Credits

welcome

Introduction

Study Session

Activity 1

Activity 2

Activity 3

Activity 4

Activity 5

Activity 6

Activity 7

Activity 8

Activity 9

Activity 10

Activity 11

Activity 12

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WELCOME TO THE SESSION

As the children enter, greet them with the common Spanish phrase, Buenos dias. Como esta? (BUEN-os DEE-as, Co-mo es-TA?). Tell them that this is Spanish for Good morning, how are you? Invite the children to repeat the phrase to you. Give each child a name tag and a passport (AP 1). As others arrive, children can sign their names on page 2 of the passport, print their names and birth dates on page 3, and draw a picture of themselves in the space.

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

Using the Map to Learn About Cuba 

Older Children Give children copies of "Basic Facts-Cuba" (AP 2) and index cards. Suggest they read over the facts and then print the facts they find interesting on the cards. They can tape these along the edge of the map of Cuba. Suggest that the children study the insert on the map that shows Cuba's location in the Caribbean and then find Cuba on the world map.

Younger Children Help children to locate the United States on the large world map. Point out the approximate location of the state in which they live. Ask a child to tape to the map an index card with an arrow and the words "You Are Here." Then ask someone to locate Cuba on the world map and mark it with another index card. Tell them that Cuba is just ninety miles south of the tip of Florida. As a point of reference, name two or three cities that are ninety miles from where the children live. Tell them that Cuba is about as far from the tip of Florida as those cities are from where they live.

Clearing Customs

When the children have completed the map activities, invite them to visit the customs table with their passports. Tell the children that when they visit another country, they must carry a passport and have it stamped as they enter the country, and they must carry the passport with them wherever they go to identify themselves as visitors. Explain to the children that because of mutual unfriendly relations between the United States and Cuba, U.S. citizens who want to visit Cuba must enter through another country. Canadians can visit Cuba directly. Have one child stamp their passports for "entry" into Cuba. 

Learning About Saul and Mario

Tell the children that the first activity of their visit will be a time of studying the Bible as CubanChristians do. Read aloud, or ask a volunteer to read, Acts 9:1­19. Have the children follow along in their Bibles. After the reading, ask the children why Saul was going to Damascus. Point out to them that he was persecuting Christians, threatening to kill them. Ask what happened to Saul while he was traveling on the road? Be sure the children realize that Saul was later known as Paul and that he was one of the first missionaries of the early church.

Tell the children that they will now hear the story of a young Cuban named Mario, who also had a life-changing experience. Read, or ask an invited guest to read," The Lightning" (AP 3). Let the children discuss whether they think it was God who changed Mario's attitude. Remind them that God continues to be with us, guiding us in what we do and calling us to help people in need. Ask the children to name ways that the experiences of Saul and Mario are similar. Ask how the children know when God is present. Tell them that many good things are happening in churches in Cuba today because some Cubans have responded to God s call.

"VISITING" CUBA

For your "visit" you can choose two or three activities to do with the whole group, or you can setup activity centers and let the children choose from among them.

Make Maracas

Let the children make maracas (AP 4) to accompany the music in the closing worship.

Make Tropical Birds

Let the children make tropical birds (AP 5) to hang around the room.

Guess the Food

Let the children try to match the Spanish name of the food with a sample of the food (AP 6).

Play a Game

Let the children play "The Hawk and the Chickens" (AP 7).

Make a Time Line

Let older children use the "History of Cuba" to make a time line to show events in Cuba's history (AP 8).

Learn a Song

If possible, teach all the children "Edifiquemos Juntos" (AP 9) so that they can sing it at the closing worship. This simple tune can be sung in a round with accompanying actions. 

What Would You Do?

Older children can listen to "Eloísa's Story"(AP 10) and discuss a relevant situation in its light.

Make Flan

Have the children make flan (AP 11), which they can eat at the closing worship or take home with them.

CELEBRATING IN WORSHIP

Close the session by celebrating your trip with a short time of worship. 

Sing a Song

Sing "Edifiquemos Juntos" (AP 9) using the suggested actions. If the children made maracas,they can accompany the song with them.

Pray a Litany

Divide the children into two groups to pray a litany using psalm 16 (AP 12).

Hold the Christians in Cuba in Prayer

Using the map of Cuba, pray together for the Cuban Christians (AP 12). Point to cities on the map as you say the appropriate words.