Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn Jesus is watching over us even if it seems he is “asleep”.
- Students will learn Jesus wants us to have faith and trust in him.
- Students will learn nothing is impossible for God if it is His will.
- Students will participate in a service project that builds awareness of how to be prepared for severe weather.
Guiding Question: How can God take care of us during “impossible” situations?
Materials: Waterproof bags, XL and small zip baggies, sharpies
Procedure: Review the story of Jesus Calms the Storm from the scriptures above. Emphasize that Jesus is always watching over us no matter what, just as He was watching over those on the boat. Even though the storm felt impossible for them, Jesus calmed the storm because He can do the “impossible” if is His will. Jesus can do the same in your life. When things feel impossible, it is important to always turn to God and rely on Him because if it is in His will, He will make the impossible possible. Ask the students to share times when something has felt impossible and they had to rely on God to get through it.
Introduce the service project. Have the students make a basic kit that can be given to those in low income areas that may be in the storm areas. Explain that sometimes those who have to deal with severe weather feel as though they are in an impossible situation and need help feeling prepared. The kits should be in a waterproof bag and include an XL zip baggie marked for important documents, a laminated list of shelters, evacuation procedures or important numbers like FEMA, small zipper baggie marked for spare keys, a large baggie labeled for chargers, bottled water, canned (pop tops only) food with expiration dates several years in the future, extra large zipper baggie labeled for photos and keepsakes, toiletries – especially soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra large baggie for each person in household for one clean outfit, zipper baggie labeled for medicine.
Additional Questions: How does serving those who have lost their belonging show them that God is there for them?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students work with local fire departments and shelters to see how they can serve those who are victim to losing their belongings in a house fire. Have the students put together a donation drive for those who have been victim to house fires and provide the victims with these donations as well Bibles and/or devotionals.