Joshua Learns To Overcome His Fears. David Faces Huge Obstacles. Hezekiah Conquers the Fear of Defeat. Shadrach and Friends Defeat Peer Pressure

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1 JUNIOR TEACHER GRADES 5-6, AGES Vacation Bible School 2010 Series Aim: The student will recognize spiritual danger and will learn how to conquer the enemy with God s help. Theme Verse: In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us, Romans 8:37. Life Application: How will your soul survive the dangers of life? How will your soul survive on Danger Island? 1 Soul Survivors at Shipwreck Point 7 Joshua Learns To Overcome His Fears 2 Soul Survivors at Big Shadow Cave 13 David Faces Huge Obstacles 3 Soul Survivors at Quicksand Cove 19 Hezekiah Conquers the Fear of Defeat 4 Soul Survivors at Hot Rock Volcano 25 Shadrach and Friends Defeat Peer Pressure 5 Soul Survivors at Boggy Swamp 31 Gideon Conquers Discouragement

2 Bible Story Joshua Learns To Overcome His Fears Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9; Joshua 1:1-9 Memory Verse My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth, Psalm 121:2. David Faces Huge Obstacles 1 Samuel 17:32-51 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee, Psalm 56:3. Hezekiah Conquers the Fear of Defeat Isaiah 37:1-20, In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me, Psalm 86:7. Shadrach and Friends Defeat Peer Pressure Daniel 3:1-30 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, Psalm 46:1. Gideon Conquers Discouragement Judges 7:7-21 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me, Psalm 56:11.

3 Lesson Aim The student will learn, like Joshua, to abide in God when he is fearful. Life Application When the student is fearful, he will ABIDE in God. Survival Kit Map/Small Bible The student will learn, like David, to trust God when he is threatened. When the student is threatened, he will TRUST God. Flashlight The student will learn, like Hezekiah, to pray when he is frightened. When the student is frightened, he will PRAY. Rope The student will learn, like Shadrach, to stand for God when he is tempted. When the student is tempted, he will STAND for God. Solid Rock The student will learn, like Gideon, to obey God s Word when discouraged. When the student is discouraged, he will OBEY God s Word. Compass

4 EDITOR IN CHIEF: Larry E. Clements BUSINESS MANAGER: Wayne Sewell PRODUCTION EDITOR: Sally McInvale ADULT EDITOR: Jim Jones CHILDREN S EDITOR: Libby Gill ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Shawn Blase, Jeff Allen, Greg Hilterbrand, Ashley Carozza COVER DESIGN: Shawn Blase LAYOUT DESIGNERS: Bonita McKnight, Kyle Elkins, Cindy Butler CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellar, Carolyn Burks, Deby Turrentine PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley Copyright 2010 Bogard Press 4605 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX R E T X A B Y C N A N : r Write

5 Welcome INTRODUCTION Welcome to the junior class! What an opportunity. What a blessing. What a challenge. An opportunity because you have the chance to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to a group of children, many of whom are arriving at the age of accountability. A blessing because you have the chance to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to a group of children, many of whom are arriving at the age of accountability. A challenge because you have the chance to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to a group of children, many of whom are arriving at the age of accountability. You see, your job as teacher of the junior class is a matter of perspective. Approach it in a positive manner, and you will receive positive results. The VBS series is entitled Soul Survivors on Danger Island. The theme is Danger Island where there are extreme survival conditions and many hazards. The setting for each lesson is a different part of the island. In each setting the pupil will learn how to survive and thrive as a Christian. There are daily dangers facing Christians that steal their joy and hinder their walk with God. But, each soul can survive and thrive as he or she learns and applies God s Word. The aim of this series is that the student will recognize spiritual danger and will learn how to conquer the enemy with God s help. The theme verse for this series is Romans 8:37, In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Each lesson includes a personal life application that answers these questions: How will your soul survive the dangers of life? How will your soul survive on Danger Island? Because juniors like stories of adventure, each lesson in the Junior Teacher includes a chapter of a story to be read as an Attention Getter. The story is about a family, a mother and father and a set of junior-aged twins, Jack and Jackie. The family is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Each day they face the challenges that come with a new location on the island. Each chapter of the story includes discussion points that will lead into the Bible lesson. This story may be read at the beginning of your class or during your opening assembly Junior Teacher Grades 5 6, Ages A B I D E T R U S T P R A Y 5 S T A N D O B E Y

