Note to Parents: In the last journal, you watched a video about the Rajput, an unreached Hindu people group in northern India (if you missed the video, find it here ). Rajputs value strong family relationships. To find out how they honor the bond between brothers and sisters, do the following cultural activity with your family.
Cultural Activity:
In an annual celebration, girls make or buy colorful wristbands called rakhis (RAH-keez), meaning bonds of protection. Sisters tie them around the right wrist of their brothers, wishing them long life and happiness. In return, their brothers promise to protect and care for them. Then they pray to and offer food, flowers, or money to their Hindu gods, hoping these gifts will please the gods and bring their family good luck. Here is how to make your own rakhis and celebrate strong families like the Rajputs:
- Find some colorful yarn or fancy ribbon for your wristband.
- Cut a 30 cm (12 in) piece for each person.
- Take turns tying a rakhi around a family member’s wrist as a symbol of the love and care you have for each other.
Read the following Bible verses together as a family. Then discuss how Jesus is like a “rakhi brother” to people who put their trust in Him.
Romans 8:34–speaks to the Father on their behalf
2 Thessalonians 3:3–defends them against attacks of their enemy, Satan
Matthew 6:31-33–provides what they need
1 John 3:16–gives His life to rescue them from sin and death
Afterwards, pray as a family for the Rajput. Ask God to bring them into an eternal relationship with His Son, Jesus.
About The Author: Catherine Owen has been happily married for 30 years and has raised four imperfectly perfect children. She loves teaching her grandbabies about Jesus through songs, games, and giggles. One day their parents will find all the tiny handprints they have traced in their Bibles as they have learned scripture verses together! She believes that learning about and sharing Jesus should be the most exciting adventure that life has to offer!
