Scripture: Joshua 1-4
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God keeps His promises – even if it takes years to do it.
- Students will learn God wants us to obey Him – even in the seemingly little things.
- Students will learn God sometimes uses who we would consider unlikely people to do His work
- Students will capture moments of faith from those in their congregation to share with others.
Guiding Question: What are the faith stories of the people in our congregation?
Materials: Camera, photo book/ebook access
Procedure: Review the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. Focus on God’s miracle and the importance of the 12 stones that served as a memorial for the event. Discuss with the students about why did all of those people choose to obey God even though they had questions, concerns and maybe even some doubts? Why is it important for us to obey God’s commands even when they don’t make sense to us? Explain that God knows what is best for us and will always keep his promises. We have to have enough faith and trust in Him to obey Him even when it is difficult or does not seem like a big deal. God rewards those who are faithful to Him and loves to show His people the goodness that comes from obeying Him.
Introduce the service project. Remind students the importance and effect of having a strong faith throughout your life. Have the students capture faith memories of members of your congregation and how they have seen God working in their lives. Take the pictures and make into book or ebook that can be shared with others.
Additional Questions: How can prior experiences encourage others in their faith?
Supplemental Activity: Have students interview church members about strong faith moments during their life and encouragement they would give to others. Turn their encouragement and advice into a pamphlet to share with others to encourage them in their faith.