Poverty has many dimensions. On the surface, families in physical poverty lack access to basic resources like clean water, a safe place to live, a reliable source of food, and medical care. On a deeper level, limited opportunities for education or training make it difficult for families to change their situation without outside intervention. However, underlying all these circumstances is the powerful hope of Jesus that brings true transformation.
Family Activity:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Activity Time: 15 minutes
Materials: a large bag labeled poverty, the following items spread out on the floor or on a table: food item, water bottle, medicine bottle, sock, picture of a house or toy house or house from a board game, bar of soap, notebook, Bible
Poverty is much more than a lack of money. Children do not have the things they need to grow healthy and strong, to learn, and to be safe. Worst of all, many children around the world in physical poverty also have spiritual poverty because they have never heard about Jesus. Let’s find out some of the things these children lack. As you discuss, have your children locate the matching item and put it in the bag. Children living in physical poverty don’t have …
- enough nutritious food [food item]
- enough clothing [sock]
- clean water [water bottle]
- ways to stay clean and prevent the spread of germs [bar of soap]
- medicine, doctors, and hospitals [medicine bottle]
- a house to shelter them [house]
- a chance to go to school to learn [notebook]
- an opportunity to hear about Jesus [Bible].
Global workers demonstrate the love of Jesus by helping families with things they need. As people experience love and care, they are often willing to listen to the good news of Jesus. Global workers who share the gospel provide what all families need most of all – hope that with Jesus, life can be different.
Bible:
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7, Mark 2:3-11, and Acts 3:1-10 as a family.
Discuss:
- Can you think of Bible stories where God used his followers to meet the needs of other people?
- How might our family demonstrate the love and hope of Jesus to families in need?
- Why is it important for families living in physical or spiritual poverty to have hope?
Pray:
Let each child select 1-2 items from the poverty bag to hold. Pray that God will provide for the needs of families in physical poverty. Ask God to show your family how you might serve those in need in your area or in other places around the world.
