Ministry Guide

Evangelism • Discipleship • Multiplication

Welcome
This Ministry Guide is your
resource for implementing the “One day Jesus was walking beside the Sea of
Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Galilee. There he saw two brothers, Simon
Christmas Child (OCC) Peter and his brother Andrew. They were
program for evangelism, throwing a net into the lake, because they
discipleship and multiplication were fishermen. ‘Come and follow me,’ Jesus
of the Gospel of Jesus
said. ‘I will send you out to fish for people.’ At
Christ with children in your
community and beyond.
once they left their nets and followed him.”
Matthew 4:18–20 NIRV
The Ministry Guide provides scriptural
foundations, planning tools, and a child-friendly
Gospel presentation.

The Greatest Journey (TGJ) discipleship program

My Encounter with Jesus
Write some notes or draw a picture about
will help you invite children to know Jesus, be His when Jesus called you to follow Him.
friend, follow Him, and tell others about Him.

Samaritan’s Purse
 amaritan’s Purse is a
S
non­denominational
evangelical Christian
organization providing
spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around
the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has
helped meet needs of people who are victims of
war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine
with the purpose of sharing God’s love through
His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the
church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ.

Operation Christmas Child

 he mission of Operation
T
Christmas Child is to
demonstrate God’s love
in a tangible way to needy
children around the world,
and together with the local
church worldwide, to share the Good News
of Jesus Christ.

Copyright © 2009 & 2020 Samaritan’s Purse.

All rights reserved. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995,
1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Printed in the United States of America, 2020.
Table of Contents
Welcome and Introduction
My Encounter with Jesus����������������������������������������������Inside cover
Ministry Guide
OCC Ministry������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 Ministry Training
Ministry Teams �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Manual
Heart of OCC
Why Children����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Planning Worksheets/
Child Protection������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Next Steps
OCC’s Mission ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
What Children?  utreach Event Guide
O
and TGJ Lessons
Project Principles���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Biblical Mandate���������������������������������������������������������������������������������11
Outreach Event Teacher Resources
Overview�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12
Elements �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Outreach Event Plan���������������������������������������������������������������������������14
Diagram and Volunteer Roles ��������������������������������������������������������16
TGJ Plan�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
TGJ Graduation Plan ��������������������������������������������������������������������������19
Next Steps & Reporting
Meeting Agendas��������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Frequently Asked Questions�����������������������������������������������������������22
Reporting Practice �����������������������������������������������������������������������������24
Outreach Event Guide�����������������������������������������������������������26
Gospel Presentation��������������������������������������������������������������������������28
The Greatest Gift ������������������������������������������������������������������������48
The Greatest Journey��������������������������������������������������������������������������49
Teacher Resources �����������������������������������������������������������������������������51
TGJ Lessons��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������60
Ministry Report Forms�������������������������������������������������������������������� 158
TGJ Class Attendance Chart��������������������������������������������������������� 160

Evangelism • Discipleship • Multiplication

OCC Ministry Cycle

3.

2.

1.

8.

9.
 4.

5.

6.

7.
Ministry Partner Team
  OCC Organization
Your Ministry Partner Team is trained by OCC
volunteers from a Regional Leadership Team
(RLT). National Leadership Teams (NLT) provide
strategic vision and direction for the OCC ministry NLT
in their country, and they are responsible to OCC’s
International Headquarters.

Your OCC journey begins with your pastor or ministry

leader attending a vision casting, applying to be an
OCC ministry partner, being selected, and sending a
team to OCC training.
RLT
Vision Application & Invitation to
Casting Selection OCC Training

Ministry
Team Lead
Ministry Partner Team
Your Ministry Partner Team will implement OCC
in your ministry. Some members of your team will
be present at the training, while others will need to
be recruited later. One person can play more than
one role. Everyone on the team should pray and Outreach
encourage others to pray for the ministry.
Event
Presenters

Ministry Team Lead (team lead, appointed by pastor/ministry leader)

Liaison to OCC
• Coordinates communication between Ministry Partner Team and RLT
• Organizes pick up and storage of 100-200 gift boxes and printed materials from RLT
• Ensures accurate and complete Ministry Partner Report(includes TGJ) sent to RLT
Outreach Event
• Coordinates outreach event including screening and training of volunteers
• Provides a safe environment at outreach event and TGJ classrooms
• Ensures excellent Gospel presentation at outreach event
The Greatest Journey
• Supports TGJ teachers throughout TGJ course and graduation
Prayer
• Mobilizes 5 additional volunteers to participate in the OCC prayer network
• Participates in OCC prayer network and Quarterly Days of Prayer & Fasting

4
 TGJ Teachers (recommend 1 teacher per 25-30 children)
Outreach Event
• Helps plan a safe and fun outreach event
• Welcomes children to outreach event and invites them to TGJ
3-4 TGJ The Greatest Journey
Teachers • Provides a safe learning environment; always ensure two adults lead a
TGJ class
• Engages, trains and mentors at least 1 TGJ assistant teacher
• Prepares TGJ lessons and teaches TGJ classes
• Coordinates TGJ graduation celebration for children and their families
• Coordinates with Ministry Team Lead to complete accurate Ministry
Partner Report using information from classroom attendance chart
Prayer
• Participates in OCC prayer network and Quarterly Days of Prayer & Fasting
• Mobilizes others to pray for the OCC ministry

Other Volunteers
Prayer Partners
TGJ • Participate in OCC prayer network and Quarterly Days of
Prayer & Fasting
Assistants • Mobilize others to pray for the OCC ministry
Outreach Event Presenters
• Present the Gospel Presentation on page 26-27 at outreach event
(attends training)
• Lead songs, games, activities to make the event fun and child friendly
Prayer TGJ Assistants (could be a TGJ graduate)
• Support TGJ teachers as they lead all 12 lessons of TGJ
Partners • Support the outreach event

The Value of a Team

“Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they
do. Suppose someone falls down. Then his friend can help him up. But suppose
the man who falls down doesn’t have anyone to help him up. Then feel sorry
for him! … One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up
for themselves. And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12 NIRV

My Commitment to Our Ministry Partner Team

5
Heart of OCC
Why Children?

“People were bringing little children to Jesus. They wanted him to place
his hands on them to bless them. But the disciples told them to stop.
When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, ‘Let the little
children come to me. Don’t keep them away. God’s kingdom belongs to
people like them. What I’m about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not
receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he took
the children in his arms. He placed his hands on them to bless them.”
Mark 10:13-16 NIRV

• What did Jesus say? • What is Jesus’ heart? • What heart should a follower of Christ have toward children?

Child Protection
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this one in my name welcomes me. What if someone
causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin? If they do, it would be better for them
to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned at the bottom of the sea.”
Matthew 18:5-6 NIRV

Child Protection Statement

Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child (SP/OCC),
provides resources and equips ministry partners to conduct
ministry to needy children. SP/OCC requires ministry partners
to agree to our expectations to help ensure the safety of ­
children in their care.

Ministry partners with OCC must abide by the following statement:

Children are vulnerable, and as ministry partners we have the responsibility to do all we can to pro-
mote the safety of the children in our care. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, verbal
abuse, and neglect of children (“Abuse”) is strictly prohibited by Samaritan’s Purse. As ministry part-
ners, we have a duty to help prevent Abuse by creating safe environments for children.

If there is ever any Abuse suspected or discovered during an OCC Outreach Event or The Greatest
Journey class, as ministry partners we will 1) appropriately respond to the Abuse, and 2) report
the Abuse to the ­appropriate authorities and then to the SP-OCC National Leadership Team
and Regional Director.

6
Activity
Draw a picture expressing your hope for children who
do not have access to Jesus in your community.

What are common themes from your team’s pictures?

7
Our Mission

Demonstrate
God’s love in a
tangible way to
children in need

Together
with the local
church

Share the
good news of
Jesus Christ

 Disciple
children

Multiply the
Gospel and
Discipleship

Evangelism • Discipleship • Multiplication

8
Our Principles

1
Every Box Is a Gospel Opportunity
• OCC gift boxes give a child the opportunity to
experience God’s love, to hear and to respond to
the Gospel, opening the door for further ministry.
• Focus on children outside the church who have
not yet heard the Gospel.
• OCC is an opportunity for the local church
to build relationships with children and their

2
families in their communities.

Give One Child, One Gift,

Once in a Lifetime
• There will never be enough gift boxes for every
child who needs to hear about Jesus, so use
each box as an opportunity to tell a new child “I have always wanted to preach
about Jesus. the good news where Christ was
• Each box is meant for one child, so do not not known. I don’t want to build
divide or split boxes between children. on what someone else has started.

3
It is written, ‘Those who were not
told about him will understand.
Offer Discipleship with Every Gift Box Those who have not heard will
• There should always be a plan to follow up with know what it all means.’”
children after an outreach event.
Romans 15:20-21 NIRV
• Offer The Greatest Journey (TGJ) to children
who receive a gift box. If TGJ is not available,
then use The Greatest Gift (page 48) to disciple
children.

4
Be Good Stewards of God’s Resources
• No child, family, or church will be asked to pay
to receive gift boxes or discipleship materials.
• Boxes and literature must be free gifts to
children. They should never be sold, bartered
or exchanged or used for political influence.

• How do we see the OCC project principles supported by this passage?

• How will we ensure our ministry follows these principles?

9
Our Principles (continued)
Resource Statement
• No child, family, or church will be asked to pay to receive
gift boxes or discipleship materials.
• Boxes and literature must be free gifts to children. They
should never be sold, bartered or exchanged or used for
political influence.
• Ministry Partners can contribute to the ministry by
donating time, space & services.

Any Ministry Partner found to be charging for gift boxes

will not be allowed to participate in the OCC ministry.

Ways to Contribute to OCC (Gifts in Kind)

• Transportation of gift boxes & literature
• Volunteers to help load/unload gift boxes & literature
• Storage
• Space, decorations and volunteers for trainings, outreach events
and discipleship classes
• Food & drinks for events
• Other possibilities

Shared Practice Story

A church in Ecuador decided to open a new mission in the city of Quero. In order to launch the new
church, they hosted an OCC outreach event for 50 children and then began TGJ classes. In addition
to the time teachers invested in teaching classes each week, they also purchased snacks and materials
to share with the children. A member of the main church even promised to donate a 5-gallon bottle of
water for the children to drink every week during their classes. It really is amazing to see how people love
these children!

Key Point:
Every OCC gift box is a Gospel opportunity for children who
have not heard the Gospel. OCC invites children to know Christ
at an outreach event and then begin a journey of discipleship.

10
Our Biblical Mandate
“Then Jesus came to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. So you must go and make disciples of all
nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 NIRV

What Children?
What children or groups of children is God leading you to invite?
What are the challenges to reach these children?

11
Outreach Event Overview

12
Elements of an Outreach Event
Fun & Child Safe Environment
Prayer Friendly for Children

Welcoming of All Gospel Invitation to Relationship Building

Children and Families Presentation Follow Jesus with TGJ Teacher

Gift Boxes
Invitation to
The Greatest Gift (It is best to save this for
The Greatest Journey the end of the program.)
THE
Greatest
Gift

TGG ENGLISH [Link] 1 3/15/18 2:17 PM

Shared Practices:
•  lan the Outreach Event to be between
P •  ivide the children into their age groups so
D
30 – 60 Minutes Gift Boxes are easier to distribute
• Make the event fun for children •  ake space in the back for parents and
M
•  ide or keep the Gift Boxes in their cartons
H adults to watch
until distribution • Consider a special program to connect with
•  nsure the venue for the Outreach Event is
E parents during the Outreach Event.
safe for children •  nsure Gift Boxes are only distributed to
E
• Hand out Gift Boxes oldest to youngest. children invited to the event

13
Outreach Event Plan
What children are we inviting? Where are the most needy?

1. What How can we build a relationship with the children and their families? Time with one another
Children? is key to building relationships.
Prayerfully
discuss what
children God is
leading you to
invite.
Are there additional ways we can share the love of God with the children and their families?

How are we going to invite them?

2. Invitation
Plan how
you will invite
children.

What will be our biggest barriers to inviting the children?

14
 How many gift boxes are we planning to receive?

3. Event Number of children we hope to attend?

Logistics Dates and locations of Outreach Events:
Determine (it is recommended that no more than 200 children be present at each event. 50 is best.)
event size and Date Location
number of
events.

How are we organizing our space? (stage, gift boxes, The Greatest Gift booklets, seating, volunteers, parents,
reference the Outreach Event diagram on p.16)

Is the venue easily accessible to the children? Yes No

4. Event Do we need to register the children? If so, how? (a registration can be helpful to ensure we only give one child,
Space one gift, once in a lifetime and follow up with discipleship)
Find a safe
environment.
Control the
entrance and
exit. Are there ways we can make the event better by providing gifts in kind?
(food, balloons, candy, decorations etc.)

How will we pick up the gift boxes and printed materials?

Materials checklist:
5. Materials Gospel Posters
Plan all needed Gift Boxes
materials.
The Greatest Gift
The Greatest Journey Invitations

15
Outreach Event Plan (continued)

Parents Parents
Prayer Partners Prayer Partners

10-14 10-14

TGJ Teacher
TGJ Teacher
5-9 5-9

2-4 2-4
TGJ Assistant TGJ Assistant

TGJ Teacher TGJ Teacher

Presenters

Share with Ministry Team Lead: Coordinates all the details of a safe and fun
your church. outreach event.
Prayer Partners: Pray for the children, the outreach event, TGJ classes and
OCC ministry.
Place people
in roles. Presenters: Make program child-friendly and Gospel-focused. Likely the
same person who presents the Gospel. Could be a TGJ teacher.
Prepare and train TGJ Teachers and Teacher Assistants: Greet and welcome children to
your team. outreach event, hand out gifts to children and invite children to TGJ.

16
 Prayer Partners
1. 4.
2. 5.
3.

Gospel Presenter

TGJ Teachers
6. Volunteers
Find the right
volunteers
to make your
event safe and TGJ Assistants (assist teacher, help ensure a safe classroom, good opportunity for older children who
engaging.
previously graduated from TGJ)

Questions
for placing
volunteers:
• Tell me
Other Volunteers (audio/visual, skits, puppets, etc.)
about your
relationship
with Christ.
• What is your
experience
working with
How will we communicate with and involve the rest of the church?
children?
• What role
appeals to
you? Why?

How can we engage parents during the Outreach Event? (Consider a separate program to connect and
share the Gospel with them during the Outreach Event.)

17
The Greatest Journey Plan

Total number of children we plan to disciple through TGJ?

TGJ classes:
(it is recommended that no more than 30 children attend a TGJ class)

Teacher: Ages: Location: Start Date:

What is our strategy to keep children safe as they participate in TGJ?

Planning

TGJ Teacher Assistants: do we have TGJ graduates who could become Teacher Assistants?

TGJ Student Books (1 per child)

TGJ Bibles (1 per graduating child)
TGJ Memory Cards (removed from TGJ Student Books and held for class distribution)
TGJ Graduation Certificates (removed from TGJ Student Books and held
for graduation)

Materials

Are there ways we can make the TGJ experience better by providing gifts in kind (pencils,
crayons, paper, snacks, room decorations)?

18
TGJ Graduation Plan
Graduation is the opportunity for teachers and children to celebrate
their completion of The Greatest Journey.
Select activities from the lessons the children have completed to
demonstrate to the families and friends who have gathered for the
celebration.
Prepare for the celebration with the children in your group so that they
can show their artwork, perform a song, recite a memory verse, or tell a
story. The children can share the Gospel using the presentation materials
from the Outreach Event.
Invite all children who come to the celebration to participate in
games, and invite everyone to join in songs and prayers.

Venue:
Time:
Date:

Do we have a child safety strategy in place?

Content Ideas
1. Welcome

Planning 2. Fun Game

3. Prayer - Children Leading
4. Artwork Display
5. Bible Storytelling using drama, art, mime, etc.
6. Gospel Presentation - children share using presentation materials from the outreach event
7. Remember - with children teaching families
8. Memory Verse to act out
9. Graduation - Presentation of Certificates (and Bibles if available)
10. Eating and Celebrating Together

Invitations for Family and Friends

Bibles to distribute
Graduation certificates (filled out and signed)
Materials Food to share
Graduation costumes for the children
Audio/visual (if used)
Other

19
Next Steps
Meeting 1: Date:_______
After OCC Training
• Heart Prayer for Children
• Update pastor/ministry leadership on
what we learned in training
• Invite people in our ministry to become
prayer partners
• Decide which children are being invited
• Plan logistics for outreach event

Meeting 2: Date:_______
Before Outreach Event
Suggested Topics for • Heart Prayer for Children
• Finalize invitations to outreach event
Ministry Partner Team Meetings
• Finalize logistics for outreach event
As a Ministry Partner Team it is important • Verify classrooms and logistics for TGJ
to meet together frequently to plan for your
outreach event and TGJ classes, as well as
encourage each other in your ministry.

Two activities to repeat in multiple meetings:

Share Stories: Sit in a circle for the meeting.
Spend time hearing encouraging stories of Meeting 3: Date:_______
a how God has been working in each class,
or leading up to the outreach event. Each After Lesson 1
person shares for 60-90 seconds. (approximately 1 week after outreach event)

Heart Prayer for Children: Draw a large heart

• Share stories from Outreach Event and
on a piece of paper and put in on the floor Lesson 1
in the middle of the circle. Each teacher • Fill out report for outreach event
writes the names of the children that have • Review how to fill out TGJ attendance
not decided to follow Jesus yet. Now pray for charts
those children by name.
• Heart Prayer for Children
• Pray for TGJ Teachers

20
Meeting 4: Date:_______ Meeting 6: Date:_______
After Lesson 6 After TGJ Graduation
• Share stories. Did any children pray to • Share stories
receive Christ? • Each teacher completes TGJ attendance
• Heart Prayer for Children chart, including totals
• Pray for TGJ Teachers • Tally the results as a team, using the
Report Worksheet on page 158
• Complete MP report on page 159
• Write and send stories - Spend 5 min-
utes writing a brief outline of the
encouraging story that you shared in
this meeting. Make a commitment to
send it to OCCiStory@[Link]
Meeting 5: Date:_______ • Heart Prayer for Children
After Lesson 9 • Brainstorm ongoing discipleship plans
• Share stories Make a list of all the ideas the team
• Heart prayer for Children could implement to keep connecting
• Plan logistics for TGJ Graduation event with children in the future.
See page 19 for graduation planning Refer to Continuing your Journey (page
• Pray for TGJ Teachers 58) and Make Your Own Bible Lesson
(page 59) in the Ministry Guide.
• Self-assessment for your journey
Spend 5 minutes reflecting and
answering three simple questions.
1. What have you learned about God
through this TGJ experience?
2. What have you learned about
children?
3. Where have you grown in your life
during this OCC journey?
If there is time, share some answers
with the team or with a partner.
• Pray for each person on the team

21
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can we give the boxes and materials to children at our church?
A. The main focus of the OCC project is on evangelizing and discipling
unchurched children. One way to accomplish this, and include children
from your church, is the Friend to Friend model, where children at your
church invite their unchurched friends, however remember the principle;
give one child, one gift, once in a lifetime.

Q. Can a child contact the sender of a Gift Box?

A. Absolutely yes! If the sender of a Gift Box has given their contact
information inside a Gift Box, we would encourage the children to contact the sender.

Q. Can we invite non-nationals to distribute at Outreach Events?

A. A big part of OCC’s mission is “...with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Therefore, it is OCC’s policy to not allow non-nationals outside of those who are part of the Samaritan’s
Purse ministry to take part in Outreach Events and distributing gifts to children. OCC desires that the
ministry be ran and seen as a local movement and not as a foreign ministry.

Q. Can we give the gift boxes to one group of children and literature to another group?
A. No, the gifts and the literature are intended to be given to the same children. The purpose is to
maximize the impact of the gifts and the Gospel in each child’s life. This will help them understand God’s
love and the Gospel more clearly, and connect them with the church.

Q. Can we do Outreach Events at schools?

A. It is possible to give gifts at schools. Remember, the main purpose of OCC is not distributing gift
boxes, but proclaiming the Gospel and offering discipleship to children. It is important to remember
that the purpose is to connect children with the Gospel and the churches for long-term spiritual impact.
One strength of doing it at schools is that many of the children may be unchurched. However, it is often
difficult to proclaim the Gospel openly and get children connected to the churches when the events are
at schools.

Q. Can we open Gift Boxes or share items in Gift Boxes before distributing them to children?
A. No. Gift Boxes are never to be opened or items shared before giving them to children.

Q. Can we save gift boxes to give out next year?

A. No. All boxes should be given out as soon as possible. We must remember that
the Gospel message is urgent.

22
Q. What should we do when children find checks or cash in their gift box?
A. When gifts are packed, they include a donation to pay for shipping costs. Sometimes when boxes are
inspected, these are not found and children find them in the box. Families will not be able to cash or
deposit the checks. The checks should be returned to the NLT. If a box includes cash, you should not take
cash out of the child’s hands, but let him keep it.

Q. Can gifts be given to children who are not present at the event?
A. If some children are unable to attend the event, you can visit them and their family individually at their
home to give them their gifts and share the Gospel with them.

Q. What if we have left over Gift Boxes and/or discipleship materials?

A. Every Gift Box is a Gospel opportunity. We are a ministry committed to advancing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Therefore, it is OCC’s policy if you have Gift Boxes or discipleship materials left over, to either host
a second Outreach Event in a new area with children who did not attend the first Outreach Event or to
return those left over Gift Boxes and/or discipleship materials to the local leadership team as soon as
possible so they can be reallocated to another Ministry Partner who can reach more children.

Q. Can a child graduate from TGJ if they have not completed all 12 lessons?
A. A child should complete all 12 lessons to graduate from TGJ. If a child misses a class or starts after the
first lesson, it is possible for the teacher to help the child make-up the missed lesson(s) so the child can
graduate. Teachers should help children complete all 12 lessons whenever possible.

Q. What are the key verses that guide the OCC ministry?
A. Mark 10:13-16 - Children are important to Jesus.
Romans 10:13-15 - Everyone, including children need to hear the Gospel.
Matthew 28:18-20 - God gave us a mission and He is with us.
Romans 15:20-21 - Our ambition is to go to those who have not heard the Gospel.

23
 24
The Greatest Journey
Attendance Chart
Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Believe in Committed Graduated
Jesus for 1st to pray/share
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9 L10 L11 L12 time p�45 p�91
Name
1 Nathan
2 Anna
3 Lee
4 Daniel
5 Tina
6 Maria
7 John
8 Peter
9 David
10 Ruth
11 Stephen
12 Andrew
13
14
Reporting Practice

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Total children on Attendance Chart (children attended) Total

1 1 (must attend at least one class) 2 3 4
160 161

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 Report Worksheet Ministry Partner Report Complete this
report as a team
Use this worksheet to add up numbers to include on your Ministry Partner Report. Operation Christmas Child during Meeting 6.
Ministry/Church: ________________________________________________________________

Outreach Events (Fill in these numbers immediately after the Outreach Event.) Date: ____/____/____ City: _________________________________________________________

Event 1 Event 2 Event 3 Event 4 Total Ministry Team Lead: ____________________________________________________________

Date Phone: ______________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Children
Send testimonies from your OCC Ministry to occistory@[Link] - one from the
Attended
Outreach Event and one or more from The Greatest Journey classes� These can be stories
about God’s work in the lives of the children, their families, a community or church, or about
the impact of children receiving Bibles� Send stories and photos!

Please complete these questions accurately. An accurate report is the best report.
TGJ Classes (Fill in these numbers from the Attendance Chart immediately after the TGJ Graduation.) How many gift boxes did you receive from the OCC Regional Leadership Team?------
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Total
How many outreach events did you host? --------------------------------------------------------
1 Attended
How many children attended your outreach events? -----------------------------------------
Believed
2
In Jesus How many TGJ classes did you teach? -------------------------------------------------------------
Commited
3
to Pray How many children attended The Greatest Journey course? -------------------------------

4 Graduated How many children decided to believe in Jesus for the 1st time? --------------------------

How many children committed to pray/share? -------------------------------------------------

How many children graduated? ---------------------------------------------------------------------

How many prayer partners in your ministry are praying for OCC? -------------------------

Ministry Team Lead Submit Completed Report To: ______________________________

Contact Info: ____________________________________________________________
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25
 Take your

Outreach Event Guide

Ministry
Guide
with you to
the Outreach
Gospel Presentation Event!

Time Program Volunteer

Main Idea
Hosting and Seating
Genesis 1:1, 1:27; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9;
2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:29, 3:16, 10:1–42, Welcome
11:1–57, 19:1–42, 20:1–31, 14:16–17; Luke 8:1–56.
God loves us and wants us to be in relationship with Him forever. Large Group Activity
We must believe in His Son Jesus, whom He sent to save us from
our sin and shame. Fun Activities

Gospel Presentation
Story Background
When we believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we have faith. The Greatest Gift
When we confess with our mouths and believe that He is Lord, we
share the Good News with those who hear. Affirming our faith to TGJ Invitation
other believers encourages them in their faith as well. God offers
each one of us a restored relationship with Him through Jesus. Gift Box Distribution
This is our salvation. We are children of His Kingdom now and in
the life to come.

Prepare
Steps in the Event
• Identify and invite children who don’t know to Jesus to
the Outreach Event 1 Hosting and Seating
• Identify and train necessary volunteers
• Set up and decorate event space and ensure children are safe
• Practice Gospel Presentation Greet and show children and adults to their
• Set TGJ age groups , TGJ class times, and location to communicate seats according to the Outreach Event diagram
at Outreach Event and prepare paper invitations if desired (page 16). TGJ Teachers welcome and connect
• Pray for the children who will attend with potential TGJ students.
• Organize gift boxes by age and gender for quick distribution.

Tip: Welcoming children 2 Welcome

Welcoming children for the first time into God’s big story is a
wonderful privilege. What children see of God’s Kingdom in you
Welcome the children and their parents. Focus
may play an influential role as God draws children to Himself:
on the children. Be hospitable and welcoming!
• Smile at the children.
• Learn their names.
• Know the Gospel presentation well, so you are relaxed and able to
be warm and welcoming to the children.
3 Large Group Activity
Tip: How to tell the Gospel simply
• Do not use difficult Christian or church words. Game: Celebration. Choose a celebration (party,
• Pray faithfully for the children. festival) game, dance, or song from your culture
• Remember, it is the Holy Spirit’s work to show the children they to celebrate with the children. This is a fun way to
need Jesus. kick off the outreach event in a celebratory way!

26
4 Fun Activities
Sing fun songs, perform a drama or puppet
show, show children’s videos, etc. Make this fun
and entertaining!

5 Gospel Presentation
I love gifts. Do you love to receive gifts? Share the Gospel Presentation
(share Gospel and invite children to follow
(pause)
Jesus using pages 22-41 and use
Can you remember the biggest gift you ever got? Picture it large presentation materials)
in your mind. Can you remember a gift that brought you a
lot of joy that went on and on? Can you think of a gift you
got that changed your whole life because it was so valuable
or powerful?
Well, today I’m going to tell you about the most amazing
gift ever. And most amazingly, it is a gift for you today!

6 The Greatest Gift

Invite Children to Use The Greatest Gift
THE
Greatest
As you follow Jesus, you will talk to God and read the Bible. Following Jesus changes what Gift
you do, say, and think. We have a little booklet we want to give you. You’ve just heard
the story about Jesus. This book explains how Jesus is the Greatest Gift of all. We want
you to have this to learn more, and you can share this with other people.
TGJ Teachers will now give The Greatest Gift booklet to each child.
*If TGJ is not available, invite children to come back to discipleship classes using TGG ENGLISH [Link] 1 3/15/18 2:17 PM

The Greatest Gift.

7 TGJ Invitation 8 Gift Box Distribution

Teachers Invite Children to The Give the gift boxes to the children. The TGJ
Greatest Journey teachers give the gift boxes with the help of
Greatest
other volunteers. Give boxes to the oldest
Student Name:

The

TGJ teachers invite children to come Journey

ENGLISH

back and join The Greatest Journey children first and youngest children last.
class. Make the invitation fun and The Greatest Journey is a twelve lesson discipleship program to help
children know Jesus, follow Him every day, and tell others

On the count of 3 all the children can open

The Greatest Journey Student Book

this Good News.

The twelve lessons are divided into the following three sections:
Know the Gospel, Grow in the Gospel, and Share the Gospel.

Know the Gospel introduces children to Jesus and explains why

inviting! Tell them where they will be

He came and how He fixed our problem of sin. God’s great
gift is friendship with Him forever. Jesus made all this possible.

their boxes.
Grow in the Gospel encourages children to trust in God every
day. As we respond to God’s love, we begin to grow and
change to live the way He has designed us to live.

Share the Gospel encourages us all to share what God

has given us with others. Telling others about Jesus is a
great way to show that God loves them. But love is more This discipleship program is hosted by:

meeting and when. Give each child

than words; it is kind and loving actions to others, even
those we find difficult to love.

God’s gift of eternal life is ours to share.

This material is only for free distribution and is not to be sold. ENGLISH

a printed invitation with this TGJ 2.0 SB_English.indd 2-3 6/6/2019 [Link] AM

information (optional).

27
7 8 9 10 Dear God,
I want to be Your friend and
1 minute

1 minute

2 minutes

Prayer
follower.
I know that I have disobeyed
You. I am sorry. Please forgive
me.
I believe that Jesus died to take
the punishment for my sins. I
believe that Jesus is alive today.
Give me faith to trust and
follow only You. I am Yours.
The people who hated Jesus Three days after He died, He Jesus invites you to be His In Jesus’ name, Amen.
falsely accused Him, even came back to life. Jesus rose friend and follower. He can
though He had never done from the grave. save you from the bad things
anything wrong. that you do. You can have a
Jesus overcame death so that relationship with God and one (Point to the picture.)
The people nailed Him to a we could have a new life. day go to heaven to be with
cross. Him.
As you follow Jesus, you will
(Point to the empty tomb.) talk to God and read the Bible.
Jesus willingly died on the Romans 10:9 says that “Say
Following Jesus changes what
cross to take our shame and with your mouth, “Jesus is
you do, say, and think.
punishment. Lord.” Believe in your heart
Jesus appeared to His disciples that God raised him from the
and commanded them to go You can now tell your friends
After Jesus died, they put Jesus dead. Then you will be saved.”
and tell everyone that He is how to put their trust in Jesus.
in a tomb and covered it with
a stone. alive. He is alive today. If you want to put your faith
in Jesus, then pray this prayer
with me.
Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes:

28
1 In the
4 5 6

29
beginning
God created
2 minutes

2 minutes

1 minute

1 minute
the heavens
and the
earth.
2 God created
the land, the
seas, and all
the animals.
The first people God created God loves us and sent Jesus We learn about Jesus in the
disobeyed God. Each one of us to rescue us from our sin and Bible. Jesus did many amazing
also disobeys God. God calls shame. things.
our disobedience sin. Sin is
3 What do you see in the picture
that God created?
anything we do, say, or think
that is against God.
The Bible says in John 3:16,
“God so loved the world that (Point to the pictures.)
he gave his one and only
God created Jesus had power to calm a
Son. Anyone who believes in
Adam and Eve (Lead the children in the hand storm and make a dead person
him will not die but will have
like you and motions.) What things in this come to life. He did miracles,
eternal life.”
me to know, picture are not right? healed people and cared for
love, and their needs.
obey Him. He Jesus never sinned.
created The consequence of our sin is
everything good and He made shame and separation from God.
Jesus showed again and again
everything good. (Repeat hand motions.)
He is God’s Son.
The Bible says in Romans 3:23,
Humans were in a perfect “Everyone has sinned. No one
Even though He did many good
relationship with God. can measure up to God’s glory.” Jesus never did, said, or things, there were people who
Everything was good, but thought anything against God. hated Jesus.
something happened. We need God to rescue us!
Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes:
 The Greatest Gift

If TGJ is not available, as a Ministry Partner

Team you can use the Bible stories in The
THE
Greatest
Greatest Gift to start children on the journey Gift
to becoming disciples of Jesus.
(Refer to pages 56-59 for resources to build discipleship lessons.)
1) Jesus – God’s Son... Who Is Jesus?
John 1:14....................................God Sent His Son
Luke 8:22-25..........................Jesus Calms the Seas
John 11:38-44.......................Jesus Heals His Friend
John 6:1-15............................Jesus Feeds the 5,000

2) God Created Everything Good

Genesis 1:31, John 1:3

3) Sin Is Our Biggest Problem

Genesis 3:1-24, 1 John 1:9

4) Jesus Rescues Us from Sin

Luke 19:1-9.............................Jesus and Zacchaeus
John 10:14-18.....................Jesus the Good Shepherd TGG ENGLISH [Link] 1 3/15/18 2:17 PM

Let’s do it! We want to be friends with Jesus forever too, just

like John is. Jesus is the greatest gift!
5) Jesus Gives His Life How can we follow Jesus?

John 19:1-42 Pray

We can talk to Jesus at anytime and in
any place. He is always listening. When
you pray, ask God to forgive you for the
6) Jesus Is Alive... You Can Believe and Follow Jesus! wrong things you have done. Thank Him
for the good things He has done and ask

John 20:1-29 Him for what you need.

Use The Greatest Gift to Read
John 14:16-17 We can read or listen to the Bible.

John 3:16-17 teach children to pray, The book called “The Gospel of John”
read their Bibles, meet with in the New Testament is a great place
to start. We can read about Jesus’ life

other believers, do what written by His closest friend.

Meet
God wants us to do and tell We can meet together with other friends
of Jesus. We can celebrate together what
others about Jesus. Jesus has done.

Do
We will honor God by living the way He
wants us to. We can obey Him and show
God’s love to others.

Tell
We can tell others about Jesus. This is
good news; it is too good to keep to
ourselves. People everywhere need to
hear about Jesus, believe in Him and
follow Him. Telling others about Jesus is
the greatest gift you can give them.

TGG ENGLISH [Link] 30 3/15/18 2:17 PM

48
The Greatest Journey
Teacher Guide

49
Welcome
to this exciting discipleship journey
Operation Christmas Child is a project of
Samaritan’s Purse. The Greatest Journey was
Teacher Resources
developed as a partnership between Samaritan’s Teacher Resources:................................................................51
Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association.
Welcome
Welcome Lesson: Gospel Presentation................................62

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Know the Gospel

evangelical Christian organization providing The Great Creator: Lesson 1..................................................62
spiritual and physical aid to hurting people
The Greatest Problem: Lesson 2..........................................70
around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse
has helped meet needs of people who are victims The Great Savior: Lesson 3....................................................78
of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and Children Are Important to Jesus: Lesson 4......................86
famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love God’s People Honor God: Lesson 5.....................................94
through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization
The Greatest Friend: Lesson 6..............................................102
serves the church worldwide to promote the
Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grow in the Gospel
Help Others: Lesson 7...........................................................110
Stay Close to Jesus: Lesson 8..............................................118
Trust God: Lesson 9...............................................................126

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to

demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy Share the Gospel
children around the world, and together with the Hope in Heaven: Lesson 10.................................................134
local church worldwide, to share the Good News
Love Others: Lesson 11.........................................................142
of Jesus Christ.
Tell Others: Lesson 12...........................................................150

Celebrate & Report

Ministry Partner Report....................................................158
Continuing the lifelong work of Billy Graham, Attendance Chart.................................................................160
the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association exists
to support and extend the evangelistic calling
and ministry of Franklin Graham by proclaiming
the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all we can
by every effective means available to us and by
equipping the church and others to do the same.

Copyright © 2009 & 2016 Samaritan’s Purse and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. All rights reserved.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Printed in the United States of America, 2020.

50
Heart of a Teacher

The Greatest Journey (TGJ) discipleship program As a teacher, your role is to guide and nurture the
will help you invite children to know Jesus, be His children on their greatest journey of discovering
friend, and follow Him. It will help them to grow who Jesus is. You model the walk of faith and the
in living God’s way and tell others about Him. loving acceptance of God. You are the way God has
chosen to reveal Himself to children and reconcile
Each lesson is adaptable for children of all ages
them to Him.
and different levels of education. You can choose
questions and activities to suit the children in
your group.
As the teacher of your discipleship group, you
are the most important resource in helping the Write your prayer for your TGJ class in the
children understand who Jesus space below.
really is.

Teachers Prepare
God‘s People to Serve
“He is the One who gave some the gift to
be apostles. He gave some the gift to be
prophets. He gave some the gift of preaching
the good news. And he gave some the gift to be pastors and teachers.
He did it so that they might prepare God's people to serve. If they do, the
body of Christ will be built up.” Ephesians 4:11–12

Teachers Are an
Example of Jesus
“You should think in the same way Christ Jesus
does. In his very nature he was God. But he
did not think that being equal with God was
something he should hold on to. Instead, he
made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was
made in human form.” Philippians 2:5–7

Teachers Stay Connected to Jesus

“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain
joined to me, and I will remain joined to you. No branch can bear fruit by
itself. It must remain joined to the vine. In the same way,
you can't bear fruit unless you remain joined to me. I am
the vine. You are the branches. If anyone remains
joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of
fruit. You can't do anything without me.”
John 15:3–5

51
Preparation Is Important

Prepare Your Lessons • Some need help dealing with

• Gather props and materials before distracting friends.
children arrive so you are ready to greet them • Take care of discipline problems quickly.
as they arrive. • Always look children in the eye when giving
• Keep students involved from the moment they correction or guidance.
arrive until the time they leave. Keep their • Avoid public correction that will embarrass
minds, attention, bodies, personalities, and a child.
hearts occupied.
• Know your lesson by heart. When you are Define Expectations
not prepared, children can easily distract you • Simple rules: Make three to five positive,
from teaching the lesson. measurable rules. Example: Respect others,
• Plan classroom transitions. How will you move raise your hand before speaking, respect
students from one activity to the next? things, keep your hands to yourself, be safe,
and listen when it is not your turn to speak.
Prepare Your Setting • Display your guidelines for behavior.
When organizing your teaching area, think about • Be consistent.
how to make it . . . • Be realistic.
• Child-safe: Keep your teaching area as child- • Emphasize the positive.
safe as possible. Watch for tripping hazards,
sharp objects, harmful substances, etc. • Tolerate absolutely no violence.
• Child-friendly: Create as child-friendly an Think about ways to keep children safe.
environment as possible. What will set a Here are some ideas:
welcoming, fun tone for the children?
• Children should never be left unattended or
• Practical: Do children know where to sit? Is alone with one adult or teenager who is not
there space for games and learning activities? family.
• Interesting: Change the setting sometimes to • Always have a second adult or responsible
keep your children interested. teenager in the classroom to help monitor the
children.
Prepare Other Leaders
• Plan to arrive early so children are not left
• Pray with your leaders. Pray for each other
alone in a classroom.
and for the children.
• Ensure children have privacy and safe access
• Have enough helpers.
to a bathroom. Encourage children to take a
• Be an example to your leaders; they will be friend or small group to the bathroom.
learning how to teach by watching you.
• Encourage children to walk to and from the
Deal with Disruptive Behavior class with a parent or in groups.
• Look past the behavior to see why it may be • Do not allow intimidation in your classroom.
happening (child needs attention, need for Intervene if one or more children are verbally
affection, hunger, etc.). or physically attacking another child.
• Realize it is normal for children to test the
rules and ask questions.
• Some need extra responsibility or attention.

52
Learning Styles

Learning styles are different approaches or ways of learning. As

you develop your lesson plans and teach children, it is helpful to
consider how children learn in different ways.

1) Visual Learners: Learn through seeing . . .

Visual learners need to see the teacher’s body language and facial
expressions to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to
prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions
(e.g., people’s heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from
visual displays, including diagrams, illustrated textbooks, overhead
transparencies, videos, flip charts, and handouts. During a lecture
or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed
notes or draw pictures to absorb the information.

2) Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: Learn through moving, doing,

and touching . . .
Tactile/Kinesthetic learners learn best through a hands-on approach,
actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find
it difficult to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by
their need for activity and exploration.

3) Auditory Learners: Learn through listening . . .

Auditory learners learn best through verbal lectures, discussions,
talking things through, and listening to what others have to say. They
interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to
tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances. Written information
may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit
from reading text aloud and using a recording device.

53
A Teacher Can

Head
Think about the children
and plan well for the Ears
group times. Remember Listen to the
important things about children,
the children. find out
their stories.

Eyes
See the potential
in children, Mouth
notice children Praise,
at risk, make a encourage,
safe and friendly speak the
environment to truth, smile,
meet in. and laugh.

Heart
Love the children with Hands
the love of Christ. Help and
guide the
children.

Feet
Knees Visit the
Pray for the children
children by name. in their
schools or
homes.

54
A Child Can

Head
Learn about
Jesus by reading Ears
the Bible and Listen to the
learning Memory Bible stories.
Verses. Think
about what they
have learned –
ask questions.

Eyes
See the Mouth
world Share the Bible
around stories, sing, and
them tell others
that God about Jesus.
created.
Look for
opportunities to
share the love of Jesus.

Heart
Respond
to the Hands
Holy Spirit Show Jesus’
prompting love by
them helping others.
and have
a saving
relationship
with Jesus.
Love Jesus and love others.

Knees Feet
Talk to Jesus.
Share the
Children can pray
stories with
and worship Jesus
family and
any time–He is
friends.
always listening.

55
Counseling a Child to Faith

1. Share. Share the Gospel message many 6. Explain. Explain to the children
times. Share your own story of faith. that Jesus is the only solution.
Since no one is good enough,
2. Listen. Find out what the child already each of us can only receive
knows. Invite them to tell you about Jesus, salvation through faith in Jesus.
talk about heaven, and tell you why sin is
a problem. 7. Invite. Invite children to
trust Jesus and enter into a
Based on what they tell you, use the
relationship with Him through
following to guide you as you help them
faith. Remember that this is the
take the next steps.
choice of the child.

8. God’s Word. Point them to the

Bible. God has given us a guide
to know and follow Him.

9. Keep listening. Prompt the

children to explain to you what they believe
about Jesus. This will help you see what
they still need to understand clearly as you
continue to disciple them in their faith.

3. Understand. Help children

understand that God created
them and loves them. Use What about children who do not
simple words. Allow children to choose to accept Jesus right away?
ask you questions.
This is ultimately the job of the Holy Spirit
in a child’s life. Pray for these children. Keep
4. Counsel. Counsel them to recognize loving these children. Keep modeling your
their own sin. Help them to see that own faith and trust in Jesus. Use the wisdom
no one can live up to God’s God gives you as you continue to give them
perfect standards. opportunities to trust, obey, and follow Jesus.

5. Be Sensitive. For many

children, these concepts
are new. Give them time to
ask questions and absorb the
new information.

56
Bible Storytelling to Make Disciples

1. Teacher tells the story

Use Bible stories from The Greatest Gift (page 46), or select one
of the Bible stories from page 58.

2. Retell the Bible story in a way that involves the children.

a. Make sound effects
b. Write a song, beat, or chant
c. Act out the story
d. Draw one part of the story—or sketch key parts
of the story
e. Do an interview

3. Discuss the story—ask good questions.

Observe:
Ask one or two observation questions—make up your own questions.
• What happened in the story?
• What did you notice?
• What did you like/dislike?
• What did God do?
Interpret:
Ask one or two questions to allow children to interpret the story.
Make up your own questions.
• How did you feel when . . . ?
• Why did that happen?
• What does the story teach us about God?
• What do I learn about people (then and now) in this story?
Apply:
Ask one question to help the children think through how to apply
what they have discovered. Make up your own questions.
• What will you do because . . . ?
• What will you change . . . ?

4. Teacher tells the story again.

5. Encourage the children to tell the story to others using the method
you chose for retelling the story.

57
Continuing Your Journey

The student book (inside back cover) provides children with the opportunity to

The Greatest Journey

continue reading and studying the Bible after The Greatest Journey graduation!
If you would like to continue teaching the children after The Greatest Journey
lessons are completed, you may use the Bible passages below to Make Your Own “Just as the Father has loved me, I have

Bible Lesson!
loved you. Now remain in my love.”
– Jesus (John 15:9) NIrV®

WITH SELECTED OLD TESTAMENT STORIES

COV_NT_Eng_CoverOT [Link] 2 8/21/16 10:08 PM

God created and gives life. Isaiah 42:5–7 David asks for forgiveness. Psalm 51
All things were made through Jesus. John 1:1–3 God is faithful to forgive. 1 John 1:9
God decided long ago to adopt us. Ephesians 1:3–5 Jesus brings a girl back to life. Luke 8:40–56

Sin desires to control us. Genesis 4:1–16 Jesus teaches us how to pray. Matthew 6:5–15
Everyone has sinned. Romans 3:23 Always stay connected with Jesus. John 15:1–17
Breaking God’s law is sin. 1 John 3:4–10 Jesus prays for us. John 17

A child will be born. Isaiah 9:2–7 Daniel in the lions’ den. Daniel 6:3–27
Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–6 Three faithful servants. Daniel 3:3–28
Jesus made Himself nothing. Philippians 2:5–11 Jesus and Peter walk on water. Matthew 14:22–33

Jesus heals a deaf man. Mark 7:31–37 We are citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:20–21
Jesus loves children. Matthew 18:1–5 Boldly approach God’s throne. Hebrews 4:14–16
Jesus and Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1–10 The city of God. Revelation 21:22–27

Faith of the Roman commander. Luke 7: 1–10 The sheep and the goats. Matthew 25:31–46
How our faith brings us peace. Romans 5:1–11 What love is. 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Faith without good deeds is dead. James 2:14–26 Doing good to all. Galatians 6:9–10

Jesus gives us life. Ephesians 2:4–9 The seventy-two sent out. Luke 10:1–24
Only Jesus can save us. Acts 4:12 Paul and Silas in prison. Acts 16:16–40
Believe in Jesus and be saved. Romans 10:9–11 Paul, a prisoner, gives thanks. Philippians 1:3–14

58
Make Your Own Bible Lesson

Select the Bible story or passage. Think about how you will tell the
1 story or teach the passage.

2 Consider your teaching theme.

1. What does this story tell us about God?

2. What does this say about people?

3. How could this passage appropriately challenge children?

The best way to teach from the Bible is to have allowed God’s word to
challenge you first. Once you have explored the passage yourself, begin
building the lesson using the questions below. Use the lessons in this
Teacher Guide to give you ideas.

3 Answer the following questions to help build your lesson.

What How
Bible story or passage: How will you tell the story? How will you retell the story with
the children?
Memory verse:
How will the children memorize the Memory Verse?
Welcome activities: How will you raise curiosity and welcome the children?
How will the children process the learning through Bible
Learning objectives—what will the children KNOW and DO
Discovery and Activities (e.g. learning games, songs, puzzles,
because of this lesson?
and challenges)?
Bible discovery questions? How will you shape the questions for the abilities and
understanding of the children?
Application or challenge for the week?
How will the children apply what they have learned?

4 Order your lesson so it flows from Welcome activities to Bible Storytelling and Bible
Discovery; include activities, games, prayer and conclude with a challenge
and application. Use p.57 as your outline.

59
Welcome Lesson
Gospel Presentation

Main Idea Steps in the Lesson

Genesis 1:1, 1:27; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9; 2
Corinthians 5:21; John 1:29, 3:16, 10:1–42, 11:1– Say: I am happy to be with you! How do you
57, 19:1–42, 20:1–31, 14:16–17; Luke 8:1–56. 1 show you are happy? Show me with your
God loves us and wants us to be in relationship with Him forever. hands? Elbow? Foot? Nose? Whole body?
We must believe in His Son Jesus, whom He sent to save us from
our sin and shame. Tell the children to wave their hands in the
air showing happiness. Then ask them to do
Story Background it with their elbow, foot, nose, and then the
When we believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we have faith. When whole body.
we confess with our mouths and believe that He is Lord, we share the
Good News with those who hear. Affirming our faith to other believers Welcome. Say: Welcome to our special
encourages them in their faith as well. God offers each one of us a 2 small group. We will take The Greatest
restored relationship with Him through Jesus. This is our salvation. We Journey together over the coming weeks
are children of His Kingdom now and in the life to come. as we learn more about the Greatest Gift
ever given. Since we will be together on this
Prepare journey, let us get to know one another!
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
reading Romans 10:8–15. Ask yourself these questions:
3 Action Names
• What does this story tell us about God and His Son Jesus Christ?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking? Learn one another’s name. Stand in a circle.
• What have I learned and what will I do? Each person thinks of an action that can be
Pray for all the children who will be in your class. done when their name is said. You say your
name and do the action. Everyone repeats your
Lesson Agenda & What You Need name and the action. The next person on the
1. Opening Game left says their own name and does the action
2. Welcome and everyone repeats it. The game can become
3. Action Names fast and active—speed it up, slow it down, or
4. Student Book speak in funny voices!
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring Option for younger children: You may give each
5. Get to Know Me child a simple action to do.
• A gift box with three items for Get to Know Me so you can share
about yourself with the children
6. Tell the Story 4 Student Book
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson.
7. Bible Discovery Hand out the student books. Give the children
• A piece of paper for each child a couple of minutes to look through their
8. Challenge books. Tell the children to write their names
9. Action Names in the inside front cover and back of the book.
10. Talk with God Also, they can add their age, what they enjoy
doing (“loves”), and what they dream about
becoming and draw a picture of themselves.

60
5 Get to Know Me 6 Tell the Story
Have a box with a couple of items that tell the Say: We have shared stories about ourselves,
children about you. Pull out an item and share and now I want to share the greatest story of all.
something about yourself. It is a story we are in and it is God’s story. It is
true history.
Pass the box around to the children. As a child
Share the Gospel Presentation from the
holds the box, they can share something about
Outreach Event (pages 22-41).
themselves.

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• What have you been thinking about since you heard God’s story? (Expect many answers.)
• Do you have any questions?
• Do you want to be Jesus’ follower?

What does this story tell us about God What have I learned and what will I do?
and His Son, Jesus Christ? • What is it important for people to do
• Does God know your name? after they hear about the Good News
• What else does God know about Jesus?
about you? • What will you do?
What does this say about you and me?
• What is important for people to
know about Jesus?

8 Challenge 9 Action Names

Say: Would you like to tell someone what you Form a circle standing up. The teacher starts by
have discovered about God’s story? I encourage saying another person’s name and doing their
you to share the story with your family and action. That child needs to say someone else’s
friends. name and do their action. Go around the group
so everyone is included.

10 Talk with God

Say: Now that we have learned the Good News about Jesus, would anyone like the opportunity to pray
to be Jesus’ friend? There is no pressure to pray the prayer—we can tell God that we trust and believe
in Him at any time. Let us pray.
Dear God,
I want to be Your follower.
I know that I have disobeyed You. I am sorry. Please forgive me.
I believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for my sins. I
believe that Jesus is alive today.
Give me faith to trust and follow only You. I am Yours.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

61
1
The Great Creator
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Genesis 1:1–2:3. God made everything good and it all
belongs to Him. He made us to be His children.
Teacher tip: Help children feel comfortable.
In the first weeks of meeting together with the children in your
group, your words and actions will help them feel comfortable and
learn together in a fun and safe way. Here are some helpful ideas:
Story Background • Learn their names.
God made everything. He spoke, and it came into being from • Remember things they tell you. Ask about those things in the
nothing. Everything God made fits together, has a purpose, and is following weeks.
good! God’s creativity, care, and design can be seen everywhere • Be kind and friendly. Encourage children to follow your example.
we look (Romans 1:19–20). All of it belongs to Him and serves • Do not allow children to bully others.
His purposes.
We are made in God’s image. He knows us and loves us. As we How to integrate children with disabilities/
understand this more and more, how should we respond to our special needs into your group.
loving Creator, God? He is worthy of all our praise and obedience. 1. Welcome the child and show acceptance and joy.
2. Invite other leaders to help you. The child may need a
Prepare ”buddy“ leader.
Read through this guide to prepare each step in the lesson. Write 3. Speak to the family of the child to try to understand the disability
answers to the questions as you prepare to teach. and the child’s individual needs.
Before you teach the children, spend time praying and reading 4. Focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Notice their strengths and
Genesis 1:1–2:3. Ask yourself these questions: give the child responsibilities to help and show value.
• What does this story tell us about God?
• What does it say about people?
• How does this challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need

1. Game: Action names
2. Review Welcome Lesson Steps in the Lesson
3. Memory Verse
• Memorize the verse and make up motions to go with it.
4. Sam‘s Story
5. Game: Twenty Questions
1 Game: Action names
Replay the game from the Welcome Lesson.
6. Tell the Story: Genesis 1:1–2:3 Try to remember the same actions for each
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson person’s name.
7. Bible Discovery
8. Draw You say your name and do the action.
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring Everyone repeats your name and the
9. Amazing Animals action. The next person on the left says
10. Psalm 139:2–6 their own name and does the action and
11. Challenge everyone repeats it. The game can become
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child fast and active—speed it up, slow it down,
12. Remember or speak in funny voices!
13. Talk with God
Pray for all the children in your class by name.

62
 Review welcome lesson. Mark your
2 attendance chart. Ask: 3 Memory Verse
• Who can retell the Gospel story? This verse reminds us that we are unique to
• To whom did you tell the story? God. So God created man in his own likeness.
• What questions do you have? He created him in the likeness of God. He
created them as male and female. Genesis 1:27
Say: In the next twelve lessons we will
explore some of your questions and find Teach the verse using the actions you created.
out more about God’s rescue plan. Ask the children to find a partner
and stand facing each other. One
child makes a motion as they recite
the Memory Verse. The partner
repeats the motions and the verse.
Swap roles and repeat.

4
Sam’s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
Is there someone who knows you really well? I have a mechanic who knows
all about the different parts that make me fly. He knows everything about me
and how I was made. Maybe you feel like no one really knows you at all. You may
feel alone.
But God knows you. He knows everything about you because He made you.
God existed before anything else. He has always existed. He has no beginning
and no end. We can learn a lot about God by what He has made. We can see God’s
great power by looking at what He has made. He made the whole universe, earth,
and everything in it. He made the mountains, the seas, the forests, the rivers, and
even all of the people.
The Bible tells us His wonderful story and how we are an important part of
this story.

Game: Twenty questions

5 Think of an animal but do not tell
the children what it is. The children
have a maximum of twenty questions
as a group to discover what the animal
is. The children can only ask questions
which the teacher can answer “yes” or
“no” (e.g., Does it have feathers?).

Student Book p.2 63

6 Tell the Story: Genesis 1:1–2:3

Point to Day 1 in your illustration as you tell the story.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The
earth didn’t have any shape. And it was empty. Darkness was
over the surface of the ocean. At that time, the ocean covered
the earth. The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light. God saw that the light was good. He separated the
light from the darkness. God called the light “day.” He called the darkness “night.” Genesis 1:1–5a

Point to Day 2 in your illustration as you tell the story.

God said, “Let there be a huge space between the waters.
Let it separate water from water.” And that’s exactly what
happened. God called the huge space “sky.” Genesis 1:6–7a, 8a

Point to Day 3 in your illustration as you tell the story.

God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into
one place. Let dry ground appear.” And that’s exactly what
happened. God called the dry ground “land.” He called the
waters that were gathered together “oceans.” And God saw
that it was good.
Then God said, “Let the land produce plants. Let them bear their own seeds. And let there be trees on
the land that bear fruit with seeds in it. Let each kind of plant or tree have its own kind of seeds.” And
that’s exactly what happened. God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9–11, 12b

Point to Day 4 in your illustration as you tell the story.

God said, “Let there be lights in the huge space of the sky. Let
them separate the day from the night. Let them serve as signs
to mark off the seasons and the days and the years.

64 Student Book p.3–7

 God spoke and the world was Let them serve as lights in the huge space of the sky to give
created. How amazing! Only God light on the earth.” And that’s exactly what happened. God
has the power to do that!
saw that it was good. Genesis 1:14–15, 18b

Point to Day 5 in your illustration as you tell the story.

God said, “Let the waters be filled with living things. Let birds
fly above the earth across the huge space of the sky.” And God
saw that it was good. God blessed them. He said, “Have little
ones and increase your numbers. Fill the water in the oceans.
Let there be more and more birds on the earth.” Genesis 1:20,
21b–22

Point to Day 6 in your illustration as you tell the story.

God said, “Let the land produce all kinds of living creatures.”
God made all kinds of wild animals. He made all kinds of
livestock. He made all kinds of creatures that move along the
ground. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our likeness."

Have the children repeat the Memory Verse with you.

