Day’s Journey Children’s Ministry
With Joppa and Millo
Memory Verse
“God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and Love and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
Joppa the Ostrich loved helping at the school.
Every morning, she greeted the children with a big smile and a cheerful voice.
“Good morning, Mighty Warriors!” she called.
Millo, the little bird, sat on her shoulder and chirped, “Good morning! Walk safely! Be kind! Listen well!”
Joppa did not like yelling. She liked showing the children what to do by being calm, kind, and patient. Most of the time, the children followed her example.
Joppa also liked helping the teachers.
Sometimes she would peek into a classroom and ask, “Do you need a quick break?”
The teachers were thankful because they could not just walk away from their students. Someone safe had to stay and watch the class.
Joppa loved helping.
And sometimes, when the teachers came back, they gave Joppa the biggest hugs.
One day, Joppa went into a classroom so a teacher could take a short break. Millo fluttered to the windowsill and watched quietly.
Most of the children were working, but two students began fooling around. They were not being safe. They were not listening. They were distracting the others.
Joppa took a deep breath.
She did not want to be harsh.
She did not want to be unkind.
But she knew she needed to be firm.
So Joppa stood tall, lifted her head, and used her brave voice.
“Friends,” she said firmly, “please stop and return to your seats. This classroom needs to stay safe and peaceful.”
The students looked at Joppa.
Then they stopped.
They went back to their seats.
Millo’s eyes grew wide. He had never heard Joppa use that kind of voice before.
Across the room was Joppa’s friend, a cheerful boy everyone loved. We will call him Brian. Brian used a wheelchair, and every day he greeted Joppa with the happiest smile.
After the classroom became quiet again, Brian looked up at Joppa and grinned.
“Good job!” he said.
Joppa blinked. “Me?”
“Yes,” Brian said. “I never heard you talk like that before. You did a good job.”
Joppa felt surprised. Then she felt thankful.
Millo flew over and landed gently on her shoulder.
“He’s right,” Millo whispered. “You found your brave voice.”
Joppa smiled softly.
“I was a little nervous,” she admitted. “I like being gentle.”
“You were gentle,” Millo said. “But you were also firm. Sometimes love speaks softly, and sometimes Love has to stand tall.”
Joppa thought about that.
She had always wanted to keep the peace, but she was learning something important. Keeping the peace did not mean staying silent when something unsafe was happening. Helping others sometimes meant speaking up with kindness and courage.
That day, Joppa learned that a brave voice does not have to be mean.
A brave voice can be loving.
A brave voice can protect.
A brave voice can help bring peace.
And sometimes, God sends a friend like Brian to say, “Good job,” so we can see the little breakthrough, too.
Little Lesson
Being kind does not mean being afraid to speak up.
God can help us use our voices with Love, courage, and self-control.
Talk About It
Have you ever needed to use a brave voice?
What is one way you can speak kindly and firmly when something is not safe or right?
Prayer of Repentance and Courage
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me a voice.
I am sorry for the times I stay quiet out of fear, and for the times I speak without kindness.
Please help me use my voice the right way. Help me be gentle, brave, loving, and wise. Teach me when to be quiet, when to listen, and when to speak up.
Thank You for helping me grow, even in small ways. Thank You for friends who encourage me when I do something brave.
Help me use my voice to bring peace, safety, and Love.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria