In a small village, there was a beautiful garden called the Friendship Garden. It was filled with flowers of all colours—red, yellow, pink, white, and purple. A little boy named Flourish visited the garden with his grandmother one day.
He loved the colourful flowers and asked his grandmother, “Grandma, do you think the red flowers are better than the yellow ones?”
His grandmother smiled and said, “No, Flourish. Every flower is special, and the garden wouldn’t be beautiful if there was only one colour of flowers there. The red, yellow, and all the other flowers need one another to make the garden perfect.
Flourish thought for a moment and realised that, just like the flowers, all the individual differences in the world make it a beautiful place.
Later, a new boy named Austin joined Flourish in the garden. He had a darker skin, and some children thought he looked different.
But Flourish remembered what his grandmother had said about the flowers, and he quickly went over to Austin with a smile. They all spent the day enjoying together and learning further. No matter how people look, we are all special in our way. This article examines church threats.
A. What Is Racism?
Racism is when people treat others badly just because of their skin colour, their race, or where they come from are different from theirs. Sometimes, people might think they are better than others because of their individual differences, but this is not what God wants.
B. Features of Racism
Judging people: It’s when people think they are better than others just because of the colour of their skin or where they come from.
Saying unkind things: Sometimes, people say things about others because of how they look or where they live.
Not treating people fairly: Some people are not given the same chances or opportunities that others have in life just because of their races. ,
C. Causes of Racism
Fear of not knowing: Sometimes people are afraid of others because they do not know them or do not understand their culture.
Bad examples: If someone’s parents or friends are unkind to others, they might think that it is okay to treat people the same way.
Old ideas: In the past, some people learnt that certain races or colours were not as good as others. But that is not true, and God does not want us to believe that.
D. Effects of Racism
The following are the effects of racism:
It makes people feel sad: When people are treated badly, they will feel hurt and sad.
It causes fights: When people are treated unfairly, they can get upset and fight with others.
It stops people from being happy: If people are not treated fairly, they might not be as happy as others in schools or at the workplaces.
E. What Can Children Do to Stop Racism?
As young people, there is a lot to do to stop racism as explained below. .
1. Be kind to everyone: Show kindness to all your friends, even if they look different from you.
2. Speak up if you hear something unkind: If you hear someone saying something bad about someone just because of his/her race, colour, or status, say something nice to stop it.
3. Make friends with everyone: It is good to be friends with people who are different from you. Share and learn from one another. .
4. Ask questions: If you do not know about someone’s culture or race, it is okay to ask questions nicely. It helps you understand them better.
5. Treat everyone the same: No one should be treated better or worse just because of how they look or where they come from.
F. How to Show God’s Love to All People
Here’s how we can show love for all people:
1. Love everyone the way Jesus loves: Jesus loved everyone, even those who were different from Him. We should love others the same way.
2. Be a helper: If you see someone upset because of how they are being treated, help him/her feel better by being kind.
3. Say nice things about others: Always say kind things about others, even if they are different from you.
4. Include everyone: When you are playing with friends, make sure that no one is left out because of how they look or where they come from.
5. Pray for others: Pray for people who are treated unfairly. Ask God to help them and help you to be kind to them.
Conclusion
Racism is bad, and God hates it. God doesn’t want us to treat anyone badly because of their differences. He made all people special, and He wants us to love everyone, no matter how they look or where they come from. God made everyone, and He loves everyone the same.
The Bible tells us in Acts 10:34-35: “God does not show favoritism but accepts people from all nations who do what is right.” This means God loves everyone equally, and He wants us to do the same! We should avoid judging others based on differences like how they speak or how they look.
We should love everyone, just like God loves us. (Lead children to sing the song: Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.)
How do you usually treat people who are different from you? Do you welcome them in love or do you always look down on them and despise them? Today, decide to love everyone around you, no matter where they come from. Ask God to help you to always treat people with love and respect in Jesus’ name.
3. Banditry and Kidnapping
Bible Passage: Judges 6:4-6
Once upon a time in a peaceful village called Pashen, everyone lived happily. The children played, and families worked together on the farm. One day, bandits came to the village and started stealing food and causing fear. The villagers did not know what to do.
A brave girl named Temilade saw the bandits coming and quickly told her family to get safety. They prayed for God’s protection and hid safely. The village leaders then came up with a plan to keep the bandits away.
