A Bible Study for mission teams Serving at Groundwork Guatemala

Life requires courage because life is filled with scary things. It requires courage to battle cancer or overcome an addiction. Courage is needed in the face of challenging situations and problems that are too big for us to defeat. Sometimes it even takes courage to turn on the news, as we learn about the newest threats we need to be concerned about or the latest tragedy we need to deal with.

Of course, we know that faith is the answer. However, as nice as it might sound to replace fear with faith, the reality is that the scary things are still out there. In fact, there are times when our faith leads us into situations that require even more courage – standing up for what is right in the face of wrong or stepping out of our comfort zone. For many, this week in Guatemala is just such a time, as God uses these experiences to challenge you in new ways.

This study looks at similar experiences in the life of Joshua, but more importantly the encouragement that God provided for him and continues to give us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Courageous

This first study is an important introduction to what you will be talking about all week. It is important that if your group arrives too late on Saturday to include the study that you try to do it before. It can be part of your last meeting, something you do at the airport or even handed out for individual study. Throughout the study these bold indented parts are for you as the leader and do not appear in the participant guide.

Saturday

Months of waiting. Weeks of planning and preparation. Hours spent singing, studying and praying. Now it is finally here, the opportunity to travel to Guatemala and serve alongside the missionaries of Groundwork Guatemala. It’s an exciting time as you get to meet new people, travel to new places and see God work in some amazing ways. But it’s also a scary time as you visit some homes that are much different than your own, perhaps do some things you have never done before, and deal with the uncertainties that come from living for a week in a foreign land.

Perhaps some have been to Guatemala before and know what to expect, while others are here for the first time and have no idea what awaits. Either way, each of us can be filled with the excitements of things we look forward to and the apprehension of those things we worry about. Take some time to share with each other the things you are excited about along with the things you are not looking forward to or perhaps even fill you with a certain level of fear.

Opening prayerThis week each of you will have multiple opportunities to pray for and with others. You will also

experience different forms of prayer, perhaps some that are quite different from what you have experienced before. Take this time to ask God to be present as you turn your attention to His Word.

A Whole New WorldAs we begin to study some stories from the book of Joshua, Joshua and the people of Israel are

on the verge of a new experience. The people have spent the last 40 years wandering in the desert and are about to enter the Promised Land. For the first time in a generation, they will live in homes and be

Courageous

settled in one place, which happens to be flowing with milk and honey. It’s a new experience for Joshua too. He is now the leader of these people. No longer does he have Moses to look to, instead everyone is counting on him. .

Coming to Guatemala is a new experience for you. Even if you have been here before, you can’t predict what will happen in the coming days, and it’s important to look at this trip through new eyes. As you look to the week ahead what are some new experiences you expect to have or new things you plan to do?

Answers will vary. Sometimes people who have been before are eager to share about the things that will happen during the week. It is often best however to allow the events of the week to unfold and not share too much at once. Help veterans to avoid the temptation to share too much.

New = Scary!For Joshua the prospect of leading these people into a new land was scary. That’s why before

he began his task, God paid him a visit. Read Joshua 1:1-9.

The most familiar words of this passage may be the refrain, “Be strong and courageous.” Discuss what it means to be courageous.

Answers will vary. The group may try to define the word or share examples of people they know who have been courageous.

CourageGeneral George Patton said, "All men are frightened. The more intelligent they are, the more

they are frightened. The courageous man is the man who forces himself, in spite of his fear, to carry on." Being courageous doesn’t mean eliminating those things that cause fear, in fact it means moving forward in spite of them. In Joshua’s case, there were battles that lay ahead. God didn’t take those away. In the verses we read, what evidence of the upcoming battles do you see?

Joshua is told that part of the land that they are being given is the “land of the Hittites.” That means there are people already living there who will not be likely to just turn over their homes to these new immigrants. Joshua is also commanded to be strong and courageous, something not associated with life being easy but with difficulties and struggles.

In the face of those battles, God reminds Joshua of the blessings he will experience. What are some of the blessings God promises to Joshua?

The land, victory over the men of the land, God’s presence, prosperity, success.

Read Romans 5:1-5. How do these verses describe the blessings that come in the face of our battles? These verses speak of perseverance. In what ways are perseverance and courage related?

These verses remind us that something good can come from suffering, namely perseverance (endurance), character and hope. It also reminds us that in the midst of all these things there is peace and the love of God that does not disappoint. Answers will vary as you discuss the relationship between perseverance and courage. Sometimes to persevere requires the courage to continue to face your struggles and carry on.

The Promise of PresenceThese blessings for Joshua and God’s people come not because of their courage in the face of

the battles, but rather in the promise of God’s presence. “I will never leave you.” “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It’s a promise that finds fulfillment for us in the work of Jesus, “Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age” (Matthew 20:28). In what ways do the promises of God’s presence bring you comfort?

Answers will vary.

While the promise of God’s presence is something we believe by faith, sometimes we need reminders. What in your life is a helpful reminder of God’s presence?

Answers will vary. There are places where God promises His presence – the Word and Sacraments. So for many people God’s presence is associated with the things of faith – a worship service, prayer, the church itself. However, we know that God is all-present. So sometimes people of faith can be reminded of God’s presence in other ways such as the things of nature, protection in time of trouble, or people that are placed into our lives, just to name a few. Throughout the week encourage your group to go beyond the easy “Jesus” answer and dig deeper.

Wherever You Go!This week, as you venture off to a new land and new adventures remember God is with you

wherever you go – in the home that looks different than yours, teaching a faith lesson in front of kids, along the crowded roads, and even in the Guatemalan bathroom! And if God is with you, you might just see the evidence. So this week look for the evidence of God’s presence in your life and in the lives of others. Start when you attend worship in a Guatemalan church. You may not understand the language. The things they do may seem foreign, but God is there. Watch for His presence wherever you go.

Close in prayer. Each day you are encouraged to end your day in prayer. You might consider praying in different ways every day or asking different people to lead. Varying your life of prayer can help all in your group grow in their life of prayer.

Sunday

Last night when we gathered together, we were encouraged to have courage because “God is with you wherever you go.” Today God was with you when you got to worship with a Guatemalan congregation. Spend some time discussing your experience in worship using these questions as a guide.

- What was different than the way you worship? What (if anything) made you uncomfortable? - What was similar to the way you worship? - What part of the worship today would you like to bundle up and bring back to your church?- What evidence of the presence of God did you observe?

Remember these introduction questions can be done as a large group or divided up in smaller groups or even partners. The use of partners allows and encourages everyone to share. Be cautious in your discussion that people do not become judgmental about the way the Guatemalans worship. Scripture calls us to worship in “spirit and in truth.” That truth is expressed in many different languages and different cultural styles. There will always be certain things that communicate to us and others that don’t or might be uncomfortable. That’s OK and that doesn’t mean they are wrong.

Opening Prayer

Different As Night and DayToday in worship you got a small taste of some of the differences between the culture of

Guatemala and our own. Throughout the week you will be faced with many more differences between the two cultures. As you reflect on some of those differences, what is often the normal human reaction in the face of differences between people?

Answers will vary. Differences typically divide us. We divide ourselves into different groups based on those differences. Unfortunately we often go one step farther and judge each other based on those differences or claim superiority over different groups.

So often our differences divide us, and then we pit one side against another, claiming superiority. Your challenge this week is to be open to the differences you will experience, not make

Courageous

snap judgements and realize that in spite of our differences we are united with Gods’ people in Guatemala. Perhaps this episode from Joshua’s life can help.

What’s A New Leader To Do? Remember Joshua is anxious about his new role as the leader of God’s people. Now he is

preparing to lead them into battle for the first time, and no doubt he feels the pressure to succeed. Many times, whether at work or in our families, we feel pressure to succeed. When you are put in those situations, how do you react? What things do you do?

Answers will vary.

Let’s look at how Joshua handles the situation. Read Joshua 5:13-6:2. What do you think Joshua is doing near Jericho, evidently all by himself?

The text does not tell us exactly why Joshua is near Jericho, so we can only speculate. Perhaps he is scouting out Jericho, trying to come up with a plan. Maybe he is spending time in prayer to prepare for this significant event.

Whose Side Are You On? As Joshua is preparing for battle, he comes face to face with an armed man, sword drawn.

Joshua basically asks, “Whose side are you on? “ The response of the man, who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army is interesting, “neither.” God doesn’t take sides. He is not on the side of Jericho, not even on the side of Israel. The important lesson for Joshua, and for us, is that we need to be on God’s side. God doesn’t cater Himself to our whims, instead He calls us to follow after Him. What words does God use to call Joshua to follow Him? Do these words sound familiar? (Exodus 3:5) How would those words bring great comfort to an already anxious Joshua?

God commands Joshua to take off his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This is the same thing that God spoke to Moses when he was called to deliver God’s people from Egypt. No doubt these words were a comfort to Joshua. Remember, Moses was his mentor. He spent many years under the leadership of Moses and likely heard about the story of the burning bush, perhaps on many occasions. As Joshua is now anxious about his own leadership it would be a comfort to him to be called in the same way his mentor Moses was called.

Many times throughout the pages of Scripture God uses the same words or works in the same ways from one generation of believers to the next. This is no accident. It is a reminder that our God does not change and He is faithful to His promises. This can be a great source of comfort to His people to help us realize the same God who worked wonders in the life of Moses did so in the life of Joshua and is with me too!

Often in our lives we find God doing the same thing. We find that there is a passage of Scripture or a truth of God that keeps coming up in our lives in different ways over the course of time. We hear it

in a sermon, then later it’s part of a Bible study, or maybe it comes to mind in a time of difficulty. What is a Bible verse or story that seems to keep popping up in your life? How might God be preparing you to share that with someone this week in Guatemala?

Answers will vary. If the group is not aware or you have several new people this is a good chance to tell them that on the home visits the Guatemalan missionaries will ask them if they have a verse to share. They are not required to share, but they are encouraged as the spirit leads to share a verse. For many that can be overwhelming. But those verses that God has been using in their lives or significant verses that they remember from the past (a confirmation verse) can be a great place to start.

The Victory is Already Won Notice as God calls Joshua to follow Him, He tells Joshua that as long as Joshua is on God’s side,

he will be victorious in the end. Before the battle even begins God tells Joshua that it is already over and the city has been delivered into his hands.

When we are on God’s side, we are on the winning side. There may yet be battles before us, but in the end we will be victorious. Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. Ultimately where is our victory found?

Our victory is only through Jesus Christ and is fully achieved in the resurrection.

In Christ, we are God’s people. His victory is now our victory. Carry that victory with you this week in Guatemala as you share the hope you have in Jesus Christ.

Close in prayer.

Monday

Today you stepped deep into the life of Guatemala by listening to the stories of the boys at Only A Child, watching the “workers” at the dump, and making your first visits in the homes of Guatemalans. If this is your first time to Guatemala, you saw and experienced some new things today. But even if you have been here many times, it is likely that today was a new experience in some ways. Often when we step into a new experience, especially one so radically different from home, it can leave us feeling a bit uncomfortable. Maybe you felt uncomfortable about where you were at, the things you saw, or even uncomfortable about things back home. Spend some time sharing about your day, with a focus on those things that made you a bit uncomfortable.

Answers will vary. Allow people to process whatever they experienced throughout the day, but encourage them to wrestle with things that made them uncomfortable.

Opening Prayer

Preparing to Step OutThe people of Israel have just spent 40 years wandering in the desert and their life is about to

radically change. While ultimately those changes are for the better as they settle into the Promised Land, it is still change that requires them to step out into unchartered territory. Read Joshua 3:1-5 and pay special attention to how God is preparing them to step out into a new land.

