Stories From West Africa: Book 1
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
More West African stories for children and adults.
Description
The author, David Naff, heard these fables from West African story tellers. Many have been told and retold for many years by their ancestors. Some of the stories are true. There may be many versions of the same story. The author chose the one that he liked best. He wanted stories that taught Godly lifestyles. Some of the stories have been told around the world.
All but one story includes one or more Bible verse that are connected to the story. The stories are exciting and challenging for young children. Older children and adults easily understand the meanings of the stories.
The stories included are:
- Spider and Fox Hunt Together – Hebrews 10:24
- Two Boys and Their True Father – John 8:44 and John 6:37
- Spider's and Monkey's Feasts – Matthew 5:44
- Leopard Plays Dead – 2 Peter 2:5
- The Easy Way is Not Always Best – Romans 1:22
- Goat, Sheep and Dog in the Road
- Clever Rabbit and Lion – Matthew 24:35 and Hebrews 6:18
- Spider's Tiny Waist – Matthew 6:24
- Three Cows – Ephesians 4:3
- Spider and Jackal – 1 Corinthians 9:27
- The Monkeys' Fine House – Luke 9:62
- Chameleon and Hawk – James 1:8
- Clever Dog – 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Spider and the Yam Moon – Psalm 27:14
- Spider's Hammock – 2 Corinthians 11:14 and James 1:14
- Elephant is Afraid of Goat – Philippians 2:9-11
Colorful pictures are on the page facing the written story. These add to the understanding of the story. They show scenes typical of West African animals and activities.
Considerations
These stories should be told by a story teller. The author has given ideas for telling the story:
- Do not READ these stories, they are meant to be TOLD orally.
- Do not memorize it.
- Ask God to put you at ease. The more relaxed you are in the telling, the more the story and its meaning will be remembered.
- Read it carefully until you know its meaning.
- Relax.
- Tell it for the enjoyment of it.
- Act out the story and change your voice for the characters. This helps the people to relate to the story and remember it.
(Notes from the author, David A. Naff)
- The Bible verse references from the “New International Version” are used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
- None of the pictures have odd angles or parts of bodies.
Limitations
- Some colored pictures were blurred. (Note page 44)
Guidelines for Use
These stories can be used in Sunday School, children's clubs or camps.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
Free downloads are available (see below).
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Author: David A. Naff Artist: David A. Naff
Current copyright owner
Published by: The Joint Project for Sunday School Materials PMB 2127 Jos, NIGERIA Africa
Other Information
If you would like to translate these stories for a minority language, contact David A. Naff. Working together you will make a Creative Commons agreement.
Reviewed by
Vida, VMS
Date
2007
Downloads
Notes about the files:
- 1) The number of pictures is indicated in parentheses after the title. This does not necessarily indicate how long it might take to download the file. (The title pages also contain five small pictures.)
- 2) The "B&W" files have pictures that have been enhanced, so that they are easier to see when printed in black and white. (Sometimes, when the color pictures are printed as B&W, it becomes difficult to distinguish the main characters from the background.)
- 3) The "Zip" files contain the title page, pictures and text in two or more separate files. The purpose is so that the text can be translated into another language and then combined with the title page and pictures.
- 4) Some of the "other" files are black and white line drawings that children can color.
Spider and Fox Hunt Together (3)
- God wants us to love and help each other - John 13:34; Galatians 6:2a; Hebrews 10:24
Two Boys and Their Own True Father (3)
- Choose and trust the True Father in Heaven - John 6:37; The devil will betray you - John 8:44
Spider's and Monkey's Feasts (4)
- Love and forgiveness are for enemies too - Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:44 ; Hebrews 10:30
Leopard Plays Dead (2)
- Ignore God’s warnings, pay the consequences - 2 Peter 2:4-9, 3:3-10
The Easy Way is Not Always Best - short form (4)
- What happens when fools choose the easy way Romans 1:22
- (A longer version of this story is available at: Stories I Heard in West Africa.)
Goat, Sheep, Dog in the Road (2)
- This is just a fun story
Clever Rabbit and Lion (7)
- Beware of liars; Consequences of lying - Psalm 43:1; Jeremiah 17:9; Matt 24:35
Spider's Tiny Waist (5)
- Only one choice; God’s Way or the Devil’s way - Matthew 6:24; God hates liars – Prov. 12:22a
Three Cows (3)
- Christians must stand against the devil’s schemes – I Cor. 1:10; Ephesians 4:3; Hebrews 13:16
Spider and Beorgaw (Jackal) (3)
- Control your physical appetites - I Corinthians 9:27
The Monkeys' Fine House (2)
- The time to do God’s work is Now - Luke 9:62
Chameleon, Hawk, and Man's Double Tongue (4)
- Beware of the deceit in people’s hearts - Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:8, 9
Clever Dog (5)
- God’s faithfulness never ends; God desires faithfulness - Luke 16:10a; I Cor. 4:2; II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 13:5b
Spider and the Yam Moon (4)
- It is wise to wait for God’s timing - Psalm 27:14; Romans 12:12; Hebrews 12:1-15; James 5:7-8
Spider's Hammock (3)
- Beware of the enticements of false teachers and Satan - Prov. 1:10; II Cor. 11:13-14, James 1:14
Why Elephant Is Afraid of Goat (2)
- There is power in Jesus name - Philippians 2:9-10
