Japanese manga is very popular around the world, and in Hawaii, interest in the manga is also growing. With this in mind, YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Kona in Kona, Hawaii, organized a special workshop using New Life Ministries’ Manga Bible series. The workshop was held from February 20th to March 1st, and manga artist Ryo Azumi, illustrator of the Old Testament and Revelation books in the Manga Bible series, was invited as a guest speaker.
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”(Isaiah 52:7, NIV)
Upon hosting the event, organizer Rev. Wayne Lo from YWAM Kona said:
“Hawaii has a rich nature and unique cultural background, which is suitable for creating many artistic interactions within the local community. We look forward to interacting with people by collaborating faith and Hawaiian cultural elements through the Manga based on the Bible. Workshops in schools, interaction with the owner of local comic shop, local church and community meetings – we believe these engagements bring interest to the gospel, and a new opportunity to deepen knowledge and interest in Jesus.”
During the workshop period, sessions were hosted by public high schools and junior high schools, Kona Public Library, as well as small-group workshops hosted at a private Christian school. Also, YWAM training headquarter, “University of the Nations,” hosted more specialized manga lectures. Ryo Azumi shared her testimony at Calvary Community Church, Kona and had fellowship with children at the Sunday School. “It was a wonderful feeling and I am filled with gratitude to see the books I have worked on being accepted by children and youth around the world. I was very encouraged and I hope many will become interested in the Bible through Manga,” she shared.
Rev. Wayne Lo also commented on the work on Ryo Azumi’s outreach saying,
“Ryo Azumi was amazing at every event! People were floored by her demonstrations and as she explained her finished work. Artists of all skill levels were enthralled by her step-by-step follow along demonstrations and hands-on assignment. To bring this level of instructions to Kona, has been such a blessing.”
“[Her] testimony moved people to tears and inspired them to use their own gifts for God’s kingdom!”
“Students and other event attendees expressed their great appreciation for her and her work. We hope she felt as honored throughout this trip as we feel honored, she came to bless Hawaii.”
In this way, outreach in Hawaii brought precious opportunity for many to be touched by the gospel. We are truly thankful for the privilege to spread the kingdom of God not only in Hawaii but in many parts of the world through the Manga Bible. We ask for your continued support and prayer for this Manga project.
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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