The people were not expected to blaze their own trail into this new land, but instead they were led by the Ark of the Covenant. What is significant about the Ark of the Covenant? (See Ex. 25:10-22)

The Bible verse is there as a reference, you may or may not need to take a look at it. The Ark of the Covenant was a special container built to very specific specifications. It carried the testimony (Ten Commandments) given to Moses. But what made it significant was that it was the place of God’s presence. God promised that He would meet with His people there at the Ark.

Not only would God prepare the way by leading the people through the Ark of the Covenant, but He would also prepare the people themselves. They were to “consecrate” themselves. To

Courageous

consecrate means to set apart or to make holy. It was an act of preparation for something special that was about to happen. Why were the people to consecrate themselves?

They were to consecrate themselves because God was about to do amazing things.

Often in our own lives, the times when we follow God into unchartered territory are also the times when we witness that the Lord does “amazing things” among us. For many, this week in Guatemala is one such time. As you step out of your comfort zone and into new experiences, keep your eyes open for the “amazing things” that God is going to do. In fact, just as He did for the people of Israel, God has “consecrated” you and has been preparing you for the amazing things of this week. In what ways has God been preparing you for the things you experienced today or the things you will do this week?

Answers will vary. The preparation may include your group meetings, Bible studies, devotions and prayers leading up to this trip. Some may speak of the sending service you had at your congregation. Or it may be more personal experiences that God has used in a person’s life to prepare them for this trip.

Time to Step OutRead Joshua 3:14-17. When the day comes to cross over into the Promised Land, God gives

some final words of encouragement, first to Joshua as the leader, and then through Joshua to the people. After those words of encouragement, it was time for the priests to carry the ark and lead the people. As they reached the edge of the Jordan River the text makes a special point to describe what the river is like (Joshua 3:14). How is the river described? Why is this significant?

It is described as being at flood stage or overflowing its banks. This is significant because it means that the priests who are stepping into this flowing river will not gradually walk into the river from a nice beach, but rather a significant step of faith into a rushing river. This would be scary and appear to be very dangerous.

Stepping into a river at flood stage required courage. Many times throughout the pages of Scripture, God calls His people to step out of what we might consider our comfort zone into difficult situations. David steps out into the battlefield against Goliath. Daniel stepped into the fiery furnace. Peter was asked to step out of the boat. Each one required courage. This week you may be asked to step out of your comfort zone, maybe you already have today. In what ways is this Guatemala experience taking you out of your comfort zone? How does God help give you courage?

Answers will vary. Even the way that God gives courage can vary, encourage people to share those personal examples of where courage is found. However, one place where we can be assured that God works is His Word which never comes back empty or void. Which means when God says to Joshua (and to us) “be strong and courageous) it is not merely a command, but in those words God is actually extending strength and courage.

When the priests stepped out into the flooded river, the water immediately stopped flowing and all of God’s people walked across on dry ground. Even though most of the people walking across the river that day did not experience it themselves, what event would they have been reminded of as they walked across a dry river bed? In what way does that give them the courage to continue their journey into this unchartered land?

They would have remembered the parting of the Red Sea. Even those who were not alive at the time of the Red Sea crossing have likely heard the story from those that were. This would be a great comfort because it would communicate that the same God who delivered them from and defeated the Egyptians is going to defeat the enemies that are before them.

Venturing Out of Your Comfort ZoneAs God leads you into new and uncharted territory, take courage. Like the people of Israel, you

can take courage from the fellow travelers that surround you or from the leaders that go before you. But like them you can also look back at what God has already accomplished. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How do these verses fill you with courage?

Answers will vary. Ultimately our courage comes from Christ, the one who endured the cross. According to the author of Hebrews as we fix our eyes on Jesus he will help us to not lose heart.

Looking back at what God has already accomplished in the cross of Jesus Christ can help you to move forward, even when God is leading you outside your comfort zone. Yes it can be scary, but remember it might just be tomorrow that the “Lord will do amazing things among you.”

