Game / Bible / Life Connection:  In the Game The teams were so happy when a player made it home / In the Bible The father was so happy when the son came home / In Life God is so happy when a sinner comes home

This is Step 1

1. Divide players into two teams.
   2. Set up the field of play like a baseball field marking the four bases creating a diamond shape.
   3. Team 1 will be in the field assigning players to cover the bases and the outfield. Team 2 will line up behind “home” plate to kick the ball.
   4. The pitcher will roll the ball to the first player of the other team. If the ball rolls over “home” plate, that player will then attempt to kick the ball. If it does not roll over home plate, the pitcher will get the ball and roll it again. Once the player kicks the ball, they will run to first base. If they make it to first base, they are safe. If the other team catches
   the ball in the air, they are out. If they other team gets the ball and tags the player, they are out. If the ball goes out of the baseline, that is a foul and the player may attempt to kick again.
   5. Once the player is determined either safe or out, the next player in line kicks the ball.
   6. The players move from 1st base to 2nd base to 3rd base to “home” to score.

 Game / Bible / Life Connection:   In the Game The teams were so happy when a player made it home / In the Bible The father was so happy when the son came home / In Life God is so happy when a sinner comes home

Temptation: Eighteen year old Anshu loved his friends. His parents were uneducated and that embarrassed him. He did not want his friends to know who his parents were. They were hard working labourers who saved every rupee they earned to send Anshu to school. One day, Anshu stole his parents’ savings and ran away. He stayed with a friend in the city and had lots of fun. He enjoyed all the things a big city offers. Anshu never worked. In a few months all his money was over!  His friend asked him to leave. Nobody wanted him when he had no money left to spend. He begged on the city streets as he was hungry and homeless. A few months later, he decided to go back to his poor parents. His mother had died and his father refused to take him back! He even threatened to call the police if Anshu did not leave. Anshu hung his head in shame and disappointment, then turned and left, never to be seen again. His father continued to work hard for a living. He never spoke of his son.

Forgiveness: When we love someone, we should give them time to learn through the mistakes they make. Many children argue with their parents and walk away. They often return defeated, but wiser.  Their parents must forgive them and accept them back with open arms. This is when their real life in God begins.

Jesus spoke of the prodigal son, who took his share of money and left home. Just like Anshu, he had a good time spending all his money on friends and expensive things. Soon, his money got over. He had no food to eat. He suffered for many years and finally realised his mistake and came back home.  His father, who missed him terribly all these years, ran to greet his son and took him back home. He called to his servants to bring slippers and a coat for his son to wear. Such is the love of a father!  

God is our Heavenly Father. God loves all his children. He watches us when we make wrong choices wasting years of our lives on things that bring us temporary pleasure. But, if we repent and go back to Him, He will accept us with open arms!  Praise God!

  Game / Bible / Life Connection:    In the Game The teams were so happy when a player made it home / In the Bible The father was so happy when the son came home / In Life God is so happy when a sinner comes home

Memory Verse:  “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  (Luke. 15:24).