“The Storyteller” by Genevieve Richardson
Okay, so it’s the end of the month–it’s still July! The summer has just gone by too fast; I can’t keep up. For this month’s news, I am posting a recent email Tom received from Jim Bigley, after he made his debut as a biblical storyteller. It’s a wonderful witness to the power and joy of biblical storytelling, and encouragement to other newbies. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your experience with Tom and giving us permission to share it with others. Here is the message in its entirety…
Good morning,
Tom, i’d just like to say that Saturday I “performed” (though I can’t think of another word) to my wife and mother and yesterday with the support of my wife, Nancy and an elder and his wife who knew I was doing this, I did this in front of him in the sanctuary in private. He was ecstatic! Yesterday, we had an ice cream social at church and they had a talent show. My wife, Ben (the elder)and his wife Toni encouraged me to do this in the talent show. I have never preformed EVER in public in such a capacity though I myself am an elder as well.
Anyway, It got to be five acts in when I was asked to perform. The Church was filled as it is on every Sunday morning and just before I got up to walk to the front the only words coming to my mind was those you said on the signature of your email “Peace.” That’s all I needed, Tom.
When I got up front I started with a short introduction and discussed “Bible Story Telling” and the institution and how it has helped me in the learning of the scriptures rather than memorization. I did Acts 2 though over the past months I had others in mind (John 1, Acts 17, 1 Samuel 17).
Through my performance folks were raising their hands and saying “hallelujah.” You could hear a pin drop. I had the total attention of all those in the sanctuary. When I finished I was greeted with a standing ovation and shouts.
None of them, afterwards, ever knew I had this in me. You see, though being an elder, my demeanor is quite shy outside of Bible class.
Again, I wish to thank you and to thank God for allowing me to find this on the internet. It has opened a whole new perspective and understanding of scripture, etc.
Thank you, Sir
Peace
Jim
