unit 1. jesus, the savior / elementary session 2 - jesus ... · trust him. christ focus: jesus...

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SESS ION 2 - JESUS RA ISED LAZARUS

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 11:1-44

LIFE POINT: People put their faith in Jesus and trust Him.

CHRIST FOCUS: Jesus shows me through His life and teachings what God is like.

BIBLE VERSE: We have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV) We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV) We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

Production Notes

p From simple to involved, you can tailor Worship For Life to your kids and leaders:

•Short on supplies and leaders? For an easy prep, enlist a host, a music leader, and prepare the Connection Point game. Then show the videos for the worship songs and other segments.

•Do you have musicians who would like to lead worship songs? Check out the lead sheets on the DVD-ROM or substitute your songs!

•Have some actors who would love to prepare a short drama? Print the True 2 Life drama from the DVD-ROM! Use this drama instead of the Mayflower video.

v This symbol denotes that the segment or song is available on video.

h This symbol indicates props needed for today’s session.

UN IT 1 . JESUS , THE SAV IOR / ELEMENTARY

Schedule and Props

v This symbol indicates that a video is provided on the DVD-ROM.

p This symbol indicates that the activity is host or leader-led—no video for this activity.

p Huddle Ups (Optional) People: Small Group Leaders Props: inflated balloons (1 for every 2 kids of same gender)

v Backstage Intro 1-2 minutes People: Stage Manager Props: clipboard, pencil, headset

v Countdown and Welcome 1-5 minutes People: Host Props: chair

v Worship Song 3 minutes People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

p Connection Point Game 5-10 minutes People: Host, 2 teams of 5 players, 2 leaders Props: 2 sheets of poster board, 2 markers, 2 chairs, tape

p Host Set-up 1-2 minutes People: Host

v Mayflower Video or True 2 Life Drama 5-7 minutes People for Drama: Kate, Tyler (preteen best friends) Props for Drama: none


v Bible Story 8 minutes People: Storyteller, 4 kids Props: Bible, 4 large (8½ by 11 inches) white envelopes, 4 blank labels, marker


v Worship in Real Life Video 3-4 minutes People: none

p Closing 2 minutes People: Host Props: chair

WORSHIP FOR LIFE | ELEMENTARY UNIT 1 | SESSION 2 2

v Backstage Outro 1-2 minutes People: Stage Manager Props: clipboard, headset

p Huddle Ups (Optional) People: Small Group Leaders Missions: none

t TECH

• Video and/or audio capabilities

• Microphones for singers

• Lights (optional)

• Optional sound effects available (see sound effects file)

m music

• “All About Jesus”

• “We Will Go”

• “Jesus Came”

• “Your Love Changes Me”

• “God Has a Plan”

• “Holy God (Holy, Holy, Holy)”

Need help planning your sess ion?

Additional training for Worship for Life: Kids is available at ministrygrid.com/web/worshipforlife.


p HUDDLE UPS (OPT IONAL)

Huddle ups are for churches that have a drop-off time before the session begins. There are multiple ideas for interaction during this time, such as simple games that children can play on the floor or within whatever arrangements you gather your kids. Leaders can ask “get-to-know-you” questions after welcoming kids into their groups.

(Print the following for your small group leaders.)

Do You Trust Me?

• Prior to the session gather and inflate balloons (1 for every 2 kids of same gender).

• Form pairs of the same gender. Give each pair an inflated balloon.

• Instruct partners to stand back-to-back with the balloon between them. Explain that you will give the group an action to perform while keeping the balloon from falling to the floor.

• Give assignments such as:

* Walk to the door and back.

* Jump up and down four times.

* Touch the floor with your hands.

* Spin around five times.

• Mention that kids had to trust their partners in order to perform several of the actions. Explain that today kids will learn about trusting God.


v BACKSTAGE INTRO

c Estimated time: 1-2 minutes

t Tech: Video option available, Session Title slide

p People: Stage Manager

h Props: clipboard, pencil, headset

(Show video or act out the following.)

