An Incredible Journey

STICKY STATEMENT

Be courageous; God is with us!

LESSON OBJECTIVE

Children will learn about God’s faithfulness to be with them wherever they go and will choose to be courageous as they share the Gospel with others.

LESSON OVERVIEW

Using the life story of the missionary couple, Harry and Millie Bollback, children will learn that God can use ordinary people, like themselves, to courageously spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Choosing to be faithful to God now and choosing to surrender their lives to God can impact others’ lives and make them heroes of the faith too.

KEY VERSE

Joshua 1:9

TEACHER’S CHECKLIST

1. A PowerPoint is available for this lesson.2. Joshua 1:9 memory cards (one per person) (Next Steps)3. Joshua 1:9 video: https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/OBS20/22-1/ (Younger Adaptation)

GENERAL LESSON INSTRUCTIONS

Teacher’s Note: Prior to teaching the lesson, print and cut out the Joshua 1:9 Scripture memory cards. Be sure to have one for each person. They have been created in five different Bible versions and are compatible with the Avery 5371 business card template for your convenience. If you choose not to use the Avery template, it is suggested that you print them on cardstock.

HOOK

Let’s begin by playing a game called, Would You Rather? Here is how it will work. I will ask a Would You Rather? question and give you two choices. You must decide which you would rather do. If you would rather do the first thing, stand up. If you would rather do the second thing, stay seated and cross your arms so we know you have chosen not to stand up. It’s that simple! There is one other rule. You have to make a choice, one way or the other. Remember, there is no wrong answer. Just choose which you would rather do.

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Teacher’s Note: Depending on the time available and the size of your group, you could have the children move to one side of the room or the other to indicate their “answer.” Allow just a few seconds for children to make their choice before moving on to the next question. If they seem to be hesitant, simply say, “Make your choice in 5...4...3...2...1.” to help get them moving.

Here is a sample question, “Would you rather be an eagle or a lion?” If you would rather be an eagle, stand up. If you would rather be a lion, remain seated and cross your arms. That’s pretty easy, right? Okay, here we go. Everyone remain seated until I read the question and ask for your responses.

1. Would you rather sleep on a mat on a dirt floor, or in a hammock in the jungle?

If you would rather sleep on a mat on a dirt floor, stand up. If you would rather sleep in a hammock out in the jungle, stay seated and cross your arms. Make your choice in 5...4...3...2...1. Alright, here is the second one.

2. Would you rather live without electricity or have no running water?

If you would rather live without electricity, stand up. If you would rather live without running water, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.] Here’s the third one.

3. Would you rather cook and eat a whole fish or a turtle?

If you would rather cook and eat a whole fish, stand up. If you would rather cook and eat a whole turtle, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.] Interesting; here’s number four.

4. Would you rather canoe five days down a rushing river or ride a horse for five days in the heat of the jungle?

If you would rather canoe for five days down a rushing river, stand up. If you would rather ride on a horse for five days in the heat of a jungle, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.] Wow, you brave people! Here’s the fifth one.

5. Would you rather be covered in army ants or have a worm growing out of the back of your head?

If you would rather be covered in army ants, stand up. If you would rather have a worm growing out of the back of your head, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.] Yuck. Neither one of those is a good option. Here’s a fun one.

6. Would you rather have a furry, little monkey as your pet or a young ostrich that follows you around like a dog?

If you would rather have a furry, little monkey as a pet, stand up. If you would rather have an ostrich follow you around, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.] Ha! Both are weird, aren’t they? Okay, last one!

7. Would you rather be on stage in front of thousands of people in New York City or live alone in the jungle with just you and your family?

If you would rather be on stage in front of thousands of people in New York City, stand up. If you would rather be alone in the jungle, stay seated. [Allow time for the children to make their choice.]

Well, it was interesting to see the choices you made.

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Teacher’s Note: If any of the children really surprised you with their answers, call attention to it and let them know how much they surprised you.

