Tamenta: A Life Transformed by God
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Children's flipchart story from the jungles of South America.
Description
Tamenta is a true, five-part, flipchart story for children. The sixteen pages of pictures are 10'x 13". The colors used are two shades of orange, black, white, and gray. The story tells of how God worked among a jungle people in Suriname, South America. The story is told from the viewpoint of Tamenta who was once an important shaman for the Trio people.
- In the first section Tamenta tells something about himself as well as the country of Suriname. He tells what life was once like for his people, the Trios. He explains some Trio customs and ways of living.
- In part two, Tamenta tells of the arrival of a stranger (a follower of Jesus) who tells them about his God. Many of the people believe and accept Jesus but Tamenta is determined not to believe. Yet he wonders and wishes for a good Spirit he doesn't have to fear.
- Part three explains what happened when Tamenta becomes ill and is left to die. Instead the stranger cares for him and talks of God's love and God's village in the sky. Tamenta's decision to believe in Jesus was a shock to many of his people. Because of his witness many more of them decided to follow Jesus. Tamenta began to help translate God's Book into his language.
- Part four, tells about the exciting things that happened. A school was started for both children and adults. They learned to play sports instead of their evil dances. A church was built and the way the Trio people worship is explained. Many people followed the instruction in God's book. They are baptized to show that they believe in Jesus.
- Part five tells how the Trio people began to share the good news of Jesus with other groups of people. These other groups also live in the Amazon River region of South America. God called certain people to go and others to remain, but to provide for those who went. The story ends with a short section explaining what good things have happened to Tamenta and his people.
Considerations
- This flipchart story will interest children ages 9-12 years. Adults will also find it interesting.
- The full-page pictures are easy to understand.
- The symbols on page three (cross and book) are explained in the story.
- Page ten shows a sample of the writing that was developed for the Trio language.
- Many people in tribal language groups will identify with the story and pictures.
Limitations
- Since this story was written thirty-five years ago, it is outdated in some aspects. The basic story is still true and interesting to children and adults.
- The cover picture may be frightening to some children. It shows Tamenta when he was still serving Satan. It is meant to be frightening because being controlled by sin is frightening.
- It would be helpful to get recent information on the Trio people to make the story more current.
- The colors used in the pictures may cause problems for some people groups.
Guidelines for Use
- Use as a flipchart story with the story line narrated by a storyteller.
- Use as an audio cassette or CD story with the flipchart.
- Use as a series of radio dramas for children and adults.
- Use the map on the back cover along with a world map to help develop understanding of geography.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Bible Centered Ministries International (BCM)
Cost
$ 7.99 (USD) as of August 2007
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Lois Davis
Current copyright owner
Bible Centered Ministries International, 1972
Other Information
If you are interested in translating this story into a minority language, you will need to contact Bible Centered Ministries International. Together with them you will be able to work out a Creative Commons License agreement allowing you to translate and use the story.
Reviewed by
Vida, VMS Children's Resources
Date
April 8, 2008