So God created man in his own likeness. He created him in the likeness of God. He created them as
male and female. God blessed them. He said to them, “Have children and increase your numbers. Fill
the earth and bring it under your control. Rule over the fish in the waters and the birds of the air. Rule
over every living creature that moves on the ground.” God saw everything he had made. And it was
very good. Genesis 1:24a, 25, 26a, 27–28, 31a

Read Day 7 using a restful soft voice.

So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing. So on the seventh day he rested
from all of his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. He rested on it. After he had
created everything, he rested from all of the work he had done. Genesis 2:1–3

Student Book p.3–7 65

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story? (God; Man)
• What did God create on each day? (Light; sky between the waters; land and plants, gathered fresh
and salt waters; lights in the sky for seasons, days, and years; living things in the water and sky; land
animals and human beings)

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about God? People are unique. Out of all the creatures
• Who made the world? God made, humans are the only ones made like
• What do I most like that God Him–in HIS IMAGE. We are loved by Him. God
has made? made us like Him to have a special relationship
with Him forever. Our part of the relationship
What does this say about you and me? is to honor and love God. The story of creation
• Are you glad God made you? helps us understand that God is creative and
• How is Sam’s story like this story? made everything on purpose.

What have I learned and what will I do?

• How can you serve God?
• How does it feel to be loved by the
One who made everything?

Option 1: Ask children to open their books Option 2: Have groups of seven children sit in
and read or tell the story to a partner using a circle and retell the story.
the pictures. One child starts retelling Day 1 of creation. The next child
After they retell the story, ask the children: continues telling Day 2 and so on until all 7 days of the creation
• Did you remember everything about the story? story are retold.

8 Draw 9 Amazing Animals

Say: Draw something you remember from each Say: Look at some of these interesting animals
day of creation in the six boxes. Once children from around the world. Draw in the empty box
complete their drawings, ask, “What happened the most interesting animal you have ever seen.
on Day 7?”

1 2 3

Toucan Kangaroo Elephant

4 5 6

Angel Fish Turtle

68 Student Book p.8

10 Psalm 139:2–6
We are special to God. The Bible tells us God sees into our Does God know about you?
hearts and knows everything about us. You can read about this What does God know about you?
in Psalm 139:2–6 here: Write or draw how this psalm makes
you feel—about you, about God.
You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what
I’m thinking even though you are far away.
You know when I go out to work and when I come back home.
You know exactly how I live.
Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it.
You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me.
You hold me in your power.
I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can
understand.

11 Challenge
Show the children your memory verse card for this week. Hand out the memory verse cards for Lesson 1.
Explain to them that this is a special card that will help them remember the memory verse AND share the
Bible story they learned this week.
Ask: Do you have a place where you keep special things? You may want to keep your memory verse cards
in this special place. Remember to take good care of your card because there is only one for each of you. I
do not have any extra cards to give you if you lose this one. Show the children how to use the card to share
the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

12 Remember 13 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Sit in a circle. Invite each person to jump up
thanking God for one thing He has made.
Thank God for His care, His creative power, and
God made everything good. His love for each one of us.

Dear God,
Thank You for creating an
Everything belongs to Him.
amazing world. Thank
You for making people,
including me. Thank You
God made me to be His child. for loving me and caring
about me. Help me to remember
You made everything and are in
charge of everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.9 69

2 The Greatest Problem
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Genesis 2:15–3:23. God made us to live perfectly with
Him, but sin ruins this relationship. Sin is anything we do, say, or
10. Challenge
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
12. Talk with God
think that goes against God.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use attendance
Story Background chart.
Everything that God made was good! He was and is the rightful Teacher tip: God loves us. Try to help children see
ruler of all creation because He made it all. Adam and Eve did not that God loves us even though we are sinful. Be an honest leader
trust God and rejected His rule. This is sin. Sin is anything we do, willing to admit your failings (when and where appropriate):
say, or think that goes against God. Sin separates us from God and
ultimately leads to death. Our holy Creator loves us but hates sin. • Do not pretend to be perfect.
It is difficult leading children; they look up to us as examples. They • Share appropriately when you fail.
need leaders to be good, strong, and wise. The sad reality is that • Admit when you make a mistake.
we are sinful. We all make mistakes. We all disobey God. We need • Ask the children for forgiveness.
to take time to come to God and admit the things we have done Explore redemption: God‘s covering of sin.
that have not pleased Him. We should do this every day. Remember Because of Adam and Eve‘s sin, God killed the very first animal as
God loves us but hates our sin. He wants to bring us back into a sacrifice in order to cover their nakedness, shame, and sin. Think
relationship with Him by removing our sin and forgiving us. about how this points to Jesus‘ sacrifice for us.
Prepare
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers to
questions as you prepare to teach.
Spend some time praying and reading Genesis 2:15–3:23. Ask
yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about God?
• What does it say about people?
• How does this challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do? Steps in the Lesson
Lesson Agenda & What You Need
1. Game: Pairs tag Game: Pairs tag. Select two “catchers” who
2. Review Lesson 1 1 need to hold each other’s hand. They must
3. Memory Verse chase and tag the other children.
• Memorize the verse and actions.
4. Sam‘s Story • When they tag someone, that person joins
5. Creative Challenge: Paper mess hands with the “catchers” to form a longer
• Sheets of newspaper or paper–one for each pair of children chain of catchers.
6. Tell the Story: Genesis 2:15–3:23 • As soon as the catching chain has four
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson. people, divide into pairs and
7. Bible Discovery continue to tag children.
8. Find the Problems • Continue in this way until
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring there is only one child left.
9. Draw the Story
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring

70
 Review Lesson 1. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 1 (Genesis
1:27) on student book p.46. Instruct them This verse reminds us how serious the problem
to write only Genesis 1:27. While children of sin is. Learn the verse together by moving
write, mark your attendance chart and ask your whole body with the three parts of the
if each child has shared the story. passage. When you sin, the pay you get is
death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life
Ask:
because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.
• Who did you share the story with?
Romans 6:23
• What happened when you shared it?
Death Life Jesus

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
What are some of the choices you have had to make? Do you ever make bad choices?
One day I was coming in to land at an airport. I had important rules to follow to
keep everyone safe. However, I wanted to fly past the big planes to show them
I could keep up with them. I disobeyed the rules. When I came in to land, I was
going too fast. I collided with another airplane, leaving a big scratch on its side. I
quickly hid behind a building so no one would know what I had done wrong. I did
not know whether to keep it a secret. I had a choice to make. In the end I made the
wrong choice. When the boss of the airport found out, I was told I had to leave and
could never use that airport again.
In this story, the first people, Adam and Eve, also faced a choice. Would they listen
to God and obey Him?

Creative challenge: Paper mess. Divide the children

5 into pairs and give each pair a page of newspaper or
paper. Tell the children they have fifteen seconds to
rip up the paper into as many pieces as possible. Then
tell them they have to put it back together. The activity
shows sin cannot be fixed by our own efforts.

Note: Save several pieces of

torn paper for the Talk with
God activity on page 47.

Student Book p.10 71

6 Tell the Story: Genesis 2:15–3:23

The Garden of Eden Satan

The name for the place where Adam and Eve Satan is evil and hates God. He wants to prevent
lived. people from obeying and trusting God. Satan
destroys people’s lives (Revelation 12:9).

The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden. He put him there to work its ground and to take care
of it. The Lord God gave the man a command. He said, “You can eat the fruit of any tree that is in the
garden. But you must not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you do, you
can be sure that you will die.” Genesis 2:15–17

Point to Adam and Eve in the garden.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper who is just right for him.” So the Lord
God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. While the man was
sleeping, the Lord God took out one of his ribs.
Then the Lord God made a woman. The man and his wife were
both naked. They didn’t feel any shame.
Genesis 2:18, 21a, 22a, 25

Give characters different voices so the children can follow the

conversation better.

The serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must
not eat the fruit of any tree that is in the garden’?”
The woman said to the serpent, “We can eat the fruit of the trees that are in the garden. But God did
say, ‘You must not eat the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden. Do not even touch it. If
you do, you will die.’”

72 Student Book p.11–15

 Satan, God’s enemy disguised “You can be sure that you won’t die,” the serpent said to the
as a serpent, wanted to deceive woman. “God knows that when you eat the fruit of that tree,
Adam and Eve. you will know things you have never known before. You will
be able to tell the difference between good and evil. You will
be like God.”
The woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good to eat. It was also pleasing to look at. And it would
make a person wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband,
who was with her. And he ate it. Then both of them knew things they had never known before. They
realized they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves.
Genesis 3:1b–7

Then the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking in the
garden. It was the coolest time of the day. They hid from the
Lord God among the trees of the garden.
But the Lord God called out to the man. “Where are you?” he
asked.
God cursed the serpent and
“I heard you in the garden,” the man answered. “I was afraid. I
punished the woman and the was naked, so I hid.”
man. The woman would have
painful child-bearing, and it
The Lord God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have
would be difficult for the man you eaten the fruit of the tree I commanded you not to eat?”
to work the land for food. They
would eventually die and return
The man said, “It was the woman you put here with me. She
to the dust from which they were gave me some fruit from the tree. And I ate it.”
made.
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
The woman said, “The serpent tricked me. That’s why I ate the
fruit.” Genesis 3:8–13

Keep the drawing of Adam and Eve in the animal skins

covered until this time.

The Lord God made clothes out of animal skins for Adam and
his wife to wear. The Lord God said, “The man has become like
one of us. He can now tell the difference between good and
evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and pick fruit from the tree of life and eat it. If
he does, he will live forever.” So the Lord God drove the man out of the Garden of Eden to work the
ground he had been made out of. Genesis 3:21–23

Student Book p.11–15 73

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• What did each person/character do wrong? (The serpent was evil and questioned God’s goodness,
Adam and Eve did what God told them not to do, and Adam blamed Eve.)
• How do we know that Adam and Eve knew they did the wrong thing? (They hid from God
because they were ashamed.)
• Why do you think God put the tree of knowledge in the garden? (To give people a choice to
obey God.)
Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about God? Our greatest problem is sin. What is sin? Sin is
• Does God sin? anything we do, say, or think that goes against
• Can God be around sin? God. The Bible teaches us that we all sin. Sin
separates us from God. He is holy and hates
What does this say about you and me? sin. Sin destroys what God has created. The
• How is Sam’s story like this story? punishment for sin is death—to be completely
separated from God and everything good
• How do you know when you have forever. The Bible calls this hell. The Bible
done the wrong thing? tells us that although we sin against God, He
• Why do you decide to sin? still loves us and gives us a solution for our sin
problem. It tells us how we can trust, obey, and
What have I learned and what will I do? live forever with God. There is nothing more
• Does sin have to be a part of important than this.
daily life?
• What is one thing you do, say, or
think that you need God to help
you stop?

Ask children to open their books and read or tell the story to a partner using the pictures.
After they retell the story, ask the children:
• Did you remember everything about the story?

8 Find the Problems

Children circle each person who is acting sinfully in the picture.

Ask:
• What is sin in this picture? (Discuss.) Say: This is what our
world is like because people want to be in charge and leave
God out of their thoughts and lives.
• Why are these things sin? (They are proud, selfish, and cruel acts
that do not bring glory to God.)

76 Student Book p.16

9 Draw the Story
Children draw the missing parts of the story.

1. God, man, and 2. They disobeyed 3. They are 4. God punished

woman together. God. separated from God. them.

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Ask children to:
• Collect a piece of the torn paper and sit in
a circle.
God made me to live in peace with Him. • Silently admit to God things you have done
that has not pleased Him.
• Place these papers in the middle of
Sins separates me from God.
the circle.
This means that we let go, or repent of our sins.
Let us pray.
Sin is anything I do, say, or think that Dear God, thank You that You love us. I am
goes against God. sorry for all the things I say, do, or think
against Your ways. Thank You for being
perfect and thank You that You still love us
even when we do not live Your way. In
Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.17 77

3 The Great Savior
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 2:6–16. God loves us
and sent Jesus to rescue us from our sin.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use attendance chart.

Story Background
We see the terrible effects of sin around the world every day: war,
poverty, and selfishness to name just a few. The problem of sin
is so big: it required the action of God’s best, His own Son Jesus.
Jesus gave up His home and His status in heaven as Lord of all and
became a tiny baby in a family of refugees. He showed the greatest
humility in becoming our Savior. It demonstrates His enormous Steps in the Lesson
love for us. Prophets predicted all these amazing events centuries
earlier, because God had always planned to send Jesus.
Game: Grab the keys. Have everyone sit
As you think about Jesus’ birth, take time to wonder about how
God brought Him into this world.
1 everyone in a circle. One blindfolded child
sits on a chair in the middle
Prepare with keys or a bell
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers to between their feet.
questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and reading Children come one
Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 2:6–16. Ask yourself these questions: at a time to the
middle to try to
• What does this story tell us about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? rescue the keys
• What does it say about people? without the child on the
• How does it challenge my thinking? chair hearing. This game reminds us that
• What have I learned and what will I do? the rescuer came quietly.
Lesson Agenda & What You Need
1. Game: Grab the keys
• Blindfold and noisy keys, rattle, or bell Review Lesson 2. Hand out student books.
2. Review Lesson 2 2 Ask children to write their memory verse
3. How to find specific verses from Lesson 2 (Romans 6:23) on student
• Bible book p.46. Instruct them to write only
4. Memory Verse Romans 6:23. While children write, mark
• Memorize the verse. your attendance chart and ask if each child
5. Sam‘s Story has shared the story.
6. Tell the Story: Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:6–16
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson Ask:
7. Bible Discovery • Who did you share the story with?
8. Jesus Grows Up • What happened when you shared it?
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring
9. Jesus Has Many Names
10. Challenge
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
12. Talk with God

78
 How to find specific verses. It is important
3 to help children read the Bible for 4 Memory Verse
themselves. A key part of this is finding
specific verses. Here is how the names and This verse reminds us how much God loves us.
numbers work for the memory verse God loved the world so much that he gave his
John [Link] one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him
will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16
John 3:16 Make up your own actions for each part of
the verse.

Find the The first The second

name of the number is the number is the
book—find chapter; now verse; look
John in the turn pages through the
index and look until you find chapter until
up the page. chapter 3. you find the
number 16.

Use your Bible to help the children look up

John 3:16. Then teach them the memory verse.

5
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
Have you ever been in so much trouble you thought you might die? If not,
then imagine what it would be like. Maybe you are caught in flood waters or
have to hide under a tree in a huge storm. While you are deciding what to do
and thinking this might be the end, you see someone stronger and wiser than
you who can help. You hope they will see you. You call out to them and wait
for them to find you, and they do. Instead of feeling despair and worry, you
are now hopeful. They will save you! You know they will!
In Lesson 2, we learned about the problem of sin and how the punishment
we deserve for sin is death and separation from God. God promised He would
solve the problem so we could be friends with Him again. For a long time
people did not know how God would do this. Would He send a warrior to lead
an army or send a rich and powerful king? God had His own plan though. His
plan was to send His Son to save us from the punishment for sin. Let us read
the story and find out more!

Student Book p.18 79

6 Tell the Story: Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:6–16

Manger Angel
A container to hold food for animals. A messenger of God.

Messiah Prophet
This is another name for Jesus. It means God told His promises about Jesus to
promised Savior. people called prophets, who wrote
about Jesus‘ arrival hundreds of years
before He came.
Holy Spirit
We first read about the Spirit in the creation story
on page 5. We know God in three persons: God
the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Together, they are all one God! The Holy Spirit
helps us to know God, read the Bible, and become
more like Jesus.

Tell this part of the story with a soft voice as if you are
whispering so as not to wake a baby.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother
Mary and Joseph had promised to get married. But before
they started to live together, it became clear that she was
going to have a baby. She became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph was
a godly man. He did not want to put her to shame in public. So he planned to divorce her quietly.

Bring the volume of your voice up now as the angel announces what Joseph is to do.

But as Joseph was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel
said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. The baby inside her is from
the Holy Spirit. She is going to have a son. You must give him the name Jesus. That is because he will
save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18–21

80 Student Book p.19–21

 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the
child to be born. She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy.
She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him
in a manger. And Joseph gave him the name Jesus.
All of this took place to bring about what the Lord had said
would happen. He had said through the prophet, “The virgin is
going to have a baby. She will give birth to a son. And he will
be called Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) The name Immanuel means
“God with us.”Luke 2:6–7a, Matthew 1:25b, 22–23

At first the shepherds were afraid and confused. Tell the story
in a way that expresses the shepherds’ feelings.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was

night, and they were looking after their sheep. An angel of
the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone
around them. They were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. Here is how you will know
I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:8–12, 16

Student Book p.19–21 81

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story? (Mary, Joseph, Jesus, angel of the Lord, angels, shepherds)
• What surprising thing happened?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about God, The Bible reminds us Jesus is God and was with
Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? God when God created everything. Jesus was
• What promise did Jesus fulfill? both fully God and fully man. He is the greatest
• What does it mean that Jesus will gift! Jesus coming to earth is God’s solution
save people from their sins? for our sin problem. This is why Jesus is called
“Savior”—it means He came to save us from
our sin. Jesus came to restore the relationship
What does this say about you and me? between God and us. God had a perfect plan–
• Do we need a Savior? and Jesus followed it!

What have I learned and what will I do?

• Why do we need the Savior in
our life?
• How can I thank Jesus for coming
to earth to save me?

Ask children to open their books and read or tell Dramatic interviews (option for older children):
the story to a partner using the pictures.
After they retell the story, ask the children: Invite volunteers to pretend to be these characters from the story:
Mary, Joseph, Angel, and Shepherd. These volunteers sit at the
• Did you remember everything about the story?
front. Other children ask these characters questions about how
they felt about the events in the story. Ask the first question:
Joseph, how did you feel after the angel visited you?

8 Jesus Grows Up
Read and discuss as children color each picture.

Jesus’ birth. “She Jesus’ family Jesus as a twelve-year- Jesus at His baptism.
will give birth to a escapes to Egypt old. “Jesus became “A voice from
son. And he will be because of danger. wiser and stronger. heaven said, ‘This
called Immanuel.” Matthew 2:13 He also became more is my Son, and I
Matthew 1:23b and more pleasing to love him. I am very
God and to people.” pleased with him.’”
Luke 2:52 Matthew 3:17

84 Student Book p.22

9 Jesus Has Many Names
Here are a few of the ways the Bible describes Jesus. Invite children to help you find in your Bible each
of the Scripture passages. This is a practice time to find specific verses and learn the names of God.

Ask children to:

Messiah Son of God
1. Underline the chapter. “Promised Savior” “All authority and power, God”
2. Circle the verse. John 1:41 Hebrews 4:14
Savior Christ
“Who Rescues Us” “Chosen by God”
Luke 2:11 John 1:17
Lamb of God Son of Man
“Brings Peace with God” “Our Representative before God”
John 1:29 Acts 7:56

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Use body motions for each of the points.
Thank You, Jesus, for . . .

God loves me. • Coming to earth as a tiny baby.

