DISCUSSION GUIDE© TCFHE. All rights reserved.

A family of roaches – Squiggz,Cosmo and Flutter venture out on acamping trip with Grandpa Lou toearn merit badges as the RoachRangers! While journeying througha drainage pipe, Grandpa Louretells the story of Daniel in the Lion’sDen and talks about standing up foryour beliefs. The Roach Rangerslearn the valuable lessons withinfaith, friendship and promise. Onein a series of family friendly, hilariouschildren’s videos, The Roach

Approach, The Mane Event alsofeatures special guest voice-over andsongs from 2005 Dove Award-Winning artists; Toby Mac as Fangthe Bat and Nicole C. Mullen asMeisha the lion cub. This discussionguide touches on topics that childrenoften deal with and should learn ata young age – courage, trusting inGod, learning to dream big, makingthe right decisions. Each topic iscomplete with thought-provokingquestions, related scriptures, andhelpful lessons. To supplement thelessons, clips from the movie havebeen chosen and are offered as avisual aid. These clips are availablefor download at www.foxfaith.comor may be shown through aspecially made DVD that you canrequest at the same website. Theseclips and the guide, used in Sundayschool classes, other small groupsor by parents, will provide you withthe opportunity to discuss situationsthat a child may experience as they

For more information and additionalChurch resource material, go towww.foxfaith.com.

The Roach Approach, The Mane Eventcomes to you from Wacky WorldStudios, one of the most sought aftercompanies in the industry. Thecompany is known throughout theworld for its outstanding diversityin such areas as unique children’sministries and themed environmentssuch as the “ET” ride at UniversalStudios and the “Rain Forest Café”in U.S. cities and abroad.

The creator of the Roach Approachseries is Bruce Barry who is themagic behind Wacky World. Hiscreative genius has expanded toBible stories since his conversion toChristianity in 1999. Now, Bruce’stalents have him involved in amission to reach kids for Christ

through his art and imagination.The Roach Approach series iscritically acclaimed by the DoveFoundation for Family Entertain-ment, featuring original songs byMichael McDonald, Kirk Whalum,Nicole C. Mullen and Toby Mac.This film also features Toby Macas the voice of Fang and NicoleC. Mullen as the voice of Miesha.

The Roach Approach, The Mane Eventis an entertaining story about a six-legged family from Miami–a familyof cockroaches. At their beachfronthome, Grandpa Lou and GrandmaNan welcome their grandson,Squiggz, and two of his friends,Cosmo and Flutter. The kids areRoach Rangers who want to go fora hike in search of wolf spiders inan underground sewer. Grandpa

ABOUT THE FILM

Lesson to Learn:

It has been said that evil succeedswhen good men do nothing. Wecan look at history and see timeswhen terrible cruelty existedbecause people stood by and let ithappen. Today, it’s up to us to stepforward when we see that a wrongis being committed. For example, ifit’s bullying, we should be the firstto stop it. Or, if someone is sayingunkind things about another, letthem know that this kind ofbehavior is wrong. Whatever it isthat is happening, you can be theleader who makes a difference. Bystepping forward, you willencourage others to join you.

God will be with you too. WhenMiesha, Lou, Nan and Fang facedthe evil lions, God sent his angelsto help protect them and Daniel too.Today, God is the same omnipotentGod that existed in Daniel’s time.Although, we may not be aware ofhis angels, he promises to send themto support us. The Bible reminds usthat “yes, even if I walk through thevalley of the shadow of death, I willnot be afraid of anything becauseYou are with me.” Trust him to bewith you always, just like he waswith Daniel in the lions’ den.

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Lou, the definitivestoryteller, can’t resist tellinghis tale about the time heand Nan explored a cavein Persia when they wereyoung. As his storyunfolds about Danieland the lions’ den, theadven-turesome RoachRangers and GrandpaLou find they face adangerous situation too.

This video weaves the storyof Daniel and the lions’ denwith the adventures of Louand Nan. What the roachesencounter are experiences thatchildren can identify with andlearn from. Topics such as trustin God, courage, smart choices,and doing the “right thing,” areexplored in this hilarious scenario–one that everyone will enjoy.

About the Discussion Guide

With the Discussion Guide, parentsand teachers can lead their groupin discussion of subjects that toucha child’s life. The lessons aresupplemented by clips from themovie you’ve either received ordownloaded online. These sceneswere specifically selected to helpyou set the tone and furnish contextfor your discussions, whether it’s inthe home setting or the Sundayschool class. There are also

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wants to exclude them? At othertimes, it may be saying “no” tocheating on a test when the rest ofthe kids are passing around theanswers. In these instances, we risklosing the approval of the group, ifwe refuse to go along with them. Itmay also mean that we will beridiculed for doing the “right thing.”

