God's Story
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
This 80-minute video presents the Bible in chronological storytelling format.
Description
Starting in Genesis, God's Story lays a foundation introducing Jesus through the typology in Old Testament stories and specific prophecies. Bible translators use it for evangelism and discipleship. Works for all ages.
The audio version stands alone and in some cultures is preferred to the audio-visual format. Viewers not experienced in watching videos can be confused in some parts as the original artwork produced for the video has images behind images that could be confusing. An advantage of this program is that the people are drawn as generic in origin and skin color. As viewers hear their mother tongue most see the people as looking like themselves. For children or for those with limited attention spans or capacity to absorb new information, the 18 individual stories can be viewed separately. The segments move quickly and vary from 1 to 10 minutes.
Resource Type: Video, VCD, audiotape, audio CD, flipchart (and DVD coming soon) available in over 100 languages. Many more are being translated.
Considerations
- Biblically accurate
- Works for all ages, evangelism and young disciples.
- There are close-up shots of heads and shots from a bird's eye view.
- Aside from the beginning and ending of the video, and many dissolves through out which have real scenery, animals and people, the bulk of the video is original illustrations.
- Sound effects are used along with western style music in the background. TGSP does allow new language production partners to add footage and ethnic music to the beginning and the end. They also offer options of leaving out all English words, or of adding title and written prayer on screen in the new language.
- The Old Testament stories include: Creation, introduction of Satan, The Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah, Tower of Babel, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, The Exodus, 10 commandments, and a 28 prophecies describing the coming Savior given by OT prophets. Key thread throughout is man’s fall, God’s promise to send a Savior and Jesus as that Promised One.
- New Testament includes: Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection, and the mandate to go tell others as well as the final judgment of some and the hope to come for others.
- Thousands of years pass during this video.
- The short stories allow for group discussions, questions, and more Bible teaching in between stories. God’s Story may also be viewed in thirds, halves, or in one 80-minute sitting.
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
God’s Story could be listened to in short segments followed by opportunity for discussion. If using audio, a picture(s) to color that goes along with the section just seen, could be used before watching the video.
A flipchart with 200 pictures (on 150 panels) is available.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Many versions are available online with video, text and soundtrack. Visit The God's Story Project.
For contact information, see The God's Story Project
VMS/Wycliffe is authorized to do languages of God’s Story. Prices vary. Contact VMS for more information.:Vernacular Media Services (VMS)
Cost
Individual VHS tapes or VCD’s are $19.95, CD’s are 12.95, and cassettes are 5.95 in single quantities. Ministry cases available at a deep discount (call 951-658-1619 for more on ministry cases, broadcast and duplication rights).
Doing a new language. Translation/duplication rights contract, the cost is $3,500.00 (US).
Funding Assistance (if available). Languages done with TGSP directly provide the following discounts. In exchange for supplying a usable translated script, the purchaser will receive a discount of $500.00. If the purchaser also provides the narrator, a discount of $200.00 will be given. Providing your own approved recording equipment gives another $500 dollars off. (If no traveling recordist is within reasonable traveling distance, the cost of partnership can be higher.)
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
- Producer: "The God’s Story Project"
Current copyright owner
- Product Owner/Copyright holder: "The God’s Story Project"
Other Information
Time required: Translations usually require one month to a year depending on the amount of time a translator gives to the project and whether the language is written and if it is, if there is a Bible or Bible portion already translated . Recording time, 1-4 days. Production, usually done in the US, requires 1-3 days. Mastering, 1 day. Masters in audio/ VCD/ Video provided as a part of partnership.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by The God's Story Project staff prior to 2008