The villagers built strong fences, helped one another, and trusted God to keep them safe. They never lived in fear anymore because they knew God was with them. In Judges 6:4-6, the Israelites faced great danger from the Midianites, who would attack their farms, steal their food, and make their lives very hard. The Israelites were afraid and hopeless, just like people today who are affected by banditry and kidnapping. As the Israelites prayed to God for help, we can pray and trust God for protection from these dangers.
A. Meaning of Banditry and Kidnapping
Imagine you are playing outside with your friends, and some bad people suddenly come and take your toys and food, how would you feel? Banditry and kidnapping are also bad works of bad people. Banditry happens when bad people steal from others and make life hard. Kidnapping happens when someone takes a person away and do not let them go unless they get something in return, such as money.
In other words, banditry is when people attack others, steal their things, and cause troubles. Kidnapping is when someone takes a person away and do not let them go until they collect money. Bandits steal food, money, and things from people. Kidnappers take people away from their homes and demand money. These actions make the world a dangerous place, and people do not feel safe again.
B. Causes of Banditry and Kidnapping
Lack of Money or Frustration: Some people do not have enough money and choose to steal. Some people also are frustrated because of the societal situation and they result in stealing. Stealing is bad and unacceptable to God. When we lack something, we should rather pray to God to supply our needs.
Anger and Hatred: Some people are angry, and want to hurt others. This might be because of what they heard about other people, which heavily filled their hearts with bitterness and hatred leading them to engage in wicked acts of banditry and kidnapping.
Greed, Covetousness, and Lust. Some people engage in banditry and kidnapping because of greed, covetousness, and lust for money and possessions.
Power or Control: Some people want more power or control; thus making them hurt others to get what they want.
C. Effects of Banditry and Kidnapping
The effects of banditry and kidnapping are negative and they are not good for the peace and progress of our community and nation. Banditry and Kidnapping consist of the following effects:
- It makes people feel scared and worried.
- It makes families lose their loved ones and feel sad.
- It makes the world a harder and sadder place.
- People cannot work freely, and businesses suffer.
- Children cannot go to school safely.
D. Solutions to Banditry and Kidnapping
To find the lasting solution to banditry and kidnapping, we can do the following with God’s help:
1. People should work together to stay safe.
2. Report any bad or suspicious activities to trusted adults.
3. Governments and leaders should work to stop bandits and punish kidnappers.
4. We should always pray for safety, trust God for protection, and be careful who we talk to.
As children, here are some things you can do to help stop banditry and kidnapping:
1. Stay close to trusted adults like your parents, teachers, or guardians.
2. Avoid talking to strangers or going with anyone without telling your parents.
3. Tell someone if you feel unsafe or if you see anything suspicious.
4. Remain obedient to your parents, elders, and leaders and avoid joining bad groups.
5. Pray for God’s protection every day, asking Him to keep you and your family safe.
6. Be aware of your surroundings, and never go places alone that make you feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Banditry and kidnapping are terrible because they hurt people and make them feel afraid. God is our protector, and we can trust Him to keep us safe from harm. We can also make stay alert to stay safe from these dangers. What will you do about what you learn today?
Will you start praying for protection and safety from bandits and kidnappers? God answers children’s prayers, so make up your mind to pray. Three by three, children should join hands to pray earnestly for God’s protection everywhere you go (the teacher should lead children to pray).
Church Response to World Disturbances
Bible Passage: Psalm 122:6
A. Spiritual Response
Spiritual response includes prayer and intercession, sound Bible teaching, and pastoral care. The church can help when the world is facing trouble by praying and asking God to help. Prayer is talking to God and asking Him for help.
The church can come together to pray and fast, asking God to bring peace and comfort to people who are suffering. Some people in the church can form special prayer groups to pray for those who are hurting to show love and care for others.
When the church prays, it helps people feel hopeful and reminds them that God is with them. The church can pray for victims, families, and communities facing problems to bring them peace and strength.
In Acts 12:5-17, the church prayed for Peter when he was put in jail. God sent an angel to free him because of their prayers. By praying together, mighty things happen.
2. Learning from the Bible
The church can teach people how to handle tough times by using lessons from the Bible. Church leaders can help people understand what the Bible says about facing problems. They teach how to respond with love, patience, and forgiveness.