Close in prayer.

Tuesday

Today was an exciting day as you finally had an opportunity to share the lesson you have worked on for so long, but for some it might have been a bit uncomfortable. As you step out of your comfort zone and into unchartered territory often you find that “things are not always as they seem.” Maybe you experienced some surprises in your day today or things were not exactly as you expected them to be. As you take some time to share about and reflect on your day, pay special attention to those things that were not as they seem. What surprised you today in the faith lessons, in the home visits, or just in your own journey outside the comfort zone? What amazing things did you witness God doing throughout your day?

Answers will vary.

Opening Prayer

Send Out the SpiesForty years earlier, Moses sent Joshua, along with 11 others, to spy out the land and bring back

a report of the things they saw. Now Joshua, a new leader, follows the example of his mentor and sends out his own spies, especially to see what is happening in the city of Jericho. Read the entire chapter of Joshua 2. Pay special attention to those little surprises that are not as they seem.

Read the entire chapter at once to get the whole flow of the story. You can break it up a bit by having different individuals each read several verses.

When they arrive in Jericho, the spies go to the home of Rahab, the prostitute, probably thinking that there would be lots of men from various places coming and going from her home, so their arrival would go unnoticed. Unfortunately, that plan doesn’t work, and the king sends men to Rahab to seize the spies. The response of Rahab is not what you might expect. Why did her saving the spies take such courage?

Answers will vary. One reason this took courage was that if she were discovered for an act of treason such as this it likely would have led to the death of her and her family. She also had no reason to trust these foreigners she had never met.

Courageous

As she explains her actions in verses 8-13, what is the unexpected explanation that she gives? How is her response so different from the rest of her people?

Rahab expresses a confidence in the work of the Lord. She says that she knows that God has given them the land. She also confesses that God is the Lord of heaven. While she likely doesn’t understand everything, the words she speaks are an expression of faith. This is radically different than the rest of Jericho who witnessed the same thing, but instead of responding with faith, they melted with fear.

Let’s Make a DealRahab is quite shrewd, both in her plan to get the spies safely out of Jericho, but also in her plan

to save her family. In exchange for their lives, the spies agree to save Rahab and her family when they return to destroy Jericho. What is the sign that the spies choose to mark Rahab’s home as a place to be spared? The spies could have used anything as a sign and maybe they chose a scarlet cord because that’s what they had handy. But it is possible that they put more thought into it than that. What story might they have been thinking of from their past that made them choose the scarlet cord?

The spies ask Rahab to tie a scarlet cord to window of her home. Perhaps the spies were thinking of the story of the Passover. It was in the Passover that God would spare the first born son in every home that was marked by the red blood of the lamb. Remembering this event of salvation may have given them the idea of marking Rahab and all within her home.

Fast forward to the destruction of Jericho (Josh. 6:22-25). Joshua and the spies remain faithful to the pledge they have made to Rahab, and Rahab remains obedient to the plan. As a result, she and all in her home were saved, simply because they were marked with the scarlet cord. In what way is this similar to your own salvation? (See Revelation 7:14-17) In what way is this plan of salvation not what the world might expect?

Revelation describes those who are around the throne of God as those whose robes have been made white by the blood of the lamb. In that way, it is the red blood of the lamb that marks us as the saved people of God. This is different than what the world usually expects. The world expects that we must do something, say something or somehow merit salvation. It is foreign to the world’s understanding that salvation can be given as a gift to those who are marked by the blood of the lamb. It especially seems odd that God would sacrifice Himself for the sake of fallen people.

Things Are Not Always as they SeemAs humans we are quick to judge based on the things that we see and outward appearances.

Rahab – a foreign woman, who is also a prostitute – certainly not what you would expect from the ancestor of the Savior. That older gentleman you meet – an alcoholic, abuser – certainly not the past you expected from the friendly man in the wheelchair. But in both cases, God created faith and transformed lives. God is still in the business of changing lives and he might just use your experiences this week to change your life.