Being different from the crowd isn’teasy, but God asks us to live as anexample of his goodness and love.That means following the rules thatare in the Bible. When we areChristians, we are supposed to bethe light in a dark world, set apartto shine for him. And, when we arefaced with difficult situations, Godpromises to be with us and to giveus the strength we need to live forhim. All we have to do is ask.

THE MANE THING:BE COURAGEOUS

Leap of Faith

Miesha decides to step forward toconfront the other lions in an effortto stop them from attacking Daniel.Joining her are Lou, Nan, and Fang.As the group faces the dangerouslions, a warrior angel suddenly joinsMiesha and company. At that

moment, the angel closes Saqqara’smouth. Frightened, Saqqara andCoda turn and run. Through all ofthis, Miesha and her friends are notaware that God has sent angel tohelp them. But, they know that byhaving faith in God, they havehelped protect Daniel.

Questions:

Miesha made a decision toprotect Daniel from the other lions.When she steps forward, she findsthat Nan, Lou and Fang have joinedher. Compare how this samesituation may occur in our lives whenwe choose to do the “right thing.”Have you ever been afraid to speakup against something that is wrong,but when someone else does it firstit changes how you feel? Why?

Lou, Nan, Fang and Miesha arewilling to risk everything to protectan innocent person, Daniel. Whenthey stand courageously, Godsends his angels to assist andprotect them. Read Psalm 91:10-12.What does God promise us?

Daniel stood up for what heknew was right–praying to the onetrue God. As a result, he wasthrown into the lions’ den. Why doyou think God chose to protect andsave him from the ferocious lions?Read Daniel 6:10-11 & 22. Is Godstill able to protect us today? ReadI Peter 3:22 and Psalm 23:4.

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suggested scriptures for your groupto read. The video clips, Biblereading, and questions shouldinitiate conversation.

We suggest that you show the videoto your class or study group in itsentirety, followed by discussion,video clips, and Bible reading. Usethe Discussion booklet as yourguide. Remember, this study canextend over several learningsessions, if you choose. You’ll findthat this process will provide youwith the opportunity to discusssituations that an individual mayexperience as they journey towardsadulthood. Through this video andDiscussion Guide, we hope to equipeach child with the tools they willneed in the future.

Discussions:

Once your group has watchedThe Roach Approach, The Mane Event,you can reinforce the themes andmessages of the story by showingthem the video clips. These clips canbe downloaded at www.foxfaith.comor shown through a specially madeDVD that you can request at thesame website.

You might start the study time bysaying something like this: “We’vewatched the story about thecockroaches and their adventurewith Daniel in the lions’ den.

Now we’re going to watch a videoclip that will help us discover someideas that we can use in our ownlives.” Then, after they havewatched the clip, read the questionsand scriptures that will jump-startdiscussion. Remember, the amountof time you spend on this processis entirely up to you. Don’t feel like

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Earlier the lions made fun ofMiesha because she likes Danieland doesn’t want to eat him fordinner. Are the lions really truefriends if they are telling her todo something that is wrong?Why or why not? Read the scriptureProverbs 18:24. Who is the bestfriend you will ever have?

Miesha has to make a choicebetween right and wrong. Nanadvises her to do the right thing.When we face a situation thatinvolves our doing something thatwe know is wrong, God promisesto be there to help us fight temp-tation. How does he do that? Readthe verse Proverbs 27:9. Do youthink God used Nan to help Mieshamake the right choice? What canwe do to resist temptation? Readthe scripture I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Matthew 6:13. Now, readabout a special promise that Godgives us in Psalm 37:23-24.

Lesson to Learn:

Everyday, we are faced withsituations that call for us to make achoice between right and wrong.For instance, when our friends aregossiping about someone, are wegoing to join in or will we make thechoice to say that it’s wrong? Or,what about making a decision tobefriend someone at school whoisn’t “cool” even though the group

THE MANE THING:DO WHAT IS RIGHT

Choices

The time is quickly approachingwhen the lions will make their moveto devour Daniel. But, Miesha isworried about taking that kind ofaction. Nan comes to her to talkabout Daniel’s innocence andwarns against harming him. Still,Miesha is afraid and feels she hasno choice because she’s a lion. Nanreminds her that she should do whatis in her heart and trust God withher decision.

Questions:

When Miesha thinks abouthurting Daniel, why do you thinkshe is troubled? What do you thinkNan means when she tells Mieshato “to do what’s in your heart”?Have you ever had your consciencewarn you about something? Didyou listen? If not, what were theconsequences?

Miesha is afraid to stand up forwhat she knows in her heart is the“right thing.” What does she worryabout? Why is it so difficult to goagainst tradition or risk losing theapproval of the group? Read thescripture Deuteronomy 31:6. Whatdoes God promise us when we areafraid? Find Jeremiah 29:11 in yourBible. What assurance does theLord give us in this passage?

you have to hurry through a goodconversation to finish all the scenes.The goal is to allow the group timeto understand the principles thatare set forth in the story.

THE MANE THING:DREAM BIG

Believe!

