What is “Toby”?
Toby is a series of stories in the form of short films, books and comics about a boy who goes on adventures with Jesus in his spirit. Children often battle with the notion of the spirit and of having Jesus living in their spirits. Toby’s adventures give a vivid picture of friendship and a conversation with Jesus.
How did Toby start?
The idea for Toby came from a moment with Candice’s young son, when she was trying to explain the concept of the human spirit to him, and how it doesn’t die when our bodies die. Candice woke up in the middle of the night soon after, with a story in her head. She knew it was from God and that he wanted her to make the film.
What makes Toby different to other animated films?
Toby is different to other animated films in that it unashamedly portrays Jesus. We didn’t want to beat about the bush. We want people to come away from the films with no doubt in their minds that Jesus is the most incredible friend one could ever have. We also have explored wonderfully imaginative ways to communicate difficult spiritual truths. We write from our own lives. We write from that difficult place of failure and triumph, so that the stories are real and livable.
Why is Jesus dressed in modern gear?
We wanted to take Jesus out of the box we have historically put him in; long robes, soft, flowing hair, meek expression, and show him as a person, as relevant and accessible today as he was to those who met him on earth 2000 years ago. We asked ourselves – if Jesus came to earth today, what would he wear, what language would he use? He would be God, of course, but he wouldn’t be wearing a 2000 year old dress! When kids see the Toby films they realise that God is their friend, not a remote, historical figure.
Why does Toby have a popgun ?
Toby’s popgun is representative of the armour and weaponry of God’s Word. The Bible compares scripture to a sword (Eph 6). We have taken that analogy into a 21st Century boy’s reality – Toby’s popgun becomes the vehicle for his realising that Scripture is our finest weapon against evil.
What’s your thinking behind representing Jesus?
In our films, Jesus is both the Almighty Creator and a buddy to Toby. We have no doubt that when we get to heaven we will fall down flat on our faces before the Most Holy GOD. But Jesus also lifts us up and is our companion throughout the day – even in our most personal moments. We have had a lot of fun with Jesus in our lives, and we want kids to know that they can do the same, that Jesus can be their ever-faithful friend. For more on this idea, take a look at Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, as well as the section on Sanctifying the Imagination in Meditation in one the most wonderful books, Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.