STAGE MANAGER

(Walks onstage looking frustrated and sorting through notes on the clipboard. Speaks into headset.)

Hey, guys … did anyone replace the busted light at center stage? No? (sighs) Well, can someone fix it before we start? OK, thanks. (speaking to kids) Whew! It has been very interesting preparing for today. I had a dentist appointment yesterday and missed our dress rehearsal. I asked a friend to make sure everything was checked off the list … but, he forgot. None of the jobs were done! He feels REALLY horrible about it. He has been trying to help me today, but it’s a LOT of work.

Have you ever trusted someone to do something and he let you down? At first, it kind of hurt my feelings. I trusted my friend to take care of things while I was gone. He apologized, and I know it was just a mistake. I guess we all make mistakes sometimes, right? (speaks into headset) Oh, the light bulb is all fixed? That’s perfect! Thanks! (checks item off the list on the clipboard and speaks to kids) Well, it sounds like all of our hard work paid off. The production team got that busted light fixed just in time! I’ll see you guys in a little while! (speaking in headset as walking offstage) Quiet on the set, please! Places, everyone! (runs offstage)


v COUNTDOWN AND WELCOME


t Tech: Countdown video, Life Point slide, Bible Verse slide

p People: Host

h Props: chair

HOST

(Play Countdown video. Host walks out at around 30 seconds.)

Hey, kids! I’m trusting you all to help me get this day started! Count down with me: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Whew! Have a seat, everyone! (plops exhausted into the chair) Man, that was a big-time countdown! I think I’m getting too old for this! Did any of you notice what I said before the countdown? I said that I was “trusting” you to help me get the day started. What does it mean to trust someone? (allow for responses) Those are all some great answers, but I think instead of TELLING you about trust, I want to SHOW you! When I say go, I want everyone to stand up, give your friend a high-five, and sit back down. Ready? Go! (give kids time to perform the task)

Great job! THAT was trust. When you sat back down, you didn’t worry that the chair would hold you up. You just knew that you could sit down and not get dumped onto the floor. You TRUSTED that the chair would be sturdy. We can have that same type of trust in Jesus. Today we will learn that people put their faith in Jesus and trust Him. (Show Life Point slide.) Let’s say that together: People put their faith in Jesus and trust Him.

Our Bible verse today explains WHY people can trust Jesus. Say it with me.

(Show Bible Verse slide—select preferred version.)

• We have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

• We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

(Host leaves as worship team gets in place.)


v WORSH IP SONG

c Estimated time: 3 minutes

t Tech: Music or lyric video, mics for singers, lights (optional)

m Music: “We Will Go” (lead sheet available on DVD-ROM) or worship song of your choice

p People: Worship Leader and/or Worship Team

h Props: none

(Show video or give the following to your worship leader.)

WORSHIP LEADER

Isn’t it good to know that people can put their faith and trust in Jesus? I’m looking forward to hearing more about that! Jesus will never, ever let us down. Let’s praise Him for His faithfulness to us.

(Show the music or lyric video.)

(Lead kids to sit as song ends.)

Now, let’s get ready for Connection Point!


p CONNECT ION PO INT GAME


t Tech: Connection Point slide, Connection Point theme music

p People: Host, 2 teams of 5 players, 2 leaders

h Props: 2 sheets of poster board, 2 markers, 2 chairs, tape

Game Instructions:

• Play “Toe Writing Relay” with two teams of five players. Place the sheets of poster boards, markers, and chairs at one end of the playing space. Line the teams up at the other end behind a taped start line. Instruct kids to take off shoes and socks and lay them to the side.

• The first child on each team will run to the poster board, be seated, pick up the marker with his toes, and on the board write the first letter of the word Trust. Then she will drop the marker and run back to tag the next person in line. The second player will write the second letter, and so on.

• No team member may touch the marker with her hands. The first team to finish wins.

• Option: Set a timer. The team that writes the most letters of Trust wins.