6 time. If the format of your VBS does not allow time for the story, Alternate Attention Getters are included with each lesson in the teacher s guide. Two visuals are included with each lesson. Visual A pictures the theme for the lesson a location on Danger Island. Visual B pictures the Bible lesson. Each visual is meant to be discussed openly with the class. The number of visuals is kept at a minimum to allow more time for these discussions. Memory Verse activities are lively and interactive to be used with the goal in mind that all students will learn each Memory Verse. Life Applications are included with each lesson, and this part of the lesson should never be overlooked. Indeed, your students abilities to make application of the Bible story to their own lives is the most important part of the lesson. A suggested bulletin board is included in the Junior Visual Aids. Room decorations are simple. Palm trees may be made by wrapping heavy twine around empty carpet rolls, add palm leaves available from your local craft store. Lava rock may be purchased at gardening supply stores to resemble rocks formed by volcanoes. Play sand may be used to make a beach, but heavy plastic sheeting should be used on the floor. Because sand can make a mess in carpet, be extremely careful with it. Because all children like to play in the sand, you may even want to construct a large sand pit on church property. What a great setting for your lessons. Consider holding your class on your homemade beach. Quicksand Cove and Hot Rock Volcano are two locations about which your students will be extremely curious. Information is given in the student activity pages about quicksand and volcanoes, and instructions are given in the student activity pages about how to make a model volcano. Teacher, you ll be able to impress your students by making one of these as a class project. They ll think you re cool. Quicksand is basically soil that is so saturated with water that it is not able to support weight. Even though it has the appearance of normal soil, it has no stability. In the old days, many western movies showed some poor soul drowning in quicksand, but today s children may not be aware of it. Be prepared to explain this unusual substance. Being shipwrecked on Danger Island is indeed a dangerous and fearful proposition. With each lesson, explain to your class about the various dangers of each theme location and relate those dangers and the rescue from those dangers with the Bible lesson and God s care for His children. Present the plan of salvation each day. The verses known as the Roman Road have been used for many generations of children. They are simple to recite and simple to understand. The Scripture references are given here to help you: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:13, Romans 9:9, 10. Do not fail to share your personal salvation testimony with your class at least once during the week. Begin early to pray for your class, yourself and the other workers in Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School is one of the most rewarding areas of service in which you will ever be involved. Don t forget to thank God for the privilege of working in this ministry. Begin early to prepare so you ll be relaxed and ready to go when it s time for VBS. If you are adequately prepared, the week won t be nearly as stressful, and you ll find it more enjoyable. May God bless your efforts in this important area of service! 6 Junior Activity Pages The inside cover of the Junior Activity Pages has a map of Danger Island. Give a cover map to each child. The map will guide him through the week to different venues on the island. Inside each set of activity pages are stickers to interact with the students. These stickers will be added to the Danger Island map and other areas in the lessons. Junior Teacher Grades 5 6, Ages 10 11

7 Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Memory Verse: In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me, Psalm 56:11. Lesson Aim: The student will learn, like Gideon, to obey God s Word when discouraged. Life Application: When the student is discouraged, he will OBEY God s Word. Welcome Boggy Swamp Gideon Conquers Discouragement Judges 7:7-21 The Midianites were fierce, savage warriors. They were nomads without a land of their own. They were pagan, idolatrous worshipers. These were the people to whom Joseph s brothers sold him (Gen. 37:28). They would sweep across a land, destroying or taking everything in their path. The people of Israel were afraid of them. This is shown in Judges 6:11 where we see Gideon hiding by the winepress to thresh wheat for fear of the Midianites. If they saw the wheat, Gideon knew they would take it and kill him in the process. The Midianites showed no mercy. Perhaps our picture of Gideon, hiding behind the winepress, threshing wheat, is one of a coward, crouching in the shadows, hiding from the threat of the outside world. In actuality, Gideon and all the men of Israel were no match for the Midianites. If Gideon was to have wheat and live through the threshing process, it was necessary for him to hide. How humiliating this must have been! An angel of the Lord appeared to him and addressed him in a fascinating way. The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour (Judges 6:12.) Even though Gideon looked like anything but a mighty man of valor, God was about to work a miracle. God saw something in Gideon that wasn t apparent to the human eye. God had a plan for Gideon as He has a plan for each of us today. To accomplish God s plan for our lives, we must do as Gideon did and obey God. After asking for signs and assurance, Gideon followed the angel s instructions and took on the task of leading Israel into battle. Gideon would allow God to work through him to be their deliverer. Please read Judges 6 8 for the story of Gideon. In the lesson text, we see Gideon, after culling his army to three hundred men, leading them against the army of the Midianites and Amalekites. The Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages Bible Background 31

