WOW Week 12 - PCAC G5 Class on 2/19/2017

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #12, 2/19/2017.

This week's theme "Obey God's Words " as in the account of Jeremiah/耶利米書 36 章; Through the prophet, Jeremiah, GOD delivers His warnings and hope messages to the Israel as a nation.

As written (Jeremiah 36:1), In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD (猶大王、約西亞的兒子約雅敬第四年、耶和華的話臨到耶利米說) - here it begins the story about the fall of Judah kingdom.

5 W : Scripture Study

"將我對你說攻擊以色列、和猶大、並各國的一切話、從我對你說話的那日、就是從約西亞的日子起、直到今日、都寫在其上";  (耶利米書 36:2)

God has instructed Jeremiah to write down everything concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah. It is NOT a pleasant messages at all, since it brings warning messages and yet some hopes at the end ...

However, the king Jehoiakim was against the messages from GOD via Jeremiah - 王燒了書卷．其上有巴錄從耶利米口中所寫的話!!

Jehoiakim even 王就用文士的刀將書卷割破、扔在火盆中、直到全卷在火中燒盡了 (Jeremiah 36:23). 

As we can see the fall of Judah, The Babylonians swept down upon Jerusalem in 597 B.C. and captured it. A second attack led to Jerusalem's second defeat in 586 B.C. Captives from both campaigns were taken to Babylonia to mark the captivity of the Southern Kingdom.

(Credit: URL, http://www.bible-history.com/map_fall_of_judah/ )

Next, we have two teams (FOOD and BACON) to examine the passages in Chap. 36 to answer questions by sorting through the verses for answers.
Two questions:

1) Who repeated God's words?

2) Did someone chose not to listen/obey ? If YES, who?

This is to re-focus on the messages.

A quick Video: (TouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSK36cHbrk0 )

This is a good series of scripture reading overview which often gives comprehensive outline of a particular book

so that students can see the whole picture.

Exercise! Hands-On activitiy!

Each team (FOOD and BACON) gets to use the play doh sets I prepared 

to create their own interpretation of the biblical messages to share with

their friends.

All the students participate within their own team to design and

work on the story.

I have to admit the level of creativity demonstrated here is 

impressive!

Later, I will share a few clips while the students are working on the story set.

During the presentation, I have noticed some students show

 story-telling ability which all your parents should be proud of!

KLUP!

-Sam

Class (2/12/2017) in action ...

WOW Week 11 - PCAC G5 Class on 2/12/2017

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #11, 2/12/2017.

This week's theme is "ESTHER - in the book of Esther (以斯帖記)", in the account of  以斯帖記 2:2-18; 4:5-17; 5:1-14; 7:1-10. 

The life point centers at "People can stand up for their belief in God, even when it is difficult".

In the background, the Jews were living in Persia under the rule of King Ahasuerus (uh hazy EHR uhs). The king ordered all of the young women to be brought to his palace in Susa so he could choose a new queen.

Mordecai told Esther, "You must go, but tell no one that you are a Jew." 

And the story went on that king's highest officer, Haman, hated Mordecai because he would not bow to him; later, Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he convinced the king to order the terrible thing (murder) of all the Jews in a single day.

[此時你若閉口不言、猶大人必從別處得解脫、蒙拯救、你和你父家、必致滅亡．焉知你得了王后的位分、不是為現今的機會麼。] ~以斯帖記 4:14, as Mordecai encouraged Esther to stand up for her belief in God.

How bad a situation can it get? And yet Esther came forth bravely to stand up for the Jews.

Scripture Study : 5W tips (What/Who/When/Where/Why)

Using some pre-printed pictures in conjunction with the study notes, the students get to re-emphasis the story line, 

who are the main characters in this lesson, and the faith demonstrated in Esther and Mordecai's deeds.

Our usual 5W study outline went on to the entire book of Esther.

This YouTube video clip on the Esther Scripture reading does a good job of explanation on overview of the book and give a fairly vivid illustration on structure of the book.
At the end, Haman, the evil officer, received his own punishment ...
"於是人將哈曼挂在他為末底改所豫備的木架上．王的忿怒這纔止息." 以斯帖記 7:10

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs 

Application! Application!

Next, let's work on a quick game - "Reveal God's Plan", by encrypting some English characters with numbers; 

Each team (FOOD and BACON) gets to decipher the messages that is given to them. Two passages from the book of Esther were chosen to highlight the lesson:
1) 以斯帖記 7:10

2) 以斯帖記 4:14

All the team members participated well :)

As they are racing to solve the enigma message, I hope that the message sticks in their heart.

A big applause to a student (harrison) who did bring snack to share with the entire class, as a result of last 

week's game (Community Service, remember?).

SCORES:

TEAM FOOD: 4 + 28 (week 10) = 32

Team BACON: 1 + 30 (week 11) = 31

Until next time, read up your scriptures daily!

