1. Divide the children into two teams: “Team Solo” and “Team Helpmate.”
2. For “Team Solo,” explain the rules: Only one player runs at a time, and they 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.
3. 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.
4. Conduct races with five players from each team at a time. After a race, the participants sit down. Note that “Team Helpmate” will win every time due to their cooperative strategy.
5. Allow the children to rotate roles and play all positions to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate and have fun.

THE CIRCUMSTANCE (Ruth 1:1-5)
In the days when judges ruled, a famine cast its shadow over Bethlehem. A man named Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons, left their homeland in search of food in the land of Moab. After Elimelech’s death, Naomi was left widowed, and her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Sorrow struck once more as both sons also died, leaving Naomi in deep sorrow and grieving for her sons. The history of these events is a testament to the sadness that befell Naomi’s family in a foreign land.

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 Namio and her God. She then pledged her decision with these words of love, that are in our bible today; “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16b). This history marks a key moment when love ruled over cultural boundaries.

Reflect: Have you ever faced a choice, which required sacrifice and commitment? How can Ruth’s dedication inspire you to make choices driven by love and faith?

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 and in the fields of Bethlehem, 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. Ruth’s bold request for Boaz’s protection as a kinsman-redeemer set the stage for a history of redemption and restoration.

Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request was one of admiration, showing the depth of her character. Boaz willingly fulfilled the role of kinsman-redeemer, and his marriage to Ruth brought forth a son, 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. 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).

THE LIFE LESSON
Ruth’s history convey’s themes of loyalty, love, and redemption. Her choice to embrace Naomi’s family and God’s people, despite her own cultural background, is a powerful reminder of the beauty of unity and how God calls individuals into his family.