“Boys & girls, let’s play a game and have fun!“

1. Divide the children into two teams: “Team Solo” and “Team Helpmate.”
2. Mark a starting line and finish line in the dirt or use masking tape for indoors.
3. Distance between starting line and finish line should be a minimum of 50 feet.
4. For “Team Solo,” explain the rules: Team Solo runs alone by their self, and must “run” while holding one leg behind their back with both hands. If they let go with either hand, they have to go back and start over.
5. For “Team Helpmate,” explain the rules: One player must “run” while holding one leg behind their back with one hand. They can place their other hand on the shoulder of another teammate, who becomes their helpmate.
6. Both Team Solo and Team Helpmate will start race at the same time.
7. Races may be conducted with more than one Team Solo and Team Helpmate at a time. After a race, the participants sit down. Note that “Team Helpmate” will win every time due to their cooperative strategy.
8. Allow the children to rotate roles and play all positions to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate and have fun.

“Boys & girls, listen carefully. Can you uncover today’s powerful Bible Discovery? Ready?”

THE CIRCUMSTANCE: (Ruth 1:1-5)
Children today we are going to learn of a love story between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. In the days when judges ruled over Israel, a famine came to the land. shadow over Bethlehem. A man named Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left their home in Bethlehem in search of food in the land of Moab. After Elimelech’s death, Naomi was a widow and her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Sorrow struck once more as both sons also died, leaving Naomi in deep sorrow grieving for her sons and their wives were now widows. (Children make your fist go down your face as tears)

THE CHOICE:  (Ruth 1:16b)
Word spread that the Lord had visited His people back in Judah, blessing them with food. Upon hearing this, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. Orpah eventually made the choice to stay, but Ruth’s decision to go with Naomi showed her love and devotion to Naomi and her God. She then pledged her decision with these words of love, which are in our bible today; “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16b). Everyone let’s say it together “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God”. You did great! What wonderful words for Ruth to say to Naomi and God. This history marks a key moment when love ruled over cultural boundaries. Ruth showed loyalty, and love, to Naomi. Her choice to embrace Naomi’s family and God’s people, despite her own cultural background, is a powerful reminder of the beauty of love and how God calls individuals into his family.

THE CONSEQUENCE: (Ruth 1:19 – 2:23)
When Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem, her relatives and townspeople asked her, what had happened to her family while they were away. Naomi’s deep sorrow showed as she asked to be called “Mara,” a name reflecting her bitterness over the death of her husband and sons. Ruth’s courage led her to glean in the fields to provide food for Naomi and herself. Boaz, a close relative, recognized Ruth’s kindness and virtue. He spoke with the man in charge of his fields, to make sure of Ruth’s safety while working in his fields. After a while of working in the field at night when they were winnowing (sorting, separating the barley seeds from the bad stuff) Ruth made bold request for Boaz’s protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request was one of admiration for he knew how she had helped Naomi and followed the true God. Boaz willingly fulfilled the role of kinsman-redeemer, and his marriage to Ruth brought forth a son, Obed. Boys and girls put your arms together as if you were holding a baby like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz did with their little baby boy Obed. The town celebrated Naomi’s change from bitterness to joy, as she cradled her grandson in her arms. Little did they know, this
history held divine significance, for Obed would become the grandfather of King David, an ancestor of Jesus Christ our savior. The history of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to God’s intricate plan of redemption, woven through their choices and actions (Ruth 3:1-4:22).

“Boys & girls, what did we discover about God in this Bible History? (Coaches: answers will vary.) Let’s become great discoverers by asking some fun & challenging questions. Ready?”