How will you show kindness this week?
Hi kids! Have you ever heard of random acts of kindness? Random acts of kindness are things we do for other people without being asked to and without expecting anything back. We do these things just because we want to be kind, helpful and to brighten somebody else’s day. Jesus was kind to everybody and loved them all equally. In the Bible, we are told to love God and to love our neighbours. Our neighbours aren’t just people who live near us, but everybody— our friends, family, teachers, teammates, peers, people at church, even strangers. And like Jesus, we can show this love by being kind to others. This week, I challenge you to go out and do one random act of kindness for somebody. Read this issue of Just for Kids for ideas!
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Summertime
Your friend, Abby
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10 Random Acts of Kindness
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8 1 7 1.glasses; 2.juice; 3.watermelon; 4.hat; 5.swimsuit; 6.ice cream; 7.sun; 8.seashell.
1. Write a nice note to a friend, relative or somebody in your church. 2. Donate a toy or gently used clothing to a Salvation Army thrift store for a kid who needs it. 3. Help a neighbour wash their car or walk their dog. 4. Leave a coin in a vending machine for somebody else to enjoy a treat. 5. Return someone’s cart at the grocery store. 6. Do a chore for a parent or help a sibling with homework without them asking. 7. Hold the door open for somebody. 8. Let someone go ahead of you in line. 9. Call a grandparent or older relative and ask them to tell you a story. 10. Ask your parents or church leaders what you can do to help people in your community.
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The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
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ne day, a man came to Jesus and asked, “What must I do to have eternal life?”
neighbour?” And then Jesus told him a story: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers attacked him and beat him badly. Then they went away, leaving him almost dead.
Jesus replied, “What do you think? What is written in the law?” The man answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, with all your strength and your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ ” “That’s right,” said Jesus. “Do that, and you will live.” But the man wanted to make himself look good. So he asked Jesus, “And who is my
“A priest happened to be going down that same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. A Levite also came by, but he passed by on the other side, too. “But then a Samaritan came, and when he saw the man, he felt sorry for him. He went over to him and bandaged up his wounds. Then he put the man on his own donkey. He took the man to an inn and took care of him. He gave the owner of the inn some money and said, ‘Take care of him.’ ” When He finished the story, Jesus turned to the man who was asking Him questions and said, “Which of the three do you think was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by robbers?”
26-07/02/22 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
“The one who helped him,” he answered.
And Jesus said, “Go and do as he did.”
Samaritan Search GOOD JERICHO JESUS LEVITE LOVE MONEY NEIGHBOUR PRIEST ROBBERS SAMARITAN
N L O V E I A S U Y
N E A S N Q O R M X
Love Your Neighbour
E L I D P H Y E O F
A T S G C O J B N T
G A I I H E U B E Y
Q O R V S B X O Y F
P E O U E Y O R G R
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City on a Hill
Hi kids! On earth, our light comes from the sun. Sometimes it is bright and hot, like in the middle of summer. Other times, the sun is hidden behind clouds, but it’s still there and lighting the way for us to see where we’re going. We can make our own light, too. Think of all the objects in your house that light up—lamps, candles, televisions, flashlights. Now picture a city built high up on a hill. Tall buildings, houses, a church, schools and playgrounds overlook the land below. At nighttime, the city would glow with lights in every window. It would be impossible to miss! In the Bible, Jesus describes this city to His disciples. “A city on a hill cannot be hidden,” He says. It shines bright for everyone to see. Jesus wants us to shine bright, too. Like the summer sun or a lit-up city, we can show goodness and God’s love to everyone.
What does the sun drink out of? Sunglasses
Did You Know? Light travels fast! Did you know that light travels at a speed of 300,000 kilometres per second? That’s almost the distance from earth to the moon—in just one second!
Find 10 Differences
Your friend, Abby
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Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
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Light of the World Matthew 5:14-16
I Spy …
Circle the objects that produce light.