So, what was the point of that game? Do you know what all these questions have in common? [Allow for a few responses.] These are all situations our Christian heroes that we’re going to talk about today faced when they chose to follow God on their incredible journey.

Tonight’s lesson is the second of a two-part series called “Hero: You Could Be One!” The two lessons in this series are designed to introduce you to modern-day heroes of the faith. Who are these modern-day heroes of the faith, who faced army ant invasions, living in a hut, and traveling by horses and canoes? They are Harry and Millie Bollback.

LESSON CONTENT

[Show visual #1: an early picture of the Bollbacks.]

Before getting married, Harry and Millie chose Joshua 1:9 as their life verse.

Teacher’s Note: Show visual #2: the text from Joshua 1:9, then read Joshua 1:9. The NKJV is used on the PowerPoint slide. If your church uses a different version, be sure to rearrange the PowerPoint slides prior to the lesson. The other slides are located at the end of the PowerPoint.

As we go through the lesson tonight, we will see how Harry and Millie chose to remember this truth: “Be courageous; God is with us.” When you hear me say, “Be courageous,” tonight, I would like for you to respond by saying, “God is with us.” Let’s practice it together. “Be courageous …” [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”] Let’s try it again. “Be courageous ...” [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]

When Harry was about your age, his dad prayed something like this, “God, I can’t be a missionary. I don’t know how to read or write, but I dedicate myself to serve you.” He also prayed privately that his children would serve God. It was only many years later, when Harry and his siblings became missionaries, that his father shared what he had prayed for his children.

Harry’s parents put him in piano lessons when he was at the age of some of you. How many of you are taking music lessons? [Allow for several responses.] Harry’s hard work and practice would make him a great musician when he was a teenager. [Show visual #3: Harry playing the organ.]

When Harry was 16, he attended a Gospel Rally in New York. What is a Gospel Rally? Does anyone know? [Allow for several responses.] A Gospel Rally is a special event held to bring a lot of people to hear about Jesus. Jack Wyrtzen (WERT-zen), the speaker, asked if anyone could play the piano. Harry told Jack he could play the piano, and he began playing at these rallies. The first night Harry played, more than 200 men accepted Jesus as Savior. Harry was impressed by how God was using Jack Wyrtzen and others to share the message of Jesus Christ.

Harry learned to pray, read the Bible, and share the Gospel himself. Harry would remember to “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”],” even when playing before thousands of people. Can you imagine being on stage in front of 10,000 people in New York City? That could be scary.

[Show visual #4: World War II scene.]

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Not only did Harry love ministering at the rallies, he also loved his country. At the age of 18, he joined the Marines and was sent to the South Pacific to fight in World War II. Harry was a part of this intense war; he saw serious injuries to others and men who lost their lives. But God used this difficult and dangerous time to teach Harry to be tough. He chose to remember to “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”], even on the battlefield.”

After the war, he came back to the United States and worked with Jack Wyrtzen again at Word of Life Fellowship. In addition to the rallies, Word of Life opened its first summer camp for children and teens. Harry thought God wanted him to serve Him by playing the piano full time. However, one night while playing the piano at a rally, Harry realized God wanted him to be a missionary overseas. He stopped playing, stood up, and surrendered his life to go wherever God wanted him.

A short time after the war, Harry met a girl by the name of Millie Winkler. Several years earlier, Millie had surrendered her life to serve God too. After a couple years, they were married. On their wedding day, not only did they say, “I do” to each other, but they also made a commitment to serve God together wherever their incredible journey would take them. On the inside of their wedding bands, they had a Scripture verse engraved. Can you guess what verse they had engraved? [Wait for some responses.] That’s right! It was Joshua 1:9. Why do you think Harry and Millie had this verse engraved on their wedding bands? [Allow for several responses.] They knew God was faithful. In the Bible, God told a man named Joshua to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid. This verse would be a reminder of God’s faithfulness for them in the days ahead. They would need to keep this thought in mind: “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”].” They knew they would not be alone.

