Acts 18

 This week, we learned all about comfort. First, we asked one of the younger kids to come up on stage. We asked the kids if she looked ready to fight in a battle, to which they answered no. So we gave her armor to wear, and asked again. This time, they said yes. The armor was comforting because it made her strong and able to fight in battle. Then we asked Jarod (a hockey player) to come up and put her on his shoulder. Now she was even more comforted, because Jarod's strength would keep her safe. This showed us how God's comfort strengthens us. 

We followed Paul to Corinth, where he was feeling really down because people were continuing to attack and abuse him. God came in and said that He would comfort Paul, by providing a place for him to live and friends who would encourage him. God also wanted him to continue preaching. Comforting Paul didn't mean that God would let Paul sit and feel sorry for himself. Comfort meant strengthening Paul to continue what God wanted him to do. Even though people kept attacking Paul, God continued to comfort him, by strengthening him for the task.

 We also saw a puppet skit, where Karlin was very tired and needed a nap, so she asked Andrew the lizard to clear off the stage. Andrew tried but the job was too big for him and he began to get upset. Pigalette the pig came in and to comfort him, she began to agree that the job was too big and both of them started to cry. Then Ella the Elephant came in started saying that Andrew would never be able to do this and Karlin would be very mad and Andrew just felt worse. Finally, Max the T-Rex came in and offered to help Andrew, because it was a big job. Karlin woke up and explained that this was how God comforts the people. He understands when things are hard but instead of having a pity party with us, or beating us down, He gives us His strength to do what needs to be done.