Bible Reading: Psalm 63:1-8; John 4:7-15 Omandi watched through wide, pleading eyes as his brother packed his truck. Every summer, Omandi visited Jimiyu and his wife for a whole week. They lived in Namanga, which was not far from Amboseli National Park, where Jimiyu managed the lion, giraffe, zebra, and elephant populations that roamed there…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:12-15 It had been a lonely, miserable day for Kennedy. Before a girl named Nicole moved to town, Kennedy and Gracie had done everything together. But now Gracie always wanted to include Nicole in their activities. “I’ll find a new friend,” muttered Kennedy as she snipped some roses. “I’ll…ouch!” A thorn pricked… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Genesis 45:4-8 At dinner, Maggie noticed her parents seemed quiet and tense. Her older brother, Matt, seemed to notice too and tentatively tried to break the silence. “I feel bad for the main character in the book I’m writing,” he said. “He just went through so many hard things, including the death of… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:29-31; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Revelation 21:4-5 Sophia snuggled close to her mom as tears ran down her cheeks. “Mom, why did Gumdrop have to die? I didn’t even have her for very long!” Mom wiped her eyes as she held her daughter. “I don’t know, Sophia. You did such a good job… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 Gavin joined the boys gathering on the football field for the sports camp put on by his church’s youth group. He watched as several members of the high school football team carried out coolers and equipment. “Listen up, gentlemen!” one of the players called. “American football is a full-contact sport. Before… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5:32-33 The basketball bounced into Stephanie’s outstretched hands. Her heart pounded with excitement as she scooted around the other team’s players. She heard someone yell, “Play number five!” Stephanie recognized the voice of Coach Swanson and remembered the play they had practiced. But the game is almost over, and the basket is… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 “That was fun,” said Natalia when she returned to her family’s cabin after the kids’ program at the weekend family retreat. She had done well in the Bible memory games they played, and she had learned several new things too. She began to tell Mom and Dad about it, but… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:23-24 “I had an awful day at school!” Ryan said as he dropped his backpack on the floor. “What happened, buddy?” Dad sat down next to Ryan. “There was some paper trash on the ball field at recess today, so I picked all of it up and threw it in the trash… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Job 23:8-12 “I can’t believe it!” Kaitlyn cried as she put down her phone. “What’s wrong?” asked Mom. “Mrs. Anderson said she doesn’t need me to walk their dogs anymore! Her granddaughter moved down the street from them, and they’re giving her the job. How am I ever going to save up for… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 25:1-3 Lily was crying when her mom came to get her after school. “What’s wrong?” asked Mom as Lily got into the car. Between sobs, Lily said, “One of the girls told the kids I’m afraid to ride home on the bus.” “We both know that’s not true,” said Mom. “I come… Continue Reading…