This poem beautifully explains the power of a story

This is a sample of one of our Indian comic book lessons. English is used in this sample, but Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Telegu versions are currently in progress.

The Alongsiders movement continues to spread through different countries in Asia and Africa. These are cultures where values and beliefs are passed orally from one generation to another.

In the countries we work, important messages are taught in proverbs or songs, folktales, sayings, ballads, or chants.

So, our discipleship material must be presented in a form that will be well received and easily understood by young people and children who are used to these oral forms of communication.

Long lists of doctrine, 3-point sermons and abstract principles will simply not do in this context.

Jesus was a master of this form of communication, and His teachings have stood the test of time partly because He wrapped them in compelling parables and sayings.

So, to help communicate the importance of stories and word pictures to you our readers, enjoy this poem which is based on a famous story told by Jacob Kranz, an 18th century rabbi based in eastern Europe.

The poem beautifully captures the essence of what we are doing through our comic book curriculum...

Naked Truth

Naked Truth walked down the street one day.

People turned their eyes away.

Parable arrived, draped in decoration.

People greeted Parable with celebration.

Naked Truth sat alone, sad and unattired,

“Why are you so miserable?” Parable inquired.

Naked Truth replied, “I’m not welcome anymore.

No one wants to see me. They chase me from the door.”

“It is hard to look at Naked Truth,”Parable explained.

“Let me dress you up a bit. Your welcome will be gained.”

Parable dressed Naked Truth in story’s fine attire, with metaphor, poignant prose, and plots to inspire.

With laughter and tears and adventure to unveil,

Together they went forth to spin a tale.

People opened their doors and served them their best.

Naked Truth dressed in story was a welcome guest. 

(A Jewish tale retold as a poem by Heather Forest)

10 ways to motivate volunteers without using money

Many countries have no established culture of volunteerism.

Or they may have been influenced by a negative NGO culture that creates dependency and undermines the motivation to help others without incentives.

In that context it can be hard to imagine how to mobilize young people to mentor at risk kids, without using money.

Fear not! There are lots of ways to challenge, mobilize and inspire people without using financial incentives, which can undermine the movement by introducing mixed motives.

Here are 10 proven ways to inspire and mobilize that have worked well for us:

1. Storytelling.
Stories are a powerful way of connecting with people at different levels. These may include testimonies of orphans or children at risk who have been blessed by their mentors, or the stories of mentors who have been blessed by participating in the movement.

2. Role modeling.
You can not lead where you have not been and you cannot teach what you have not seen. Do it yourself and then encourage others to do likewise.

3. Positive peer influence.
Harness the power of friendships by encouraging the mentors to work in groups and gather their friends into the movement.

4. Video.
What the eye doesn't see the heart cannot grieve over. Show young people the situation of orphans and vulnerable children in their nation through the use of video and multimedia.

5. Preaching.
An anointed sermon on God's heart for the poor, as well as suggestions about practical ways to serve, can move young people to action.

6. Music.
Encourage your young people to write songs about God's heart for the poor and orphans and distribute these on CD or online. Music moves the heart in a way statistics and information cannot.

7. Newsletter or Facebook.
Send out an inspirational newsletter several times a year containing testimonies, activities to complete with mentees, news and other interesting articles. This can also be accomplished through Facebook if people have internet access.

8. Prizes.
T-shirts, certificates and other small items will give a sense of identity and achievement.

9. Encouragement.
Follow up groups of volunteers on a regular basis providing encouragement and advice face to face.

10. Events.

Training workshops and camps for Alongsiders and the children they mentor bring them together and inspire for the season ahead.