• Being fully God and fully man!
• Coming to live with and
understand us.
God understands my life.
• Coming to rescue us from our sin.

Dear God, thank You for loving me and

sending Jesus to save me. Thank You that
God sent Jesus to rescue me from Jesus showed us what You are like. Help us to
my sin. remember that He is Your special gift to us.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.23 85

4 Children are Important to Jesus
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 18:1–5. God loves children.
We can trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
8. What Do I Need So I Can Follow Jesus?
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring
9. Draw Yourself
10. Challenge
Story Background • Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
In the story Jesus shows that He loves and welcomes children.
12. Talk with God
He thinks they are valuable. This means in order to be a follower
• Large piece of paper with Jesus’ name or picture drawn on it
of Jesus:
• You do not need to be a certain age. Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
• You do not need to try to impress Him. attendance chart.
• You do not need special training or education. Teacher tip: How to ask good questions.
Jesus says children can be examples to show adults how they Sit close together, at the same height, so you can all hear each other.
should come to Jesus. • Encourage children to listen to one another by turning and facing
The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest and the person speaking.
who would get the best position in heaven. Jesus saw how the • Ask more open-ended questions so that discussion will follow
disciples wanted to be seen as more important than others. Jesus (questions with more than one right answer).
used a child to show them that living God’s way is about trusting • Listen carefully so you can ask children follow-up questions to keep
God, not about trying to be important. discussion flowing.
Children do not pretend to be important or try to impress Jesus.
They can come to Jesus and depend on Him. Jesus wants us to
come as we are and trust in Him and what He has done for us.
Is there anything we do that stops children from coming to Jesus?

Prepare
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers to Steps in the Lesson
questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and reading
Mark 10:13–16 and Matthew 18:1–5. Ask yourself these questions:
Game: Follow the leader. Ask the children
• What does this story tell us about Jesus? 1 to line up behind you. Tell them to follow
• What does it say about people?
your lead and do whatever you do. After a
• How does it challenge my thinking?
couple of minutes, stop and tell the person
• What have I learned and what will I do?
behind you that they are the new leader.
Lesson Agenda & What You Need Tell the class to follow whatever the new
leader does. Go to the end of the line and
1. Game: Follow the leader.
follow the children, doing whatever they do.
2. Review Lesson 3
Allow several children to serve as the leader.
3. Memory Verse
This game reminds us that children can
• Memorize the verse and actions.
serve as leaders.
4. Sam’s Story
5. Ask
6. Tell the Story: Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 18:1–5
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson.
7. Bible Discovery

86
 Review Lesson 3. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 3 (John 3:16)
on student book p.46. Instruct them to This verse reminds us that God loves children
write only John 3:16. While children and wants them to come to Him. Let the little
write, mark your attendance chart and ask children come to me. Don’t keep them away.
if each child has shared the story. God’s kingdom belongs to people like them.
Ask: Mark 10:14b Do these actions for each part of
• Who did you share the story with? the verse.
• What happened when you shared it? “Let the little children come to me.” (Come.)
“Don't keep them away.” (Sweep the hands
outward.)

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
One time I was coming back from a big journey delivering packages to many cities
and villages. I was coming in to land at one of the biggest airports in the world. As
I flew over the busy runways, there were big airplanes everywhere. Suddenly, the
radio control tower told me I could not land there; I was too small. I had to go to a
much smaller airport. I felt sad because they did not think I was important.
Have you been stopped from doing something because you are a child? Maybe
someone told you that you were not old enough, or you did not understand.
Jesus met lots of people in His life. They were all kinds of people, from all kinds
of places. Jesus even met some children. What do you think He might have said
to them? Would He send them away? Would He think they were not important?

Ask: How do you feel when you have been

5 told you cannot do something because you
are a child?

Student Book p.24 87

6 Tell the Story: Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 18:1–5

Disciples
Jesus had a group of twelve men called disciples, who traveled with
Him and learned from Him. Some were also called “apostles.” Many of
these men helped write books in the New Testament of the Bible.

People were bringing little children to Jesus. They wanted him

to touch them. But the disciples told the people to stop. When
Jesus saw this, he was angry.

Have the children repeat the Memory Verse with you.

Jesus knows you are important.
He was angry when the disciples Use a firm, disciplinary voice here. This is a very important
sent the children away. He wants correction for all of Jesus‘ followers.
everyone to come to Him with
faith and humility like a child.
He said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me.
Don’t keep them away. God’s kingdom belongs to people like
them. What I’m about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not
receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.”
Then he took the children in his arms. He put his hands on
them and blessed them. Mark 10:13–16

88 Student Book p.25–27

 At that time the disciples came to Jesus. They asked him,
“Who is the most important person in the kingdom of
heaven?” Matthew 18:1

Take your time telling this part of the story. Give Jesus‘ words
time to penetrate.

Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand
among them. Jesus said, “What I’m about to tell you is true.
You need to change and become like little children. If you
don’t, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child
is the most important in the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my
name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:2–5

Student Book p.25–27 89

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• What does Jesus mean when He says, “You need to be like little children?”
• What types of people are usually treated as important?
• What is amazing about who Jesus treats as important in this story?
Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? Jesus loves people no matter who they are,
• Does Jesus think that children are where they are from, or how old they are. When
important? Jesus lived on earth, and even now in our day,
• How does God bless children today? some people wrongly thought children were not
important. Jesus thinks you are important. Jesus
What does this say about you and me? wants you to come as you are and believe in
• What does Jesus say is important? Him and what He has done for you.

What have I learned and what will I do?

• Do you think adults are
important too?
• How can you treat other people–
both children and adults–like they
are important too?

Split the children into small groups. One child Question (option for older children):
will read or tell the stories while the others act Ask: What other types of people can be excluded from meeting
it out. Swap roles and do it again. Jesus at church?
After they retell the story, ask the children:
• Did you remember everything about the story?

8 Following Jesus
Ask the children “What do I need so I can follow Jesus?" This is to help children know they only
need to believe in Jesus. Discuss each statement with the children and instruct them to cross out the
incorrect answers.

I need to be at least I need to be mighty and

twelve years old. strong.
Jesus loves me just
I need to have money. I need to be at school.
as I am!
I need to believe in Jesus.
I need to be able to read.

92 Student Book p.28

9 Draw Yourself
To help children picture being close to Jesus, ask them to connect the dots to draw the child. Now add
other features so the picture looks like you. Draw your friends. Jesus loves them, too.

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Hold up a memory verse card and retell the story to the children, using only the memory verse card.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Give children a piece of paper to write their name
on. Sit in a big circle around a large piece of
paper on which you have written “Jesus” in large
letters in the center. Invite children to place their
God loves children. name beside it and say to God, “Thank You that I
am important to You, Jesus.” (Save this paper with
all of the names to use again in the Talk with God
activity in Lesson 12. You may want to hang this
paper in your classroom.)
Dear God, thank You that I am valuable to
I can believe in Jesus as my Lord
You and can be Your follower and
and Savior.
friend. Help me to know how You
made me special. Show me how I
can use who I am to serve You and
put others first. Help me to read the
Bible, depend on You, and obey You
every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.29 93

5 God‘s People Honor God
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Mark 1:16–20 (The First Disciples); John
6:1–13 (Feeding of the 5,000); Mark 12:41–44
11. Remember
12. Talk with God
• Blank paper
(The Widow‘s Offering). Jesus is powerful in every way. Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
Trust God with your greatest needs. attendance chart.

Story Background Discipling children: How to explain the

Gospel to children.
Jesus only preached for three years and He changed the world.
Incredible! He showed people that they do not need a great • Use simple words and ideas.
amount of faith to do extraordinary things. They just need faith • Remember it is good news for them.
in the right person, namely, Jesus. When people trust Him for • Pray and trust that God will speak through you.
their everyday needs, He is faithful. We can put our trust in Jesus • Tell the truth.
as God’s Son to save us. We can be free from sin so we can have • Help make the Gospel memorable with objects or actions or
a close relationship with God. We can put our trust in Jesus for personal stories from your life.
everything, big and small. Trusting that He will provide for our
needs allows us to give freely with a cheerful heart.
In what part of your life do you need to trust Jesus more? How
does this give you freedom to give with a cheerful heart?

Prepare
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
reading Mark 1:16–20, John 6:1–13, and Mark 12:41–44. Ask
yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about God?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do? Steps in the Lesson
Lesson Agenda & What You Need
1. Game: Trust lean Game: Trust lean. Help children
2. Review Lesson 4 1 experience trusting others. Stand
3. Memory Verse close together in a circle with hands
• Memorize the verse. outstretched. Ask a child to stand in the
4. Ask middle with arms crossed and eyes closed.
5. Sam‘s Story Now ask them to lean backward. Everyone
6. Tell the Stories: Mark 1:16–20; John 6:1–13; Mark 12:41–44 in the circle needs to support them. Swap
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson. places to give others a turn. Ask the child
7. Bible Discovery in the middle:
8. Meeting with Others
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring • Did you trust those
9. Our Needs holding you?
10. Challenge • When was it difficult?
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child

94
 Review Lesson 4. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their memory 3 Memory Verse
verse from Lesson 4 (Mark 10:14b) on
student book p.46. Instruct them to write This verse reminds us that God is faithful and
only Mark 10:14b. While children write, powerful to provide all our needs. We can
mark your attendance chart and ask if trust Him and have faith in Him. God loves a
each child has shared the story. cheerful giver. And God is able to shower all
kinds of blessings on you. In all things and at
Ask:
all times you will have everything you need. 2
• Who did you share the story with?
Corinthians 9:7b–8b Ask children to pair up
• What happened when you shared it?
and say the verse in different ways. Can you say
it with your eyes closed? Kneeling down?
Doing a hand-stand? Doing a pair-balance?
Call and response with a partner?

Ask a few children to tell you something

4 they have done to help another person.

5
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
Have you ever given a gift to someone else? Have you ever given something that
was hard to give away?

Giving is a great thing! On one of my journeys I met a young boy from West
Africa who had a very sick father. His mother earned a small amount of money
for the family selling charcoal. One day he was given a football, something he
had always dreamed of having. When he realized that his school did not have a
football, he gave it to them so that all the children at school could enjoy the gift.
After he received a gift, he wanted to be a giver himself.

Let us read three stories where people put their trust in Jesus. Amazing
things happen!

Student Book p.30 95

6 Tell the Stories: Mark 1:16–20; John 6:1–13; Mark 12:41–44

Follow Me God is Able! The Widow’s

The disciples chose to follow God is able to do Gift
Jesus. They gave their whole great things with The widow’s gift
lives to Him and told other our gifts and our reflected her heart.
people about Him. lives if we give them Even though she did
to Jesus. not have much, she
gave what she had
to honor and serve
God. This is how God
wants us to live.

This is a story that happened outside—use big gestures and a

loud voice for calling out across the waters.

One day Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. There he
saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net
into the lake. They were fishermen. “Come. Follow me,” Jesus
said. “I will make you fishers of people.” At once they left their
nets and followed him.
Then Jesus walked a little farther. As he did, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They
were in a boat preparing their nets. Right away he called out to them. They left their father Zebedee
in the boat with the hired men. Then they followed Jesus. Mark 1:16–20

Then Jesus went up on a mountainside. There he sat down

with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So
he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people
to eat?” He asked this only to put Philip to the test. He already
knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered him, “Eight months’ pay would not buy
enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

96 Student Book p.31–35

Another of his disciples spoke up. It was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He said, “Here is a boy with
five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large
crowd?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down.
The number of men among them was about 5,000. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He
handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did
the same with the fish.

Emphasize that there were leftovers.

When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. “Gather the leftover pieces,” he said.
“Don’t waste anything.”
So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces
left by those who had eaten. John 6:1a, 3–7, 8–13

Jesus sat down across from the place where people put
their temple offerings. He watched the crowd putting their
money into the offering boxes. Many rich people threw large
amounts into them.
But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper
coins. They were worth much less than a penny.

Emphasize how Jesus understands the greatness of the widow‘s offering. Do not focus on her poverty.
God loves her generous and trusting heart!

Jesus asked his disciples to come to him. He said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. That poor widow
has put more into the offering box than all the others. They all gave a lot because they are rich. But
she gave even though she is poor. She put in everything she had. She gave all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41–44

Student Book p.31–35 97

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Where did each story take place?
• What was the most interesting part for you?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? What have I learned and what will I do?
• How has God taken care of you? • How did the disciples become
• Why would God want to take care ‘fishers of men’?
of you? • How does trusting God change
the way that you play with friends,
What does this say about you and me? respect your parents, or do
• What are some of the things you schoolwork?
need every day?
You have learned how God loves to give. He
• Are you powerful enough to take
gave us our amazing world. He gave us the
care of your life?
opportunity to be friends with Jesus forever. He
gave us the Bible, which teaches us about Jesus
and how to believe and follow Him. The best
gift you can give God is yourself—your heart
and your life—to follow Him!

Sit children in groups of three. Choose one of Tell the children to stay in their groups of
the three stories to retell to the others. Swap three for Steps 8 and 9.
roles and tell a different story.
After they retell the story, ask the children:
• Did you remember everything about the story?

8 Meeting with Others

Connect each of the reasons we meet together as followers of Jesus with the picture that matches. We
can celebrate together what Jesus has done. Together we can learn more about Jesus, encourage each
other, and pray for one another. Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help
one another to do good works. Let us not give up meeting together. Hebrews 10:24–25a

Share what Thank God Encourage one Learn from Pray for one
God has by singing and another to keep God’s Word. another.
been doing in celebrating what following Jesus.
your life. He has done.

100 Student Book p.36

9 Our Needs
Say: Jesus is powerful to provide all our needs. We can have faith in Him. He can do more than we can
imagine. Think about your needs. Circle two of them and then share your answers in your group and
pray for each other.

Food and water Peace and friendship with God

Forgiveness from sin Healing from sickness

Shelter/home for my family Meeting together as part of a church

Being happy with my family Don’t worry about anything. Instead, tell God
about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him.
Philippians 4:6

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Invite children to draw or write something for
which they are thankful on the paper.
God is powerful in every way. Dear God, thank You for giving us the greatest
gift—Jesus. Thank You for providing all I need.
I want to love You and follow You every day.
Show me what I can share with others in my
family, with my friends, at my school, and in my
neighborhood. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I can trust God with my greatest needs.

Student Book p.37 101

6 The Greatest Friend
Know the Gospel

Main Idea
Matthew 27:27–60, Matthew 28:1b–10.
Jesus died to take our sins. He came back to life so we can be His
Teacher tip: How to talk to children
about Jesus
• Say things that will help a child grow in faith.
friends forever. • Keep ideas simple. Do not use adult words and ideas.
• Tell real, appropriate stories from your life about God’s faithfulness.
Story Background • Talk about your mistakes as well as your victories.
In other lessons we learned that God loves us even more than He Discipling children: After you decide to
hates our sin. He wants to bring us back into relationship with
follow Jesus. Talk to the children who have made a
Him by removing our sin and forgiving us. In this lesson we will
decision to follow Jesus about what they can do next. (Note:
look at the death and resurrection of Jesus. He carried God’s just
Never pressure a child to make a decision to follow Jesus. It is the
judgment for our sins and dealt with it once for all on the cross.
Holy Spirit’s work. We can ask and encourage, but if they are not
It is the great swap. Jesus got what we deserved—death for our
ready or are uncertain, remind them you are always ready to talk
sin. If we believe and trust in Jesus, we get what He deserved—
and answer their questions.)
we will have peace and favor with God forever. We will be in God’s
family forever. This is the greatest swap of all. It is God‘s great 1. Tell your leader and others.
gift. How has your life changed since you put your trust in Jesus? 2. Talk to God at any time by praying. You can tell Him about anything
that is going on and ask Him for help.
Prepare 3. Read more about living God’s way in the Bible.
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers 4. Choose to live God’s way every day. This is a decision for your whole
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and life. This does not mean we will live perfect lives all the time, but
reading Matthew 27 and 28. Ask yourself these questions: we will try to live God’s way, and He will help us do that. If we
make a mistake, we tell God about it and trust that Jesus has taken
• What does this story tell us about God?
all our sin away.
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need

1. Game: Circle swap
2. Review Lesson 5 Steps in the Lesson
3. Memory Verse
• Memorize the verse and make up motions to go with it.
4. Sam‘s Story Game: Circle swap. Children sit in a large
5. The Swap Challenge 1 circle. Have one child stand in the middle
• Something special to swap/give away to a child and be “it”. The leader calls the names
6. Tell the Story: Matthew 27 and 28 of two children and a simple movement,
7. Bible Discovery (e.g., jump, hop, crawl, or skip). On the
8. The Good News Review command “SWAP,” the two children must
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring swap places in the circle in the manner they
9. Challenge have been told. The child who is 'it' must try
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child to tag one of them while also moving in the
10. Remember same way. If one child is tagged they are now
11. Talk with God 'it'. Variation—call out
12. Commitment Certificate four or more children
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use attendance at a time.
chart.

102
 Review Lesson 5. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 5 (2
Corinthians 9:7b-8) on student book p.46. This verse reminds us how to respond to what
Instruct them to write only 2 Corinthians Jesus has done for us. Say with your mouth,
9:7b-8. While children write, mark your “Jesus is Lord.” Believe in your heart that God
attendance chart and ask if each child has raised him from the dead. Then you will be
shared the story. saved. Romans 10:9 Make up actions to go with
the verse:
Ask:
• Who did you share the story with? • Say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord.”
• What happened when you shared it? • Believe in your heart that God raised Him
from the dead.
• Then you will be saved.

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
We have all done the wrong thing before and know what it is like to be punished
for it. We do not like to be punished, but inside our hearts we know we probably
deserve it. What if someone else said they would take the punishment for us? We
would escape the pain and they would get what we deserved. It does not happen
very often. Only a great friend would offer to do this.

The good news is that you have the greatest Friend! His name is Jesus. He came
to earth because He loves you.

Large crowds followed Jesus everywhere because He taught with great wisdom
and healed many people. At this time Jesus predicted that He would be killed but
would come back to life after three days. The religious leaders of the time grew
jealous and wanted to stop Him, so they arrested Him—even though He had
done nothing wrong. The crowd, who had been praising Jesus just a week before,
now demanded that He be killed.

Was Jesus going to die? What about God’s plan to solve our sin problem through
Jesus? Let us read on in the story and see how God’s great plan works out! God is
always in control.

The Swap Challenge: Offer to swap something good (which you can afford) with the
5 children for something they do not want, need, or like (e.g., a candy for a leaf).
Ask: Was that a fair exchange? Why or why not?
Have you ever been given something you felt was “too good for you”?

Student Book p.38 103

6 Tell the Story: Matthew 27 and 28

Nailed to a cross Heaven

A very slow and painful way Roman Heaven has no sin and nothing bad. If
authorities killed criminals. we trust in Jesus to forgive our sin, we
can be with Him in heaven forever.

The governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the palace, which was
called the Praetorium. All the rest of the soldiers gathered
around him. They took off his clothes and put a purple robe on
him. Then they twisted thorns together to make a crown. They
placed it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand. Then
they fell on their knees in front of him and made fun of him.