Flutter has a dream of being aRoach Ranger, but Squiggz andCosmo laugh at her and remind herof all the things she’s never donein her life, like fire a slingshot at anattacking spider, or cross the pierwithout holding a grown-up’s hand,or camp out all night under a fullmoon. They tell her that she doesn’thave “what it takes” to be a RoachRanger. As a result, Flutter feelsdiscouraged and doubts hercapabilities. But, Grandpa Lou tells

her to look into her heart andbelieve in what is there. He remindsher that a Roach Ranger alwaysstands up for what she believes.

Questions:

Flutter has a dream of beinga Roach Ranger. It’s her heart’sdesire. But, Squiggz and Cosmolaugh at her and tell her that shedoesn’t have “what it takes.” Theirwords discourage her and causeher to fear and doubt her abilities.Why do you think she listens tothem? What should friends do whensomeone has a dream or goal theywant to achieve?

Squiggz and Cosmo are veryproud of being Roach Rangers. Itsets them apart and gives them aspecial identity. Still, they don’t wantFlutter to achieve that same success.

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Fang doesn’t know where theexit is, even though he thought heknew his way out of the cave. Haveyou ever felt like you’ve had aproblem and there was no wayout? Can you talk about it? Godpromises to be with us in times oftrouble. Read Psalm 46:1.

When Fang, Nan and Lou aredespondent and complaining abouttheir situation, Nan reminds themthat God is always with us in ourheart. That’s when they look atDaniel. What was he doing insteadof worrying? Why do you thinkDaniel felt peaceful? Read Jeremiah17:7-8, Hebrews 13:5 and Psalm9:9-10.

Lesson to Learn:

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimeswe’re going to have problems orsituations that are difficult. Maybeit’s parents who are going througha divorce. Or, perhaps it’s beingteased or bullied at school. It may

even be that you feel lonely–thatyou just don’t fit in. When these orother situations happen, it’s easyto get discouraged and worry thatthings will never work out. But inthe midst of our problems, God isthere to help us.

So when we feel troubled, firstwe should pray and tell him ourproblem. Then, we need to trustthat God has the situation in controland he will have an answer. Thatanswer may come from goodChristian friends who will listen. Or,it may be a Sunday school teacheror pastor who can bring encour-agement. But, whatever the answerthat God has for you, trust him.Remember that he cares and iswatching over you, just like hedid with Daniel.

age you are now, you might havea dream of how to raise money tohelp less fortunate children in yourcommunity or how to be a help toothers in need. Whatever yourdream is, God will give you thecourage to pursue the idea if youask him to help you achieve it.

However, it doesn’t mean that thepath will be easy. Flutter encounter-ed ridicule from Squiggz and Cosmowhen she wanted to be a RoachRanger. Sometimes this same kindof criticism happens to us whenwe talk about what we want toaccomplish. But, don’t be discour-aged. Instead, trust God to bringothers along side of you to helpyou do the job that he has askedyou to do. And, if you are afraid,remember how Grandpa Louencouraged Flutter to stand up forthe dream she had in her heart.

In that same way, God will encour-age and lead you through friendsand circumstances. The Lord knowsyour skills and abilities. And hewants you to realize them too. Justtrust God, put him first in your life,and he will give you the desiresof your heart. Believe in yourdream.

When there are feelings of jealousyabout someone else achievingsuccess, what are we afraid of?What does the Bible say aboutenvy? Read Psalms 37:8. Also, readDaniel 6:3-7. What happened toDaniel because of jealousy?

Grandpa Lou tells Flutter to lookin her heart and believe in herdream. Have you ever had an ideaof something you would like toaccomplish now or in the future?What is it? Read the verse Jeremiah29:11. From where did your dreamcome? Find the scripture Psalm37:23. What is God’s promise?

God has a plan for your life.Read Psalms 37:4 and Proverbs3:5-6. What does the Bible tell usthat God will do about our achiev-ing the dream that he has put in ourheart? What does God tell us weneed to do, according to thesescriptures?

Lesson to Learn:

God has a plan for each of us.Often, he puts an idea in our heartabout something we can do withour life. For example, you may wantto be a missionary or a pastor whenyou grow up. Or it may be that hewants you to be a leader in politics,science or education. Even at the

THE MANE THING:TRUST GOD

Fear–not!

Lou, Nan and Fang are in the lions’den where they fear for their lives.As they watch the lions planningfor their next meal, which is Daniel,the roaches and bat realize thattheir situation is dangerous. Fangdespairs and says that they’re“catnip.” Nan then reminds himabout whom they should trust andpoints to Daniel who is praying.

Questions:

Sometimes we may be in asituation where we are afraidor uncomfortable, just like Fang,Nan and Lou. We may feel thatwe desperately need help.When this happens, what doesthe Bible say that we should

do? Read the scripture Psalm56:3. Who is the one we

should turn to for hopeand strength? Read

Philippians 4:6.

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