7. We Are His Answer

Aim

To discover how those in the Western world may use their strength to aid the oppressed and to encourage youth to use their individual gifts in the active pursuit of justice.

Preparation

Bible, clip of body-builder analogy (available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aEXLwJv-ho), suitable small prizes/candies, whiteboard and markers, body builder or athlete costume, jump ropes, timer, bags of baking flour or sugar, bricks and other heavy objects, pull -up bar

Main Meeting

Strength Game: First, to generate enthusiasm come dressed up as a body builder or an Olympic athlete. Allow the youth to attempt a challenging feat of strength. Depending on the size, supply, and capability of the particular youth group possibilities may include: lifting a heavy item, a throwing challenge, ‘hit the bell’ strength test, certain number of press-ups, jumping rope for a certain period of time or number, and ‘hit the bull’s-eye’ or other target challenge). This is not a competition among the youth, but rather the whole group should be rewarded (with candy or another appropriate prize) whenever a member of the group manages to overcome a particular challenge. This should be an exciting and interactive atmosphere for the youth.

Explain the Purpose of the Game: Present the analogy of the West as a mighty body-builder, enabled to use that strength on behalf of those who lack the same capabilities. As demonstrated in the strength game, everyone wins when strength is used toward a common goal. Enhance the explanation with Gary Haugen’s clip from YouTube (available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aEXLwJv-ho).

Discussion Questions

Who is the West? Which countries does this include?
What are the strengths of the Western world and how might those strengths be used on behalf of the poor and oppressed? Using a whiteboard divide it into two halves: strengths and applications. Allow the students to brainstorm ideas for a few minutes and create a list. Though a huge factor, strengths are not always economic; encourage the youth to think of things they are privileged to enjoy in their own lives and closer to their own ability to give.
Who gave the West its’ strength? It is key to remember that we are nothing apart from the Lord for ‘every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. Read James 1.17. Emphasize that the West can do nothing in their human strength, however powerful it may appear. Read John 15.5. Who is the Vine? Who are the branches? What is the fruit Jesus is talking about? How can the West use this fruit to stand for the oppressed? How can I use this fruit to stand for the oppressed?
Why is it beneficial for the privileged of the West to assist the poor and forgotten? First, it is a Biblical command to care for the less fortunate: ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world’ (James 1.27). Also: ‘Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys’ (Luke 12.33). Secondly, God promises reward for those who obey his command: ‘He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses’ (Proverbs 28.27). In addition: ‘But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous’ (Luke 14.13-14).
Examine the accusation against the rich in James 5.5: ‘You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. ’ What are the luxuries that you can sacrifice for the benefit of others? What can you share or reduce in your life? Do you feel particularly convicted about certain personal behaviours or beliefs?

Additional Activity: Using our Strengths

Have the youth consider their individual strengths. Split the large group into smaller groups of 4 and have them share their thoughts about how they could use their abilities and strengths to pursue justice for the oppressed. Is it writing? Art? Sports? Have each group brainstorm ideas together. Could they host a football tournament among other youth groups and ask people to sponsor them for each game they win? Or perhaps hosting a talent show at the church where the talents (songs, poems, comedies) are focused on justice related issues. Gather the groups back together and have a spokesperson from each group share their ideas. Create a list of the ideas and pray about which one to pursue with your youth group. (For more ideas similar to the ones listed above, check out www.ijmuk.org and click on the link Youth Work.)

Hands On

The Human Chain Game

Purpose: To show that good communication, cooperation, and teamwork among diverse individuals can result in the accomplishment of a common goal.

Instructions: Have the youth stand in a close circle. Each person stretches their arms into the centre of the circle and clasps hands with two other students. The point is to untangle the knot back into a circle without dropping hands.

Story

See news story: 'Community theatre in Rwanda'

Story Discussion Questions

Why was the community theatre effective?
What are the key parts of the story?
How do you respond to the story? Does this story encourage you to use your own gifts to help the oppressed?
What practical ways can your youth group aid the fight for justice?