Use a mocking voice for the Roman soldiers. This is a sad story, so tell it in a way that fits with your
own feelings about Jesus dying on a cross.

“We honor you, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him. They hit him on the head with the stick
again and again. After they had made fun of him, they took off the robe. They put his own clothes
back on him. Then they led him away to nail him to a cross. Matthew 27:27–31

From noon until three o’clock, the whole land was covered
with darkness. About three o’clock, Jesus cried out in a loud
voice. He said, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” This means “My
God, my God, why have you deserted me?” (Psalm 22:1)
After Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he died.
At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top
to bottom. The earth shook. The rocks split. Tombs broke open.

Point to the followers, family, and friends of Jesus in the crowd as well as the Roman commanders.

The Roman commander and those guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened.
They were terrified. They exclaimed, “He was surely the Son of God!”

104 Student Book p.39–43

 Not very far away, many women were watching. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to take care of
his needs. Mary Magdalene was among them. Mary, the mother of James and Joses, was also there.
So was the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
As evening approached, a rich man came from the town of Arimathea. His name was Joseph. He had
become a follower of Jesus. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth. He placed it in
his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the
tomb. Then he went away. Matthew 27: 45–46, 50–52a, 54–57, 59–60

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the

tomb.
There was a powerful earthquake. An angel of the Lord came
down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb. He rolled
back the stone and sat on it.

Tell this part with as much joy and life as you have told the earlier parts with sadness.

The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was
crucified. He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would! Come and see the place where he was
lying. Go quickly! Tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb. They were afraid, but they were filled with joy. They ran
to tell the disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said.
They came to him, took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see
me.” Matthew 28:1b–2, 5–10

*Our greatest problem is sin. The punishment for sin is death—to be completely separated from
God and everything good forever. The Bible calls this hell. But God wants us to be with Him forever
because He loves us. He sent Jesus to be punished in our place. It was the great swap. Jesus got what
we deserved—death for our sin. Jesus is alive now and can forgive our sin. We can be friends with God
forever if we choose to believe and follow Him. The most amazing part of this story is God left us a
helper, the Holy Spirit. Anyone who follows Jesus has God’s Spirit living inside him/her. The Holy
Spirit helps us follow Jesus every day and reminds us of the things Jesus has taught us (John 14:26).

Student Book p.39–43 105

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• What happened when Jesus died? How did you feel when you heard the true story of how
Jesus died?
• What did the angel say to the women who found the tomb open?
• What helps us know that Jesus is God?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? What have I learned and what will I
• Does God want you to be in His do?
family? • Can you trust Jesus to take away
your sin?
• What has God done to invite you
into His family? • How will you show Jesus you
trust Him?
What does this say about you and me?
• Can you free yourself from sin?
• God raised Jesus to life–what does *Summary is found on p. 75.
this mean to you?
• Who is the one powerful enough
to free us from sin?

Children retell the story in pairs using the Interviews (option for older children):
pictures from their student book. Ask three children to be: a soldier at the cross,
After they retell the story, ask the children: a follower of Jesus at the cross, and Mary at the
• Did you remember everything about the story? empty tomb.
Ask the rest of the group to think of questions to
Say to the children: ask them. For example:
Jesus is God‘s great gift to you! You can accept this gift by choosing to • How did you feel when you saw Jesus die/
trust and follow Jesus. It is your decision. Jesus alive?
• What did you think would happen when it went dark in the
middle of the afternoon?

8 The Good News Review

Number the images (in order) from each lesson. Once the children have reordered the pictures,
repeat the Good News phrases together several times (use your Memory Verse cards). Now that you
understand the Good News, do you want to follow Jesus? You can decide this today!

1. God made everything good. 6. Jesus died and came back to life. We can
2. We disobey God by sinning. decide to believe in Him and be His friend
3. God sent Jesus to rescue us. forever.
4. God loves children.
5. Trust in Jesus. 3 2 1 5 6 4

108 Student Book p.44

9 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.
Share the story of how you came to know and follow Jesus. Tell children that they can choose to follow
Jesus. Ask them to close their eyes and raise their hand if they want to follow Jesus today.

10 Remember 11 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Lead those children who want to accept Jesus in
the prayer of commitment.

God created me and loves me. Dear God, I know that I have made wrong choices
and have done bad things. I am sorry. Please forgive
me and change me. I believe Your Son, Jesus, died for
my sins, and I believe You raised Him from the dead.
Jesus is God‘s Son who died to take I want to follow Jesus all of my life. Thank You for
away my sins. loving me and making me Your child. Please fill me
with the Holy Spirit, so I will
have all the strength I need
to follow You. In Jesus’
He brings me into God‘s
name, amen.
family forever.

12 Commitment Certificate
Invite any children who prayed to accept Jesus to bring their books and come to you. You may dismiss the
other children.
Say: If you said the prayer and now trust Jesus, that is great news! You are a friend of Jesus and God! You
can choose to fill in the commitment certificate in your book. (Children who cannot write can put their
unique thumbprint on the certificate. Use an inkpad, marker, or pen).

Commitment Certificate!
On this day I have decided to believe that Jesus is God’s Son and to
follow Him for the rest of my life.

Name:

Date:

Signed: Teacher:

Student Book p.45 109

7 Help Others
Grow in the Gospel

Main Idea
Luke 5:17–26. Only God can forgive sin. Jesus shows He
is God.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
attendance chart.
Teacher tip: Helping children recognize
their strengths.
Story Background • Find out what interests them. Ask them questions about their lives
Jesus taught people about God in many places: on the hillside, at home, school, and play.
in the market, or by the lake. Jesus was teaching in an extremely • Ask children to help you with the lesson. Children love to help. This
crowded house when people came carrying their paralyzed friend gives them confidence and allows you to see positive qualities in
to Jesus. What happens next is amazing! them.
From this story we know that Jesus welcomes people with • Model forgiveness in your group so the children can experience this
disabilities. He loves it when friends put their faith into action. idea in their ordinary life.
But most importantly He shows us He can and will forgive
sins. Jesus proves He can forgive sins by completely healing a
man who could not move. Everyone left the house saying that
what happened was remarkable. Yes, Jesus can forgive us—
completely! Where do you need forgiveness in your life?

Prepare
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
reading Luke 5:17–26. Ask yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about Jesus?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking? Steps in the Lesson
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need Game: Impossible obstacle. Jesus can
1. Game: Impossible obstacle 1 do what we cannot do. He can heal and
• Large objects for groups to carry (example: chairs or bench) forgive sins. Plan to have teams of four
2. Review Lesson 6 to five people carry an object over three
3. Memory Verse obstacles of increasing difficulty:
• Memorize the verse and actions.
1. Easy (e.g., over a hurdle)
4. Sam‘s Story
2. Difficult (e.g., into a tree)
5. Tell the Story: Luke 5:17–26
3. Impossible (e.g., carry it one kilometer
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson.
into the sky)
6. Bible Discovery
7. Draw the Story When it becomes clear that the children
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring have concerns about challenge 2 or 3, sit
8. Tell Your Story everyone down and ask:
9. Challenge • Who liked the game?
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child • What was difficult about the game?
10. Remember • Is it possible to win this game?
11. Talk with God Say: Today we will learn about
• Pieces of paper large enough to tear into pieces a huge obstacle that only God
can get us over.
110
 Review Lesson 6. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 6 (Romans
10:9) on student book p.46. Instruct them This verse reminds us that through our love we
to write only Romans 10:9. While children can show others what Jesus is like. If you love
write, mark your attendance chart and ask one another, everyone will know you are my
if each child has shared the story. disciples. John 13:35
Ask: Do actions with the memory verse.
• Who can retell the Gospel story?
• “If you love one another . . .”
• To whom did you tell the story?
Action: in a circle, children
• What questions do you have?
run into the center toward each
other as they say the first part of
the verse.
• “ . . . everyone will know you are
my disciples.” Action: children
then turn around to face the
outside and run out with arms
wide, saying the second half of
the verse loudly.

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
What would you do to help a friend? Would you still help them if it was hard
for you?
Would you climb to the top of a mountain to save them if they had slipped
and fallen? Would you walk to the other side of the city to get medicine if they
needed it? Would you spend time every week helping someone learn how to
read?
The next story comes after Jesus had been traveling to many places teaching
and healing people. Crowds of people would gather to hear what He had to
say. They brought sick people to Him, hoping their friends and family would
be healed. This is what a group of friends in the next story were doing. They
believed Jesus had the power to heal their friend. They did something really
creative and bold to bring their friend to Jesus. Can you guess what they did?

Student Book p.48 111

5 Tell the Story: Luke 5:17–26

Paralyzed Man Friends Pharisees

He could not walk, They were Pharisees were
so he laid on a mat. determined to get religious leaders
the paralyzed man who followed
to Jesus. religious laws
strictly and who
opposed Jesus.

Show Picture 1 as you are telling the first part of the story.
Make sure you keep the healed man covered until the end of
the story.

One day Jesus was teaching. Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come
from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. They heard that the Lord had given Jesus
the power to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a
mat. They tried to take him into the house to place him in front of Jesus. They could not find a way to
do this because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. Luke 5:17–19a

Use your tone of voice to tell the surprising parts of the story: carrying a friend a long way, trying to
push through a crowd when carrying a bed, and taking him up onto the roof!

Then they lowered the man on his mat through the opening
in the roof tiles. They lowered him into the middle of the
crowd, right in front of Jesus.

Make your voice quiet and personal like Jesus is only speaking
to the paralyzed man.

112 Student Book p.49–51

 When Jesus saw that they had faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Use a tone that reflects quiet shock. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are thinking these things
but not saying them aloud.

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to think, “Who is this fellow who says such an evil
thing? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Luke 5:19b–21

Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he asked, “Why are

you thinking these things in your hearts? Is it easier to say,
‘Your sins are forgiven’? Or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? I want
you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins.” So he spoke to the man who could not walk. “I
tell you,” he said, “get up. Take your mat and go home.”

Uncover the picture of Jesus healing the paralyzed man.

Right away, the man stood up in front of them. He took his mat and went home praising God.
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with wonder. They said, “We have seen
unusual things today.” Luke 5:22–26

*The Bible talks about how we are to love others as we love ourselves. The best way we can love our
friends is to help them know Jesus. Just like the friends in the story, you can introduce your friends to
Jesus. He can forgive you and them. He can change their lives and give them hope because He is God.
Invite them to your home or your church and tell them about Jesus. All people need Jesus.

Student Book p.49–51 113

6 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story?
• If you were in the story, where would you be?
• Did the paralyzed man need forgiveness or healing most? Why?
Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? What have I learned and what will
• Who has the power to forgive sin? I do?
• Why did Jesus heal the paralyzed • Can you stop sinning by your
man as well as forgive his sins? own power?
• How do you ask for forgiveness?
What does this say about you and me?
• What are some of the things you *Summary is found on p. 83.
need every day? What is most
important?

Ask children to open their books and read or tell Option for older children: Children pretend to be
the story to a partner using the pictures. the paralyzed man and his friends in the story. Older children
After they retell the story, ask the children: interview them, asking questions.
• What did the men do to bring their friend to Jesus? For the paralyzed man: Were you scared when they lowered you
• Why were the religious leaders upset with Jesus? through the roof? What did Jesus say to you? How did you feel?
• How was the man changed when he left Jesus? For the friends: Why did you take your friend to Jesus? Were you
surprised at what happened to him? How did you feel when Jesus
Drama helped your friend?
In small groups, children create a still scene of one of the four
different parts of the story. Retell the story with each group
presenting their still scene in turn.

7 Draw the Story

Draw the story in the four boxes. Review the story with the children as they draw in the four boxes.

1. Some men came 2. They lowered the man 3. The Pharisees and the 4. The man stood up in
carrying a man who could on his mat through the teachers of the law began front of them . . .
not walk . . . opening in the roof tiles . . . to think . . .

116 Student Book p.52

8 Tell Your Story
Children tell their own story of how they decided to
believe and follow Jesus. Say: If you have made a decision
to follow Jesus, it is great to share this with others.
Ask:
• How would you feel if you had never heard about Jesus?
• How did you find out about Jesus?
• How is your life different now that you are trusting and
following Jesus?
Children write or draw their answers on the three
rugs below.
Children take turns telling their own story to a partner.
Ask them to think of three people to whom they could tell
their story.

9 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

10 Remember 11 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Give each of the children a piece of paper.
Say: Write your sins–the things you do, say, and
think that do not please God–on this piece of
Only God can forgive sin.
paper. Tear the piece of paper into pieces to
represent that Jesus has forgiven your sins. Let
us pray and thank Jesus for forgiving us!
Jesus forgives sin. Dear God, thank You that You love everyone I know.
Thank You for hearing my prayers and
forgiving my sin. Please help me to tell
Jesus is God. my friends about Jesus so they can
be forgiven too. Help me to love
others so they can see that I am
Your follower. In Jesus’ name,
amen.

Student Book p.53 117

8 Stay Close to Jesus
Grow in the Gospel

Main Idea
Luke 10:38–42. Jesus wants to be in relationship with us.
Spend time with Him every day.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
attendance chart.
Teacher tip: How children learn. Each child
learns differently. See examples:
Story Background • Learn by listening: stories, memorization, discussion.
Mary and Martha have a number of encounters with Jesus. (See • Learn by seeing: reading, illustrations, drawing.
John 11.) When Jesus visits their house, Martha makes herself • Learn by doing: role-play, games, physical activities.
busy doing many tasks to make Jesus feel welcome. Mary chooses
to simply sit and listen to Jesus. Martha gets upset. Surprisingly, Therefore, lessons need a variety of activities.
Jesus corrects Martha, not Mary. Mary acts like a disciple of Jesus Explore your attitudes: Girls as disciples
even though in their culture only men could be disciples. Jesus of Jesus. In Jesus’ day women were not allowed to become a
wants everyone to be His disciple. This is the greatest thing a disciple of a teacher like Jesus.
person can be: a disciple of Jesus. Prayer and worship are ways we In the story, Jesus encourages women to learn from and follow
stay connected to Jesus. Him. Jesus wants girls and boys to be His disciples equally.
Prepare • Are boys and girls treated differently or unequally in your
culture? Why?
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
• How do you think Jesus views boys and girls in His kingdom?
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
(See Lesson 4 to review how children are important to Jesus.)
reading Luke 10:38–42. Ask yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about Jesus?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do?
Steps in the Lesson
Lesson Agenda & What You Need
1. Game: Stay connected
Game: Stay connected. Divide the group
• A large area to run in teams
2. Review Lesson 7
1 into teams of five or six children. Each
3. Memory Verse team needs to stay connected throughout
• Memorize the verse and actions. the game by holding hands in a circle.
4. Sam‘s Story Send the teams on a race to the other side
5. Children mime of the meeting space. Add obstacles to
6. Tell the Story: Luke 10:38–42 make the race more difficult. At the end of
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson. the race ask:
7. Bible Discovery • Was it easy to stay connected?
8. Maze • What made this difficult?
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring
9. Plan the Day
10. Challenge
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
12. Talk with God
• Prepare “Talk to God” signs–Praise, Sorry, Please, Thanks

118
 Review Lesson 7. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 7 (John 13:35)
on student book p.68. Instruct them to Jesus taught His followers about staying close and
write only John 13:35. While children connected to Him. [Jesus said] “I am the vine.
write, mark your attendance chart and ask You are the branches. If anyone remains joined
if each child has shared the story. to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit.
You can’t do anything without me.” John 15:5
Ask:
• Who did you share the story with? Repeat the verse several times before moving
• What happened when you shared it? to the activity. In a circle children take turns
saying the verse one word at a time,
placing their hand on the
shoulder of the child next
to them. Repeat until all
children are connected and
know the verse.

4
Sam’s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
Have you ever been so busy that you missed the most important thing
you were supposed to do? I was very busy delivering gift boxes to
children just like you all over the world. But my engine was leaking oil,
and one wing was scratched and dented. I was having trouble landing
because the compass that helped guide me was not working. I was too
busy to stop and make sure everything was okay. One day everything
stopped working.
I could not go anywhere.
I was in trouble.
So my mechanic came to help me. He fixed me because he knew how I
worked. He knew everything about me! He even said he likes to spend
time with me. So I invited him to travel with me wherever I go.
Sometimes things still go wrong, but he is always with me to take care
of me.

Children mime housework

5 they have to do at home.
Other children guess what
they are doing.

Student Book p.54 119

6 Tell the Story: Luke 10:38–42

Tell the first part of the story without showing the picture.

Jesus and his disciples went on their way. Jesus came to a

village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed
him into her home. She had a sister named Mary.
Luke 10:38–39a
(In student book.)

Partly reveal illustration. Show Jesus talking to Mary and the

disciples while covering Martha with your hand.

Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Reveal Martha.
But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my
sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don’t you care? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 10:39b–40

120 Student Book p.55–57

 Jesus‘ voice is gentle and full of compassion.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and

upset about many things. But only one thing is needed."

Use a firm voice for Jesus–He is protecting Mary‘s choice to be His disciple.

"Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41–42

Student Book p.55–57 121

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story? (Jesus, disciples, Martha, Mary)
• What surprising thing happened?
• Where did Mary spend time with Jesus? (at His feet)

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? Jesus invites boys and girls to be His disciples.
• Does God want to be friends with He wants to spend more time with us so that we
us and spend time with us? will be in relationship with Him and learn from
Him. If we focus only on DOING FOR Jesus,
What does this say about you and me? and not BEING WITH Jesus, then we miss the
• How is the experience of Sam and “better thing.”
his mechanic like this story?
• Why is it important for us to spend
time with Jesus?

What have I learned and what will I do?

• When is the best time to talk
to God?
• How can being at church help us
focus on being with God?

Ask children to open their books and read or tell Drama (option for older children):
the story to a partner using the pictures. Swap • Work in groups of five children.
places and do it again. • Make a short drama to retell the story as it might happen in your
After they retell the story, ask the children: day-to-day life.
• Did you remember everything about the story?

8 Maze
Help Martha get to Jesus without being distracted. Be sure to avoid the pictures that would distract
Martha from going directly to Jesus.

124 Student Book p.58

9 Plan the Day
This is a timeline of your day. Put these Eat Pray and worship God
symbols in the space below to show when you will School or home Play
do these things.

Morning Daytime Evening

Say: You can pause any time during the day to

pray and worship—when you eat, drink, play,
walk, or help at home.

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . This prayer journey has four signs. Lead the
children from one sign to the next, modeling
Praise, Sorry, Please, and Thanks prayers.
My relationship with Jesus is most
important. 1. Praise. Praise God for who He is out loud as
you move to the second sign.
2. Sorry. Silently say sorry to God for things
you do, say, and think against Him.

Spend time with Him every day.

