2. Scripture Memory Verse

This ideas originated while using the Safari Club Curriculum

Unit 1 Lesson 1 "The Bible is God's Word"

Option No.1

1. Blow up 6 balloons.

2. Take your thick black marker and write one word on each balloon to make up the memory verse. Fig. 1. This can be prepared before the lesson. Remember to have extra balloons handy.

3. Choose six volunteers to each hold one balloon.

4. Choose another child or have the audience try to unscramble the scripture by looking it up in their Bibles.

5. The first child to successfully unscramble the scripture gets to move the balloons around so they read correctly from left to right.

6. One the scripture is in place, have the audience say the memory verse out loud and together. (Remember, in order for children to retain this verse to memory they would need to say it at least 14 times.) This can be monotinous for most children. So be creative in having them say the verse out loud. For example: "All those children wearing red today..."

7. Once you feel they know the verse. Remove a couple of balloons at a time and have them say the verse until they can say it without any balloons at all. Here again, be creative. The balloons can be blown away by your audience or you can have a child pop a balloon to get rid of it. (Remember keep the crowd controlled.)

Instructions Option No.2

1. Another method is to have the Scripture verse written out on paper strips. Have each word written on a separate strip of paper and have each strip inserted into a balloon. Fig. 2.

2. This can become a race, either with individuals or you can make up 2 sets and have the boys against the girls etc.

3. The children can pop the balloons on the word "GO" and assemble the scripture verse.

4. The verse can be written on the board as each group attempts to assemble it. The group to finish first is the winner.

5. Once the verse is written on the board have the audience learn it in the same fashion as in Option No.1.

Message

Demonstrate how you blow up a balloon. Ask the audience what they think helps the balloon to grow bigger. (Answer: Air - or the breath from your mouth.)

Once you have blown up a balloon and tied it off, hold another flat balloon up next to it. Ask the audience about the difference between the 2 balloons. Speak along the lines of the Air giving life to the blown up balloon. When God breaths on some thing He gives it life. Genesis 2:7 and John 20:22. Explain that the Scriptures/The Word of God is living. Hebrews 4:12. Use this illustration to lead into the Scripture verse memorisation.

Remember to throw away the broken bits of balloon. These can be harmful if a child had to swallow it.

Option No.2