Harry took the next step to becoming a missionary by going to the Philadelphia School of the Bible. During those two years, Harry and Millie became parents to a baby girl, Linda. After graduating from college, they knew God wanted them to be missionaries to the tribes in the jungles of Brazil. While boarding the ship for Brazil, someone handed Harry an accordion. Can anyone tell me what an accordion is? [Pause for answers.] That’s right. It’s a portable musical instrument that can be held and played with a short keyboard, similar to a piano. [Show visual #5: the accordion.] That accordion would be a tool Harry used as a missionary.

Harry, Millie, and their young daughter began their two-week journey to Brazil. That’s right, it would take two weeks just to get there. In Brazil, they began ministry with the local people while going to language school to learn Portuguese. After a year and a half, Harry’s friend, a man named Harold Reimer, came to help them take the Gospel to the tribes in the jungle. While Harry had an accordion, Harold could play the trombone.

The journey to the jungle began with driving all day on dirt roads and sleeping in hammocks at night. “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”],” even when sleeping outside in the jungle. After three days, the road came to an end and they took a canoe across the river. There they moved into their hut made of plastered cow manure and sand. Can you imagine moving into a hut with a dirt floor, no electricity, and no running water? “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”],” even when sleeping on a dirt floor.

Harry and Harold began holding church for the Bakairi (BA-kar-e) tribe. Can you say that with me? [Say the word, “Bakairi,” along with the children.] “Bakairi.” [Show visual #6: a picture of the Bakairi tribe.] This was a friendly tribe that lived only three miles away. They started church at five o’clock in the morning, hoping the tribesmen would come before hunting and fishing for the day.

Close your eyes and imagine this scene.

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You are in the jungles of Brazil. There is no electricity, so there are no lights in the houses, no streetlights, and no headlights on cars. The only light you have is from the stars and moon at night, the sun during the day, or a fire you make. There are no televisions, no clocks, no smartphones, no computers or tablets, and no internet. Life looked pretty different.

In the morning just before the sun comes up, you hear the sound of an accordion and a trombone. What do you think your reaction would be? [Pause for a few answers.] For the Bakairis, it created a lot of excitement. They came and heard the Gospel, and many believed in Jesus Christ.

[Show visual #7: the Xingu River.]

Harry and Harold began making plans to reach another tribe; the Xavantes (SHA-van-tes.) The Xavantes were known as a fierce tribe that killed any outsiders. It would take 48 days to canoe up the river to find the Xavantes. It was hard for Harry to leave Millie, knowing the closest town was a five-day trip on horseback if Millie needed help. He also knew they wouldn’t see each other for four months!

On their trip to find the Xavantes, they had to cross rocks and rapids, and deal with insects … lots of insects. Remember the question in the Would You Rather game about whether you would rather deal with an army of ants or a worm growing in your head? Two weeks into their journey, Harry noticed that something didn’t feel right on the back of his head. The spot began to get bigger and ooze with puss. When the spot was looked at, a worm was found growing in his head and had to be removed. Ewwww, right? Even in this, Harry remembered to “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”].”

Weeks later, they spotted their first Xavantes. [Show visual #8: the Xavante people.] They recognized them by the red dye on their bodies. Would the Xavantes attack? Would they get out alive? Harry told Harold, “Today is Wednesday. I hope somebody in some church is praying for their missionaries tonight.” Harry would have to hold to the truth from Joshua 1:9. “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”].”

Harry began to play his accordion. The men gave the Xavantes gifts, but the time was very tense. As the sun went down, the Xavantes began shooting arrows at them. God protected them and not one arrow touched them.