3. Please. Ask God for things you or
others need.
4. Thanks. Thank God for
what He is doing as
you finish.

Student Book p.59 125

9 Trust God
Grow in the Gospel

Main Idea
1 Samuel 17:2–50. God is trustworthy in the most
difficult times.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
attendance chart.
Teacher tip: Model trust to the children.
• Share a story about a time you had to trust God.
Story Background • When you offer to pray for the children, invite them to pray for
This story captures us because a young man triumphs over his you too.
huge enemy. It is important to know that this enemy set himself • Invite children to help you. This shows that you trust them.
against God. Goliath mocked the living God. There will be many
big enemies and obstacles in our lives that oppose God. Like Teacher tip: Growing as a disciple. Many
David we need to bring our concerns to God and trust Him to deal ideas and people oppose God in our world. Sometimes children
with them. David knows he can trust the living God as he stands are drawn into arguments, fights, and even wars started by
up to Goliath. In what difficult situation in your life do you need adults. While David was clearly directed by God in his responses,
to trust God? this does not mean all children who love and serve God should
become soldiers or participate in killings. God enabled David to
Prepare be His warrior at that time, for that purpose. Take care as you
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers guide the children. Help them understand God wants to bless all
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and people with peace and fellowship with Him.
reading 1 Samuel 17:2–50. Ask yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about God?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need

1. Game: Trust and balance game
2. Review Lesson 8
3. Memory Verse Steps in the Lesson
• Memorize the verse.
4. Sam‘s Story
5. Meet the Characters Game: Trust & balance game. Divide
• Some heights and measured weights to compare with Goliath, 1 children into pairs who are approximately
Saul‘s armor, and David. the same size. Ask them to stand toe to toe,
6. Tell the Story: 1 Samuel 17:2–50 hold hands, and lean back, balancing one
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson. another. Encourage them to talk to each
7. Bible Discovery other to build coordination and trust. Make
8. David: The Boy Who Trusted God it harder by sitting and then standing in
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring this way. Ask:
9. Trusting in God • How did you feel when you were doing
• Pencils for writing/drawing this activity?
10. Challenge • How did you
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child build your trust with
11. Remember each other?
12. Talk with God
• Small pieces or scraps of paper and a container

126
 Review Lesson 8. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 8 (John 15:5)
on student book p.68. Instruct them to This verse reminds us that we get our strength
write only John 15:5. While children from God. I can do everything by the power of
write, mark your attendance chart and ask Christ. He gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
if each child has shared the story.
Children work in groups of four or five. Each
Ask: group makes up a short song with a clapping
• Who did you share the story with? beat. Each group sings it for the others at
• What happened when you shared it? the end.

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
I remember a time when there was a huge storm over the airport when I was coming
in to land. Big black clouds rose high into the sky and rain beat down. I could not
see where I was going. Other planes turned back because they were afraid of the
lightning and could not see the runway.
It was just me against the big storm. I was afraid and knew I could not do it on my
own. Suddenly the radio sounded and the control tower told me I could still land if I
trusted them and listened carefully to their instructions. I knew that with their help I
could be brave. I just had to trust them.
Many leaders in the Bible stood up for their faith and trusted God. Daniel did so
in the lions‘ den (Daniel 6:3–27) as did his friends named Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:3–28).
Find out what happens when a small boy stands up to a giant who scared every
other soldier.

Meet the Characters: Show some objects to Goliath

5 help children understand the story. Give them Man from Gath who is a Philistine
to children to see and hold in their hands. warrior. He likes himself, feeling
• Goliath’s height: point to a spot on the important, and fighting.
wall or ceiling that is 274 centimeters/9
feet tall. Saul
• Saul’s armor: a backpack weighing about King of the Israelite army.
15 kilograms/33 pounds.
• David’s equipment: small bag and five
pebbles. David
A boy from Bethlehem who
shepherded sheep. David trusts God.
He would later be king of Israel.

Student Book p.60 127

6 Tell the Story: 1 Samuel 17:2–50

Israelites Philistines
God‘s special people who dislike Enemies of Israelites who like
being attacked. insulting God.

Build up the picture of powerful Goliath with your words and

hand gestures. You could stand on a chair or bench.

Saul and the army of Israel gathered together. They camped in

the Valley of Elah. They lined up their men to fight against the
Philistines. The Philistine army was camped on one hill. Israel’s
army was on another. The valley was between them.
A mighty hero named Goliath came out of the Philistine camp. He was from Gath. He was more than
nine feet tall.
Goliath stood and shouted to the soldiers of Israel. He said, “Why do you come out and line up for
battle? I’m a Philistine. You are servants of Saul. Choose one of your men. Have him come down and
face me. If he’s able to fight and kill me, we’ll become your slaves. But if I win and kill him, you will
become our slaves and serve us.” Goliath continued, “This very day I dare the soldiers of Israel to send a
man down to fight against me.” Saul and the whole army of Israel heard what the Philistine said. They
were terrified. 1 Samuel 17: 2–4, 8–11

Now show the second picture.

David reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle
[Link] ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. As
David was talking with them, Goliath stepped forward from his
line. Goliath was a mighty Philistine hero from Gath. He again
dared someone to fight him, and David heard it.
When Israel’s army saw Goliath, all of them ran away from him.
That’s because they were filled with fear.

128 Student Book p.61–65

When speaking as David, emphasize the disgust that he feels toward Goliath mocking the living God.

David spoke to the men who were standing near him. He asked them, “What will be done for the man
who kills this Philistine? Goliath is bringing shame on Israel. He dares the armies of the living God to
fight him. Who does he think he is?” Someone heard what David said and reported it to Saul. So Saul
sent for him. 1 Samuel 17:20b, 22b–24, 26a, 26c, 31
David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone lose hope because of that Philistine. I’ll go out and fight him.”
Saul replied, “You aren’t able to go out there and fight that Philistine. You are too young. He’s been a
fighting man ever since he was a boy.”
But David said to Saul, “I’ve been taking care of my father’s sheep. The Lord saved me from the paw
of the lion. He saved me from the paw of the bear. And he’ll save me from the powerful hand of this
Philistine too.”
Saul said to David, “Go. And may the Lord be with you.” Then Saul dressed David in his own military
clothes. He put a coat of armor on him. He put a bronze helmet on his head.
“I can’t go out there in all of this armor,” he said to Saul. “I’m not used to it.” So he took it off. Then
David picked up his wooden staff. He went down to a stream and chose five smooth stones. He put
them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. Then he took his sling in his hand and approached Goliath. 1
Samuel 17:32–34a, 37–38, 39b–40
Goliath looked David over. “Come over here,” he said. “I’ll
feed your body to the birds of the air! I’ll feed it to the wild
animals!”

Reflect David's confidence in God as you speak David‘s words.

David said to Goliath, “You are coming to fight against me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m
coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all. He is the God of the armies of Israel.
He’s the one you have dared to fight against.
“This very day the Lord will hand you over to me. Then the whole world will know there is a God in
Israel. The Lord doesn’t save by using a sword or a spear. And everyone who is here will know it. The
battle belongs to the Lord. He will hand all of you over to us.”1 Samuel 17:42a, 44–46a, 46c–47
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet him. He
reached into his bag. He took out a stone. He put it in his sling. He slung it at Goliath. The stone hit
him on the forehead and sank into it. He fell to the ground on his face.
So David won the fight against Goliath with a sling and a stone. 1 Samuel 17:48–50a

Student Book p.61–65 129

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• What do you like about this story?
• What questions do you have when you hear this story?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about God? What have I learned and what will I do?
• Why did God work through David • What does this story teach
rather than the king’s army? us about trusting God with
• How did David show he these obstacles?
trusted God? • How do you show God that you
• Can we trust God? trust Him in difficult times?

What does this say about you and me?

We show our love for God by trusting Him,
• What does it mean for you to
the way David does in the story. Trusting God
trust God?
means knowing He is in charge of everything
• What large obstacles do you have that happens in our lives and in the world.
in your life that oppose God? Sometimes we can forget that God knows much
more than we do. He knows what has happened
in the past, what’s happening now, and what
will happen in the future. Knowing this gives us
hope. You can trust God with your whole life.

Ask children to open their books and read or tell Interviews (option for older children):
the story to a partner using the pictures. Swap Ask four children to pretend to be a character from the story:
roles and do it again. David, Goliath, an Israelite soldier, and King Saul. They sit at the
After they retell the story, ask the children: front while other children in the class ask them questions.
• Did you remember everything about the story? • What did you believe about God before the battle?
• What do you believe about God after young David was able to
beat huge Goliath?
• Why is this story so surprising?

8 David: The Boy Who Trusted God

Review the story with the children as they color
the picture of God’s victory through David.

132 Student Book p.66

9 Trusting in God
You can be like David and trust in God. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not
depend on your own understanding. In all your ways remember him. Then he will make your paths
smooth and straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6. God wants us to trust Him and not in ourselves.
What things do you need God’s help with? Examples are family worries, concern about where you live,
problems with friends, sadness, or school difficulties. Write your concerns on these five stones.

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Give each child a small piece of paper. Ask them
to write one of their concerns on the paper. Tell
them that we will give each concern to God by
God is trustworthy. rolling it into a ball and then throwing it into a
container you are holding.
Dear God, thank You for being in charge of everything
and always doing what is right. Please help me to
I can trust God in the difficult times.
trust You more and be brave in life with Your help.
Thank You that I can talk to You and ask for strength
and courage in the difficulties I face. Thank You for
I can trust God because He sent Jesus, who was so brave in dying
Jesus to save me. on the cross for me and showing
us how to depend on You. In
Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.67 133

10 Hope in Heaven
Share the Gospel

Main Idea
John 14:1–6 and Revelation 7:9–10, 16–17,
21:3–4. Jesus prepared heaven perfectly for us to live forever
9. Dot-to-Dot Drawing
10. Challenge
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
with Him.
12. Talk with God
Story Background • Paper for writing names
Life can be difficult now. The world is not the way it should be Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
because of greed, hatred, and war. Relationships are broken attendance chart.
because of sin. God gave each of us a longing for things to be Teacher tip: How to discipline children
right in the end. Most stories have this hope of a happy ending.
The good news is that God’s big story told throughout the Bible • Notice when children are doing the right thing. Encourage them as
has a big and happy ending. He promises to bring everything you speak to them. Smile at children often.
together perfectly under Jesus’ rule. He promises to prepare a • If children are being disruptive, ask them to stop what they are
place in His family for those who believe in Him. Justice and doing. If they continue to be disruptive, ask them to step out of the
goodness will fill heaven, as will perfect health, peace, and no lesson for five minutes to think about their negative behavior and
need to cry or feel sad again. We have a great hope for the future. plan how they can come back to the lesson and be helpful. Invite
It is good news we can tell others about. them back to the lesson and say you forgive them.
• Never hit a child or say mean things to them.
Prepare Teacher tip: Children who are at risk of
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers abuse. As trust grows between you and the children, you may
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and become aware of children who are at risk or already suffering
reading John 14:1–6 and Revelation 7:9–10, 16–17, and 21:3–4. from violence or abuse. It is normal for them to tell you about
Ask yourself these questions: their difficulties. They may alert you by misbehaving or wanting
• What does this story tell us about Jesus? to get your attention in inappropriate ways.
• What does it say about people? What to do:
• How does it challenge my thinking? • Ask questions to try and understand their home life. Visit their
• What have I learned and what will I do? homes.
Lesson Agenda & What You Need • Pray for the child and encourage them.
• Obey the laws of your nation and report any child abuse
1. Game: Party celebration to authorities.
• Any equipment for your chosen party activity, game, dance, or • Ask for prayer and support from your Ministry Partner
song Representative.
2. Review Lesson 9
3. Memory Verse
• Memorize the verse and actions.
4. Sam’s Story Steps in the Lesson
5. Brainstorm
6. Tell the Story: John 14:1–6 and Revelation 7:9–10, 16–17,
Game: Party celebration. Choose a
21:3–4
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson.
1 celebration (party, festival) game, dance,
7. Bible Discovery or song from your culture to celebrate
• For younger children: paper for drawing with the children. This
8. Match the Pictures activity will remind
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring children this lesson is about
the joy in heaven!

134
 Review Lesson 9. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 9 (Philippians
4:13) on student book p.68. Instruct them This verse reminds us what heaven will be like.
to write only Philippians 4:13. While He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
children write, mark your attendance There will be no more death or sadness. There
chart and ask if each child has shared will be no more crying or pain. Things are no
the story. longer the way they used to be. Revelation 21:4
Ask: Create actions together for the important words
in the verse. Say it and act it out all together.
• Who did you share the story with? Repeat.
• What happened when you shared it?

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
What would a perfect world look like? What would be different from what you
see around you?
Imagine if everyone had plenty of food to eat. Imagine if nobody got sick.
Imagine if there were no fights or wars. Imagine if everybody loved and cared
for each other.
It is difficult for us to imagine such a good place because we have never seen
anything like it. There are many terrible things in the world now because
people sin. There is greed, hatred, selfishness, revenge, and war.
We know that Jesus will forgive those who trust Him. They will also be able to
be with God forever in heaven. Heaven is a perfect place with no sin and no
suffering. Best of all—heaven is where God is!
Jesus gave us word pictures and ideas to help us imagine what heaven will
be like.

Brainstorm ideas about what would make

5 a wonderful party. List ideas from these
categories: location, people attending,
activities, food, and clothes.

Student Book p.70 135

6 Tell the Story: John 14:1–6; Revelation 7:9–10, 16–17, 21:3–4

Lamb
Jesus is sometimes called “Lamb” or
“Lamb of God” in the Bible. When you
read “the Lamb” remember this means
Jesus—God’s Son!

The Bible tells us the world we Introduce the Bible story by sharing about the book
live in will not last forever. At of Revelation.
the end of the Bible, a book called
Revelation tells us what will
happen next.

This book is about a vision given

by God to a man named John,
who wrote about what he saw.

Jesus said to His disciples:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in me also.
“There are many rooms in my Father’s house. If this were not
true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a
place for you. If I go and do that, I will come back. And I will
take you to be with me. Then you will also be where I am.
“You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are
going. So how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1–6

136 Student Book p.71–73

 After this I looked, and there in front of me was a huge crowd
of people. They stood in front of the throne and in front of
the Lamb. There were so many that no one could count them.
They came from every nation, tribe, people and language.
They were wearing white robes. In their hands they were
holding palm branches.
They cried out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne. Salvation also belongs to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9–10

“Never again will they be hungry. Never again will they be

thirsty. The sun will not beat down on them. The heat of the
desert will not harm them. The Lamb, who is at the center of
the area around the throne, will be their shepherd. He will
lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:16–17

In Revelation, John describes I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, “Now God makes
what it will be like in heaven for his home with people. He will live with them. They will be his
those who follow Jesus.
people. And God himself will be with them and be their God."

Have the children repeat the Memory Verse with you.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will
be no more death or sadness. There will be no more crying
or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be.”
Revelation 21:3–4

Student Book p.71–73 137

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story?
• What did you think was most amazing?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? The Bible gives us a glimpse of what heaven
• Does God already live in this will be like. All the good things we experience
perfect place called heaven? on earth like love and friendship will be even
• Draw a picture of what you better in heaven. Those people who do not put
imagine heaven to be like. their trust in Jesus will miss eternity with God.
They will be in hell, separated forever from God
What does this say about you and me? and all that is good. Jesus promised many good
• Does God want you to be in things in heaven—no more pain, suffering, or
heaven with Him? Why? sin. We will see followers of Jesus from all over
• Who is invited to heaven? the world. As we hope in Jesus, it will change
how we live our lives today.
What have I learned and what will I do?
• How does anyone get to heaven?
(Trust Jesus)
• When does anyone get to heaven?
(After death)

Ask children to sit in groups of three to retell Statues

the stories using their books. Ask children to stand facing a partner. One will be “clay” and
After they retell the story, ask the children: one will be the “sculptor.” As you say different words, the “sculptor”
• How does the Bible describe heaven? must shape the “clay” to express the idea. Words: sad, hungry, pain.
• How will heaven be different from earth? Swap roles and do it again with these new words: joy,
• What does Jesus mean when He says: “I am the way, the truth love, worship.
and the life”?
This activity helps to contrast life on earth with life in heaven.

8 Match the Pictures

Read each verse from your Bible and ask the children to identify the picture that goes with the story.
The children may color the pictures if time allows.

Revelation John Luke Revelation Revelation

7:9 14:1–6 14:16b–24 21:4 21:1–2

140 Student Book p.74

9 Dot-to-Dot Drawing
Connect the dots around Jesus. Draw 6
7
8
5 11
friends and family whom you would like 4 10
9

12
to see in heaven too. 3 13
2 14

15
1
28 18
27
17 16

25 19
26 29 20
24 21
23 22

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Our eternal life starts the moment we start
following Jesus. We no longer need to fear evil
or death. We can learn to live Jesus’ way. We can
Heaven is the perfect place to live. tell others the Good News of Jesus and heaven.
Say: Place your hands on pictures of friends
and family you drew in the dot-to-dot activity.
Jesus is alive! He lives and Let us pray that all of these will
rules in heaven. hear the Good News of Jesus.
Dear God, thank You for
heaven. Thank You for
He has prepared a place for
preparing a place for me.
me with Him. Please help me tell others
about You. Thank You that
my life with You has already
started. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.75 141

11Love Others
Share the Gospel

Main Idea
Luke 10:25–37. Show the love of Jesus to others, even our
enemies, in words and actions.
10. Challenge
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child
11. Remember
12. Talk with God
Story Background Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use attendance
The teachers of the law often asked Jesus questions. They tried to chart.
test Him and find errors in what He said. Jesus tells the story of Teacher tip: Different learning styles
the Good Samaritan to answer a question about whom God wants
us to love. Does a neighbor include an enemy or someone we do • All children learn differently, so make the activities varied.
not like? • Remember to tell them, show them, and let them do things for
themselves. Hear, see, and do.
The Jews and the Samaritans were not friendly to one another • Children learn best when they have to teach someone else or do
even though they were close neighbors. The priests and Levites something with what they have learned.
did not respect the Samaritans and wanted nothing to do with
them. So it is a huge surprise to everyone when Jesus tells the Teacher tip: How to stop bullying
story with the least likely person as the hero, the Samaritan. How 1. Pray for peace and a trusting and safe environment in
does this apply to us today? your group.
2. Pay attention to the group. Never let a culture of bullying
Prepare grow in your group. Intervene immediately.
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
3. Stay calm and be wise. Talk to the child alone and not in
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
front of the group. Identify the bullying behavior and ask
reading Luke 10:25–37. Ask yourself these questions:
the child to stop.
• What does this story tell us about Jesus?
4. Recognize someone else outside of your group may be
• What does it say about people?
intimidating the bully. The bully has learned that this
• How does it challenge my thinking?
behavior is okay from another older bully.
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need

1. Game: Circle ball
• Ball to throw
Steps in the Lesson
2. Review Lesson 10
3. Memory Verse Game: Circle ball. Children form a circle
• Memorize the verse and actions. 1 facing in and toss a ball across the circle.
4. Sam‘s Story Three children stand inside the circle and
5. Brainstorm try to catch the ball. If they catch it, they
• Prepare something to share. trade places with a child on the outside.
6. Tell the Story: Luke 10:25–37 Play until frustration shows. Ask:
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson.
• How did you feel if you missed the ball?
7. Bible Discovery
• What did you do to try to get it?
• Optional: Choose a song to sing with younger children about
helping others Say: All people need love. It is difficult when
8. Story Puzzle they miss out.
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring
• How do you feel when you don’t feel
9. Love in Action
loved?