KLUP!

-Sam

WOW Week 10 - PCAC G5 Class on 2/5/2017

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #10, 2/5/2017.
This week's theme is "Joash Build GOD's temple ", in the account of 歷代志下 24:1 to 15.

Here we get to witness the young king, 約阿施登基的時候年七歲, 

At the time, Jehoiada the priest helped and mentored Joash to do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.

( 祭司耶何耶大在世的時候、約阿施行耶和華眼中看為正的事。)

This lesson is about "Tithe" - Joash is willing to restore the Temple of God;
( 約阿施有意重修耶和華的殿) 

Out of his own heart after God's will, Joash told the Israelite,  "Go to the towns of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the temple of your God. Do it now." 

使以色列眾人捐納銀子、每年可以修理你們　神的殿!

What an example for us even today!

Scripture Study : 5W tips (What/Who/When/Where/Why)

Going through the scripture, all the students get to examine each verse in the light of 5 W (What/Who/Where/When/Why).

Before the class, I've prepared some pre-printed pictures that related to the story for vivid illustration. 
Tithing is a blessing indeed when we decide to obey GOD's commands. 
As in 瑪拉基書 3:10,
  "萬軍之耶和華說、你們要將當納的十分之一、全然送入倉庫、使我家有糧、以此試試我、是否為你們敞開天上的窗戶、傾福與你們、甚至無處可容。"
A video is also shown:

Applications/hands-on:

It is essential to apply what we learn from the scripture in our life; in particular, for our life on earth this faith journey.

I have designed a board game to highlight the point of walking this Faith journey being the Salt of the Earth and "Light of the World";

With this "Joash" example, via our offering to God, it is a testimony to the people around you.

The game starts out with the cell called "In the Beginning", where each team (FOOD and BACON) students get to begin their Faith journey as in real live.
As life unfolds, you may run into "Faith Check" (a stack of Index Cards with biblical questions ) for students to take a quick quiz on all the lessons we have shared before.

Another thing is the "Community Services" ( a stack of Index cards) designed to challenge students how to live out their faith, such as "Love your neighbors". One student  get to draw a "Community Service" card that reads "Bring some snacks to share with the class next week". :)

All the students had a great lesson time!!


Scores:
FOOD: 23 + 5 = 28 pts
BACON: 27 + 3 = 30 pts

KLUP!!
-Sam

WOW Week 9 - PCAC G5 Class on 1/29/2017

Hi parents,

I've been out of town on business trip. Thanks to brother Patrick who steps up to teach the class for the past two Sundays.

Here is the quick update on week #9, 1/29/2017.

This week's theme is "Samuel's Birth and Calling" -  in the account of  1 Samuel (撒母耳記上) Chap 1 to 3.

This lesson is about "Prayer" - in particular, one woman who believed in prayer was Hannah, a wife of Elkanah who had no children. Every year the family went to the tabernacle in Shiloh to sacrifice to God. Hannah went to the tabernacle to pray for a son. Here came the priest, Eli, saw her and noticed that her lips were moving. Thinking she was drunk, he scolded her. However Hannah told him she was pouring out her heart to God. Eli was impressed by her deep sincerity and assured her that God would respond! And HE did!!

Our life point is that God wants people pray to Him daily.

Scripture Verses 5 W:

Going through the scripture, all the students get to examine each verse in the light of 5 W (What/Who/Where/When/Why).

In this account, Samuel's birth is indeed a miracle and God's answers to Hannah's prayer.

I have prepared some pre-printed pictures that related to the story for vivid illustration.

Samuel's mother Hannah, who honestly pray to the GOD for a child.

許願說、萬軍之耶和華阿、你若垂顧婢女的苦情、眷念不忘婢女、賜我一個兒子、我必使他終身歸與耶和華、不用剃頭刀剃他的頭.

哈拿就懷孕．日期滿足生了一個兒子、給他起名叫撒母耳、說、這是我從耶和華那裡求來的。

Here is Hannah's prayer/ or praises;
哈拿禱告說、我的心因耶和華快樂．我的角因耶和華高舉．我的口向仇敵張開．我因耶和華的救恩歡欣. (撒母耳記上 2:1) 

素來飽足的、反作傭人求食、飢餓的、再不飢餓．不生育的、生了七個兒子．多有兒女的、反倒衰微。(撒母耳記上 2:5)

Seeing is believing:

A short video can help to highlight the bible lesson. (Moody Bible Story)

Hands-On activities:

We have a puzzle word contest; Both teams FOOD and BACON takes turn to learn to solve a "Hannah & Samuel" theme puzzles. 

Using the puzzles, each team get to pick either ACROSS or DOWN paper clue to come up with answers (most of the words are from the verses of the lesson)

Final scores:

Team FOOD: 5 + 18 = 23

Team BACON: 6 + 21 = 27

Our weekly bible verse:

  "I call on You, God, because You will answer me." (神阿、我曾求告你、因為你必應允我)

 Psalm 17:6

Next week, we will begin a new Unit "Do What God Says"

KLUP!

