this avenue is my home. Seven years ago I was living in a wiki-up by Mill Creek, and I said I am going to be committed to community, and today, I am.

My family is one of faith. I was brought up in a dojo house, which refers to a place of the heart, a place of learning, a place of martial arts, and a place of discipline. So my home was filled with interesting family friends, like Mr. Tokai, a Sensei whom I just knew as Uncle Harold.

The first book I ever read was a dictionary. I was nearly four.

I am a man of faith, but if I don’t start the day off with nothing, I have nothing to work toward. When Jesus walked there is nothing in scripture about his carrying anything.

I give things away and God provides for me every day. To have coin is a miracle.

Interview by Lesley-Anne Evans, photograph by Laurence East