Artist draws inspiration from God’s Word

MANILA, Philippines — Time and time again, staff at the Philippine Bible Society come across stories illustrating how the Bible has touched people’s lives. In each case, these stories reveal that once somebody truly endeavours to study the Bible, regardless of their motives, he or she becomes a different person.

Photo: Cal Sobrepeña found inspiration in God's Word while studying Scripture passages for his illustrations for The Children's Bible sa Wikang Filipino. The Bible, produced by the Philippine Bible Society in 2003, is the only Children's Bible that tells the salvation story from Genesis to Revelation using terms and text understandable to children from 8 to 12 years. Manila, Philippines. Photo: PBS/Edna Mae Rabago (PHI04DJ-6.JPG)
Cal Sobrepeña found inspiration in God's Word while studying Scripture passages for his illustrations for The Children's Bible sa Wikang Filipino. The Bible, produced by the Philippine Bible Society in 2003, is the only Children's Bible that tells the salvation story from Genesis to Revelation using terms and text understandable to children from 8 to 12 years. Manila, Philippines. Photo: PBS/Edna Mae Rabago (PHI04DJ-6.JPG)

This was certainly true of Cal Sobrepeña, the artist commissioned to produce the illustrations for the Children’s Bible sa Wikang Filipino.

“Before I started illustrating a verse, I read the Bible. But even before doing this, I prayed for God’s guidance.”

“When I started doing the illustrations for the Children’s Bible, Annie del Corro [a United Bible Societies Translation Consultant in the Asia-Pacific Region] gave me a copy of the Good News Bible,” says Mang Cal, as he is fondly called by Bible Society staff.

Truth and wisdom

He had never read the Bible regularly, but when he started studying the verses he needed to illustrate, he discovered the wealth of truth and wisdom in God’s Word. “I then began reading the Bible every day, not because I was forced to but because I felt the urge to open the Bible and study God’s Word. I read the verses many times and noted down important things,” he explains.

He now constantly consults his small notebook containing nuggets of wisdom gleaned from his daily Bible readings. These notes sometimes come in handy when opportunities to share God’s Word crop up; when a friend needs encouragement or reassurance, for instance.

What’s so different about
sa Wikang Filipino?

With so many Children’s Bibles available these days, what makes sa Wikang Filipino different?

The Philippine Bible Society believes that sa Wikang Filipino is unique because it has been produced by Filipinos for Filipino children in their everyday language. It is not just a compilation of selected Bible stories, but a Bible in the truest sense, containing all the books of the Bible. Another unique feature is its original illustrations by Cal Sobrepeña (see main article), produced under the guidance of biblical exegetes. Some of the illustrations are contexualised to give added assistance to young readers.

Most importantly, sa Wikang Filipino focuses on proclaiming God’s message of love for humankind. This message is emphasised in the stories of creation, the fall of man, redemption through Christ and the final destiny of those who believe in God. Concepts that are hard to explain to children, like salvation, grace and covenant, are presented in a non-technical way that both children and adults will appreciate.

In all his years as an artist, Mang Cal had always relied on his mood to create beautiful illustrations. “But not this time,” he insists. Although his work relies heavily on creativity and talent, Mang Cal also drew inspiration from God’s Word. “Before I started illustrating a verse, I read the Bible. But even before doing this, I prayed for God’s guidance.” And he has proved that God inspired and enabled him to do his work, producing more than 200 illustrations.

Before becoming involved with the Bible Society, Mang Cal had produced illustrations for UNICEF and the Philippines Department of Health, as well as supplying material for countless publications. Despite his wealth of experience, he regards the Children’s Bible as his most challenging project so far.

“And the best,” he adds, “although I’ve never done so many illustrations without an assistant!”

In the end, he completed the work and discovered the kind of inspiration that relies not on mood swings but on God’s Word.

Adapted from an article on the web site of the Philippine Bible Society – www.bible.org.ph (WR 384/1 - 3.04)