Sample Only. Beginner Teacher. Hezekiah Conquers Worry Introduction...5. Lesson 1 Joshua Conquers Fear...9

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1 Introduction...5 Lesson 1 Joshua Conquers Fear...9 Lesson 2 David Conquers Threats Lesson 3 Beginner Teacher Hezekiah Conquers Worry Lesson 4 Shadrach Conquers Peer Pressure Lesson 5 Gideon Conquers Discouragement... 33

2 Beginner Teacher Written by Lena Case Lena grew up in a Missionary Baptist pastor s home. After salvation and baptism, she sensed God s calling in her life and actively served Him in His church. She began writing for publication during high school and discovered a niche that fit. To prepare professionally, she completed three correspondence courses (Christian Writing Techniques, Writing for Children and Institute for Children s Literature), and attended four week-long Christian writing seminars. She married Havis after two years in college, and together they served God in youth work. Lena has worked with all ages of children from cradle roll to junior high. She has taught Sunday School, Baptist Training Course, Girl s Auxiliary, VBS, mid-week programs and youth camp classes. Her writing has involved all those ministries and age-groups. To God be the glory, honor and praise for using one who yielded to His direction and will early in life. Her passion is to encourage children s workers to involve students in Bible study with active learning so that boys and girls experience God s Word with personal application. Her fifty+ years of children s Christian education experiences has been the basis for her sharing successful teaching techniques with other children s workers through seminars and workshops in several states. Lena and Havis had three daughters, nine grandchildren, two greatgrands and cared for twenty-seven foster children in their home. They worship, fellowship and serve the Lord in Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, AR, where he is a deacon. havislena@cebridge.net 4 Editor in Chief: Kyle W. Elkins, kyle.elkins@bogardstore.org Business Manager: Wayne Sewell, wayne.sewell@bogardstore.org 2016, Bogard Press, 4605 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, TX

3 Introduction Becoming a conqueror is a lofty goal. Beginners are at a prime age to challenge with living successful lives through Christ. When they develop the positive character traits that are the focus of this Vacation Bible School course, they will be on the right path for becoming conquerors like the Bible heroes in the lessons. The spiritual mud puddles of life can be avoided when Christians choose the high road of walking with Jesus and obeying His Word. Young children need positive examples of role models who exemplify the characteristics in current daily life that the Bible characters showed in their lives. This course is designed to teach children to overcome daily fears, threats, worries, peer pressure and discouragement. Young Christians, as well as those more mature, face dangers that threaten to steal their joy and hinder their walk with God. Immature children of God are especially vulnerable. However, defeat is not something to expect or even to accept. Instead, teach young children to thrive as they learn God s Word and apply the principles as suggested in the life applications of these lessons. See the rewarding results as boys and girls grasp the biblical truths of abiding in Christ, trusting His power to help, praying in genuine faith, standing firm against evil and obeying Christ s commands so as to receive God s help. Spiritual dangers will not trip up a victorious Christian who uses these spiritual skills to become a conqueror. Fear and discouragement often debilitate a Christian and stunt spiritual growth. Unhealthy fear causes one to feel uneasy, uncomfortable or threatened. Such feelings of distress become rooted in our thinking and alter our decision making. The Lord s best requires blocking the agitation of fear with faith because we serve Almighty God who is greater than all and is always with us. Fear does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Determine to lead your students to discover the ability to follow His plan without being hindered by overwhelming fear. Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear Joshua proved to be a capable leader following the death of Moses. He had the important skill of listening to God s promises such as the promise of God to be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee (Deuteronomy 31:8). Students, by abiding in Christ, can know with assurance that the Lord will be with them during fearful times as Joshua came to rely on God s presence with him. Lesson 2 - David Conquers Threats David s victory against the giant Goliath came not from his ability as a marksman with a sling but in his trust in Almighty God. Children face the giants of family problems, bullying from others, broken friendships or learning new skills. All of these can seem daunting and stimulate fear. Some children are more susceptible to fears than others, but all need confidence in God s power to conquer threats in his life. Lesson 3 - Hezekiah Conquers Worry Hezekiah felt helpless against the stronger enemy King Sennacherib of Assyria. He prayed and learned that God would answer his prayer. Indeed, God fought for Hezekiah and defeated Introduction 5