Host

(Play Connection Point theme music and show Connection Point slide.)

Welcome to “Connection Point” and another crazy game!

(Choose 10 volunteers and form 2 teams. Introduce teams quickly.)

Let’s get started! Take your shoes and socks off and put them over here. Now let’s line up in two lines here. The first player will run to your team’s poster board, sit in the chair, and pick up the marker with her toes. Players can not touch the markers with their hands.

Each player will use the marker to write one letter of the word trust. Can you spell it? T -R- U-S- T. The first player will write a T. The second player will write an R and so on. When you finish writing, run back and tag the next person on your team.

(Instruct a leader to stand near each poster and supervise. While a team member runs back to the team, the leader will quickly hold up the poster so the audience can see the letters.)

Any questions? Get ready, get set, Go! (Play fun music while the teams race to write TRUST. Encourage the audience to cheer for the teams.)

Oh, my goodness! Look at those posters. Let’s clap our FEET for their good job! (pause) You wrote trust, but I’ve got to say—it’s not your neatest writing! Be sure you do your homework with your hands, and not your toes!

Do you know what trust means? It means “to believe or have confidence in someone or something.” In our Bible story, Mary and Martha trusted that Jesus would come when their brother, Lazarus, was sick. Let’s listen to what else happens.

(Theme music/slide to transition. Host leads into next segment.)


p HOST SET-UP


t Tech: Session Title slide

p People: Host

h Props: none

HOST

(Show Session Title slide.)

Oh, my. I think you guys had better stick with using your hands for writing things down! Last week we learned a REALLY long word … I’m glad we didn’t use our toes for writing THAT word! Speaking of last week, does anyone remember what we learned about Jesus the last time we were together? (allow for responses) That’s right! We learned that Jesus is God’s Son. Today, we will discover that even when things seem impossible, we can put our trust in Jesus. We can always trust that Jesus has the power to handle any situation.

I’m anxious to hear more about that, aren’t you? Before we hear more, let’s turn our attention to the screens to check in with the Mayflower kids (or let’s check in with our True 2 Life team), and then we will worship together.

(Host exits.)


v MAYFLOWER V IDEO OR TRUE 2 L IFE DRAMA


t Tech: Mayflower video

p People for Drama: Kate, Tyler (preteen best friends)

h Props for Drama: none

(NOTE: After the host set-up, there are two options provided: a video or a skit. If you choose to show the video, play the Mayflower video. If you choose the drama, act out the following.)

True 2 life Drama

Kate and Tyler enter together. Both are excited and animated, already in conversation.

Tyler: Wow! Can you believe that just happened? That was unbelievable.

Kate: I know. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

Tyler: When that girl put her hand on that thing and her hair stuck up all over the place ….

Kate: (laughing) I know. I know. She looked like she was shocked!

Tyler: But that mad scientist guy said that she didn’t feel anything.

Kate: That’s what she said, too. And she didn’t act like it hurt. … She sure looked funny.

Tyler: Would you have done it?

Kate: I don’t know … maybe.

Tyler: I would. I wish he had called on me. What did he call it, static electricity?

Kate: Yeah. It’s like when you get a little shock when you try to open a door, or when you help your Mom get the clothes out of the dryer and you hear that popping sound and a sock sticks to you and you have to peel it off.

Tyler: I … uh … don’t help my Mom with the laundry.

Kate: I bet she would appreciate it if you did. Anyway, like I’ve said, I’ve never seen anything like that before —static electricity.

Tyler: Let’s make some static electricity right here.

Kate: Right here?

Tyler: Right now.

Kate and Tyler slide their feet back and forth on the floor then carefully touch the ends of their index fingers together. They jump back, shake their hands, and acknowledge the small spark.

Tyler: Let’s do it again.


Kate: Uh-uh. Not me. That’s crazy. I can’t believe we made that happen.

Tyler: Well, we did have a little help from …

Both: Static electricity!

Tyler: Yeah, that mad scientist guy was pretty cool.

