Episode 05
The Honest Adventure

<p>In the warm, sunlit village of Ona, Amara and her best friend Neema can hardly contain their excitement when they learn they’ll be visiting the Animal Park. But when talk turns to pocket money, a little temptation creeps in — “What if we ask for more and don’t tell Mama?” Amara soon learns that even small lies can dim the light inside us.</p><p>Guided by her brother Kofi, and a story from Pappa about Zacchaeus — the man who met Jesus and turned his life around — Amara discovers the joy of honesty, courage, and making things right. With her family and friends, she learns that being truthful is one of life’s greatest adventures, because when our hearts are pure and our words are true, God’s light shines through us for all to see.</p>

Theme

Honesty, Obedience & Redemption

In the warm, sunlit village of Ona, Amara and her best friend Neema can hardly contain their excitement when they learn they’ll be visiting the Animal Park. But when talk turns to pocket money, a little temptation creeps in — “What if we ask for more and don’t tell Mama?” Amara soon learns that even small lies can dim the light inside us.

Guided by her brother Kofi, and a story from Pappa about Zacchaeus — the man who met Jesus and turned his life around — Amara discovers the joy of honesty, courage, and making things right. With her family and friends, she learns that being truthful is one of life’s greatest adventures, because when our hearts are pure and our words are true, God’s light shines through us for all to see.

“Create in me a pure heart, God. Make my spirit right again.”

— Psalm 51 : 10 (ICB)

  • God wants us to be honest, humble, and obedient, even when it’s difficult.
  • When we make mistakes, we can say sorry and God forgives us.
  • Being honest and kind adds flavour and joy to the world.
  • We can be “the salt of the earth” by sharing love, courage, and truth with others.
  • Just like Zacchaeus, our hearts can change when we meet Jesus.

Central Verse: Matthew 5 : 13 – “You are the salt of the earth.”
Supporting Verses:
1 Samuel 16 : 1–13 • 1 Samuel 17 : 1–58 • 2 Samuel 11–12 • Luke 19 : 1–10 • Psalm 51 : 10

Lesson Overview:
This lesson helps children understand that God values honesty, humility, and courage. Through the stories of King David and Zacchaeus, children see that when we make mistakes, God is always ready to forgive and help us do better. Being truthful and obedient allows God’s light and love to shine through us — making the world a better, kinder place.

Key Concepts:

  • Honesty: Speaking truth and doing what’s right.
  • Humility: God looks at our hearts, not our appearance.
  • Courage: Standing for truth even when it’s hard.
  • Redemption: God forgives and helps us try again.
  • Stewardship of the Heart: Keeping our hearts pure and our actions pleasing to God.

Activities:

  • Story Time: Watch or tell The Honest Adventure and discuss Amara’s choice.
  • Craft – Salt Painting: Children use glue, salt, and watercolours to make “Be the Salt” art, learning how kindness adds beauty to the world.
  • Game – Pass the Salt: Teams relay salt from one bowl to another, symbolising teamwork, love, and sharing goodness.
  • Song Ideas: Salt and Light, Only a Boy Named David, The Golden Rule Song (Do to Others).

Follow-Up Ideas:

  • Send home a note reminding families to talk about honesty and decorate a saltshaker as a reminder to “add flavour” to the world.
  • Encourage children to tell one truth this week even if it’s hard — and celebrate honesty at home.
  • Why did Amara want to ask for extra money?
  • What did she learn from her brother and from the story of Zacchaeus?
  • How can we be “salt of the earth” in our families and schools?
  • Have you ever told the truth even when it was hard? How did it make you feel?
  • What can we do when we make a mistake?
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