From Akebu to Zapotec
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A Book of Bibleless People.
Description
This book shows colorful pictures about the cultures of twenty-six people groups around the world. Each picture has short descriptions of the people. When the book was published none of the groups had any portion of the Bible in their language. The ending sentence for each people group reads, "The ______ people do not have the Bible in their own language". For vernacular translations this might be adjusted to read, "God loves the ________ people and wants them to know He loves them."
Children learn similarities and differences within each language group. It is a learning tool to show that God loves all people. He loves them regardless of the location of their homes or how they live. God wants all people to learn about Him and His love for them. The book encourages children to pray for each of these people groups.
The CD which accompanies the book also includes a brief introduction and closing. This might or might not be useful in a translated edition. The CD is 60 minutes long. It is easily adaptable to shorter segments featuring a single people group. The CD also includes realistic background sounds which enhance the script. They are in the background and do not intrude or distract.
Considerations
- On the CD, changes for each new people group are indicated by the rustle of a page. This does not mean it is time to turn the page.
- The illustrations are each framed as if seen through a window. The scenes beautifully show the geographical setting.
- The book has a two-page introduction.
- The end of the CD also includes an explanation of why the book was written. This is not found in the book.
- The sound effects on the CD are well done and add to the interest of the CD and book. Often the sound effects are heard after the speaker has finished a section.
- Each people group has a half-page illustration that shows some aspect of the culture and setting. The script on each page contains about 110 words.
- Pictures in this book could easily be used as a flipchart.
Limitations
- The Safwa illustration on page 24 might prove difficult to understand for some people groups. The frame for this picture is the village scene. The main part of the picture shows children peeking through fence sticks. It will need explanation.
- Page 19 has a close view of a man who seems to look through the window right at the viewer. This might cause a problem for some children.
Guidelines for Use
- Use as an audio book with visuals plus the curriculum Windows to Our World.
- Use as vernacular Sunday school missions curriculum. When used by a teacher this material would allow indigenous Sunday school children to learn of needs for Bible translations. They could learn to help by praying for different people groups.
- Use as a promotional package (audio book and visuals plus curriculum) for use with NBTOs (National Bible Translation Organizations).
- Translated into major European languages.
- Use with picture cards of each people group.
- Use in a filmstrip format.
- The full book as part of the Windows to Our World curriculum is available free to print from the web site.
- Also have available from a CD format.
- Use the poster. It includes each of the illustrations for the twenty-six people groups.
- Book marks: Use as take-home reminders and encouragement to pray for these people groups.
- Use as radio scripts and make the translated poster available.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
$8.95 (USD) as of March 2008
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
- Author: June Hathersmith: Illustrator: Alice Roder
Current copyright owner
- Wycliffe Bible Translators Inc. 2002
Other Information
If you are interested in translating this book for a vernacular language you should contact Wycliffe Bible Translators. Together with them you can work out a Creative Commons License agreement.
Reviewed by
Vida, VMS Children's Resources
Date
March 2008
