Using Nathaniel's Journey

From SPARK

Brief Summary

Case history from the U.S.

Introduction

Nathaniel’s Journey Through the Great Woods was used successfully as part of the school age, kids’ club program during University of North Dakota courses the summer of 2003. The program was held on the campus of University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The kids’ club had excellent space and was held in the basement of the dorm where all participants, (families, staff, and students) lived. Most of the families were missionaries, or in training to become missionaries. Consequently they lived frugally.

Key Factors

The language used was English. There were eight children in the club program, seven boys and one girl. Two were children of missionaries, one of them a boy with Downs Syndrome who usually lives with his parents in South America, the other, a six-year-old girl whose parents are translators in Central African Republic. Two boys were sons of a deaf pastor in the U.S. Three boys had lived in China for two years with parents who taught ESL classes. One boy commuted each day from a town 1-1/2 hours north of Grand Forks. The children were all elementary age kids (primary).

Three of the children were very bright but also argumentative and uncooperative. These boys had been home-schooled and didn't know the proper way to relate to adults other than their parents. Neither did they know how to positively relate to other children. Four of the children were good readers, the others were non-readers.

All but one of the children came from Christian homes representing a variety of denominations. All claimed to have made previous personal decisions to follow Christ. Not all demonstrated a positive Christian witness in their speech and actions.

What Was Done

• Nathaniel's pass representing salvation
• the flashlight representing the Holy Spirit
• the sword representing the Bible
• the radio representing prayer
• our Job and Reward representing witnessing and heaven

After reading the whole book we watched the corresponding video over a few days for a review. We then went on to watch the second video, The King's Armory, that the boys and girl also enjoyed. They often would undress Nathaniel and then re-dress him in his armor, explaining why the armor was important for a Christian.

I did not have the Nathaniel Bible study material available or the evangelistic tract, but I think they would have been very useful. The VBS program sounds like it would have a positive influence and be well received in a well-organized VBS setting.

Results

I was pleased with the materials I had available as well as the children's response to it. I believe this material would be a good way to share with children in some other cultures the basics of the plan of salvation and steps in growing and maturing as a Christian.

Helpful Information from the Author

• Equipment used:

• • Video player and two Nathaniel videos
  • Book: Nathaniel's Journey through the Great Woods
  • Nathaniel puppet and accessories
  • Radio, flashlight

By: Vida, VMS Children's Ministries Co-ordinator

Date entered:

Date range of story:

Location: North Dakota, USA