46 - Welcoming The Strangers - Abba Pachom

References
The story of St. Pachom.
Luke 10:30-37.

Notes for Servants
- The Christian way of life is far from selfishness and self loving, it is putting other's needs before
ours.
- You, as Christian and servant of God, must go the extra mile and put even non-Christians before
yourself, and examine their reaction toward that.

Objectives

General: welcome the strangers.

Specific:
The children will be able to
A. understand that we should welcome relatives and friends who are coming from Egypt
or other places to start their life in Canada.
B. share with their families in making their stay in our houses comfortable.
C. learn to offer those people financial help, and assessed them in searching for home or
work.

Bible Verse

" God loveth a cheerful giver. "
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Teaching Aids
Prepare your own.

Instruction
(1) Review last week's lesson.
(2) Who remembers the verse?
(3) Remind the children about the church occasions for the coming week.
(4) Teacher should prepare the appropriate questions to emphasize the objectives during the

lesson.

Story Time
Once upon a time there was a pagan family who lived in upperEgypt, theyworshipped idols and
the family had a son his name was Pachom (Pachomious). When Pachomious became a young man he
joined the army and became a soldier. One day, while they were travelling to Ethiopia to fight there, they
lost their way. They ran out of food and water and were starving and were about to die.
Suddenly, Christians from the city of Esna brought them food and drink. Pachomious was
surprised and asked why these people were verygood to themand treated himand the othersoldiers with
sympathy even if they do not know them. One of the Christians answered, "O we are Christians, we
always welcome the strangers and we do this for God." When he heard that, he decided to be a Christian
and he prayed to God that if he saved him from this war he willserve himallthe days of his life, and serve
who ever is in need.
God helped the army to conquer the enemies, Pachomious was freed with all the soldiers and
returned back to his family. Pachomious was baptised and spent three years travelling from village to
village to help the needy. After three years he became a disciple for a monk named Balaemon.

Discussion
1 - Follow up the story by talking about it with the children.
2 - Continue the discussion while they do the activity.

Learning Activities
Activity Sheet.