Match each picture to its shadow.
esus travelled from city to city to teach Jgather about God and heal the sick. People would in crowds to hear what He had to say. When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them. “You are the light of the world,” He said. “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. “People do not put a lamp under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it lights up the house. In the same way, let your light shine, and let others see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Connect the Dots
Best Friends
Hi kids! Sometimes when I feel down, I like to talk to my friends. They give great pep talks! I know that when life gets busy or stressful, or when I face something difficult, my friends are there to help me. And I’m always there for my friends. We can count on each other. God is the greatest friend to us. He is always there to talk to and He knows when we feel sad or happy. We can have faith that God will be there for us when we need Him. God wants us to be good friends, too, just as He is good to us. The Bible tells us that “a friend loves at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes” (Proverbs 17:17). So the next time you see a friend who needs help, let them know that you’re there for them.
Your friend, Abby
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he Bible tells us a story about two young men, David and Jonathan, who were loyal friends who could count on each other when times were tough: David was a soldier in King Saul’s army. King Saul had a son named Jonathan, who was close friends with David. Jonathan gave David many gifts: a robe, sword, bow and belt. David and Jonathan made a promise to each other that they would stay good friends, no matter what happened.
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But King Saul changed his mind and David had to hide again. Jonathan found David and promised that he would protect him. They were both very sad. They knew that David could not come back because of the king. So Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace. I will always be a friend to you and your children.” Then David left, and Jonathan went home.
David was an excellent soldier and King Saul gave him a good position in the army. Then people started to like David more than King Saul. The king was angry. He saw David as his enemy. King Saul wanted Jonathan to kill David. Instead, Jonathan warned David about his father and David escaped to safety. Jonathan then spoke to King Saul and convinced him not to hurt his best friend.
Message Maze ISSU
1 Samuel 18-20
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David and Jonathan share gifts.
Friends Forever ARMY CHILDREN DAVID FRIENDS JONATHAN
N O M Y S H Q T N E K E
M A M N R X E C E C D C
M A I R Y P H R P D T M U I A S B B B N F E T O R D L A E P H T S P W T
M E O M P N H R I E Z H
KING PEACE PROMISE PROTECT SAUL
G R V F E F O P H V F L
P Y D P E C P J C D U K
S D N E I R F D I A K J
G N I K A O H V S D N N
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What does the Bible say about friendship? “Jesus said, ‘Here is My command. Love one another, just as I have loved you.’ ”–John 15:12 28-07/16/22 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
“So encourage one another with the hope you have. Build each other up.”–1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Do to others as you want them to do to you.” –Luke 6:31
Hi kids!
Jesus Welcomes Children
What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream? There are so many to choose from! There’s vanilla, strawberry, chocolate chip cookie dough, cotton candy, bubblegum, rocky road…. I’m hungry now. I like ice cream sundaes topped with chocolate syrup and mini marshmallows. But I also like cherry ice cream with sprinkles! With all the combinations of flavours, every ice cream sundae can be completely unique and special. This year, The Salvation Army celebrated the International Day of Children and Youth by eating ice cream and talking about God’s unique creations—you! God made all of His children to be different and wonderful, just like a one-of-a-kind ice cream sundae. We are all children of God. No matter who we are, how old we are or what our favourite ice cream flavour is, God loves us and invites us to love Him, too.
Mark 10:13-16
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ne day a crowd came to see Jesus. There were lots of grown-ups in the crowd, but there were lots of boys and girls, too. They had come with their parents so that Jesus could pray for them and bless them.
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Jesus was happy that the children had come to visit Him. He put His arms around them and said, “God loves each and every one of you. You are all very special.”
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Friends With Jesus BOYS
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The boys and girls were sad because they couldn’t talk to Jesus. But Jesus was sad, too.
He wanted to talk with the children and was unhappy that His disciples had stopped them. Then Jesus said, “Wait! Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them. They are My friends and I want to talk with them.”