8 Bible states that this enemy army was so many in number that they looked like grasshoppers along the valley. Even their camels were too many to be counted. No matter the amount of military skill possessed by Gideon and his three hundred men, they were nothing against the armies of their enemy. They were nothing on their own, but with God all things are possible (Luke 18:27). Their victory was assured. God understood Gideon s need of assurance, and in Judges 7:9-14, we read that God allowed Gideon to go (undercover) into the camp of the Midianites. He heard two men talking. One of them told of his dream of the cake of barley that fell into the camp of the Midianites. It tumbled into a tent and struck it so that the tent lay flat. The second man interpreted the dream to mean that the small army of Gideon would defeat the combined armies of the Midianites and the Amalekites. He said that God would deliver Israel s enemies into their hands. Armed with God s assurance, Gideon commanded his army to arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian (verse15). Gideon divided his army of three hundred into three companies. He gave trumpets and pitchers that contained torches to each man. Gideon instructed them on his command to blow their trumpets and break their pitchers and shout, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon (verse 18). The enemy army was so surprised and afraid they turned their swords on one another. Many ran from the camp, running over their fellow soldiers. Under normal circumstances a regiment of several hundred men was issued one trumpet and one light. When the Midianites saw the light of three hundred torches and heard the blast of three hundred trumpets, they believed they were surrounded by several thousand men. They were not prepared to fight against such an army. This scene seems almost comical when we picture the enemies of Israel turning on themselves. It is important to understand that this was not Gideon s brilliant plan but God s. Gideon simply followed God s instructions. God delivered Israel from their enemies as He did time after time. Gideon obeyed God and achieved victory. He was blessed beyond belief because he simply trusted the One we can trust without hesitation. God was going to deliver Israel; He simply allowed Gideon to participate. When we first read of Gideon, we see a man in total humiliation, total discouragement and total weakness. In spite of these failures, Gideon totally trusted God. God brought him out of his discouragement into total victory. We probably will never be called upon to go into actual combat with a trumpet and a torch, but the lesson is the same no matter our circumstances. To God, all the armies of men are nothing. God does not demand cunning, brilliance or strength on our part; He only demands obedience. No circumstance, no person, no people are too much for God to handle. Those who put their trust in God and obey His Word are guaranteed victory not just sometimes but every time. Attention Getter and Theme Materials needed: Visual Aid 5A (Junior Visual Aids) 32 Begin the class by reading today s story of Jack and Jackie. See the discussion points at the end to relate this story to the Bible lesson. Jack and Jackie at Boggy Swamp Jack, Jackie and their parents stood on the volcano rock, anxiously awaiting a clear view of the object they hoped was a boat. This would be their way off the island, their way back home. Dad cautioned the family not to be too anxious. Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages 10 11

