The Prophet Experiment

• Chalkboard or flip chart
• Art supplies (construction paper, scissors, glue, markers)
• Plastic lids from 16-ounce soft margarine containers (one per child)
• Safety pins
• Tape

• As a group, answer and discuss the following questions (or brainstorm with the children some of the injustices they see in their own lives): If God were to send your country a prophet, what do you think the message would be? If God were t osend your neighborhood a prophet, what do you think the message would be? If God were to send you personally a prophet, what do you think the message would be?
• If necessary, suggest some of the following examples:

-homelessness and lack of decent of housing

- killing the unborn (abortion) or the sick and elderly (euthanasia)

- children being put down or ridiculed at school

- families unable to afford adequate health care

- people choosing dishonesty and greed over the welfare of others

- environmental issues, such as polluted air and water, the destruction of wetlands and natural resources

• List on the chalkboard what the children think is God's message concerning these different injustices.
• Individually or with a partner, ask the children to write a short slogan that expresses God's message about one of the injustices mentioned. (Examples: “All Life is Precious!” or “Respect Creation—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!”)
• Once the children have decided on their prophetic statement, tell them that they will each create a “Prophet Button” to wear every day during the coming week.
• Using the plastic lids as templates, cut a circle out of the construction paper.
• Trim it to be just large enough to fit inside the plastic lid.
• Tell each child to write his or her slogan clearly on his or her paper circle, using a dark marker.
• Glue the paper circle inside the plastic lid and securely tape a safety pin to the back of the lid.
• Ask the children to wear their “Prophet Buttons” every day for a week and to make note of any reactions that they get from other people.
• Be prepared to discuss their experience the next time your group meets.