Persecution Around the World Items Needed: 10 index cards or pieces of paper Two bags or jars (to hold the index cards) Paul and Barnabas traveled to many different cities on their first missionary trip. They went to the different synagogues and told the people about Jesus. Many people believed, but many did not believe and gathered a mob to attack and throw large stones at them to try and kill them. Not everyone is happy when others tell him or her about Jesus. Some people may not like it and say or do mean things. Many people are persecuted because they believe in and tell others about Jesus. What does it mean to be persecuted? (To be treated in a cruel or harsh way because of what you believe or do) How were Paul and Barnabas persecuted? (People spoke against them, people tried to kill them by throw large rocks at them, etc.) Persecution of Christians still happens today. Christians are harassed, mistreated, beaten, and even killed in many countries, just because they are Christians. Write each of the following five countries (top countries where Christians are persecuted) on a separate index card or piece of paper. 1. North Korea 2. Iran 3. Afghanistan 4. Saudi Arabia 5. Somalia (From opendoorsusa.org/worldwatchlist) Write each of the following requests on a separate index card. God, please help the believers to have strength when they face hard times. Please help the families of those in prison. Help those persecuted to be filled with love and forgiveness. Please help the persecuted Christians not to give up. Give the church leaders wisdom and courage to lead their people. Put the countries in one bag and the prayers in a separate bag. Each day, pick a country and a prayer and use them as a guide to pray for the persecuted people in that country. Optional: Locate these countries on a world map or globe. Asking for Courage Items Needed: slips of paper How did Paul and Barnabas show courage when they were persecuted? (They went back to the city where others had tried to kill them; they were not afraid of what others might do to them; they still did what was right, etc.) It takes courage to stand up and do the right thing when others are making fun of you or don't like what you are saying or doing. When do you need courage? Write each of the following situations on slips of paper and take turns drawing one. Read each of the following situations and ask: What can you say or do to show courage? You are at a sleepover and some kids want to watch a TV show your parents don't allow you to watch. Some friends start making fun of another girl's clothes. Your teacher said that the world evolved over billions of years. You want to say a prayer at the restaurant, but you're worried about what others might think. You want to invite your friend to church. Say a prayer, asking God for courage to face difficult situations. Isaiah 41:10 Items needed: pieces of copy or construction paper and masking tape Review a Bible verse that can help you have courage! Students are still learning Isaiah 41:10. Write each phrase of the verse on a piece of copy or construction paper. Lay these in a random pattern on the sidewalk. (You may need a piece of masking tape to secure these to the ground.) Take turns jumping from one phrase to (saying the phrase aloud) to the other to complete the verse. Don't forget to include the reference - Isaiah 41:10.