When people go through hard times, the Bible teaches them to show love, forgive others, and make peace instead of fighting. The Bible reminds everyone that God is in control, even when things are difficult.
God is always with us, bringing comfort and peace (Ezra 8:18-23). When people learn God’s Word, they understand how to handle challenges in a way that pleases Him. They learn to trust Him, find strength, and live in peace. By teaching from the Bible, the church helps people grow in their faith and find peace even in hard times!
3. Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is how the church helps people who are sad. Church leaders talk to people who are struggling. They listen to their problems and help them feel safe. The Bible teaches us to love and care for others (Luke 10:30-37). When someone is sad, the church can encourage and remind them that they are not alone.
Talking to kind and loving people can make someone feel stronger and more hopeful. The church leaders give comfort to those in pain and help people trust God, even in hard times. They remind them that God is always with them and will always bring them peace.
B. Social Response
Social response involves caring for the victims and helping them find healing and hope during difficult times. The church can help people when bad things happen in the world by:
- Helping Victims: The church can visit people who have lost their homes or been hurt. They can build safe places for them to stay and give them food, medicine, and money to help them feel better.
- Bringing People Together: The church can plan events to help people live peacefully with one another. They can teach kindness, respect, and working together to build strong and happy communities.
- Teaching Peace: The church can visit places where people have had problems before and heal. They can also go places that have never had trouble and teach them how to continue living in peace.
- Encouraging Unity: By bringing people together, talking, and showing love, the church can help everyone feel safe and hopeful, even when times are hard.
C. Advocacy and Action Response
Advocacy and action response involve the church making the world better by caring for people and spreading kindness. The church can also make the world a better place by taking action when bad things happen. Consider the points below. , such as
- Promoting Peace: The church encourages people to talk, listen, and understand one another, thereby helping to solve problems peacefully instead of fighting.
- Speaking Against Wrongdoings: When people are treated unfairly or harmed, the church speaks up for justice. They work with leaders and groups to make sure everyone is treated with kindness and respect.
- Helping the Needy: The church can support victims by giving them food, shelter, and medical care so that they can feel safe and loved. .
- Working Together: The church collaborates with governments, organisations, and communities to fight against injustice and protect people.
- Bringing Hope: In Nigeria, the church has pleaded for the release of kidnapped children such as Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu, a Baptist school student in Kaduna, and others. The church efforts give hope to families and communities in tough times. Also, the church in Nigeria has stood up to fight against banditry and kidnapping through the efforts of non-governmental organisations like EDAPI, RID, CARITAS, CEPPI, etc.
Conclusion
The church continues to stand strong in making the world a safer and kinder place. Every individual also has a part to play in making the world a better place. We must do our part to be a light that shines in this dark world. We should strive to be agents of transformation wherever we find ourselves.
As God’s children, we should keep praying for our country and the church so that its light can shine in dark times and in this hard time. Have you been joining your church to pray?
If not, decide today to be among the children’s prayer group to always pray for peace and love. Pray for your church to be active in its response to the world’s disturbances.
Throughout August, we explored serious challenges affecting people globally: war, terrorism, racism, banditry, and kidnapping. These issues have caused suffering, fear, and division, but we also focused on how the church can respond with love, hope, and action.
War leads to destruction, displacement, and loss of lives, but the church can respond by preaching peace, supporting victims, and promoting reconciliation. Terrorism creates fear and instability.
The church plays a vital role in comforting those affected, praying for peace, and teaching love instead of hatred. Acts of kindness and support can help rebuild communities torn apart by violence.
Racism divides people and leads to discrimination. Christian children are encouraged to unite people of all backgrounds. We reflected on biblical teachings that emphasise equality and love, highlighting ways the church can stand against injustice and promote inclusiveness.
Banditry and kidnapping disrupt lives, leaving many in fear and uncertainty. We explored how the church can assist victims by offering refuge, rebuilding trust, and encouraging governments and communities to work towards safety and justice. In our final week, we emphasised that the church must be a source of hope, healing, and action.
Through prayer, advocacy, and practical help, Christians can spread peace, stand against evil, and support those affected by these disturbances. The church is called to be a light in the darkness, showing compassion and offering solutions to the world’s problems. By standing together, we can make a difference. Read the similar post on this page.
