Flannel graphs are making a comeback

Southeast Asia (MNN) — Do you remember Bible lessons you learned from flannel graphs in Sunday school? Can you still picture Moses parting the Red Sea, or Jesus’ triumphal entry?

If any of these images still stick in your mind today, then you’ll understand why flannel graph has become a great way to share the Gospel in Southeast Asian countries.

Flannel graph meeting the needs of the people

Dyann Romeijn of Vision Beyond Borders says they’re getting exciting news from their contact for those countries. One reason the spoken Gospel with pictures has been so effective in this area of the world is because of the way they communicate.

“Because they have such oral traditions, we found that especially with the children– but even with adults– that the flannel graphs are a very effective tool for evangelism,” she says.

In rural areas, good education isn’t always available. So, even if an individual can read, it may still be difficult to comprehend the written Word. Images help to explain Bibles stories for the listener.

“To bring in a flannel graph where they can actually show the pictures as they share the stories of the Gospel, it actually helps people visualize and retain that information because they’re not just hearing, but they’re also seeing,” Romeijn explains.

Unifying and growing

What’s also exciting is that the flannel graph project is not contained to one people group, denomination, or country. It’s becoming an example of how all denominations can be unified within their shared goal to spread the Gospel.

“It just continues to grow,” says Romeijn.

In fact, it’s been so effective that there are a few countries that have children’s workers crossing the border to get trained in flannel graph and take it back to their countries. And this is opening up doors.

“In a lot of these rural areas, it’s areas that are very, very difficult for Americans to get into, for us to go evangelize, so this is giving them the opportunity to train their own people to get into those areas and evangelize.”

How you can help

Currently, VBB is getting their flannel graphs from Betty Lukens. Volunteers then cut them out ,and they’re shipped overseas. If you want to help by purchasing a flannel graph or by volunteering your time to cut one out, click here for more information.

But first, start with prayer. Romeijn says as this ministry spreads rapidly by word of mouth, ask God to provide the means to train people effectively and bring together all the pieces that will best impact lost people.