142
 Review Lesson 10. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their 3 Memory Verse
memory verse from Lesson 10 (Revelation
21:4) on student book p.92. Instruct This verse reminds us how to love God and
them to write only Revelation 21:4. While people. Learn this verse using actions. He
children write, mark your attendance answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all
chart and ask if each child has shared your heart and with all your soul. Love him with
the story. all your strength and with all your mind.’ And,
‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”
Ask:
Luke 10:27
• Who did you share the story with?
• What happened when you shared it?
Love Heart Soul Strength Mind Neighbor

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
What is it like when something happens that you do not expect?
One time I had so many packages and letters to deliver that I could not take
them all at one time. I did not know what to do! So I looked around the
airport and only saw a small plane with big scratches all over him. He did
not talk to anyone and stayed by himself. I was scared to ask him for help. I
thought he would just yell at me and tell me to go away. To my surprise he
came to me and asked if he could help. He saw that I looked worried and was
surrounded by a mountain of boxes. I was surprised! He was the last person I
expected to help me!
The next story is one told by Jesus and describes people doing some
unexpected things.

Man Levite
A traveler who was robbed and Someone who helped the priest with
beaten. work in the temple.
Priest Samaritan
Someone who did important work in Samaritans were looked down upon and
the Jewish temple. treated poorly by Jewish people.

Brainstorm. Ask children to think of a time

5 when an unexpected person helped them.
Share a time when an unexpected person
helped you.

Student Book p.76 143

6 Tell the Story: Luke 10:25–37

Law Temple Jewish People

The Law was The meeting place God‘s chosen
given to Moses, an between God and people from the Old
important leader His people. Testament.
of God’s people, by
God to show them
how they should live.

Tell the first part of the story without showing the picture.

One day an authority on the law stood up to put Jesus to the

test. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to receive eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you
(In student book.)
understand it?”

Have the children repeat the Memory Verse with you.

He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with
all your strength and with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) And, ‘Love your neighbor as you love
yourself.’ “ (Leviticus 19:18)
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do that, and you will live.”
But the man wanted to make himself look good. So he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:25–29

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to

Jericho. Robbers attacked him. They stripped off his clothes
and beat him. Then they went away, leaving him almost dead.

144 Student Book p.77–81

 A priest happened to be going down that same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the
other side. A Levite also came by. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side too.”
“But a Samaritan came to the place where the man was. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him.
He went to him, poured olive oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them.” Luke 10: 30–34a

“Then he put the man on his own donkey. He took him to an

inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver
coins. He gave them to the owner of the inn. ‘Take care of
him,’ he said. ‘When I return, I will pay you back for any extra
expense you may have.’” Luke 10:34b–35

“Which of the three do you think was a neighbor to the man

who was attacked by robbers?”

Pause and ask the children for their answers. "Who was the
good neighbor?"
(In student book.)

The authority on the law replied, “The one who felt sorry for him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do as he did.” Luke 10:36–37

*It is easy to stop and help a friend. The Good Samaritan story teaches us to love those who are not
our friends. This is the kind of love Jesus wants us to have for others. He showed this kind of love
when He died for people who were not friends with Him. The best ways we can love our neighbors
are showing them Jesus’ love by our kind actions and telling them the Good News that Jesus wants to
rescue them. We need to love them first. The Bible says, “We love because he loved us first.”
1 John 4:19.

Student Book p.77–81 145

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story? (Jesus, an authority of the law, man, owner of the inn, robbers, priest, Levite,
and Samaritan.)
• What was each character like? (Many answers.)
• Why do you think the teacher of the law asked Jesus who his neighbor is?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about Jesus? What have I learned and what will I do?
• Does God only love those who • Does God want us to show His love
have trusted Him? to others by helping them?
• How does God show His love to • What words can you say when
the world? someone is mean to you?
• What actions can you do when
What does this say about you and me?
someone makes you sad?
• Is it difficult to be kind to some
people? Why?
*Summary is found on p. 115.
• Can we sometimes be more like
those who walk by and do not
stop to help than we are like the
Good Samaritan?

Ask children to sit in small groups of four or Drama (option for older children):
five. One person from each group starts to tell Work in small groups of five children. Make a short drama that
the story and then passes on to the next person tells the Good Samaritan story in your time and place. Discuss
to tell the next part. Go around the circle until who could represent a Samaritan in your context (for example,
the story is told. someone who is feared or hated).
After they retell the story, ask the children:
Song (option for younger children):
• What surprised you most in this story?
Sing a familiar song about helping others.
• Who would you expect to help the injured man?

8 Story Puzzle
Ask children to number the pictures from the story in the correct order. Children may color the
pictures if time allows.

Samaritan 4 3
helping the 2
Levite
man
Priest passing by passing by
1
ligious
Jesus and re
g
leader talkin

148 Student Book p.82

9 Love in Action

Today I will love and help others. Draw two

things you can do or two people you can help—
not just your friends.

Option for older children:

Challenge them with a more difficult task to
help others. Encourage them to think of one
activity they can do on their own and one that
they can do as a team with other children. For
example: visit an orphanage, help an elderly
person, or clean up the market or playground.

10 Challenge
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Be sure to remind the children how special
this card is.
Remind the children to take good care of their cards. There is only one card for each child. Remind them to
keep it in a special place.
Show the children how to use the card to share the Bible story. Ask the children to use their cards to
practice telling the story to a partner.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the story with someone this week. Draw their pictures or
write their names.

11 Remember 12 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Sit with a partner. Ask children to think about
someone they find difficult to love, even an
enemy. Quietly share about the person and
God loves and cares for everyone. pray together, asking God to help you show love
to them.
Dear God, thank You that You give me the strength to
Jesus loves His enemies. help others. Help me to love and serve those around me,
So should I.
even those who are not my friends. Show me how they
need help and kindness. Jesus, make me more like You
in the words I say and the kindness I show
I show Jesus’ love in others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
words and actions.

Student Book p.83 149

12 Tell Others
Share the Gospel

Main Idea
Acts 5:17–42. The Good News of Jesus is so important we
must never stop telling others.
Pray for all the children in your class by name. Use
attendance chart.
How to continue to follow up with children
• Visit them in their homes and meet their families.
Story Background • Write letters to children. Send them holiday cards.
Before Jesus went to heaven, He commissioned His apostles to go • Link each child with a healthy Christ-centered local church.
and make other disciples. They boldly told others about the new • Invite children to help. They could help with gift box
life Jesus was offering. They could not keep this good news to distribution. Older children could help co-lead the next
themselves even when it was dangerous to tell others. Greatest Journey group.
But God did not leave them alone to do this important task. He
Discipling children: Courage to speak
left them with the Holy Spirit to guide them and remind them of
all the things Jesus had told them. We can encourage children to tell the Good News. This truly is
God’s Good News—it has spread around the world because God
News of Jesus spread everywhere because His followers told
has made it happen!
everyone; they went to homes, markets, and places of worship.
We have heard the Good News of Jesus today because His • Pray as a group for those who will meet resistance—like the
followers continue to tell others about Jesus from the Bible. apostles did.
• Ask God to give each of you wisdom about when to speak and
Prepare courage to speak.
Look through the lesson and prepare each step. Write answers
to questions as you prepare to teach. Spend time praying and
reading Acts 5:17–42. Ask yourself these questions:
• What does this story tell us about Jesus?
• What does it say about people?
• How does it challenge my thinking?
• What have I learned and what will I do?

Lesson Agenda & What You Need

1. Game: Chain reaction
2. Review Lesson 11 Steps in the Lesson
3. Memory Verse
• Memorize the verse and make up motions to go with it.
Game: Chain reaction. Children stand in a
4. Sam‘s Story
5. Ask
1 circle. One child begins by doing one small
6. Tell the Story: Acts 5:17–42 action like a hop or a sound and motion
• Consider a song you may wish to use during the lesson. combination. The child next to them does
7. Bible Discovery this same action but a little bit bigger (i.e.,
8. Match the Pictures slightly bigger hop). Each child takes turns
• Pencils and crayons for writing, drawing, and coloring around the circle, the action growing
9. Challenge bigger each time. Start again with a new
• Memory Verse Card–one for each child action when it gets too big.
10. Remember Say: Small words and actions can have a
11. Talk with God big effect, just like telling others the Good
• A piece of paper for each child News. One person tells five people. Those
five tell twenty-five others and those tell
over one hundred people!
150
 Review Lesson 11. Hand out student
2 books. Ask children to write their memory 3 Memory Verse
verse from Lesson 11 (Luke 10:27) on
student book p.92. Instruct them to write This verse reminds us how to love God and
only Luke 10:27. While children write, people. Teach this verse using the motions you
mark your attendance chart and ask if created. So you must go and make disciples of
each child has shared the story. all nations. Baptize them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Ask:
Matthew 28:19
• Who did you share the story with?
• What happened when you shared it?

4
Sam‘s Story (Tell this story to the children.)
When we receive a great gift, it is normal to want to tell others about it. We
become excited about the gift and want to show others and tell them about
this great gift!
I remember the first day I worked as a delivery airplane. I was so excited
about visiting different countries all around the world. I was going to meet
new people. My whole life had changed. Everywhere I went, others asked me
about my new job. "Is it fun?" or "Where will you get to go?" they would ask. I
could not stop telling them about it.
Do you remember the Great Gift God gave us and the Good News we all
should tell people? Look back at Lesson 6.
After Jesus died and God raised Him back to life, He sent His disciples out into
the world to tell people the Good News about what He had done to save us
from our sin problem. The book called Acts in the Bible has stories about where
the disciples went and what they did. The disciples are also called apostles.
The next story is about the apostle Peter and some of the other apostles.
They were very excited to tell people about Jesus. Some authorities at the
time were not so happy about the apostles doing this.
Would the apostles be successful in sharing the Good News or would they
be stopped?

Ask: What kind of news have you heard

5 that you wanted to share with others?

Student Book p.84 151

6 Tell the Story: Acts 5:17–42

Sadducees Priests Turn from sin

Sadducees were Priests were When we turn away from sin, we
a powerful group important religious are sorry for our sin and ask God
of people who leaders who worked to forgive us. We repent and
opposed Jesus. in the temple. turn to God.

The high priest and all his companions were Sadducees. They
were very jealous of the apostles. So they arrested them
and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night
an angel of the Lord came. He opened the prison doors and
brought the apostles out. “Go! Stand in the temple courtyard,”
the angel said. “Tell the people all about this new life.”
Early the next day they did as they had been told. They
entered the temple courtyard. There they began to teach the
people. Acts 5:17–21a

The high priest and his companions arrived. They called the
Sanhedrin together. The Sanhedrin was a gathering of all
the elders of Israel. They sent for the apostles who were in
prison. The officers arrived at the prison. But they didn’t find
the apostles there. So they went back and reported it. “We
found the prison locked up tight,” they said. “The guards were
standing at the doors. But when we opened the doors, we
didn’t find anyone inside.” When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this
report, they were bewildered. They wondered what would happen next.
Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courtyard.
They are teaching the people.” Acts 5:21b–25

152 Student Book p.85–89

 Use a firm voice for the high priest.

So the captain went with his officers and brought the

apostles back.
The high priest questioned them. “We gave you clear orders
not to teach in Jesus’ name,” he said. “But you have filled
Jerusalem with your teaching. You want to make us guilty of
this man’s death.”
Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God instead of people! You had Jesus killed by
nailing him to a cross. But the God of our people raised Jesus from the dead. Now Jesus is Prince and
Savior. God has proved this by giving him a place of honor at his own right hand. He did it so that he
could turn Israel away from their sins and forgive them. We are witnesses of these things. And so is
the Holy Spirit. God has given the Spirit to those who obey him.” Acts 5:26a, 27b–32

When the leaders heard this, they became very angry. They
wanted to put the apostles to death. But a Pharisee named
Gamaliel stood up in the Sanhedrin. He was a teacher of the
law. He was honored by all the people. He ordered the men
to be taken outside for a little while. Then he spoke to the
Sanhedrin. “Men of Israel,” he said, “Leave these men alone!
Let them go! If their plans and actions are only human, they will fail. But if their plans come from
God, you won’t be able to stop these men. You will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
His speech won the leaders over. They called the apostles in and had them whipped. The leaders
ordered them not to speak in Jesus’ name. Then they let the apostles go.
The apostles were full of joy as they left the Sanhedrin. They considered it an honor to suffer shame
for the name of Jesus. Day after day, they kept teaching in the temple courtyards and from house to
house. They never stopped telling the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:33–35a, 38b–42

Student Book p.85–89 153

7 Bible Discovery
Ask and discuss the following questions with the children:
• Who was in this story?
• What was surprising in this story?

Children may write answers to these questions in their books as you discuss them.

What does this story tell us about What have I learned and what will
Jesus? I do?
• How does God show His love • How has this story encouraged
to the world? you to be bold and tell others?
• How does God show His love • Who can you tell about Jesus?
to you?

Jesus’ apostles were so excited about what they

What does this say about you and me?
had seen that they wanted to tell everyone they
• What sorts of things might stop
could. They knew it was very important that
you from telling others the Good
people hear the Good News about how they
News of Jesus?
could be saved from their sins by believing in
• How can you still show respect and following Jesus. It was so important that
and tell others about Jesus? people hear the Good News about Jesus that the
apostles were willing to risk their own lives. The
apostles knew that no hardship could stop them
from being friends with God.

Children sit in pairs and take turns telling this story to one another using the pictures from
their books.
After they retell the story, ask the children:
• How did the apostles obey God?
• What was it like for the apostles to tell others about Jesus?

8 Match the Pictures

Ask children to draw a line to match the words with the pictures. Children may color the pictures if
time allows. Option for younger children: Teacher lead the activity.

Apostles going from Apostles teaching in Guards looking in at Angel appears to

house to house the temple empty jail cell apostles

156 Student Book p.90

9 Challenge: The Great Commission
Hand out the memory verse cards for this week to each child. Remind the children to take good care of
their cards.
Say: This verse was told to Jesus’ followers–they needed to tell others about Jesus. Now you are His
follower also. Part of following Jesus is telling others about Him. Use your cards to practice telling the
story to a partner.
Say: Through these lessons together, we have learned that Jesus is alive and can forgive our sin. He can also
forgive your friends and family so that they can be with God in heaven too. They need to believe in and follow
Jesus. Telling them about Jesus is the greatest gift you can give them. It is a good thing to tell others: God loved
the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but
will have eternal life. John 3:16

Draw or write the names of family or friends who need to know about Jesus: Say (while children are drawing or writing names):
Remember the memory verse from Lesson 6.
Say: Don’t forget that you can tell your story too! Share all
about how you came to know Jesus and share God’s love in
your actions.
Say: Raise your hand if you are going to share the Good News
of Jesus Christ with these nine people. Sign your commitment.

On this day I committed to praying for and sharing my faith with my family and friends.
Date: Signed:

10 Remember 11 Talk with God

Have the children repeat after you . . . Say: Just like we need to tell others about Jesus,
we also need to pray for them. Put your hands
The Good News of Jesus on your book–on the nine names–so that we
is worth telling. can pray for them together. I will pray for you
as you pray. (Place your hand on the paper with
the children's names from Lesson 4.)
At school, in the markets,
Dear God, thank You for giving us the Bible that tells us
and where I play.
the story of Jesus. Thank You for loving my family and
friends. Please help them to understand Your love. Help
them to believe in Jesus and follow Him. Please help me
My family, friends, and
to be courageous to tell them about
neighbors need to hear.
the Good News of Jesus Christ. In
Jesus’ name, amen.

Student Book p.91 157

Report Worksheet
Use this worksheet to add up numbers to include on your Ministry Partner Report.

Outreach Events (Fill in these numbers immediately after the Outreach Event.)
Event 1 Event 2 Event 3 Event 4 Total

Date

Children
Attended

TGJ Classes (Fill in these numbers from the Attendance Chart immediately after the TGJ Graduation.)
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Total

1 Attended

Believed
2
In Jesus
Commited
3
to Pray

4 Graduated

158
Ministry Partner Report Complete this
report as a team
Operation Christmas Child during Meeting 6.
Ministry/Church: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ____/____/____ City: _________________________________________________________

Ministry Team Lead: ____________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Send testimonies from your OCC Ministry to occistory@[Link] - one from the
Outreach Event and one or more from The Greatest Journey classes. These can be stories
about God’s work in the lives of the children, their families, a community or church, or about
the impact of children receiving Bibles. Send stories and photos!

Please complete these questions accurately. An accurate report is the best report.

How many gift boxes did you receive from the OCC Regional Leadership Team?------

How many outreach events did you host? --------------------------------------------------------

How many children attended your outreach events? -----------------------------------------

How many TGJ classes did you teach? -------------------------------------------------------------

How many children attended The Greatest Journey course? -------------------------------

How many children decided to believe in Jesus for the 1st time? --------------------------

How many children committed to pray/share? -------------------------------------------------

How many children graduated? ---------------------------------------------------------------------

How many prayer partners in your ministry are praying for OCC? -------------------------

Ministry Team Lead Submit Completed Report To: ______________________________

Contact Info: ____________________________________________________________
159
 The Greatest Journey
Attendance Chart
Section 1
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6
Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Total children on Attendance Chart (children attended)

1 (must attend at least one class)
160
 Section 2 Section 3 Believe in Committed Graduated
Jesus for 1st to pray/share
L7 L8 L9 L10 L11 L12 time p.45 p.91

Total
2 3 4
161
 ENGLISH
Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How can they call on him unless they believe in him? How can they believe in
him unless they hear about him? How can they hear about him unless someone
preaches to them? And how can anyone preach without being sent? It is written,
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:13-15

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse designed to share the
Gospel of Jesus Christ with children around the world through the tangible expression
of God’s love found in a simple Gift Box.

Operation Christmas Child Ministry Guide

The Greatest Journey (TGJ) is a twelve-lesson discipleship program to help children know
Jesus, follow Him every day, and tell others this Good News.
This Ministry Guide includes instructions for planning your OCC outreach event and
contains lesson plans and resources for leading TGJ classes.

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

[Link]
Max7 offers free resources to download for your group. There are lesson plans, songs, videos, games,
sports, artwork, and training for leaders. It is available in many languages and written by children’s
workers from around the world.
[Link]
ScriptureEarth offers free Scripture resources for your leaders to download or use online—text,
audio or video products. Find complete Bibles or Bible portions, Bible apps (many with audio and
video included), the JESUS Film, and much more. It is a growing online warehouse providing
Scripture resources in the heart languages of people all over the world.
ENGLISH

This material is only for free distribution and is not to be sold.