A Visit with Mrs. G
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She sounds like everyone’s favourite grandma. Her voice is warm as she tells stories from the Bible in language that children can understand. Her British accent turns into a dozen different accents from all over the islands as she speaks for one Bible character, and then another. Her name? Mrs. G.
Well, actually Kitty Anna Griffiths. Mrs. G started her ministry in 1973, recording children’s stories and broadcasting them on the radio. Her books, with whimsical illustrations by "Willy", shared the same stories. The ministry, still going strong today, is run out of Toronto, Ontario.
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I met her on at least one occasion. Between the English accent and fancy hats she might make you think of the Queen – perhaps Mrs. G is the queen of storytelling. 馃檪
You may wonder what’s so interesting about someone telling Bible stories, without a 300 person professional cast and the backing of a major Christian label. But there’s a lot more to Mrs. G than meets the eye.
Not just another story teller, Mrs. G has done her homework. For one thing, she has a doctorate in literature from Biola University. She has also done impressive historical research, and has visited Israel six times (three times as a special guest of the Israeli government!) to learn about the locations where the people lived. She even travelled to Greece and Rome to work on her series on Acts.
This background knowledge shows up in the rich and accurate details in the stories. The stories don’t just hit highlights, either – Mrs. G starts at Adam and Eve and works her way through the Bible, telling both the "nice and nasty" stories in a way that children can relate to (how about a story about the cities of refuge? Or Job (one of my favourites)? Or Jephthath?) . The quality of her stories and biblical insight are enough for adults to enjoy as well!
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The stories have gone beyond Bible stories – she tells other stories sharing Bible truths, and of all things she did a series on the Dead Sea Scrolls!
As the years went on, the stories became even better with fuller orchestral music and richer sound effects. The stories on now produced on CD. They have been translated into about 20 languages so far, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Tamil. (Incidentally, the Spanish recordings are no longer available, but there are 4 Spanish books that are in print)
I was curious to hear what was new with the ministry, so this week I called the office. Dr. and Mrs. Griffiths were both working in the office, and I was transferred to her husband. Dr. Gerald Griffiths was a pastor for many years in Toronto.
He told me that they are busier than ever there. They have no way to know how many stations around the world are now broadcasting the radio show, but there are many. When he heard I was calling from Mexico, he graciously offered to send me the 4 Spanish books (which I’m looking forward to reading).
You can catch A Visit with Mrs. G online at various times on Saturdays and Sundays. For the next broadcast time, check out the handy radiotime website.
Better yet, you can order the stories from their office ("the Granary"). I believe they also have a club where you can get a recording each month. They will send you a catalogue if you request one. Hannah and Nathanael have been enjoying listening to Mrs. G lately – maybe your kids will too! Here’s how you can contact them:
P.O. Box 150
Station O
Toronto, ON
M4A2M8
CANADA
(416) 755-5918
Update: www.biblestoriesalive.org
(You can find some of the books used at amazon.com (here’s what’s currently available
), but for the recordings (and most of the books) your best bet is the ministry itself).
11 November 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Lovely to see this dear lady and her signature hat again. I went to the church her hubby pastored for awhile when I was going to Bible College in Toronto. I love her stories, which we got originally for you Jim. Your Dad & I still quote her opening sometimes, “Stories? I’ve got one just for you!” I learned more about her from your post. I hope a lot of people will read it and take advantage of her fabulous ministry!!
3 January 2009 @ 12:40 pm
I USED TO RECEIVE BOOKS FROM MRS G, WHEN I WAS JUST A CHILD AND THOSE BOOKS HAVE INSPIRED ME SO MUCH.I AM NOW IN MY 20’S.I LIKED READING THEM SO MUCH.THEY’VE THOUGHT ME SO MUCH.I REALLY MISSED THOSE DAYS WHEN I USED TO RECEIVE THOSE BOOKS.I WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE BOOKS FROM MRS G.RIGHT NOW!!!GOD BLESS YOU MRS KITTY ANNA GRIFFITHS.
15 January 2009 @ 3:55 am
I come from Ghana and always looked forward to books from Mrs G when I was about 8 years old in primary school. Her stories always put a smile on my face and taught me many things in life. I am now 30 years old, a born again Christian, a happy family man and a Cambridge University graduate.
Mrs G, you’ve been a real source of inspiration to kids all over the world including the little boy who grew up in a small town in Ghana, West Africa. God richly bless you. Your golden crown awaits you in heaven. Amen
21 January 2009 @ 9:48 am
hi grandma,
I ope u’re fine? Ever since i was introduced to u by one of my student, u’ve always been there for me. I appreciate ur generous desire to send us ur books. Yes! u’re an inspiration to me and my students. I’ve been using ur books for most of my teachings on wednesdays during our worship time.
God bless u for the good work. In my country Ghana we’ll say “AYEEKOO!!!” which means “Well Done”.
22 January 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Thanks for your comments! This isn’t Mrs G’s site, but I will pass on your kind words to her.
18 February 2009 @ 7:33 am
i love to read the books of MRS G more done do anything in this world.
9 April 2010 @ 5:30 am
i love reading books from mrs g and it have an improvement in my life
17 February 2011 @ 2:57 pm
infact Iove to read books from mrs g, becos her books always say something about GOD & i relly like that.
10 May 2011 @ 12:11 pm
Paz e Graca de Deus em nome de Jesus.
Estamos muito felizes por ter conseguido o vosso email para correspondermos no assunto de batalhas Espiritual, agredeciamos nos responder a recepcao de email MOZAMBIQUE , DEUS E BOM em todo Momento.
14 September 2011 @ 3:27 pm
Dear Mrs. G,
I am very very glad this evening,My heart is over joy for getting your contact after a long search.If you could make me out, you sent several storybooks to me during early 1980’s through the following address.
EBENEZER APPIAH
CATHOLIC BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL
P.O.BOX 13
BREMAN ASIKUMA
Now that lve seen you again ,all l can say is thank you.
23 June 2023 @ 12:22 am
I love reading her stories. I love it. The stories has brought changes in my life. thanks
24 September 2023 @ 11:04 am
I bless God for the lmpact made by mrs G in the lives of children across the globe. I got to know about mrs G in the 70’s when I was growing up. I read some of her books she sent to me free of charge. God bless mrs G.