-Sam

WOW Week 6 - PCAC G5 Class on 1/8/2017

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #6, 1/8/2017.

This week's theme is "Joshua and Jericho" -  in the account of Joshua (約書亞記) 6:1 to 21.

As recorded, the Lord said to Joshua, "Look, I have handed Jericho, its King, and its fighting  men over to you."

Then, God gave Joshua these instructions (March around the city) in order to conquer the city of Jericho.

These instructions seemingly appear to be "strange" from human's aspect:

你們的一切兵丁要圍繞這城、一日圍繞一次．六日都要這樣行. (約書亞記 6:3)

七個祭司要拿七個羊角走在約櫃前．到第七日你們要繞城七次、祭司也要吹角。(約書亞記 6:4)

However, it works when GOD is involved!!

As usual, a few pictures of the "W" items have been prepared and printed out before the class for the student to apply to the scripture lesson.

It is GOD's plan to take and lead the Israelite through Joshua (Moses of course) into the Promised Land after rescuing them from slavery in Egypt. The city of Jericho, which is fortified, presents a big challenge to them.
By obeying GOD's commands and instructions, Joshua leads in a victorious way!

Seeing is Believing:

YouTube video link:  (URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruqGz1480uc  )

This would be a good visual aid to engage the students to re-focus on the lesson.


In between, we bring up the meaning of "fish" symbol to relate the Joshua to "Jesus" name.
As you can see the "ICHTHUS" word is made of the following:

I[esous] (Jesus)
CH (Christ or Christos)
TH[eou] (Of GOD)
U[iou] (the Son)
S[oter] (the Savior)
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthys 

Puppet Show (to re-Live the story)

Next, it is our hands-on time;
Today, we tried the puppet show for both "FOOD" and "BACON" teams to direct and produce their own interpretation of the scripture lesson.

I am totally impressed by the participation and creativeness demonstrated by the both teams.

With a limited set of the stuffed animals, each team gets to create a quick puppet skit to present the lesson from their point of view and understanding. It is a BOX-Office hit for both teams!!

Scores:

Team FOOD: 18 points

Team BACON: 21 points

KLUP!

-Sam

WOW Week 5 - PCAC G5 Class on 1/1/2017

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #5, 1/1/2017.

This week's theme is "Joshua was chosen" to lead Israelite after Moses died. Joshua saw firsthand the qualities that allowed Moses to lead the Israelite safely out of Egypt. Moses died and the task fell to Joshua.

"GOD's Power be with you".

A quick "Object Lesson" using flashlight and matchbox car racing...

1) Flashlight - without the battery (type AAA/AA/C/D), the flashlight is useless; 

2) the same way, that match box car is not able to move forward without the hand that directs and apply speed/power to it.

The verses are Joshua (約書亞記) 1:1-9.
The weekly key verse is Joshua 1:9.
和合本:
[我豈沒有吩咐你麼．你當剛強壯膽．不要懼怕、也不要驚惶、因為你無論往那裡去、耶和華你的　神必與你同在.]

NIV:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Scripture Reading in 5W exercises

As usual, let the students to read and practice the 5W principles;

5 W : What/Who/When/Where/Why (with "WHY" being the HIS divine reason)

I have prepared a few pictures of "WHO"/"Where"/What objects for the 5W session.

It makes deeper impression for the students to further analyze the scriptures for application on that "God will be with you" for Joshua's journey ahead.

Hands-On! Hands-On!

Next, we have both BACON and FOOD teams to engage a wood building block contest for hands-on exercise.

The idea is to build a "structure" using the a set of wood building blocks - with the intent to achieve the following:

a) strong, b) tallness, c) resilient,

Then we simulate natural forces such as quake, stormy wind, in an attempt to bring down the structure. Whichever structure remains standing at the end of the "trails" gets to win the competition. 

The lesson is to find ways to be Brave and Strong! Basically, grow your faith in HIS Words and rooted in His promises.

A side note: it's great to see that some students demonstrate keen insight when it comes to "Building a sound structure". This is one of the ways for parents to discover how GOD has given each child unique talents!!

Apply what we learn

As we moved on the lunch, there is time to play a "Memory/Card Matching" game;

We have 13 paris of  index cards with each card in a envelop - where all the students (BACON and FOOD teams) get to take turn to find the matching pairs of index cards.

Each matching cards features the subjects and stories we learned in the past.

A few examples are, 

"The WORD was God",

 "Light of the World", 

"Emmanuel", etc. 

Final scores:

FOOD: 13 points

BACON: 15 points

Once again, key verse today is Joshua 1:9.

Next week, we'll continue with Joshua and Jericho in the account of Joshua 6:1-21.

KLUP

-Sam