Southeast Asia Field Equips Leaders Through Orality and Storytelling
BANGKOK, THAILAND — Twenty-six ministry leaders gathered in Bangkok from 11–14 August 2026 for the first Orality and Storytelling Workshop of the Southeast Asia Field. The four-day gathering focused on equipping participants to communicate God’s Word more effectively through biblical storytelling and oral communication.
The workshop was made possible through the support and partnership of Jesus Film Harvest Partners, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening evangelism, discipleship, and church planting across the Field.
Each day began with devotional messages led by Rev. Arnel Jotiz, Asia-Pacific Regional Jesus Film Coordinator; Rev. Mark Eugenio, Chancellor of Southeast Asia Field Chapman International College; and Rev. Aggie Muaror, Asia-Pacific Regional Children’s Ministry Advocate. Their messages helped ground the training in Scripture and reminded participants that effective ministry begins with a life centered on God’s Word and the mission of the Gospel.
Dr. Ray Neu, known as “The Story Doctor,” served as guest lead facilitator. Through teaching, demonstrations, practical exercises, and personal feedback, he introduced participants to principles and techniques for effective biblical storytelling.
Rather than simply presenting information, participants learned how storytelling can help people hear, understand, remember, and share Scripture. They practiced telling Bible stories, received feedback, made adjustments, and told the stories again. This process strengthened their confidence and helped them recognize the importance of careful listening, understanding context, and communicating biblical truth in natural, clear, culturally meaningful ways.
The workshop also explored how orality can be used in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Participants considered how storytelling can help make Scripture accessible and memorable, especially in communities where oral communication remains an important way of learning and sharing truth.
The diversity of the group enriched the experience. Participants came from different cultural, linguistic, and ministry settings, bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Beyond the formal sessions, they shared ministry stories, encouraged one another, and discussed how to adapt and multiply storytelling in their churches and communities.
As the workshop concluded, Dr. Bill Kwon, Southeast Asia Field Strategy Coordinator, challenged participants to carry what they had learned beyond the training room. He encouraged them to continue growing as communicators of God’s Word and to share these skills with others.
The workshop ended with a clear call to multiplication. Participants returned to their ministry contexts with new skills, renewed confidence, and a deeper commitment to help others encounter, remember, and share the truth of Scripture.
The four days in Bangkok may have ended, but the story continues. As participants tell God’s Word across the Southeast Asia Field, please pray that every story will point people beyond the storyteller to His Story.