Kate: I like the way he explained how it happened.

Tyler: Do you think there are things that science can’t explain?

Kate: I’m sure there are.

Tyler: I hope so. I love to learn about amazing things, especially things that people can’t always explain.

(They exit.)

(END SCENE)


v WORSH IP SONG



m Music: “Jesus Came” (lead sheet available on DVD-ROM) or worship song of your choice


h Props: none


WORSHIP LEADER

(Music begins.) Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Yahweh.” That means God will never leave us and that we can trust Him to always take care of us. Let’s stand together and thank God for His loving care.


(Kids rise to sing.)


v B IBLE STORY


t Tech: Christ Focus slide, Bible Story slide, Bible Story video

p People: Storyteller, 4 kids

h Props: Bible, 4 large (8½ by 11 inches) white envelopes, 4 blank labels, marker

Directions (prior to the session):

• Draw a large smiley face on the front of each envelope and a large sad face on the back of each envelope. Draw the faces so that the open end of the envelope is the bottom of the face. Kids will place a hand inside the envelope and use it like a puppet.

• Print one name per label: Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Jesus.

(Play the Bible Story video or tell the following Bible story.)

STORYTELLER

(Show Bible Story slide.)

Hi there, kids. Today I have a great Bible story to tell you. Before we start, I need two girls and two boys to stand up here with me. Each of you will hold an envelope puppet by sliding your hand into the envelope. Bend your arm at the elbow and hold still. I may move some things around, but your job is simply to stand here. (Assist the volunteers in putting on the puppets with the smiley faces showing.)

Our Bible story has four main people in it. Can you name who they are? (Allow kids to guess as you read the following clues. Place each label on an envelope after kids guess the name.) Here are some clues. The first two are sisters. Both of their names start with the letter M. One of their names rhymes with hairy. (Mary) The other name has an A as the second letter and the last letter. The third letter is an R. The only other letters are T and H. Who is it? (Martha) The third person is a man. He is Mary and Martha’s brother. His name starts with an L. In pig latin his name is Azarus-Lay. Any guesses? (Lazarus; spell out his name as an additional clue, if necessary.) The last man in our Bible story is very special. He was born in Bethlehem. He is God’s Son. Later, He died on a cross. (Jesus) Great job!

Now, one more thing, the Bible story begins with everyone being sad except for Jesus. (Instruct the volunteers with the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus envelopes to turn them so that the sad face is showing to the audience.) Now, let’s see what happened to these four people as we read from John 11. (Turn to the four kids and give instructions.) Each time you hear your Bible name in the story, shake your hand for just a second to indicate your puppet is that person.

(Open the Bible and read John 11:1,3.) Now a man was sick, Lazarus, from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. So the sisters sent a message to Him: “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

Pssst, here’s a clue. (Hold up your fingers and use air quotes.) “The one that You love” is Lazarus.


(Read John 11:4-7,14-15.) When Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after that, He said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.” (Move the child’s arm with the Lazarus envelope down by his side.) So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

Now, before we get much further, I want to make something clear. It might sound like Jesus didn’t really care about Lazarus because Jesus stayed where He was for two days after hearing that Lazarus was sick. And Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death, but Lazarus did die. It may sound confusing, but it is all about to make sense. Let’s listen to see what happens next.

(Read John 11:17-27.) When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.

Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”

“Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.

Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she told Him, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

Martha understood that Jesus was able to do amazing things because He is the Son of God. But, we haven’t heard from Mary yet. Let’s see what she thinks.

(Read John 11:28-32.) Having said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

As soon as she heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him. Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met Him. The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. So they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there.

When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and told Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!”

Ahhh, who else said the same exact thing? (Allow kids to answer Martha.)

(Read John 11:33-35,39-44.) When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved. “Where have you put him?” He asked. (Turn the Jesus envelope to the sad face.)


“Lord,” they told Him, “come and see.”

Jesus wept.

“Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

Martha, the dead man’s sister, told Him, “Lord, he’s already decaying. It’s been four days.”

Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (Turn the Jesus envelope to the smiley face.)

So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me. I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so they may believe You sent Me.” After He said this, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth.

(Move the Lazarus envelope back up in the air. Twist the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus envelopes to the smiley faces.) Jesus said to them, “Loose him and let him go.” (Collect each envelope and allow kids to return to their seats.)

(Hold up one envelope.) So here we had two choices of faces: one was happy, and one was sad. Do you think Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had any other feelings or any other emotions? (Allow kids to respond with answers such as nervous, surprised, excited, and relieved.) Those are all things that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus felt, but they also believed. Mary and Martha trusted Jesus. The word trust is much harder to show as a facial expression. What do you think trust looks like on a face? (Allow kids to respond.)

Let’s recall four ways Mary and Martha showed they trusted Jesus in the story. (Hold up one finger.) They knew Jesus loved Lazarus because they called him “the one you love.” (Hold up two fingers.) They said that if Jesus had been there, then their brother would not have died. (Hold up three fingers.) Martha knew that whatever Jesus asked God, God would do. (Hold up four fingers.) Martha believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. So even though we cannot show trust on our face, we can know and believe in Jesus by putting our faith in Him and trusting Him.

(Show Christ Focus slide.) Over and over during His time here on earth, Jesus taught about faith, trust, and obedience to God. Jesus said He was glad He had waited to go see Lazarus so that the disciples and Mary and Martha would understand and believe that Jesus is God’s Son. We can understand and know that today, too. Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, thank You for today’s Bible story that helps us understand that You truly are the Messiah, the Son of God. Help us know that we can put our faith and trust in You whether we feel happy or sad. In Jesus’ name, amen.


v WORSH IP SONG



m Music: “All About Jesus” (lead sheet available on DVD-ROM) or worship song of your choice


h Props: none


WORSHIP LEADER

(Music begins.) I wonder what Lazarus was feeling when he walked out of that grave! Was he happy? Excited? Confused? It is so good to know that no matter how we feel or what situation we may face, we can always trust in Jesus. Let’s praise Him together!


(Kids rise to sing.)

v WORSH IP IN REAL L IFE V IDEO


t Tech: Video

p People: none

h Props: none

(Show Worship in Real Life video.)


p CLOS ING


t Tech: Session Title slide, Life Point, and Bible Verse slides

p People: Host

h Props: chair

HOST

(Show Session Title slide.)

(Sits down in chair) Trust. Sometimes trust is easy, isn’t it? Like, when I asked you all to sit down in your chairs. You knew the chair would hold you up because you’ve sat in it before. There was no reason for you to doubt that it wouldn’t do it again. But, sometimes trust can be hard. We want to trust Jesus, but the situation just seems impossible. For Mary and Martha, their brother had been in the tomb for four days!

For us, maybe we’re having a problem at school or at home. The good news is that even though we can’t see Jesus with our eyes, like we can see this chair, we can still trust Him. How? Well, one way is by remembering all the times we’ve trusted Him to take care of us before! We also can read Bible stories like the one we read today. When we remember how He has been faithful to us in the past, it is easy to trust Him with the future.

(Show Life Point slide.) People put their faith in Jesus and trust Him. Let’s say that together. (Repeat with slide.) People put their faith in Jesus and trust Him. The greatest way to trust Jesus is to trust Him as your Savior. If you would like to know more about how to trust Jesus as your Savior, find one of your leaders today. Any of our leaders will be happy to pray with you and answer your questions.

Optional Giving Segment: Another way we can trust God is to trust that He will always provide for our needs. One way God provides for the needs of our church is through our offerings. If you’d like to give today, …

(Give your own directions for how the kids can give to God. Perhaps you have buckets in the back of the room, a chest up front, or an envelope that each small group leader passes.)

(Show Bible Verse slide—select preferred version.)

• We have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 1 John 4:14 (HCSB)

• We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 (KJV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NIV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (ESV)

• We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)


v BACKSTAGE OUTRO


t Tech: Video option available, Session Title slide

p People: Stage Manager

h Props: clipboard, headset

(Show video or act out the following.)

