It was 6:05 and the facilitators were ready, but where were all the Littles for the 6 o’clock class? Finally, one car pulled up, and 3 siblings poured out from the car. They were arguing back and forth. Greetings were shared, and we all set out for the east paddock with brushes, halters and lead ropes in hand. Students picked out a horse, haltered it and began brushing it. “Talk to your horse, tell them how your day has been.” It was a peaceful time. The horses were loving the attention.
Up in the classroom the students learned that they would be going across a “raging river” hoping to get the secret message that was on the throne at the other side of the arena. BUT they had to walk ONLY on the pool noodles that were sprinkled throughout the “river” shaped with long PVC pipes. There were other “dangerous” objects too in the river (mounting block, hula hoop, etc) and they couldn’t touch those. The two boys’ curiosities were piqued.
After watching their three horses running loose around in the arena, further details were explained. “If you step off the pool noodles and touch the sand, you have to start over.” The two boys eyed the layout; there were obstacles here and there.
Could they do it?
The oldest started first. He jumped onto the first noodle, then the next. Oh no, he lost his balance! Back to start. His younger brother took a turn. The same thing happened. “You can do it,” we cheered. After a few more tries, we told them a secret... the horses had the power to take them across the river and to the throne. They were safe anywhere as long as they were touching the horse.
However, the oldest brother wanted to try again and again; he was determined. He got farther every time until he saw the hula hoop and a mounting block. He knew he couldn’t jump over those. He walked over to the paint horse named Soldier and proceeded to walk him all the way down to the throne! We all cheered as he and Soldier walked back with an envelope in his hand. The younger brother sprang up and grabbed the mini horse named Pumpkin and did the very same thing! “Awesome job you two!”
Back upstairs, we explained, “The raging river represents our lives and all the things we come up against. Could you cross the raging river and get to the throne on your own even though you tried so hard?” They knew they couldn’t. “Who did you need to get across the river?” “The horses!” they yelled. “Right! If the river is like your life, then who is the only one that can guide you through life and bring you safely to the throne of God?”
“Jesus!” they both quipped.
“Exactly! Let’s see what your secret message says!” The boys opened their envelopes and together we read a letter from God. He was telling them the Good News about His Son Jesus. He loves them very much, but because they are sinners, they need Jesus to save them from their sin and someday live with Him in heaven.
“Would anyone like to trust Jesus to be his Savior?”
The oldest brother said he would! So we bowed our heads and he repeated the words of a sinner’s prayer and trusted Jesus Christ as his savior! The facilitators were rejoicing. Mom was rejoicing as well as all the angels in heaven!
-Bonnie Moore, Volunteer