Let’s pause for just a moment. Do you think it’s important for us to pray for missionaries around the world? [Allow for several answers.] Do you think it would have been easy for Harry and Harold to become fearful when those arrows were coming at them? [Allow for several answers.] For sure, those were some scary moments, but Harry and Harold remembered the truth of Joshua 1:9. What is it? “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”].” That’s right. They knew they could keep serving without fear because God was with them.

By the end of September 1953, the men returned home. Millie remembered the verse they had engraved on their wedding bands, Joshua 1:9. She thanked God for being faithful and giving her courage on this incredible journey, even during the times Harry was gone.

In 1955, Harry and the family returned to the United States for a short time of training, refocusing, and renewal. During that time, Harry met with Jack Wyrtzen again. Jack was still speaking at rallies, but he was also running a camp for children and students in New York. They talked about the ministry in Brazil and agreed that the need in Brazil was too great for just two people. Although they had reached several tribes, there were still more than 300 tribes in Brazil that needed to hear the Gospel. They agreed that Harry and Harold would start a Bible School to train young people in Brazil to help with the work and begin camps for children and students.

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Once back in Brazil, property was purchased and the camping ministries started. Many young Brazilians believed in Jesus, and some surrendered their lives to serve God through the camp Harry and Harold started.

The next step was starting a Bible Institute to train the young Brazilians. The Brazilians who surrendered to God would learn the Bible and how to reach their people for God, whether it be in the towns or jungles. Today, Word of Life has multiple properties in Brazil for both camping ministry and training. [Show visual #9: Word of Life Brazilian property.]

This model was working so well that Harry and Jack agreed they should start Word of Life all over the world. They set a goal to see this copied in ten more countries. Eventually, Harry, Millie, and the family would leave Brazil and return to New York to oversee Word of Life International. What had started as the first international ministry of Word of Life was now going to go to other nations and people. Although it was exciting to think about the ministry growing, it was hard for Harry, Millie, and their family to leave Brazil. They would be leaving their friends, their home, and everything familiar. Although it must have been a little scary, they remembered: “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]” as they moved back to the United States.

Throughout the years, Harry and Millie formed an inseparable team, spending years in Brazil and later starting the overseas ministry of Word of Life that now stretches around the world. This model of ministry has now been taken to over 80 countries and has grown to over 1,500 missionaries. [Show visual #10: Word of Life mission field map.] It’s estimated that two to three thousand Xavantes have become Christians. Only God knows how many people have been reached by this one couple, who was fully surrendered to Christ and who remembered to “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]” as they followed God’s call in their lives.

CONNECTION

Harry and Millie both surrendered their lives to serve God and go wherever He wanted them. This would take them to the jungles of Brazil where they didn’t know the language or the people, and they did without a lot of the conveniences of home. However, they chose to remember, “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]”

Perhaps you are facing new things in your own life. Maybe you are moving to a new school or a new town. Maybe God is asking you to share the Gospel with a friend. When you feel afraid, remember, “Be Courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”].”

In what areas of your life do you need courage? For those who have trusted in Jesus as their Savior, God has promised to be with us. You can “Be courageous, because [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]”

CHOICE

God has a plan for each of you. Harry and Millie’s incredible journey began when they trusted in Jesus as their Savior.

Teacher’s Note: This may lead to an opportunity to share the Gospel message. For help in this matter, reference the appendix of https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/OBS20/14-3/.

Once you have placed your faith in Jesus, you can choose to be strong and courageous in new situations or new places. You can choose to surrender your life, like Harry and Millie, by going and doing what God wants you to do.

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Will you make the choice tonight to be courageous? Remember, God is with you.

Let’s take a few minutes now to bow our heads. Talk to God about an area where you need to be courageous and remember He is with you. You could pray that when you feel afraid, you would remember to be courageous. You could pray that you would surrender your will for God’s will. You could pray that you would be courageous and share the Gospel with your friends.

Regardless of where you are or what may be going on in your life, He will be with you. Maybe there is something causing fear in your life. [Show visual #11: The Sticky Statement.] Remember, “Be courageous; [Wait for the children to respond with “God is with us.”]”

