Have You Heard of the Lemba People in Zimbabwe?

 For months a Simply The Story team has been preparing to train a unique group in Zimbabwe. However, a few weeks prior to the training, reports from Harare told of Mugabe’s impending removal from leadership.  So imagine waking up to an email from the lead instructor who landed in Zimbabwe the day the dictator resigned!

Thirty-four students from the Lemba Jewish Tribe were trained in Simply The Story.  The inviting organization writes, "This tribe, who live in Zimbabwe and South Africa, claim they are direct descendants of the Twelve Tribes of Israel… Strict adherence to Jewish customs have been watched over by Lemba rabbis…. Despite losing their original Torah on the journey from Israel to Zimbabwe, all oral teachings and traditions have been maintained, the same kind of oral teachings described in the Old Testament."

The article continues, "In a place thousands of miles away from Israel, detached from all Jewish culture, these African Jews, who call themselves 'Original Hebrews,' are committed to their way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation."[1]

Our instructor shared that the group that was trained is both Jewish and very Christian. In a country with over 90% unemployment and Messianic Christians representing a really small percentage of the population, life in Zimbabwe remains impoverished, with people bathing from buckets.

The host said everyone loved the training.  Students told of how much they learned through this oral method, shared about new insights from Scripture as they discussed the truth, discovered life applications, and talked about how they want to use the training in their ministries. 

Could Syrian Refugees Be Excited About The Word?

A team of 3 from Europe and USA traveled to the Middle East to work with Syrian refugees.  Working hand-in-hand with another organization that is providing food, medical care, and clothing, our team provided God's Story in multiple circumstances.  We saw several people listen with great intensity. Within 24 hours, word spread among the refugees, who came asking for the solar players loaded with God's Story.  Thank you to all who prayed. 

To hear more about results with the refugees, please go here https://goo.gl/scFhuc.

Mexico — Churches Working Together?

The STS Latin American Liaison shared Isaiah 6 using the STS method last July at a luncheon and reported that it did not go well.  The day after that story, this leader did another Bible story for more pastors and leaders. When he finished, he sat down thinking to himself that again, it did not go well. Just then, a woman leader in Cuernavaca shared that she awoke thinking about Isaiah 6 and that she couldn't stop thinking of this story our leader shared the previous day. She encouraged everyone that these deep discussions over the Bible are not just stories for children, but are great for adults too.

In November a team of STS instructors trained people in Cuernavaca, Mexico as a result of these "not so good" stories done last July. We are blessed to report that a burgeoning group of STS instructors is growing in their skills in Mexico. Some are now using STS among the indigenous people, some with small groups, and several are asking for more training, including training in one of the roughest parts of Mexico. One leader recently wrote that the next training should include 5 churches!

Could Children and Adults Learn from Each Other?

One STS storyteller wrote to us recently about their after-school program in Southern California. "We have 75-80 children in 4 classrooms ... ages Kindergarten thru 5th ... I have

27 fifth grade boys.  It’s growing each year ... the kids are growing.  We call it 'Kids Good News Bible Club' and have won the favor of this public school!"

One woman called our office to order solar players and shared that her grandson (14 years old) told her that the STS workshop helped him with his schoolwork.  When he listens now to lectures, he can discern what is important to remember. One night, her grandson sat down with this woman and helped her practice asking better questions, STS style.

How Are Bible Stories Used in the Netherlands Public Schools?

One storyteller practiced telling Ezekiel 37:1-10, STS style, to our team in the Netherlands. This helped her share this passage to her colleagues who are Bible teachers in public primary schools, who do not necessarily think the prophets really existed… a tough crowd. 

The Netherlands trainees sharing Bible stories in wonderful situations. One practitioner has been using story ever since training, in Sunday school and in primary schools. She sees great responses from the children. As well, in college where she has to tell stories, she uses STS!

Another lady leads a woman's group. What started as one group last year quickly grew into 2 small groups.  She is focused on multiplication! She said that she is more relaxed because things really fell into place after going through the STS training again. She goes more with the flow instead of having every question prepared, and following her preparation.  She shares with the people she meets, including her neighbors.

Another woman shares stories in Sunday school with non-believing teenage girls. As well, in the village where she lives, more foreigners and refugees are coming.  Once a month 5 believers share God’s Word with these “foreigners” in Arabic, and the people share meals and what they own. Having just started this group, they already have 15 people discussing the Bible in depth!

What Reaches the Hearts of Muslims in Senegal?

During a recent workshop in Senegal, the instructor sent all of the participants to town to share their Bible stories. They came back so happy!  Some of the attendees said they never shared the word of God before that day. Many were invited back to share more Bible stories. Fifteen people heard the Word. 

During the workshop, the instructor shared a story with the cook and the day guard. After hearing Jesus’ answer to the second criminal on the cross, the day guard said the second criminal might know Jesus and ask for heaven. The day Guard said this story will help him make a decision about Jesus. The instructor learned that the young man recognized he is not better than the criminal who asked for heaven. The young man realized that he is a sinner and needed to ask Jesus for salvation.

A group from the Senegal training went to an Imam's house to share the story of Abram and Sarai in Gen 12:10-20.  All of the family was there with many children, wives and friends of the family. The storyteller shared, “We were well received, and the people, along with the Imam, discussed the story together. They learned that God knows us, and sees when we behave badly, even when the Lord remains quiet (talking about Abram lying and asking his wife to lie.) The people said God is patient with those He calls like He was with Abram.”

Using God’s Story Helps Adopted Children Transition

One woman called our office and ordered 2 solar powered audio players. They adopted two children from Ethiopia and brought them to the US.  On the way to their home from the airport, she played the Amharic version of God's Story for them. The mom reported that it made the transition easier for the children and helped them understand about Jesus.  "You have a wonderful ministry!!" she said. 

Myanmar During Christmas

This Christmas season please pray for our leader in Myanmar as he plans an STS training, evangelistic programs, Christmas programs for children and adults, giving God's Story, and prison ministry.  Also, pray for him as he looks to put God's Story on national TV.

Who is Recommending STS (besides us)?

The Discipleship Training School (DTS), a YWAM group in Northern Ireland, has been using STS on their outreaches. People are impacted!  The director in the national headquarters has recommended STS and said that it has affected their outreaches.

The God’s Story Project staff and worldwide leadership pray you and your family have a

Grateful to the Lord,

Andrea
Executive Director
& the whole staff of The God's Story Project (TGSP)