4 the enemy for Israel. Students need to learn that prayer is their protection when frightened by outside forces whatever they may be. Lesson 4 - Shadrach Conquers Peer Pressure What a shocker to King Nebuchadnezzar when the three Hebrew men were not affected by the intense heat and flames of the furnace into which he placed them. They would not bow to peer pressure or kneel to the king s image; so, they faced the consequences bravely. They stood for God when they had to stand alone. Students need the stamina to resist peer pressure and do what is right even when it is not popular. Lesson 5 - Gideon Conquers Discouragement Discouragement is one of Satan s sharpest tools against useful Christians. Gideon, chosen by God to lead Israel in defeating an enemy army, felt inadequate to do the work (Judges 6:15). God assured him of victory if only he would obey His Word. Obedience is a key issue of abiding in Christ and experiencing the abundant life available to Christians. We are conquerors through Him who loves us. Curriculum for Conquerors This Bible school curriculum has the aim of helping children recognize spiritual dangers and teaching them how to conquer the enemy with God s help. Whether you use a traditional scheduling format or have a rotational agenda, the materials provided by Bogard Press are adaptable. An idea some churches use is having one teacher for the first lesson and scheduling beginner, primary and junior students to come to his class at different times in the session. Following the Bible account, they go to the activity room where teachers of other lessons through the week guide the different age-groups through the material for the first lesson. For the second lesson, another teacher presents the lesson time with teacher number one joining the others for activity time. The decor in the Bible account room is changed after finishing each session to get it ready for the next session. Teachers enjoy this format and ask that it be repeated. Beginner Teacher is a resource to guide you through the daily sessions of helping children discover how to be conquerors in the world in which they live. Perforated pages make it easy to divide the book for more than one teacher to use. If you are the sole teacher for first- and second-grade students, you have the whole book to yourself and can glean from different lesson ideas to use in other sessions. You may prefer to use a suggestion at a different time than offered. Bible Background gives the Bible account with more details than you will present to the class. It is for your own study along with the Scripture passage for it. Read the Bible verses first, then, the background material printed. Know the details so thoroughly you become totally engrossed with the details as you share it with learners. Develop a sensitivity to the action so that you help the children feel awe at the events that happened. Room Setting is a short idea for how to make an interesting learning environment. The Director s Plan Book and Room Decorations Transparency Book have ideas for developing scenes for each lesson. Attention Getter is presented to be just that, something that grabs boys and girls attention so you can direct them into the Bible account. Learning happens only when children grasp the Bible truths. Lecturing drops the teaching ball right away. Involve the students to see actual learning happen. Bible Account section of the lesson is a guide for using the visuals as well as suggestions for involving students in the action. Life Application is what the title implies helping students understand how to apply principles of God s Word to their own lives. This is such an important aspect of Bible training that we must never minimize its value. 6 Beginner Teacher Grades 1-2 Ages 6-7