The reference to the older gentleman is a reference to a man named Carlos. In the past, almost every group that visited had an opportunity to meet Carlos and hear his story. However, a recent change means many teams will not have an opportunity to meet him or tell his story. If you get a chance to meet him make sure that Kevin tells you his story. If not you don’t need to worry about that reference and can focus on Rahab.

Throughout your week, you may encounter many other surprises and experience things that are not as they seem. But it takes courage. It takes courage to set aside our pre-conceived notions. It takes courage to be willing to look at people in a different way than everyone else. It takes courage to listen to the real story and to wrestle with what that means for our lives.

Here’s another story of God working in surprising ways. Remember when David was chosen to be the next king. Before Samuel sifted through the sons of Jesse, God reminded him things are not always as they seem. Read 1 Samuel 16:7.

What will it take for you, not only this week, but also as you return home, to not just look at the outward appearance and to remember things are not always as they seem?

Answers will vary. Encourage people to wrestle with their preconceived notions and be honest about what it will take to overcome them.

Knowing that God sees beyond the outward appearance and to the heart can give you the courage to overcome your preconceived notions and realize that things are not always as they seem. Pray that God would continue to open your eyes to see His surprises in your life.

Close in prayer.

Wednesday

You are now half way through your week. Halfway through your time in Guatemala, halfway through the sharing of your faith lesson, and halfway through your time with the missionaries. By now many of you may be tired. You had to wake up early today and it was a very long drive, although stopping at the “puente de misterioso” made it all worth it! And as beautiful as it is, the heat of Buena Vista has a way of wearing one out. As you become more worn out you might be missing home or wondering if all the hard work is worth it. Spend some time talking about your day with special attention on how everyone is doing. How are you feeling? Missing anything from home? What is frustrating you? What have you found to be especially difficult? Be sure to listen and encourage, but not necessarily solve the problems that may arise.

Often at this point there is more than one person in the group that is tired or missing family or struggling in some way. If that is not the case for your group there is no need to create struggles that don’t exist.

Opening Prayer

It’s All About GraceThe people of Israel have crossed over the Jordan and are now ready to take control of the

Promised Land. But first, there is a little business to take care of: drive out the people who live there, starting with Jericho. As they march into battle, it will be tempting to start relying on their own strength and finding confidence in their own weapons. As this happens, it becomes all too easy to become too prideful at all they have accomplished. So before heading out for that first battle, God wants to remind them it is all about grace – God’s gift to them.

Read Joshua 5:10-12. What reminders of grace do they receive prior to that first battle? First is the reminder of the Passover. That is a story of God’s grace in delivering His people from the hands of the Egyptians. Also there is reference to the manna, bread from heaven that God’s people received every day (except the Sabbath) for the 40 years they wandered in the desert. They did not have to work for it, another example of grace. Finally, it tells us that now they will eat the fruit of the

Courageous

land – fruit they have not planted or cared for, but yet they get to eat it. Yet another example of God’s grace in caring for His people at no cost to them.

Just in case that was too subtle for them, God wants to make it clear that this battle is ultimately His to win. Read Joshua 6:2. In what ways has God made His grace abundantly clear to you this week?

Answers will vary.

A Battle PlanRead Joshua 6:1-5. Imagine a new leader, leading his people into battle for the first time, and

this is the battle plan that he lays before them! What about this plan must have sounded absolutely absurd? How is the absurdity of the plan itself further evidence that this is all by the grace of God?

Answers will vary. Some things that may sound absurd include marching around this city day after day and not doing anything else. Then the idea that simply blowing trumpets will cause the walls to fall may sound crazy. The fact that this plan is not what a good general might come up with and really is so easy for the people of God can be seen as yet another reminder that the defeat of this city is not their work, but God’s work for them and among them.

