4K. Three Children's Talks

1. This is the story called "Mine Twice Over."

2. There was once a little boy named Jimmy who decided one day to take his pocket money, buy some wood, cloth string and paint and make himself a fine model sailing ship.

3. At last it was finished. Jimmy was ever so proud. He had made it all himself!

4. He took it to school and showed it to his teacher, Mr. Jones. "What a lovely boat!" said Mr. Jones. "We will show it to the Principal." "What a lovely sailing ship!" said the Principal, "I'd like to show it to the whole school!" The whole school said, "What a lovely boat!" and the Principal placed it on the display table for all to see.

5. When the afternoon bell rang Jimmy raced into the assembly hall to get his boat. To his horror, he found that it was gone. Someone had stolen it! He thought he would never see his model again.

6. Months and months passed by, then one day Jimmy was walking past a model shop in town. He could hardly believe his eyes, for there in the centre of the window was the boat he had made.

7. He rushed in excitedly to the shopkeeper. "That's my boat in your window, can I have it back?" "I am sorry," said the man, "But I had to buy it and so must you!" Jimmy was very sad at first, then he decided to do it! So off he went delivering parcels and gifts all over the town.

8. Up and down, day after day he worked until finally he had earned enough wages to buy back his boat.

9. How happy he was!

10. You and I are a little like Jimmy's boat. God made us, the Creator made us all. He also paid the price for our sins when he sent Jesus to die on the cross. God made us and Jesus died for us! You belong to God twice over!

Mr. Square

1. This is the story of Mr. Square.

2. See how happy he is today. Yesterday, he wasn't too pleased (turn card upside down) because it rained so much. But today he is glad to be going on his holidays.

3. He soon arrived in sunny Niagara, and decided to book into the motel right away.

4. "Hello," said the man at the reception, "can I help you?" "Yes," said Mr. Square smiling broadly, "I would like a room with a nice comfortable bed."

5. There were not many other people there at that time so Mr. Square had the choice of rooms. The first one he went to when he opened the door...

6. ...had a large bed. What shape is this? Mr. Square tried it but his foot fell out one side, and his arm the other. It wasn't very comfortable so he decided to have a look at some others.

7. The next one was (pause). What shape is this one`? Do you think Mr. Square will fit in this one? See how unhappy he looks!

8. The next room he looked into had a (pause for reply) bed. Mr. Square tried turning this way and that but he could get no rest there.

9. He was beginning to think he was never going to be comfortable, until he saw what was in the next one. What shape is it? Will he fit on it? Let's try! It's just right!

10. As he lay there Mr. Square looked up and saw some writing on the ceiling. What does it say? Let's all write it with our finger! (trace the letters with your finger in the air while saying it out loud!)

Mr. Square was not comfortable on the other shaped beds. This is a little like some people in life who try to get happiness from money, possessions, sport or other things when what they are really seeking for can only be found in a relationship with God. Jesus wants to be our friend. He said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest."

The Christian Bicycle

How many of the boys and girls have a bicycle? The Christian life is a little bit like a bicycle, you know! Lets see how.

Bought

Do they give bicycles away in the shops? Not normally! No, they need to be bought. So it is with the Christian. "But God has shown how much he loves us - it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8).

Cleaned

Everyone's bike needs cleaning every so often. The Christian life also needs cleansing and again it is the Lord Jesus Christ who does it. "If we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all wrongdoing" (I John 1:9).

Oiled

If you don't oil your bike, what happens? Yes, it squeaks and doesn't run properly, even seizes up. The oil for the Christian life is prayer. It keeps your friendship with God running smoothly. Talk to him regularly and often and Jesus will keep you rolling along.

Equipped

What kind of tools do you need for your bicycle? How about a wrench, an air pump or a spoke tightened. The successful Christian life needs tools too. The main one is the Bible, though there are others like fellowship and Holy Communion which help to keep it trim. Be sure to read your Bible every day and allow it to mould your lifestyle. Don't be like the butterfly that flits from flower to flower then dies when the winter comes. Instead be like the honey bee which collects food into the hive so that when the cold weather arrives it has enough to live on and to keep it warm. The bee works at collecting food, the butterfly plays at it. The Christian should persist in studying the Word of God so that when trials come he has enough stored strength to endure.

Lighted

In the dark, you cannot see where you are going on a bike without a lamp to shine ahead and show the pathway. Jesus said, "You are like light for the whole world" (Matthew 5:14). You are to shine for Jesus wherever you go and tell others about Him.

Controlled

When you are riding you can steer this way or that by turning the handle bars. The Christian needs to be controlled too, and this is the job of the Holy Spirit. "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you" (Jesus' words - John 14:26).

"Practical Christian Outreach in the Local Church"

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