Stories. We all love them, right? Whether they are literature classics composed by William Shakespear and Edgar Allen Poe, or picture books that shaped our childhood, these stories have impacted us in one way or another. They may represent things that we wish to share, but struggle to in our ordinary, day-to-day lives. They can be inspirational enough to lift us from a slump, and beautiful enough to cause us to take a step back and appreciate them. However, great stories do not just exist in the world of fiction. So many incredible things happen every single day in your nonprofit that NEED to be SHARED!
This end of year fundraising campaign season we encourage you to FOCUS on storytelling.
· Storytelling creates an emotional connection, helping donors see the real impact of their gifts.
· Stories also help build a sense of community, making donors feel part of something larger than themselves.
· In a crowded fundraising season, storytelling sets your campaign apart, making it more memorable and engaging.
· Ultimately, it strengthens relationships with supporters and increases the likelihood of ongoing, meaningful contributions.
Need inspiration?
One of our clients, Medical Ambassadors International (MAI), is doing a fantastic job including stories in their communications. If you’ve never heard of MAI, you should get to know their work. For over 40 years, they have addressed such issues as health, agriculture, literacy, and micro-enterprise to drastically improve communities and move them towards healthier sustainability. They’ve been named in the Top 10 list of ministries with the highest return on investment for 6 years in a row. At present MAI works in 3,007 communities around the world impacting a population of over 3.4 million people in 76 countries through the strategy of Community Health Evangelism (CHE).
Notice one of MAI’s stories…
In the calm part of southern Togo, there is a beautiful village called Vavati. It is surrounded by rolling fields and lush green trees. The people who live there, known as the Ewe people, live peacefully with nature. In the middle of the village stands a big, old tree that has witnessed many years go by. People gather under its shade to spend time together and share stories from the past. It is a special place where the community comes together to celebrate their traditions and tales.
Religion plays a big part in life in Vavati, especially Voodoo. The village has respected Voodoo priests and priestesses, like Tassi, who are highly honored. They connect the physical world with the supernatural realm. Voodoo isn’t just a belief; it is woven into the villagers’ everyday routines, affecting their traditions, ceremonies, and worldview.
Despite the peaceful appearance, the people of Vavati have faced major health problems, such as rotten heaps of garbage scattered across the village, a lack of proper toilets, and common occurrences of skin infections and dental problems. Although they faced these challenges, the Vavati people were wary of outside help, fearing it might disrupt the village’s spiritual balance.
However, twenty years ago, things changed with the arrival of the MAI Community Health Evangelism (CHE) team. Led by Daniel Kpowbie, who had just returned from a life-changing trip to the Philippines, the MAI team decided to help Vavati. It was a new direction for the village, one they had never explored before.When the MAI team first entered Vavati, people were both curious and suspicious. As they walked through the village’s winding streets, villagers looked at them with interest and asked questions cautiously. Aware of the delicate situation, the MAI team tried to calm any fears by showing that they were there to learn and understand.
Their journey was not without challenges. The village chief, who valued tradition and was skeptical of outsiders, warned them about the village’s resistance to change, especially when it came to different beliefs. But the MAI team did not give up. They worked to connect with the community, organizing events to share information, provide support, and encourage collaboration. They also started training volunteers to facilitate CHE.
One of MAI’s biggest challenges was Tassi, a respected figure in the village who strongly believed in Voodoo. As a practitioner of Voodoo, Tassi opposed the Gospel vehemently. Her signature statement was, “I will never become a Christian.” But three years later, that same Tassi, who swore she would never become a Christian, stood up and said, “I want to receive Christ’s Spirit.”
“What happened?” they asked. She calmly responded, “I have been watching you, and today I’ve come to realize you have something I want. I want your joy. I want your peace. I want your love. I watch the way you handle us in this village. If somebody didn’t have something special, they would never be here like you are.” Tassi gave her life to Jesus that day, and she is now strong in her faith.
Tassi’s decision to follow Jesus had a big impact on the village. It caused a shift in how people thought about things spiritually. Doubts turned into questions, and people who did not get along started to understand each other better. They all wanted to focus on being healthy in every way. The small group of people who used to meet under the old village tree in support of Voodooism now met under different circumstances. They gathered as new Christians, forming a community of faith. They were brought together by their love for each other and their shared beliefs.
As the CHE program gained momentum, changes in Vavati became noticeable. The trash pile that plagued the village disappeared, showing that people were taking more pride in keeping their community clean. Livestock, which were once neglected, were now being cared for properly. The sicknesses that afflicted the village had begun to disappear, thanks to better sanitation.
This transformation happened because people started to open up to new ideas, especially about God. Tassi, who used to strongly believe in Voodoo, had to decide between sticking to old traditions or exploring a new faith. She chose to embrace Christianity, and her decision inspired others in the village to reconsider their beliefs. Over the years, the effects of the CHE program continued to be felt in Vavati. The village became more prosperous and self-sufficient, relying less on outside help. The fields were better for farming, the houses were cleaner, and the people were healthier and stronger. Tassi’s journey showed how faith and determination can bring about positive change, unity, and spiritual fulfillment in the village.
What a great story!
Notice the remarkable journey Tassi and Vavati have taken from the start of this story to where they are now—it’s a transformation. Pay attention to how MAI was part of this journey. They guided Vavati from point A to a much better point B, all without making the mission about themselves.
This approach to stewardship should be the gold standard.
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