We Are Tired!Read Joshua 6:6-14. We don’t know all the details of how this plan was communicated down

through the ranks. But imagine if the average foot soldier doesn’t know all the details. They head out to march around the city on day one, probably filled with the adrenaline of battle. Then nothing happens. Day two and it’s much of the same. Perhaps by day three and four (half-way through) they are starting to feel a little weary, wondering what’s the point and ready to be back home with family. Maybe similar to what we may be feeling halfway through a long week.

They needed the courage to persevere and stick with God’s plan, even when it might have been hard to see the results. We need that same courage, whether it is getting through the final days of this week or persevering through the trials of life. Read James 5:10-11. According to these verses where can we find the courage to persevere?

According to James we can look to the prophets or to Job, meaning we can look to the examples of the saints before us and how they remained faithful in the midst of life’s struggles. He also makes reference to God who is compassionate and merciful, yet another source of courage.

What help do you need to finish the week strong? How can you encourage one another?Answers will vary.

The Battle is WonWhen we are struggling with the battles of life, it is always easier to know that the outcome will

be OK. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury of knowing all the details of our own battles. However, the encouragement of James reminds us to look to God’s faithfulness in the battles of the past as a source of strength. Read Joshua 6:15-20.

When you face struggles and battles in your own life, what victories do you look back on as a source of strength? What are some victories here in Guatemala (either your own victory or the story of a victory in someone’s life) that you can look back upon as a source of courage for you or others?

Answers will vary. There are of course the general Sunday school answers that we can all give that Jesus and the Word are a source of strength. While it is true and should be our first source of strength, encourage your group to go deeper and look at those personal stories or experiences, especially this week in Guatemala that can serve as that victory from God that can provide strength in your life.

Close in prayer.

Thursday

Last night we talked about God’s faithfulness in the midst of the battles. We remembered that even if the battle is not going our way, we can look back at God’s faithfulness of the past to give us courage to face the future. As you reflect on your day today, especially note what victories you witnessed. In what ways did you see God’s faithfulness today? Did you see any living examples of courage that are an encouragement to you?

Answers will vary.

Opening Prayer

MemoriesWe all carry around memories from the past; some good, some bad. But our memory can be a

funny thing. There doesn’t always seem to be a good reason for the things our mind remembers or does not remember. Let’s put it to the test. Share a memory with the group from your fourth grade year.

Answers will vary. You may want to try to share a story from your own life. If you or someone in your group is unable to remember events from that year – it’s OK. That’s part of the point, that sometimes we have a hard to remembering the things that happen in our lives.

For some it might have been very easy to share a memory from that year, while for others it was more difficult. What was it that made it easy or difficult to remember something from so long ago?

Answers will vary. Significant events are easier to remember. The passage of time may make things more difficult. Events that have a strong emotion connected to them are often easier to remember.

Picking RockOn Monday we read the story of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan. It was an event that was

so amazing that we still remember it today as we read the recorded history. You can imagine it must have been seared in the minds of those who walked across on dry land. Or was it?

Courageous

There were lots of people crossing the river that day. What if you were in the middle of the group? You would not have seen the water flowing in the river. By the time you got there it would have already been stopped and perhaps even dried out from the sun and many feet that had already crossed. When the water started to flow again you would have already moved on. Read Joshua 3:16. Notice the water was piled up “a great distance away.” So it is very possible you could have crossed without even recognizing the miracle of God! Imagine how often in our daily lives God is working those small little miracles that we don’t even notice!

While that is not a question that may lead to a discussion of how we fail to notice the work of God in our lives or even stories people might share of things they missed at first.

Read Joshua 4:1-3, 19-24God wants to ensure that the memory of this special event is not forgotten, so He comes up

with a plan – pick up some rocks. Imagine what those twelve men thought about when picking rocks. Perhaps some picked up the first rock they saw. Others maybe searched for one that looked or was shaped in a certain way. Still others might have tried to find something light so it wouldn’t be much of a burden. Whatever went through their minds, no doubt the memory of picking and carrying that rock was seared into their mind and an experience they would not soon forget.

