Scripture: 2nd Kings 17, Isaiah
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God keeps His promises and fulfills the prophecies He gives his prophets to tell the people.
- Students will learn that although God is a very patient God, eventually He does judge those who reject Him.
- Students will learn God had a plan from the very beginning to send His son to earth to save us from our sins. He kept that promise in spite of the constant wickedness of the people.
- Students will participate in a service project to support refugees.
Guiding Question: Why is repentance important?
Materials: Items needed by local refugee organization
Procedure: Tell students the basic story of Israel’s exile. Introduce them to the prophet Isaiah. Explain to students that prophets were sent by God to tell people something important God wanted them to know. Many times it was that they had disobeyed Him and God was not happy they refused to repent of their sins. God wants to be able to help us but we have to repent of our sins and make the effort to do good and improve for Him and His Kingdom.
Introduce the service project. Remind the students that technically when the Israelites were exiled, they were prisoners of the conquering country. Others may have fled and become refugees in places like Egypt. Refugees often flee because of violence in their home country. Many leave with only what they can carry with them. Organizations bring them to other countries, but may provide little to help them get adjusted to a new life in a new country. Contact refugee organizations in your city or one nearby and ask what needs they may have. Some want used toys that have been cleaned and fixed to amuse children while they help their parents. Have students bring in items to donate and/or ask members of the church to bring these items in. If appropriate, take the students with you to deliver these items to the refugee organization.
Additional Questions: How can students share God with other children in refugee organizations?
Supplemental Activity: Work with the students to create a mini “VBS” for the children at a local refugee organization. Contact the organization to see what they will allow and when this would be appropriate to do.