5 Memory Verse Activity focuses on ways to help boys and girls remember the words and understand the meanings of the key Bible verse for the lesson. A Memory Verse Poster for each lesson is provided in Beginner Visuals. Using fun ways of learning the words is helpful. Vary the method used so that students do not come to expect a certain pattern but will eagerly look forward to learning the memory verse. Beginner Activity Pages section of this Beginner Teacher book provides ideas for using the activity pages most effectively. They contain fun activities to help first- and second-graders learn the Bible truths. Each set of activity pages includes theme-correlated stickers. Some are for the attendance and others are for memory verses printed inside the cover and still others are for individual lessons during VBS. Become a Conqueror is a section in each lesson that deals with salvation emphasis for God s children. You may choose to use it during the life application time or for a closing assembly. It is there to emphasize solutions to life s problems. Craft Time is a vital part of Bible school fun. The Conquerors Craft Book provides ideas for all ages of VBS students. You can, no doubt, find craft instruction there that are just right for your students. Game Time is another specialized book with theme-related games for the different ages of VBS students. Releasing pent-up energy and interaction with others with physical activity that is fun helps students listen better when they get back to the classroom. Beginner Visuals include teaching pictures, posters and patterns to illustrate Bible accounts, focus on memory verses, bulletin board display items and other posters and materials to help in your VBS experience. Theme Poster: advertise your coming VBS with this attractive poster promoting the theme. About six weeks before VBS beginning date, put several of these posters in different classrooms and hallways to promote the summer happening. In adult classrooms, add 3" x 6" colored card with please pray written on it. Attach it at an angle on the edge of the theme poster. Theme Verse Poster: the verse chosen to reflect the theme for this Vacation Bible School curriculum needs to be emphasized in every class time. Display it so that students become familiar with the words. Stress the winning theme through Jesus him that loved us. Beginner Sign: whether it is your classroom or the sanctuary pew where you want beginners to sit, this sign gives students positive direction for where to go. First- and second-graders will enjoy following the leader who holds the sign attached to a dowel rod as they go to different activities throughout the VBS section. Celebrate Beginners Blessed is the teacher who has a class of beginners. These children are so eager to learn they are easily motivated to do their best. Children who finished first or second grade in the previous school year have minds ready to absorb so much learning. Capitalize on that quality by expecting the best from your class. They are lovable, huggable, sweet children for the most part. You may possibly encounter a child whose image of God in his life has been marred by circumstances beyond his control. Someone once said, The child who is hardest to love may need it the most. Introduction 7

6 Children have different learning styles. Some enjoy seeing pictures that illustrate the Bible account. Others enjoy getting involved with doing activities related to the lesson. Some learn best by listening to the Bible account told with voice variations and body language. Most students come away with a lasting understanding of a lesson they have role-played. These students learn by doing; they become characters in the lesson and show the actions involved. Bible costumes and appropriate props are a valued plus in this method of learning. This is a most effective teaching technique. Beginners show enthusiasm for a class where the teacher is prepared and ready to welcome them with open arms and a genuine smile upon arrival in the classroom. The environment says, Interesting stuff is going on here! There is adequate room for children to move around. The walls emphasize the VBS theme with decorations and displays. Prepare to engage early arrivals with Bible games, pencil and paper activities, art or watching and listening to a Christian video. Empty time when adults visit among themselves and ignore the children is such a waste of valuable opportunities to interact with the children, to get to know them and establish a rapport that will be meaningful in class time together. Bulletin Board Instructions A bulletin board display speaks to the viewer through its message. The figures to use in this arrangement are in the Beginner Visuals. The pictures are printed separately from the words that go with them. The five aspects of becoming a conqueror are Abide, Trust, Pray, Stand and Obey. Cover the board with a bright color of paper or fabric. Staple the figures in place as shown in the sketch. All the Bible principles work together to make one more than a conqueror in God s family. ABIDE in Christ placard should be attached under the picture of Jesus. We abide in Christ by trusting Him as Savior and then living in obedience to His commands. TRUST Your Guide goes under the compass. A compass helps people know which way to go in unfamiliar areas. We have an inner compass called our conscience that prompts us to choose right over wrong. PRAY To Stay in Touch card is for under the praying hands figure. To be a conqueror, we must stay in touch with the Lord through prayer. STAND for Right, attached under the group of children, is an important standard for a child of God who wants to be a conqueror. Having people who encourage and support our walk with Christ makes standing a lot easier when peer pressure may lead the other way. OBEY the Guidebook, placed under the open Bible, is basic in growing up spiritually to become a conqueror. Satan will hinder that process in young lives by making them busy with other things. He does that for adults, as well. Teach the children they must CHOOSE these character traits to be successful in their lives for Christ Jesus. Completing the bulletin board display ahead of time may be your choice, or you may add the individual picture and caption on a daily basis for the opening assembly devotional time with the thoughts developed further. 8 Beginner Teacher Grades 1-2 Ages 6-7

