Pastor George Vimensi Minang, Coordinator of Network of Biblical Storytellers Cameroon

Successful Mission to Cameroon

The 18-day mission to Cameroon in which GoTell participated was highly successful. Events were held at two locations, in each of the two English-speaking provinces of the country. The first week we were at a Catholic center in the village of Ndop in the mountains of the Northwest Province. 71 persons attended and 50 certificates were awarded To qualify for a  certificate participants had to attend for 3 of the 4 days. The second week we were at a Baptist facility in the town of Mutengene near the coast. 32 persons attended; 21 certificates were awarded. At each location we held a 3-day Institute of Biblical Storytelling, a Festival Gathering, and tellings in local churches. In Ndop we also organized an epic telling of selected stories from Mark told by Cameroonians in various languages.

Altogether, 53 persons committed to help with the future of Network of Biblical Storytelling Cameroon. The majority of participants were Baptist; other denominations represented include Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Full Gospel and Apostolic. Money was raised and donated in support of the continuing work to spread biblical storytelling in Cameroon. Since our trip a well-attended workshop was held, led by one of the participants, and the stories were told on Easter Sunday.

For on-going info about the mission trip and biblical storytelling in Cameroon, visit www.gotellcameroon.com

“A-Way” (Matthew 11:2-11″John the Baptist”) by Cortney L. Haley for GoTell

Scripture by Heart Testimonials

— I think an old hymn title says it best for me: “I Love to Tell the Story.” Indeed I do love to tell the scripture, not only in worship but also when practicing in front of my friends at work, at Grace by Heart meetings, and so forth — just like in the hymn! ~Jim Vance, Dayton, Ohio

— I can not imagine that the Grace UMC congregation in Dayton Ohio would ever agree to go back to the mere reading of the Scripture ever again. The life that storytelling brings to the Word of God is undeniable! Every Sunday the people in the pews look forward to the Word from our mouths and hearts exciting them, enlightening them, showering them with blessing and bringing them to tears. Old stories are given new meaning and unfamilar stories find a new place in our minds and spirits. The novelty has not worn off nor should it; like the beauty of a spectacular painting or a timeless song, people do not tire of it but look forward to the tellings as a way to experience God in a fresh and very personal way. ~Roberta Longfellow, Dayton, Ohio

— I have been telling the scripture “by heart” for nine years now, and I find that it is a valuable aspect of worship in three ways. First, it is a spiritual discipline for me to live with the scripture for a period of time and to ponder and probe its meaning. Secondly, the congregation pays attention when the scripture is told rather than read. When I am away an a visiting preacher reads teh scripture, I am told that it is not the same and they miss the telling. Thirdly, my sermons are shorter and better, because of learning the passage “by heart” and telling it. I do not need to review what the bible passage says, since people got the point the first time, when it was told. ~Ron Coughlin, Toronto, Canada

— I have been a parish pastor for 31 years. Four years ago I was feeling stale and in need of a renewed spirit and zeal for ministry. I came across NBS while researching biblical storytelling. Since then I have been telling the gospel weekly. Learning the story throughout the week helps me to make it my story – my witness. That is communicated to the congregation who has found the storytelling to be very inspiring. I also discover new insights into familiar texts as I prepare to tell them. This gives rise to some exciting preaching both for me and the congregation.I also use storytelling in pastoral care visits. People looking up at me from a hospital bed are engaged with God and the Word of God as I tell them a biblical story of healing. Biblical storytelling has revitalized my ministry and my faith.~Pastor Ron Poisel, Jeffersontown, KY

— The first few times the scripture was told in Grace Church instead of read, there was a lot of talk, most of it about how astonishing it was that people could actually remember all those words. There was more than talk, however, there was also Spirit moving! Now, after over five years of telling instead of reading on every Sunday and every holy day, people still react, but usually differently. Now, it is the scriptures that have become important; they are truly HEARD. The stories go from the teller’s heart to the listener’s heart. The Spirit still moves increasingly with each telling; it is palpable in the sanctuary. God’s word is becoming internalized in the congregation. We would NEVER want to lose the blessing of Biblical Storytelling. Thanks be to God! ~Barbara Blacklock, Dayton, Ohio