Your friend, Abby
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When the children walked toward Jesus, His disciples tried to stop them. “Jesus is very, very busy,” they said. “He is teaching the grown-ups many important things. He doesn’t have time to talk with children.” UE
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Then Jesus looked at the grown-ups and said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to whoever is like these children. Grown-ups need to love God as much as these boys and girls do. These children want to be My friend, and I want to be their friend, too.” Then Jesus prayed for the children and blessed them.
God Helps Me By … We asked kids across the territory to tell us how God has been helping them recently. Here’s what they said:
Ice Cream Word Scramble
Complete the Picture
HLOACETOC PSOCO
“God has been helping me make new friends and adjust to my school.”—Elijah, Alberta and Northern Territories Division
UBLGBUEBM KPELSRNIS ALINVAL
“God has been helping me serve the community and hand out stuff from the food truck! I spend time with God reading the Bible and praying.” —Heather, British Columbia Division
RCYHRE
Connect the Dots
TMNI ESDUNA
“God has been helping me to be confident. Sometimes I get nervous and unsure, but I know that God loves me and He created me to do great things.” —Adelle, Alberta and Northern Territories Division
Answers: chocolate; scoop; bubblegum; sprinkles; vanilla; cherry; mint; sundae
“God has helped me with my fear of dogs. I used to be afraid to even go in my backyard, but now I can go in my backyard as long as friends are with me, just like God is with me.” —Ahnika, Maritime Division
How does God help you?
29-07/23/22 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
Taming of the Tongue
Hi kids!
James 3:3-12
Have you ever visited the zoo? I live near the Toronto Zoo, which is the biggest zoo in Canada! There are exhibits for animals from across the world, from the white wolves and polar bears of the Arctic tundra to the cheetahs and warthogs of the African savannah. God created so many species of beautiful and fascinating animals that are exciting to look at, but they can be dangerous. That’s why there are enclosures at the zoo, to protect the animals and keep visitors safe. In this issue of Just for Kids, you’ll read from the Book of James, which says that, like wild animals, our words can be dangerous, too. Sometimes if we’re not careful, we can say hurtful things that we can’t take back. Instead, we should use our words to glorify God—to be kind and spread love, just like Jesus did.
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e use a bridle and a small piece of metal, called a “bit,” in the mouth of a horse to make it obey us. We can control the whole horse with the reins. Or take ships as an example. Though they are very big and face strong winds, they are controlled by just a small rudder that steers the boat in the direction the captain wants to go. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of a person’s body, but words can have a big impact. Think about how one small spark can set a whole forest on fire. The tongue is also a fire and if you are not careful, it can create great evil.
People tame all kinds of wild animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures. But no human being can tame the tongue. It has the potential to be dangerous. But we also use our tongues to praise the Lord. Good words and bad words come from the same tongue. It shouldn’t be this way. We should only use our tongues for good.
Your friend, Abby
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Did You Know?
Connect the Dots
God’s Glorious Creatures Here are a few of the animals you might find at the zoo. Some of them are really cute! Which of these animals do you think is the most dangerous?
Elephants are not only one of the largest animals in the world, they’re also one of the smartest! They can communicate with one another through vibrations in the ground called “seismic signals” that they can detect through their bones from far away.
North American river otter
Find 10 Differences
Snapping turtle
Snow leopard
Sumatran tiger
Great horned owl
Find the Animals L A T B W B L K M B
Y I E A M N N Q X I
C A O A C U W E P R
R Q L N M W Y T Y D
BEAR CHIPMUNK COW FISH ELEPHANT LIZARD
E L E P H A N T E P
C I I G P K B U K D
B H W O C S B T N P
C D N D S Z P B O J
F I S H I B K E M B
D R A Z I L Z B C Z
BIRD CAT DOG LAMB LION MONKEY
Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body. —Proverbs 16:24 30-07/30/22 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Photos and illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X