9 It may not be a boat at all, he said. We want to see a boat so much that we might mistake anything for it. Jackie was so excited that she had to remember to breathe. Jack couldn t stand still. He jumped and yelled. Mom knelt on the rock to pray and thank God for their rescue. The rest of the family joined her. It was the happiest time the twins could remember. If it was a boat on the horizon, they were going home, home to safety, food, clean clothes and a nice soft bed. Dad assembled the materials for the fire and soon there was a low blaze. We don t want it to burn too quickly, he said. We want plenty of smoke. Mom brought the wet palm branches, and Dad placed them over the fire. When he lifted the branches, smoke bellowed high into the sky. Jack was so impressed with his dad s ability to know what to do. He had kept the family safe from harm and even saved their lives a couple of times. Jack thanked God silently for his parents and the good home he had. Dad continued making the smoke signals for about fifteen minutes. It seemed an eternity and Jack became nervous. Do they see us, Dad? he asked. I hope so, Son, he answered. I certainly hope so. Keep in mind, though, we re not sure that it really is a boat. We have to give it time. Just then, a strange look came across Dad s face. He jumped to his feet. What is it? Mom asked excitedly. There was fear in her voice. She didn t think she could take another disappointment. It s a signal, Dad answered quietly. Then in a loud voice he said, They re sending us a signal! Jack looked. He could see a bright light flashing from the object that he now knew was most certainly a rescue boat. He felt sweet relief. It was a boat, and the sailors on that boat saw them. They were going home. Dad continued to make the smoke signals. He wanted to be sure that the boat didn t lose its direction. He and Mom prayed and thanked God for taking care of the family. Jack and Jackie prayed as well. The family knelt on top of that volcano rock in thanksgiving for God s watch care. The sailors signaled several more times. When Dad was sure they knew the family s location, he said, It s probably the Coast Guard, but they re still some distance out. Let s put the fire out so the wind won t spread it to the rest of the island. We ll meet the sailors on the beach. I m sure they ll send a small boat for us. Jack and Jackie hurried to put out the fire. The island was full of danger, but it was a beautiful place and they didn t want to start a wildfire. Just as Dad suspected, the Coast Guard rescuers dispatched a small motorboat toward the island. As it neared land, the boat turned toward the east. They re coming toward the far side of the island, Dad said. Let s go down the other side of the rock. Be careful. It s steep, and we ve never been on that side of the island. The family made their way down the side of the volcano rock. In spite of Dad s warning, Jack and Jackie climbed down the rock as fast as they could. Slow down, Mom cautioned. Jack raced ahead and Jackie giggled as she tried to catch him. When the two reached the bottom of the rock, Jack called to his parents, There s water down here, Dad, he called. Careful, Jack. Wait for us, his dad warned. Eager to get to the boat, Jack yelled, It s okay, Dad. We can make it. Let s go, Jackie! The two laughed as they jumped into the muddy water. The bank quickly dropped and the twins found themselves in waist deep water and muck. Suddenly things weren t so funny. Keep going, Jackie, Jack said. Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages

10 The water looks cleaner just over there. It s probably not so muddy. The two plunged ahead into deeper water and mud. By the time they reached Jack s clear spot their feet could barely move through the water. Jackie saw her brother reach to steady himself against the trunk of a large tree when suddenly he was gone. Jack! she called. Jack! The quiet was more than Jackie could stand. Jack! she cried. Where are you? The next few seconds seemed like an eternity. Jackie sobbed, Oh, Jack! Where are you? The dirty water began to ripple. Jackie saw a few bubbles and Jack s head was visible. He began to thrash and gasp for air. Jackie screamed and tried to make her way to his side. Her feet were caught in the mire and she couldn t move. Jack, Jack! she screamed. Oh, Jack, hang on. I m coming! I m coming! Only Jackie knew she couldn t get to her brother. He was fighting hard to keep his head above water, but he seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper. She was going to see him die right in front of her, and there wasn t anything she could do to help him. Jackie felt utter helplessness. She cried even harder. Jack, Jack, she sobbed. Through her tears, Jackie saw shadows moving in the swamp. She was afraid of what the movement might be, but nothing was as frightening as the thought of losing her brother. The figures began to make noise and she finally raised her head to look. With eyes burning from the mixture of tears and dirty swamp water, it took a few seconds to focus. She heard voices and then felt a hand on her shoulder. Strong arms swept her up, and she looked into her dad s face. Oh, Daddy, she cried. Jack, Jack. Jack s okay, Honey. Her dad s calm voice reassured her. The men from the boat have a rope on him. They re pulling him out. He s going to be fine. Jackie cried even harder and sank her face into her father s shoulder. Now let s get out of here, Dad said. Dad put a rope under Jackie s arms and threw the end to a sailor from the boat. Try to keep your head above water, he said. The man began to pull, and Jackie made her way from the swamp. Dad followed cautiously moving from tree to tree until he was back on land. Mom was waiting at the edge of the swamp. She ran to the three of them, hugging them tightly and whispering thanksgivings to God. The rescuers ushered the four of them into the small boat and quickly made their way to the deck of the larger Coast Guard rescue boat. By bedtime, the family was back in their home, safe in their own beds. Jack and Jackie would never forget their adventure on Danger Island. They would never forget the lessons they learned while there. Never again would they take for granted the safety of their home and the importance of their loving family. Most importantly, Jack and Jackie would always remember how much God loves them, how much He cares for them, and how He had kept them safe and brought them home. Discussion Points When things looked safe, Jack and Jackie walked into a boggy swamp. Relate this to how when we feel safe and secure, we sometimes find ourselves caught in Satan s trap. At the point of Jackie s total helplessness, her father found and rescued her. 34 Alternate Attention Getter Discuss a time of personal helplessness and the help that came to you. God s way is never helpless or hopeless. Christ came to find and save sinners and always offers help and hope. Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages 10 11

