Christian Generosity T his a c tiv ity shows the participants how a biblical
text can shed light on our role in the fight to end hunger. t i m e r e q u i r e d : 3 0 to 5 0 m i n u t e s
Mat er ial s N eed ed
INT E ND E D F O R G R A D E S 9 - 1 2
1 2
» Bibles, one for each participant » index cards, six for each participant » pens or pencils, one for each participant
Activity Steps Dis t r ibut e to each participant three index cards and a pen or pencil. Tell everyone to imagine
they have been granted three wishes. They must wish for things for themselves, although it is okay if their wishes would benefit others too. Allow a few minutes for them to write each wish on an index card. Then collect the cards and read a few random wishes to the group. I nv it e t h e pa rt i c ipa nts to form small groups of three. Then ask them to discuss each of
the following questions: » What would you take to the top floor of your house if floodwaters were rising? » What would you take onto the roof?
3
» What would you put in a helicopter? N o t e t he f o l l o wing:
» Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs says that humans need these things, in this order:
PA G E 1 O F 4
» Biological and physiological needs: air, food, water, shelter, warmth, intimacy, sleep, etc. » Safety needs: protection from the elements, security, order, law, limits, stability, etc. » Belongingness and love needs: work group, family, affection, relationships, etc. » Esteem needs: self-esteem, achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, managerial responsibility, etc. » Self-actualization needs: realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
4 5
» So, for instance, a person needs food before status. A person will seek safety from harm before improving her or his relationships. A s k t he s m a l l g r o ups to compare Maslow’s list with the wishes they made earlier. How
many of the things on their lists are really wants rather than needs? Allow some time for the small groups to discuss. N o w r e a d Philippians 4:10–13. Then use the following questions to lead a large-group
discussion: » What would Paul put on his list? » What might it mean to be content in all circumstances? » How might a person achieve that?
6
» Is it possible to be content even though your life might be full of disappointments or difficulties? How? Dis t r ibut e bib l es to the participants. Ask them to conduct a search for Scripture passages that pertain to generosity and the needs of the poor. The following is a list of some options if the small groups have difficulty locating passages: » Deuteronomy 15:1–11
» Proverbs 14:31, 17:5, 19:1, 22:2, 22:9, 22:16, 28:6, 28:27 » Amos 2:6b–7a; 8:5,6 » Matthew 6:1–4, 6:19–21, 26:11 » Acts 6:1–7, 9:36, 10:4, 24:17 » Galatians 2:10 » James 2:1–13 » John 3:17 » 2 Corinthians 8:9 Allow time for the small groups to locate at least one passage. PA G E 2 O F 4
7 8 9
I nv it e e a c h s m a ll gr o up to share its chosen passage and the message. Dis t r ibut e three new index cards to each participant. Ask the participants to revisit the three
wishes they asked for at the beginning of the activity. Knowing what they know now, how would they change those wishes? Invite them to take a few moments to write down three new wishes. Collect the cards and select a few to share aloud with the large group. C o n c l ud e the activity by inviting everyone to join in prayer:
» Lord, we have so much. Most of us have food, shelter, people who love us, jobs, nice clothes to wear, safety, and opportunities for growth and development. May we never take your good gifts for granted. Help us to use our position of relative luxury to meet the needs of those less fortunate. Amen.
(The above activity is drawn from Beat Poverty: We’ve Got What It Takes: An Educational Resource for Young People in Grades 9–12. Copyright © 2008 by World Vision Resources, Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.)
PA G E 3 O F 4
About World Vision W o rld V i s i o n i s a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to helping children and their families break free from poverty. Our work is motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring nearly sixty years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. W o rld V i s i o n R es o u r c e s educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to social justice, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world. By developing biblically-based materials for educators and ministry leaders on the causes and consequences of global poverty, World Vision Resources supports the organizational mandate to move the church in the United States to more fully embrace its biblical responsibility to serve the poor.
For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources www.worldvision.org wvresources@worldvision.org
PA G E 4 O F 4