After picking their rocks and carrying them to Gilgal, what are they to do with them? Often we set up memorials to help us remember significant events in our lives. Give an example of memorials and the events of life that they mark.

They are told to set up the rocks like a memorial. We don’t know the shape and look of it – a tower, an altar – but it doesn’t matter what it looked like, rather how they used it which will be discussed more in the next section. Some examples of memorials might include a wedding ring, photos on the wall, a tombstone, a diploma, etc.

When I Was Your AgeThe purpose of a memorial is not only for you to remember the events that took place.

According to Joshua, what other purpose does a memorial serve? It provides an opportunity to speak to others about the event marked by the memorial, especially an opportunity to pass it along to the next generation.

The memorial provided a teaching moment, an opportunity to share the story of what happened. But it was more than just sharing a story. Ultimately, according to Joshua, what message are the people of Israel called to share with the next generation?

Joshua says they are to communicate that the Lord is mighty and to make sure everyone knows that the events marked by the memorial are from the hand of God

Choosing Your Memorial StoneThis week in Guatemala has been an amazing experience. God has done some incredible things,

and likely your life has been touched in ways that will affect you the rest of your life. This is not something you will soon forget. While we do not recommend packing your suitcase full of rocks – it makes them pretty heavy and we don’t want you accused of smuggling Mayan artifacts – you will in a way bring home memorial stones. Share with the group some of the most significant memories you will carry home with you.

Answers will vary. Don’t worry if people aren’t sure yet. This question and this discussion is designed to help your team to start thinking about how your week in Guatemala will affect their lives back home. If you have a larger group or are short on time this question may be best discussed in small groups.

Just as was the case for Joshua, you carry home those memorial stones not just for yourself, but also for others. Start to think about how you will share with your family, friends and church about your experiences in Guatemala. What stories and thoughts can you share to help people begin to understand that your week in Guatemala is more than just you helping some poor people, but ultimately it is an example that “the hand of the Lord is powerful” (Joshua 4:24)?

Close in prayer.

Friday

You may or may not have time on Friday for this study. It is intentionally shorter in length knowing that after your discussion with Kevin and Ginny you may not have as much time. Your time of sharing with Kevin and Ginny should come first. If there is time after, then you can do this study. Or you may choose to use at as an introduction to your discussion with Kevin and Ginny, to save it until Saturday before you fly home, or encourage it be used as a private devotion.

For many today is a very emotional day: your final day of service, saying goodbye to the Guatemalan missionaries and the realization that this amazing week is about to come to an end. Tonight you have had a chance to reflect on and begin to process those experiences. But it is just the beginning. It is a task that will continue when you get home and share your experiences with others and it will be challenged when you start to settle back into familiar routines. It is far too easy to leave Guatemala behind, and it will take courage to live out some of the changes you might have experienced this week – the same courage Joshua asked of the people of Israel.

Leading By ExampleAfter a long life and a successful ministry, Joshua is preparing the people for his departure. Read

Joshua 24:14-15. What does Joshua ask of God’s people? How does he lead them by example? Joshua asks the people to choose who they will serve the gods of the past or the Lord who has brought them to the Promised Land. Joshua leads by example saying that “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

We Can Do It!You have had a lot of great examples this week – from Kevin and Ginny to the missionaries to

the Guatemalans you have met and even each other. Inspired by their example you are likely to respond tonight like the people of Israel, “We can do it!” Read Joshua 24:16-18.

Can you hear the enthusiasm in their voice? Then Joshua crushes their dreams with the reality of life. Read Joshua 24:19-20. What will make it difficult if not impossible for the people to live up to their commitment?

Courageous

Essentially it is difficult because God is holy and we are not, meaning that when we fall short the consequences are serious.

It Takes CourageThe people were committed. “We will serve the Lord” (v. 21). As we prepare to travel home, we

probably carry that same enthusiasm. But we also carry with us courage: the courage we have learned and studied this week, the courage we have witnessed in the lives of those around us, and ultimately the courage that God provides. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).