They have never forced us to believe anything. We are learning so much, and we like these stories,” said Mariana*, defending the Beruna* School of Storying (SOS).

SOS is a 4-week oral Bible storytelling training. Participants  and Cru staff translate 40 key Bible stories from Creation to the Return of Jesus into the learners’ language.

Mariana was one of 15 attendees. She and the others devoutly follow a regional religion and had never been exposed to God’s Word. 

Initially, participants were skeptical of the Bible stories. They hadn’t heard of the Holy Spirit or Jesus.

The Cru StoryRunners team was amazed so many attended despite the shame they’d experience in their community by affiliating with Christians. The team prayed the Holy Spirit would make hearts tender to truth and participants able to develop stories in their language.

The second week of SOS, attendees invited trainers into their homes. They wrestled with concepts like Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each night, they told the stories to their family and friends!

The final week, Fahm*, a week one participant, returned. She didn’t trust the StoryRunners team and taunted the other women.

That’s when Mariana, a quiet woman in her 60s, spoke up. The other participants also defended the stories, the trainers and the project.

Those who weeks earlier had been skeptical about working with Christians and developing stories from the Bible, now stood up for these stories!

Although they don’t yet know Jesus, they are moving closer to Him.

Thank you for partnering with us as we seek to enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing with you.

* Names and locations changed for protection.