Sharing space, Thanksgiving grandma, and an orphan returns home.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
As you move from discover to explore to discern, the themes go deeper. But any of these stories can work for conversation with the whole family. We’ll also include a Conversation Kickoff to help you break the proverbial ice if your kids aren’t ready to dive deep right away.
This week, we’re noticing themes of hospitality and diversity. Keep an eye out for examples of hospitality and diversity as you discuss these stories.
Share space in outer space.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Four astronauts from four nations traveled together to the International Space Station. They will perform over 200 experiments and tests to prepare for future missions.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Consider the theme of cooperation. What things can get in the way of working together? What can help people see past their differences? Also notice the theme of sharing. Why have an “international” space station? What do nations gain by sharing their expertise?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Learn about the International Space Station and how you can spot it in the night sky. (NASA’s website can help.) Seek opportunities to learn from people who are different from you.
“Thanksgiving Grandma” Welcomes Guests
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Seven years ago, Wanda Dench accidentally invited a stranger to Thanksgiving. They’ve celebrated the holiday together ever since. This year, they teamed up with Airbnb to invite more people in.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
The holiday is over, but God calls us to give thanks always. (Ephesians 5:20) What are you thankful for? Look for our theme of hospitality. What makes it hard to welcome people we don’t know or who are different from us? Why is it good to do so? Whom does God invite into His house to share His table?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Whom could you
bring into your home for a meal? Think of somebody you’ve never invited before.
Conversation Kickoff! If you could prepare a meal and invite anyone to be your guest–either someone from now or someone from the past–whom would you invite?
Orphaned Teen Returns to Relative
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
An orphaned Ukrainian teen named Bohdan Yermokhin was taken by Russians and forced into a Russian foster family. He has now been returned to welcoming relatives in Ukraine.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
A Russian official claims Ukraine’s children are taken for their own safety. Why does most of the world not believe this claim? Consider the themes of adoption and citizenship. How do Russia’s actions in this story twist those ideas? What is the difference between welcoming someone in hospitality and forcing someone into assimilation?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Look up adoption and citizenship in the Bible to find their true meanings. Pray for the Ukrainian orphans still in need.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. — Hebrews 13:2
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
