Geese police, sweltering heat, and a new NATO nation.
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 a theme of protection. Look for examples of protection as you read these stories.
Meet the geese police.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
A prison in Santa Catarina, Brazil, replaced its guard dogs with geese. Prison staff say these “geese agents” do an even better job than canines.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Consider the theme of God’s design. What goosey instinct makes these fowl effective guards? How did officials use God-designed animal traits to enhance prison security? Look for our theme of protection. Who do these “geese agents” help protect? Here’s a big question: Why do prisons exist? Is it just to keep dangerous people contained? Or is there more to it?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Scripture tells us to remember those in prison. (Hebrews 13:3) Pray for the people in prisons near you, especially for those who don’t yet know Jesus.
Too Hot for School
(Read it at WORLDkids.)
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
In South Sudan, schools temporarily closed due to the sweltering heat. Temperatures were expected to hit 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Consider our theme of protection. How did officials in South Sudan seek to protect schoolchildren? Think about the theme of interconnected problems. What additional problems do South Sudan’s high temperatures cause? How do those problems make the heat even worse?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Pray for the people in South Sudan struggling with this heat wave.
If you live in an area with extreme weather, consider ways to help people who
might not have warmth, shelter, or air conditioning.
Conversation Kickoff! What’s your favorite way to beat the heat on a summer day? Running through the sprinkler? Eating ice cream? Staying inside at all cost?
Sweden Joins NATO
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
After decades of neutrality, Sweden has officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is now the 32nd NATO member country.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Why do countries join NATO? What prompted Sweden to finally end its history of neutrality? And what does it have to do with our theme of protection? Consider the theme of partnership. What makes two better than one? How can you apply this biblical wisdom to everyday life?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Research the history of NATO. When did it form, and why? You can learn more about this topic by reading Neutral No More at WORLDteen.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. — Proverbs 18:10
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