NEXT STEPS

Joshua 1:9 is a great verse for us to remember. Make a point to memorize Joshua 1:9 this week.

Teacher’s Note: Show visual #2 again: Joshua 1:9 and have the children read the verse with you aloud several times. If you have chosen to use the Younger Adaptation, use it at this time. Give each child a Scripture memory card.

God tells His people not to be afraid. He is with us wherever we go. Will you commit to memorize this verse this week? Let’s practice saying the verse together right now. [Practice saying the verse and then dismiss to Personal Training (PT) Huddle groups.]

YOUNGER ADAPTATION: (Next Steps)

We are going to sing along with the video to help us remember the truth of Joshua 1:9.

Teacher’s Note: Use the following video for the children to sing and follow along with the motions: https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/OBS20/22-1/

PERSONAL TRAINING TIME

The Goal of the Personal Training Huddle: The goal of the Personal Training Huddle is to help the children understand that they can be courageous and trust God because He is with them.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some things that made Harry and Millie heroes of the faith? (They served God, they surrendered or gave up their wants to go overseas, they prayed, they saw others who needed Jesus, they weren’t afraid to go to new places and meet new people, etc. The purpose of this question is to see how much the children understood the lesson and to see if they made the connection between being courageous and the presence of God. Talk through the events of the Bollback’s lives.)

2. What are some things you may fear or times when you need to be courageous? (Answers will vary. Possible answers: other children making fun of you, not being popular, being afraid to speak to others about Jesus, etc. Follow up with a question like, “What are some things you do when you are afraid?” or “How do you deal with fear?”)

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3. How will the fact that God is with us impact your courage? (Remember, the promise of “God is with us” is for those who trust in Him. If you have the opportunity, take the chance to share the Gospel with the children. Help the children verbalize how they can trust in God when they need to be courageous.)

PARENT CONNECTION

Tonight’s lesson was the second of a two-part series called “Hero: You Could Be One!” The two lessons in this series are designed to introduce the children to modern-day heroes of the faith. Our lesson tonight featured Harry and Millie Bollback.

Harry and Millie are modern-day heroes of the faith who moved from New York to take the Gospel to the tribes in the jungles of Brazil. They took the Gospel to the Xavante people opened camps for children and teens, and started Bible Institutes to train local Brazilians. This model of ministry started in Brazil and has been duplicated in over 80 countries with over 1,500 missionaries.

Help your child see that God has a plan for their life too. Have them look for ways they can impact others in your home, in their school, and in their community. Help them to remember to be courageous because God is with us.

Harry and Millie had Joshua 1:9 engraved on their wedding bands. This verse serves as a reminder that God did not want them to live or travel in fear. The same is true for us and our children when we trust God. Your child was given a Scripture memory card. Help your child memorize Joshua 1:9. When appropriate, help them to see that they can trust God in a difficult circumstance this week.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What was Harry’s father’s prayer? (That his children would serve God and be missionaries)2. What musical instrument did Harry play? (Piano or accordion)3. What did Harry do at age 16? (He agreed to play for Jack Wyrtzen at the Gospel rallies.)4. What country did Harry and his wife, Millie, feel that God was calling them to take the

Gospel? (Brazil)5. What verse did Harry and Millie have engraved on their wedding bands? (Joshua 1:9)6. How did Harry and Harold recognize the Xavante people (Their bodies were painted red.)7. What was Millie’s reaction when Harry and Harold returned home from their four-month

trip to find the Xavante people? (She prayed and thanked God for being with them on the trip and keeping them safe.)

8. True or False: Harry and Millie left Brazil because things got too difficult. (False)9. True or False: There are over 1,500 missionaries with Word of Life Fellowship serving in

over 80 countries. (True)10. Finish the Sticky Statement: “Be courageous; …” (God is with us.)

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