The book of Jonah is only four chapters, but it is full of life lessons. On our trip to Kenya earlier this month, one of our visitors presented Jonah’s story to the children. To reinforce the lessons we learned, all the crafts and activities had a Jonah theme.
What normally comes to mind when we think about Jonah? A man being swallowed by a big fish, right? While this IS part of the story, we were taught some principles to put into practice every single day – even if we never find ourselves inside a fish!
- Share God’s Compassion
- Be Thankful
- Share God’s Mercy and Grace
- Obey – Don’t Delay
Each child received a bookmark highlighting these truths.
Parachute
We pulled out the parachute (which always brings big smiles and laughter) and played a game where we sang the following words to the tune of London Bridge:
“Jonah chose to disobey, disobey, disobey
Jonah chose to disobey and was swallowed by a big fish”
Then a few of the children ran under the parachute and we “swallowed” them up like the fish! It was great fun! The song was so catchy that we heard it throughout the home during our entire visit.
Bracelets
We made bracelets that had both fish and cross beads. This was a perfect reminder that Jonah and Jesus are connected. Jesus said in Matthew 12:40, “For as Jonah was three days in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Jonah survived his three-day journey and then he proclaimed salvation to Nineveh. Jesus died, and was buried for three-days. He came back to life to give salvation to anyone who will choose it. Praise God!
Puppets
Jonah puppets were next, which included a fish, a clean and happy Jonah, and a seaweed covered, disheveled Jonah.
The kids were so creative and worked very hard on their ideas. It was fun to see all the different ways they decorated their puppets. They were pretty excited when they figured out how to make their puppet swallow Jonah.
During snack time, the kids had to work for their treat by “fishing” for a gummy fish on a string. We wrapped up the activities with movie night, showing the Veggie Tales version of the Jonah story.
With all the fun times, the main thing we learned was this:
When God tells you to do something, you should
OBEY – DON’T DELAY!
This truth was not just for the children, but for us adults as well!
Uncle David Chepkati started working for Children of Hope in 2016 as a gardener. Two years later he was promoted to support maintenance, and earlier this year he was promoted again to a driver. Uncle David wears many hats and even fills in sometimes as a cook. We are so grateful for his willingness to assist where he is needed.
Uncle David is married and the father of five beautiful children ranging in age from 10 years to 6 months.
“Thank you so much, Uncle David, for your love and dedication to CoH. We are a great organization because of men and women like you – people who love our children and ensure that each one receives everything they need to thrive. God bless you!” ~ Abraham Kiboki
In David’s Words:
I have had many different assignments here at CoH and I have enjoyed every one of them. It allows me to get to know aunties and uncles in other departments and continue to learn new things. Despite all these roles, my primary job is being a parent to the wonderful children under our care which is my joy!
One story that touches my heart is that of Darian. He joined our home when he was five years old and was so severely malnourished that he wasn’t able to walk or even crawl. We showered Darian with all the love and care we could and were surprised when, after just a few months, he started walking. His transformation was so inspiring. It didn’t take long for him to take off running! It was such a powerful feeling to see the change in him. I was so blessed by this moment.
This home gives hope to children who otherwise would not have been raised up by wonderful people in a loving, Christ-centered environment. What our children learn here equips them with knowledge and skills to succeed in life after they transition into the real world. But even more important than success is love – they do not doubt that we love them and that God loves them.
During my free time I enjoy bonding and providing guidance to my five kids on matters of life and education.
Working at CoH has been such a blessing to my family. I am able to send my children to school, pay rent, and provide for their needs.
Thank you, Uncle David, for your bright smile and your kind heart. We appreciate you so much and how you flow so easily between roles. Your love is changing the lives of our children and we could not be more grateful.
