WHO ARE THEY?

The Tagalog are known for their warm hospitality, fun-loving spirit and beautiful smiles. They make up the largest ethnic group residing in the Philippines. There is a heavy concentration of Tagalog speakers in the southern part of Luzon and its surrounding islands. Their ancestors were ancient dwellers of the Philippines, and their traditions have been passed down orally. During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the Tagalog homeland (especially Manila) became the center of colonial activity. The culture of this people dramatically changed from Asian to Hispanic (a combination of the two) during their rapid Christianization. After gaining their full independence from the U.S. in 1946 the population of this people grew rapidly, and a poor economy resulting in widespread poverty caused many of them to move abroad to work.

WHY DO THEY NEED AN ORAL BIBLE STORY SET?

Filipinos are also adventurous travelers, and they have features that blend in well in most Asian countries. This is a God-given blessing as they can share Christ in restricted access countries without raising suspicion. A Caucasian traveling about in a restricted country can be a “red flag” and even endanger national believers, whereas a Filipino may have more opportunities to teach and share Christ. Since Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines, having this story set will open doors for training Filipino trainers and as a gateway language it can be used throughout the entire Philippine nation.

WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE?

Most Tagalog refer to themselves as “Christian”, but most are Roman Catholic and some follow Islam. Some Tagalogs believe in traditional healers called “Albularyo” to heal them from their illnesses, and many believe in mythical creatures like “aswang”, “multo” and “maligno.”

DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL USE OF THE STORY SET

Working inside this people group using our innovative oral Bible storying process, a StoryRunners team will begin development and initial use of the story set. On the first trip, mother tongue speakers will hear, retell and discuss oral Bible stories in their language that are accurate and naturally told. They will also begin leading story groups that will reproduce into more mother tongue storytellers and story groups. On their second trip within 6 months, the team will complete the story set, evaluate the field ministry that has taken place, and report the progress.

LONG TERM ORAL BIBLE STORYING STRATEGY

Each story, storyteller, and story group is a conduit for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training. The goal is an indigenous led oral Bible storying movement in the unreached people group so everyone has an opportunity to become a follower of Jesus in a growing faith community.

WHO ARE THEY?

The Tagalog are known for their warm hospitality, fun-loving spirit and beautiful smiles. They make up the largest ethnic group residing in the Philippines. There is a heavy concentration of Tagalog speakers in the southern part of Luzon and its surrounding islands. Their ancestors were ancient dwellers of the Philippines, and their traditions have been passed down orally. During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the Tagalog homeland (especially Manila) became the center of colonial activity. The culture of this people dramatically changed from Asian to Hispanic (a combination of the two) during their rapid Christianization. After gaining their full independence from the U.S. in 1946 the population of this people grew rapidly, and a poor economy resulting in widespread poverty caused many of them to move abroad to work.

WHY DO THEY NEED AN ORAL BIBLE STORY SET?

Filipinos are also adventurous travelers, and they have features that blend in well in most Asian countries. This is a God-given blessing as they can share Christ in restricted access countries without raising suspicion. A Caucasian traveling about in a restricted country can be a “red flag” and even endanger national believers, whereas a Filipino may have more opportunities to teach and share Christ. Since Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines, having this story set will open doors for training Filipino trainers and as a gateway language it can be used throughout the entire Philippine nation.

WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE?

Most Tagalog refer to themselves as “Christian”, but most are Roman Catholic and some follow Islam. Some Tagalogs believe in traditional healers called “Albularyo” to heal them from their illnesses, and many believe in mythical creatures like “aswang”, “multo” and “maligno.”

DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL USE OF THE STORY SET

Working inside this people group using our innovative oral Bible storying process, a StoryRunners team will begin development and initial use of the story set. On the first trip, mother tongue speakers will hear, retell and discuss oral Bible stories in their language that are accurate and naturally told. They will also begin leading story groups that will reproduce into more mother tongue storytellers and story groups. On their second trip within 6 months, the team will complete the story set, evaluate the field ministry that has taken place, and report the progress.

LONG TERM ORAL BIBLE STORYING STRATEGY

Each story, storyteller, and story group is a conduit for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training. The goal is an indigenous led oral Bible storying movement in the unreached people group so everyone has an opportunity to become a follower of Jesus in a growing faith community.