Scripture: Exodus 1-2
Learning Objectives:
- Students will review the story of Moses’ mother sending him in a basket.
- Students will learn how Moses’ mother had faith that God would provide for Moses’ needs even when circumstances were challenging.
- Students will learn some of a baby’s basic needs.
- Students will participate in a service project to help new mothers who struggle to have the resources to provide for their baby.
Guiding Question: How can we help people who have a struggle to provide for their baby?
Materials: simple fabric drawstring bags or treat bags, fillers for each baby bag: 2 diapers, disposable changing pad, disposable bags for dirty diapers, wipes and/or hand sanitizer, label for bag that says, “Teach God’s commands to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19, supplies for making cards (paper, crayons)
Procedure: Review the story of Moses focusing on how his mother tried to protect him from Pharaoh’s edict to kill Israelite boys. Discuss her faith in God to provide for the baby’s needs despite the tragic circumstances. Ask students what they think a new baby needs. Emphasize how it takes a lot of time, money and resources to care for a baby. Some people do not have the resources necessary. Remind them that since babies are very messy, they use up a lot of disposable products that have to be continually purchased. It is important for them to stay healthy and sanitary. Tell students that they have the opportunity to give to those in need by creating a baby care bag for mothers in poverty and shelters.
Create an assembly line to fill a small bag with baby necessity items. Have students write congratulation cards to the moms to let them know that they are being prayed for. If possible, let the students deliver the bags to the shelter/homes.
Additional Questions:
- How did Moses’ mom show faith in God when she took him to the river? How did God intercede so that she could take care of her own son?
- What are other things that a baby might need besides those that were included in the baby care bag?
- How does not being able to provide for her child, make a mother feel? How will she feel when she sees that people care enough to give to her?
Supplemental Activity: More advanced students can research how childhood in ancient Egypt was similar/different than their own childhood and report their findings.
Written by: Savannah Negas