JAPAN (ANS) -- Operation Mobilization workers in Japan have a new dynamic comic-book resource they believe will enable them overcome the daunting challenge of unlocking the Gospel message to the country’s 127 million population.

Cover of The Manga Messiah

Published by New Life League, The Manga Messiah is a 300-page comic book that depicts Jesus’ life from birth to resurrection.

Manga reaches all ages

Unlike their Western counterparts, young and old Japanese alike love comics, and it’s not unusual to observe a train full of commuters in the Tokyo rush-hour with their heads buried in the latest manga. “For reaching Japanese, this book is far more effective than showing the Jesus film,” stated one long-term missionary based in the country.

Half a millennia has passed since the first missionaries arrived in the country, yet today less than 1% of Japanese consider themselves Christian. The greatest obstacles to sharing God’s love – the language and cultural barriers – are well documented. However, OM workers based in the country are thrilled to have this new resource that might make all the difference.

Manga Messiah distributed by Elves and Santas

Once details of a website for readers to request more information was stamped inside, OM Japan partnered with The Evangelical Alliance Mission to distribute the Manga Messiah far and wide. Over 80 short-term volunteers from a dozen countries spent two weeks in festive costumes handing out the comic to shoppers in the town of Karuizawa.

The idea of dressing up as an elf or Santa Claus might seem a strange way to communicate the real meaning of Christmas, but Joel Kaufman (USA) immediately saw the benefit. “When a child receives a copy of Manga Messiah from Santa, that is something they are going to cherish and keep,” he noted.

Worldwide interest

With adaptations of the books of Genesis and Acts now published, the comics are certain to travel further than Japan’s shores. English-language translations are also available, and interest in these international versions is expected to be huge. For now though, the Manga Messiah is one Christmas present that every Japanese person who received it is unlikely to forget.

Peter Wooding is European Bureau Chief for the Missionaries News Service -- http://www.missionariesnews.tv. He is married to Sharon and they live in North Wales with their three children. He has traveled extensively reporting from countries including Russia, Dubai, South Korea, Zambia, Gambia, Mozambique, Croatia, Israel and India. He is also the director of ASSIST Europe which is involved in helping children's projects in Vladikavkaz, Russia. For more information on ASSIST Europe, go to http://www.assisteurope.net