7 Lesson 1 BIBLE BACKGROUND Bible Account: Joshua Conquers Fear Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9; Joshua 1:1-9 Destination: Land of Moab Memory Verse: Psalm 121:2, My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Aim: The student will understand and say that God is with him in every situation. Life Application: When I am fearful, I will ABIDE in God. Moses, while perhaps the greatest historical figure to guide so many people to freedom, disobeyed God s command in providing water for the children of Israel in the wilderness. He struck the rock rather than speaking to it when the Israelites needed water, and God denied him entrance into the Prom ised Land. Before Moses died, he put Joshua in charge of leading God s chosen people. Moses called Joshua to him. (See Teaching Picture 1-1.) He encouraged Joshua for the position God chose for him as the successor to Moses. Read Deuteronomy 31 to understand the transfer of leadership. Moses prepared the people of Israel to obey Joshua as they had followed him. He was perfectly willing to pass on his leadership position to a younger person not from his own household or even from his own tribe. Moses had Joshua stand before the people. (See Teaching Picture 1-2.) He gave him good advice. He talked to the people of Israel, too. He told them they would go over the Jordan River into the land God promised to them. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid, Moses told the people (Deuteronomy 31:6). There would be enemies in the new country. The Lord thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the Lord hath said (verse 3). Joshua had been a great assistant to Moses and made obeying God s laws a priority as long as he lived (verses 7, 8). God did not leave Joshua on his own to lead the people of Israel. (See Teaching Picture 1-3.) The book of Joshua opens with the Lord speaking to Joshua with assurance that He would be with the new leader as He was with Moses. As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Joshua 1:5), God promised the new leader. Joshua was no Moses, but God was and is the same always. (See Teaching Picture 1-4.) Joshua s success was contingent upon his observing the Law as Moses commanded. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:7). Daily meditation on God s Word was the key to success for Joshua and is for us today. Psalm 1:1-3 assures success to anyone who delights in the Law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. Joshua accepted the responsibility of leading God s people. He was full of the spirit of wisdom, and the children of Israel listened to him. Teaching Pictures (Beginner Visuals) Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear 9

8 Blue fabric or paper Rocks Cellophane Potted greenery Carpet roll palm trees lightssample Beginner Activity Pages Name tags Several kinds of portable Materialism and prosperity standards were not the focus here. The issue for Joshua was successfully routing God s enemies from the land and leading His people into the land of promise to occupy it. Success and prosperity accompany the leader who obeys the Scriptures. The central issue was sure success in the assigned undertaking God gave him. Joshua was guaranteed success in his role as Israel s leader if he would be faithful to the covenant. God would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:9). Whatever fears Joshua may have experienced, Almighty God was ready to assure him of victory. We, like Joshua, can know God s success and prosperity in the assignments He gives us. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth, Psalm 121:2. Children, as well as adults, are vulnerable to the temptations in life. Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs are available, not legally, yet, available nevertheless, for children at very young ages in our society. Those in your class need to understand they need God s power for inner strength to resist Satan s temptations to do wrong. Challenge them to choose God s way and trust Him to direct their lives. ROOM SETTING When boys and girls walk into your room, they will be excited to see props, pictures and displays that say, This is going to be a fun lesson. Create the feel for the Jordan River crossing with light blue fabric or butcher paper stretched across the room. Scrunch it slightly and lay it in an irregular pattern. Add rocks in the water and cover it all with clear or blue cellophane tucked under the river. Stuff brown paper sacks with newspaper to make rocks. Add pots of greenery to give the appearance of trees growing by the river. Palm trees fashioned from cardboard carpet rolls with brown lunch sacks scrunched over the outside to resemble bark. Handmade green paper palm leaves or artificial ones go in the top of the cardboard roll. Set the trees in a bucket of sand or make wooden stands to insert in the bottom to make them stand. The Director s Plan Book and Room Decorations Transparency Book for The Conquerors VBS course have ideas to use in creating an exciting learning center. Start early enough to do what needs to be accomplished in the decorating area. ATTENTION GETTER Handing out the name tags to the students is the first order of the VBS session. Provide the stickers for adding to the inside the cover of Beginner Activity Pages. (Have portable lights like a flashlight, night-light, lantern or candle objects used in the Only dark to show the students. Display them as you begin the lesson.) What do we use these things for? How does it help? When the electricity goes off at night or before we go to bed, we might use a candle or flashlight to find our way around. Maybe your family goes camping. Lanterns help us at the campsite. Some children like a night-light in the 10 Beginner Teacher Grades 1-2 Ages 6-7

