Not wanting to share stories

During a storytelling workshop the participants went out in pairs to tell a story. None of them were keen to go, fearing rejection. They went out looking like they were going to a funeral but came home looking like they’d been to a wedding! Every single person – student and facilitator – had a good experience sharing and were amazed at how much easier it was to use storytelling in parks and shops than to use other means.

Some simply asked, “We’re learning to tell stories and need to practice, can we tell you a story?” “We’re learning to tell stories and need to practice, can we tell you a story?” Others talked in general and prayed for the Lord to raise the topic or give a hint so that it was natural to say, “That reminds me of a story.” “That reminds me of a story.”

Two young men went out in a pair. One was a course facilitator and the other a participant. They found a middle-aged man in his garden. They asked if they could tell him their story and he said, “Sure, go ahead.” He was not easy to tell a story to because he interrupted their story so often. After finishing the story of the Good Samaritan they asked, “What can you learn about God from this story.” He said, “We’re not alone.” This was an unusual answer for this story.

He claimed to be a Christian but when asked further questions it became clear that he believed that a Christian was merely someone who lived a moral life. Rather than just thank the man, the workshop facilitator told him two more stories including the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

At the end of the stories they felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to ask, “Can we pray for you? What would you like us to pray for you?”

The man then shared about a tough situation in his life. After they prayed that were very surprised to be thanked and then hugged – not a common occurrence between Australian men and strangers.