JELA History

The JELA Foundation began in 1909 and as such is one of the oldest NGOs in Japan. Founded by American missionaries of ELCA predecessor churches, JELA began its work in a day when Japan needed both schools and social services. JELA funding helped establish schools, orphanages and homes for the elderly, and also provided money for the building of dozens upon dozens of Lutheran churches. After World War II and Japan’s climb to affluence, JELA turned its attention to other needy areas of the world, particularly Asia.

JELA now works with other international Lutheran NGOs to provide necessary aid in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Brazil, which has a large Japanese immigrant population. Yet, JELA feels no geographical boundaries and will follow God’s calling to serve others anywhere in the world.

JELA has established saving children as its special mission. JELA aims to rescue as many children as possible from the four scourges that cripple their development – lack of food, lack of clean water, lack of proper education and lack of adequate health services. In the future, JELA will continue its mission to make our world a better place for children and, hence, for us all.