9 bedroom to make them feel safe. What else might younger children use to help them feel safe in the dark? (A stuffed animal or favorite blanket to hold.) There were times when Bible-time people felt afraid. David knew he would be king of Israel someday, but King Saul wanted to kill him. Find Psalm 59:16, 17. Here is something David wrote during a time when he needed courage. (Read the verses aloud.) When are times that you may feel afraid? (Wait for students to respond. Taking a test at school, learning a new skill like riding a bicycle or skateboard, performing in a program, being around older children who are mean.) At times like these, you need God s help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). Joshua found that he could abide in God when he was fearful. He learned to overcome his fears, and you can do that, too. What does it mean to have courage? (Standing for what is right even if it means standing alone in a crowd. A character trait that helps one to stand firm against opposition, temptation or interference to achieve a goal.) BIBLE ACCOUNT Joshua Conquers Fear Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9; Joshua 1:1-9 Cut apart the four pictures and cut away the border around the outside edges. Mounting the pictures on construction paper or colored poster board adds visual appeal. Stack the pictures in the order of use before Bible account time. Hold them before students as you discuss the account action, then move the top picture to the back to show the next scene. Repeat for each of the pictures. (See the Bible background of this lesson for suggestions of when to use the teaching pictures.) Remember how Moses led God s people, Israel, out of Egypt to the Prom ised Land? God chose Moses assistant, Joshua, to be the leader to replace Moses (Deuteronomy 31:3). Moses called Joshua to him before all the people of Israel. Moses knew what a big job it would be for Joshua. Here is what Moses said to Joshua: Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land.... And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8). Do you think Moses words helped Joshua feel better about his new assignment? No doubt, Joshua felt encouraged to know God would be with him and never fail to help him in all the many battles ahead. Later, after Moses died, the Lord Himself spoke to Joshua. (Read aloud Joshua 1:5, 7-9.) There was a land to conquer. Israel would have to fight God s enemies to drive them from the land so God s people could live there as God intended. Joshua would need lots of courage to do the right thing. He would need wisdom from God to make wise choices. (Hold up your Bible.) God told Joshua to obey His Word and to think about it day and night. This was God s way to success by abiding in His Word. It still is. Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear Teaching Pictures (Beginner Visuals) 11