11 Bible Story The story of Gideon is always a favorite among young people. Gideon was not a mighty man of valor, but God made him into one. Although your students are not facing the same situation that Gideon faced, there are times that all of us feel downtrodden, humiliated and discouraged. The story of Gideon and God s care for His people may be the lesson that helps one or more of your junior students face the hope of a better life. Whatever problem they face now or will face in the future, God is the answer. Obedience to God and trust in God always guarantees victory. Materials needed: Visual Aid 5B (Junior Visual Aids) Life Application Because Gideon obeyed God, he accomplished victory. Our lives will always be better when we follow God s leadership and guidance. All children have to learn how to obey their parents. Regardless of how good or sweet a child is, there will be a time when a lesson will be learned the hard way. Reach into your memory and share a story from your childhood of a time that, because of disobedience to your parents, you had to learn a particular lesson the hard way. After you have discussed this experience with your class, share another story that, because of obedience to your parents, you accomplished some success. As part of your discussion, compare a child s relationship with his or her parents to our relationship with God. Memory Verse Activity In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me, Psalm 56:11. Gideon s Weapons Give a kazoo or a flashlight to each member of your class. Instruct them on the use of each one. Go over the Memory Verse with your class until you feel confident they can repeat it. Turn off the lights in the room and try to block out the natural light coming through the window. On the count of three, have your class shout out the Memory Verse. Immediately, upon completion have them blow the kazoos with a blast and turn on the flashlights and wave them across the ceiling. Repeat this two more times or until you are sure everyone knows the verse. Materials needed: a kazoo or a flashlight for each member of the class Activity Pages On the Danger Island map, students should locate Boggy Swamp. Each student is to place the stickers on the map. Have students write their names at the top of page 1 on the leaflet. Have students add the Boggy Swamp sticker. Materials needed: Junior Activity Pages pencils Survivor Kit: compass Lesson Review The true statement is, Gideon obeyed God The statement that is still true today, God expects us to obey Him. Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages

12 Memory Verse A. Possible: I have put my trust in God, or I trust God in all things. B. The word not means no way. C. Possible: I trust God in all things. There is no way that I will be afraid of what man can do to me. The Swamp What you might think if you see these objects: alligator danger, get away from him; snake same as alligator; shoes someone lost them. What happened to that person? Flies carry diseases if they bite you. Why you wouldn t want to lose your shoes in the swamp: it would be easy to step on a snake and be bitten on your bare feet. The water would not be clean and you might contract a disease, parasite or fungus through your feet. A life without God: A, B and C are all correct. Obey Have students add the Obey sticker. Craft Time Look in the Soul Survivors on Danger Island Craft Book for age appropriate crafts to make with your students. Game Time Games that relate to the VBS theme are listed in the Soul Survivors on Danger Island Game Book. 36 Junior Teacher Lesson 5 Grades 5 6, Ages 10 11

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