Making light, swimming to sea, and seeking freedom.
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 the themes of light and darkness, and freedom and captivity. As you discuss these stories, look for these pairs of opposites.
He brings light to darkness.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
A 15-year-old boy in Gaza generated electricity using two fans from a scrap market. Now his family can recharge batteries and lightbulbs.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
What does the young inventor in this story hope to do with his scientific know-how? Look at our theme of light and darkness—it’s right there in the title! Think both literally and figuratively. What sort of darkness does this boy’s family face? How does his invention help bring light? How can you help bring light to darkness in your community?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
It’s time for a science experiment! Did you know you can make a battery out of dirt and some wires? Learn how at WORLDkids.
Conversation Kickoff! Inventors use their God-given talents to improve daily life in all sorts of ways. Which technological invention could you simply not live without? It could be something from recent history or something invented waaaay in the past.
Swim Free, Baby Orca
(Read it at WORLDkids.)
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
In Canada, an orca calf became trapped in a lagoon. It dodged rescuers for a whole month before swimming to freedom on its own.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Why does one baby orca matter so much to the people who tried to rescue it? What gives life value—even animal life? Look for our theme of freedom and captivity. The orca got stuck when low tides made the path home disappear. Did you ever “swim into” a situation that looked fine but turned out to be trouble? How did you get out? The Bible tells us that we’re all stuck—not in a lagoon, but in the darkness of sin. Where do we find freedom and light?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Research the wildlife conservation efforts in your area.
What sorts of animals and habitats are protected near you? What are people
doing to protect them?
A Call for Release
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
In 2022, Ryan Corbett traveled to Afghanistan to help people start their own businesses. The Taliban wrongfully imprisoned him. At home in the United States, his family still seeks his release.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
What sort of darkness did the Taliban bring to Afghanistan? How did Corbett’s work help bring light? Look again at our theme of freedom and captivity. What is Corbett’s family doing to seek his freedom? What laws govern prisoners kept in foreign countries? Take a look at scripture. Can you find examples of people who were wrongfully imprisoned? What do their stories teach us?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Pray for the release of Ryan Corbett and others who are wrongfully imprisoned. If you live in the United States, you can help seek Ryan Corbett’s freedom by contacting your government representatives. Learn how at freeryancorbett.com.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. — Isaiah 61:1
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