10 Road map Bible Memory Verse Poster (Beginner Visuals) Beginner Activity Pages Pencils 12 LIFE APPLICATION Abide in God when you are fearful. (Show a road map of your state.) When a driver needs to go across the state to a town to which he has never been, he finds his way by looking at a map. (Hold up your Bible.) When we need to know what to do in our lives, we turn to our spiritual map, the Bible. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths, Proverbs 3:6. Have students find and read aloud these references: Psalms 37:1; 34: 4, 7; 46:1; 56:3, 11; 91:11 and 121:8. If time is limited, have the verses printed on index cards for students to read. The perfect response to a helpless situation is to pray and ask others to pray. Focus on the Lord and His power alleviates the fear in our hearts. God promises to be with us wherever we go. MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITY My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth, Psalm 121:2. (Display the Memory Verse Poster and read the words aloud together.) The Lord God who created our universe has power to help when we are fearful or anxious about life situations. Encourage students to develop a friendship with Jesus that will keep them secure no matter what happens to them. Real life is about abiding in Him. Continue to trust and feel safe because He cares and is aware of what causes fear in our lives. Write the first letter of each word of the memory verse on a piece of newsprint or a marker board. (M H C F T L, W M H A E. P 121:2) Read the words from the Memory Verse Poster again. Then ask students to recite the verse by using the letters as prompts. Repeat two or three times, pointing to the letters as you progress through the verse. Form two teams of students. Let team one say the first part of the verse; team two responds with the same words. Team one says the last part with team two echoing the words. Everyone says the reference together. Switch assignments for team two to lead the recitation and team one echoing. Then invite volunteers to say the verse. Have students point upward as they say the words. BEGINNER ACTIVITY PAGES Have the students place their stickers on the inside covers of activity pages. Let each student write his name on the line provided on the inside cover of the activity pages, and encourage everyone to attend each day. Page 1: The Bible account with pictures imprints details of it more permanently in the minds of children. Invite volunteers to read sections of it and others to tell what the pictures show. Have the students add the Abide sticker on page. Page 2: Provide colored pens or pencils to trace the letters GOD S PROMISE. Ask students why the promise was reassuring to Joshua. If they had been in Joshua s place, would it have helped them be less afraid to have God assure them He would be with them? He is with us and helps us when adversity (trouble) happens. Invite students to take turns reading sections of Joshua 1:9 after they complete it. Underline God s promise after they read the words. God promises to be with us every minute of our days. Pages 3 and 4: The memory verse and its life application are taught on these pages. Read aloud together the words of the verse. Talk about it and ask the printed question. Talk about what it means to abide in Christ. Children in first and second grades are just learning spiritual truths like this, so take time to discuss it. Salvation is necessary for abiding in Christ. However, for one not yet under conviction, he is innocent and can enjoy loving the Lord and obeying Bible Beginner Teacher Grades 1-2 Ages 6-7

11 commands. No one can be good enough to earn going to Heaven, but we can love the Lord, because He loves us. Have the students add their memory verse stickers to the cover pages. Discuss the armor of God shown on page 4. The activity pages for this lesson should go home with each student as he leaves. Suggest that he share them with someone to review what he learned. BECOME A CONQUEROR Share an informal conversation about receiving Jesus as Savior. Beginners are realizing their need for salvation but may not want to start a dialogue. Just chat with them about this chart you can draw on the board or piece of paper. (Draw the up/down line on the left.) The first mark on the chart is one s birthday when life on earth begins. You are safe in God s care for the first years of your life. (Draw the straight line from birth toward the right.) A baby is not responsible for sin because he does not know or understand right and wrong. (Draw the squiggly line as you continue to explain.) You grow and grow and one day realize that YOU are not innocent. Someday you will need to get saved as you are taught in Sunday School or church. You want to do what you should, but you have not really felt a conviction of sin. It is more like you want to be saved because you want to go to Heaven for sure, and you love Jesus, but in your heart, the inner being that will live forever, you have not felt the badness of sin. So you are still safe. UNTIL... (Make the fork in the road.) You begin to realize YOU need to be saved. If you died today, you know you would not go to Heaven because you sin. The Bible teaches, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This means everyone born on earth (point to beginning line) is a sinner by nature. When we get old enough to choose doing wrong, we are responsible for paying the penalty for sin. (Draw a sketch in the lower right corner to represent hell and label it.) Romans 6:23 states, For the wages of sin is death, which means eternal separation from God. (Draw a sketch in the upper right corner to represent Heaven and label it.) The verse goes on to reveal, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God s love provides a way to escape the torment of hell, a burning place of punishment made for the devil and his angels who rebelled against God. (Draw a cross at the intersection of the two ways.) God sent Jesus to earth to live as a person and die on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. By accepting what Jesus did on the cross as payment for our personal sin debt, we receive God s forgiveness and have eternal life as His gift. This is the way we can be sure of going to Heaven when life on earth ends for us. Trusting Jesus as Savior means believing God will forgive when we ask Him. One must admit guilt and repent of sin or turn away from doing wrong. God gives him a clean heart and a great new life as His child. CRAFT TIME A separate craft book is part of The Conquerors curriculum. It gives ideas for making related projects for each lesson. GAME TIME The book of suggested games to correlate with The Conquerors lessons is a good resource for activities to involve students in playing together. Marker board or paper Marker Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear 13