How an Interactive Christmas Story Is Reaching Thousands of Young People Across Asia

In many Asian nations, Christmas is widely recognized but barely understood. Flashing lights, shopping deals, and mall decorations may signal the season, but few know its true meaning. 

For OneHope teams across Asia, this cultural curiosity presents an opportunity to share the Gospel with young people in ways that resonate deeply.

A Local Movement Becomes a Regional Mission

It all began in Thailand, where a movement called Christmas Outside Churches took root in 2001. Within a decade, over 1,000 churches across the country were participating each December, hosting outreach events to share the story of Jesus beyond church walls. OneHope joined this effort, helping create Manga Manger, a Book of Hope designed in the Japanese manga style that is widely popular among Thai youth.

During these outreach events, children and teens received the book and heard the message of Christmas presented in a format that spoke their language visually and spiritually. In 2011, OneHope conducted a research study to evaluate the program’s impact. The findings were overwhelmingly positive: teens loved the book, wanted to share it with friends, and walked away with a clearer understanding that Jesus’ birth is the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Even pastors took notice. The majority planned to participate again the next year and invite others to join. In some cases, visitors who attended the outreach came to church for the very first time the following Sunday.

Two years later, a follow-up evaluation confirmed the transformation. Young people showed significant growth in their understanding of Jesus and His promises. Whether in bustling cities or rural villages, the message was getting through.

Beyond Borders

The model proved so effective that it began spreading. Christmas outreach programs using Manga Manger and other Christmas-themed Books of Hope began popping up in Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and even in sensitive nations where traditional outreach isn’t always possible.

In Vietnam, a 2022 study using Christmas: The Story of Hope confirmed the program’s effectiveness among minority language groups. This research helped pave the way for even more translations and adaptations across the region.

Going Digital

With more young people spending their time online, OneHope’s Asia teams knew they needed to meet them there, too. That’s when Christmas in Asia went digital.

Inspired by video games and comic book storytelling, OneHope’s Digital and Research and Development teams collaborated with leaders in Taiwan and a Muslim-majority nation to create an interactive experience built around a lovable, wide-eyed sheep exploring a holiday shopping mall. As he navigates glittery displays and conversations with cozy cartoon sheep, he uncovers deeper gifts—hope, peace, joy, and love—and learns what Christmas is really all about.

The storyline, tested across cultures and designed through local user feedback, has already led to real impact. In 2024, the campaign in a Muslim-majority nation reached over 47,000 young people. New content adaptations, including shortened copy and more conversational language, were also launched in Taiwan in 2024 to help deepen engagement even more.

Online missionaries continue to follow up with seekers who interact with the program through platforms like Facebook. Their feedback has already shaped the next iterations.

What started in one country over two decades ago has become a regional movement—one that bridges tradition and technology to share Jesus with today’s digital generation. Whether in print or on screen, Christmas in Asia is allowing children and youth to know the true meaning of Christmas in countries where the name of Jesus is often unknown.

Want more stories like this?

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on innovative outreach efforts like Christmas in Asia.

Share this story with someone who needs to know the real meaning of Christmas.