Japan is confronting one of the world’s most pressing demographic issues of any country right now. Due to its exceptionally high life expectancy, the elderly population in Japan is increasing at a rapid pace. By the end of 2025, nearly one-third of Japan’s population will be 65 years or older. For many in this age group, opportunities to experience the hope and love of Christ remain limited. New Life Ministries is committed to helping believers reach out to these individuals with the message of hope.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4
The outreach began through the vision of Ms. Myra Shimamoto, a believer, who recognized the potential of Manga Bibles for elderly residents in care homes. She reached out to New Life Ministries to provide Manga Bible booklets in Japanese. Through this initiative, elderly residents in care homes across 13 elderly homes in Tokyo now have access to the Gospel in their own language.
“I have been praying for the Japanese elderly and their families as well as their caregivers. I really believe that it is possible for them to have an encounter with the Lord even while staying at the elderly facilities. I reached out to New Life Ministries because of the Manga Bible booklets. With the help of my husband, we distributed the booklets to the elderly, all managers, caregivers, and doctors. We also requested for some copies of the booklets for the families who visit a few times a year. We are so thankful to NLM for making these Gospel resources available.”
Many of these elderly individuals have limited interaction with family, friends, or community, leaving them vulnerable to isolation and spiritual neglect. Manga Messiah offers them more than just reading material; it provides a pathway to spiritual connection and reflection.
While distributing the Manga Bible booklets is a key first step, it sets the stage for deeper spiritual engagement. Caregivers, facility staff, and medical professionals who are not ready to go to church or engage in Christian outreaches now have access to the Gospel. For many elderly residents, this is an opportunity to experience the Gospel for the first time or revisit their faith in a context that speaks to their current stage of life.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. Myra Shimamoto for her vision and prayerful support of this outreach. We also appreciate business owners like Mr. Akira Shimamoto and Mr. Kei Shimamoto, who allowed NLM staff to visit their elderly homes, medical center, and daycare facilities.
It is important to reach the elderly for Christ because this group is often overlooked in traditional evangelistic efforts. This also reminds us that this ministry can impact not only the most vulnerable groups but it can also open doors for their entire families and healthcare communities to hear the Gospel.
Please say a prayer for the elderly and for those who love and care for them.
New Life Ministries is a non-denominational Christian ministry committed to serving the Lord by printing and sending Bibles and Gospel literature to Japan and the rest of the world, in each people group’s heart language.
Beginning in 1954, under the name New Life League, the ministry reached out to children, provided Gospel literature, and did evangelism through radio broadcast.
Later on, the work shifted more to the collection and printing of Gospel literature as the main focus.
Throughout history, there has always been a call for the supply of Bibles, and New Life Ministries has continued to do all that it can to meet the demand. Our purpose is to see Japan changed for Jesus, and that the whole world be filled with His precious Word.
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