Leader Guide
Game
- Six rugs, bedsheets, bath towels or beach towels—one type or a combination
- Masking tape or painters tape
- One balloon, plus extras
- Permanent marker
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
Blow up the balloon and tie it closed.
Write “GOOD NEWS” on the balloon in large letters.
Mark or tape a line near one end of the room.
Mark or tape a second line about 18–20 feet from the first line.
Place a mark or a line on both sides of the playing area, about 5–6 feet apart. (See illustration.) Option: use a wall for one boundary.
Arrange the rugs, towels or sheets in a course, creating a twisted path to travel, with varying widths and shapes. Fold sheets or towels to achieve this. (See illustration.)
Why didn’t Paul and Silas go into certain areas to preach? God’s Spirit forbade them or didn’t allow them to go some places.
In this game you will travel in pairs as Paul and Silas did. Hold up the balloon. You cannot hold onto the balloon; you can only bat it or volley it with your partner as you travel together to the other side of the course. Here is the tricky part: just like Paul and Silas were forbidden to go into certain areas, you cannot step onto any rug or towel or leave the playing area. You may only hit the balloon once or twice before passing it to your partner. If you step out of bounds, or if a balloon hits the ground, goes out of the play area, or lands on a rug, you must begin again at that point in the area of play. Once you reach the other side, bat the balloon to the next pair of players to start their journey.
Divide the class in half. Have each half stand at opposite ends behind the lines directly across from each other. One player may need to play twice if the groups are uneven. Start the timer. Two players start the course as described above. When everyone is finished, record the total time elapsed. Optional: play again to try to beat the time.
Conclusion: God’s Spirit directed Paul and Silas wherever they should go. Paul and Silas willingly changed their plans to follow God’s Spirit as He empowered them to set people free through the power of Jesus Christ!