STAGE MANAGER

(speaking into headset) That’s a wrap, team! Good job today! (pulls headset off, exhausted; speaks to kids.) We did it! For a while there, I wasn’t sure we would be ready today. There was SO MUCH WORK to do. It would have been really easy to be angry with my friend. I mean, I TRUSTED him, and he promised he’d help out. You know, sometimes people make mistakes and disappoint us. But today’s Bible story reminded me that we can ALWAYS trust God. God never makes mistakes! Even when Jesus was facing very difficult circumstances, He taught us to have faith in God and His plan. This week let’s remember to follow Jesus’ example to trust God, even when things get hard.

Oh, and don’t forget … I’m trusting YOU to remember to grab the One Conversation™ page on your way out! It will help you talk to your family about what you’ve learned today. See you next week!


p HUDDLE UPS (OPT IONAL)

This time is designed for churches that have a pick-up time from a large room as parents arrive. It’s a great time for follow-up conversations and questions from small group leaders about the session’s content. You also can use the missions emphasis (below).

(Print the following for your small group leaders.)

• Who sent Jesus a message about Lazarus? (Mary and Martha)

• How long did Jesus wait to go to Lazarus? (two days)

• How long had Lazarus been in the tomb when Jesus arrived? (four days)

• What did Jesus tell Martha about people who believe in Him? (They will never die.)

• What did Jesus do after the stone was removed from the tomb? (He prayed and then called for Lazarus to come out.)

• Say Matthew 16:16 from memory.

• What do you think Mary, Martha, and the disciples learned about trusting Jesus? (Answers will vary.)

MISS IONS EMPHASIS (OPTIONAL)

• Read the missions story.

• Mention that when Jim Flora arrived in Lesotho [leh-SOO-too] and saw mountains and villages, he did not know how one family could make a difference there. It seemed so big, so impossible, so in the middle of nowhere.

• Lead kids to repeat the three statements: “So big! So impossible! So in the middle of nowhere!”

• Say the phrases in a whisper voice, a low-pitch voice, and a singing voice.

• Comment that nothing is too big or too impossible for God.

• Pray that nothing will get in the way of more Basotho [bah-SOO-too] people trusting Jesus.

Missions Story

Lesotho, Africa: The Basotho

Remote villages, no electricity, horseback access only … what a place to raise a family! But Jim and Teresa Flora have obediently and adventurously brought their daughters with them to the mountainous Lesotho [leh-SOO-too], Africa.

When Jim and Teresa Flora arrived in Lesotho, all they could see were mountains and villages. Jim did not know how one family could make a difference there. It seemed so big, so impossible, so in


the middle of nowhere. But Jim and Teresa trusted God. They knew that many of the Basotho [bah-SOO-too] people had never heard the name of Jesus.

Jim and Teresa adopted Gracie from India when she was young. Jim and Teresa Flora adopted Gracie’s younger sisters, Rebecca and Anna, from Haiti. The girls’ mother, Teresa, is a nurse who provides medical care to the Basotho.

Each week, the Floras visit two villages. They ride horses to get to the villages. There are no Bibles, no church buildings, and no electricity. The girls play games and sing songs with the children. They also tell Bible stories. Jim preaches and teaches. Gracie, the oldest daughter, has a special job. She teaches sign language to the villagers. She wants them to be able to communicate with the deaf and tell them how much God loves them.

Many Basotho have decided to follow Jesus. Jim baptizes new Christians in the river. One day, George was baptized. He was 87 years old! He needed a little help to get to the river, but nothing was going to stop him.

The Flora family would like for you to pray that nothing will keep the Lesotho people from trusting Jesus. Many Basotho people may not know about Jesus, but Jesus knows all about them. He knows every mountain, village, and home where they live. He loves them.


unit 1. jesus, the savior / elementary session 2 - jesus ... · trust him. christ focus: jesus...

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