Zambia (MNN) — Whether digital or print, Gospel tools abound in today’s media-centric world. You can find countless apps and videos online, and there are tracts for every topic or spiritual question.
But apps are no good to people who live “off the grid,” and two-thirds of the global population can’t or won’t read. Spoken Worldwide helps believers reach these oral learners.
“We have three different departments, and one of them is coaching. We find creative ways to work with partners to expand the reach and impact of what they’re doing,” Spoken Worldwide President/CEO Ed Weaver says.
“Every ministry runs into a wall at some point where they say, ‘I need to break through this barrier so I can reach people that don’t read.’”
Spoken’s latest project has remote communities in mind. “One of the tools we’ve developed in partnership with other ministries is a scarf with artwork on it,” Weaver says.
“When they (believers) look at a particular image on this scarf, it reminds them of Scripture they’ve been trained to tell verbally, so they’re not relying on technology.”
Believers began using these “evangelism scarves” in Zambia earlier this year.
“We’ve seen women use these scarves to share the Gospel; [they] gather people together, have a discussion group around the stories they’re telling. They’ve actually planted churches using these scarves,” Weaver says.
(Photo courtesy of Spoken Worldwide)
Find your place in the story
Pray ministry partners will view the scarves and Bible storying training as more than tools. Pray they will realize the needs and Gospel opportunities among oral communities. Ask the Lord to give wisdom to Spoken Worldwide leaders as they begin using this approach in Asia.
“Each of these (scarves) is designed in a particular context. They’re not mass-produced for everyone, everywhere,” Weaver explains.
“Typically, we’re trying to learn which passages of Scripture will be most understandable and relatable in this particular people group in this country. Then, we’re going to create the images for that particular people group,” he continues.
“For example, in Zambia, we’re not going to use the same images that we’re going to use in Ethiopia.”
Learn more about Spoken Worldwide’s approach here.
Header and story images courtesy of Spoken Worldwide.
