In week two, we find out what Nehemiah does with what he found out about the wall in Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 2:11-18 we see that he took initiative and set out to fix the wall. When no one else would step up, he went straight to King Artaxerxes and took action. And it’s that initiative that inspires the entire community to get involved.
 
Bottom Line: Don’t wait for someone else to do what needs to be done. When kids see something that needs to be done, they might think that someone else will take care of it. But what would happen if our kids saw it was possible for them to be part of this job? We want kids to realize that when they see what needs to be done, God might be telling them they can be the one to do it. And if they can’t do it all on their own, they can ask someone they trust for help.
 
Bible Verse: “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.” Psalm 119:60 NLT
 
If you did not receive a Reign Forest information packet on Sunday I have attached the pages to this email. It contains information about Reign Forest and our 30 Verse Challenge. It also contains an information sheet to be completed by Parents/Guardians of our Reign Forest Friends and returned to RF leaders so that we have updated information for everyone this year.
 
Blessings
The Reign Forest Team

INITIATIVE – Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.
In our first week, we start at the beginning of Nehemiah’s story in Nehemiah 1:1-2:9. We discover that Nehemiah was working for King Artaxerxes when his brother brought news from the exiles living in Judah. When he heard about the devastation in Jerusalem, Nehemiah was heartbroken. He recognized the huge need, but before he did anything he prayed. Nehemiah knew that whatever he would do, he’d need God’s help to accomplish it.
 
Bottom Line: Be on the lookout for what needs to be done. Before you can do what needs to be done, you have to see what needs to be done. We hope the story from Nehemiah inspires kids to be more aware of the needs around them. These don’t have to be huge either. Our homes and schools are filled with opportunities where we can show initiative, we just have to be open to seeing them.
 
Here is the First Bible Verse of our new Bible Verse Challenge: “Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”  Colossians 4:2 NLT
 
Note:  As team leaders we are going to try to give time for children to say their verses during Reign Forest if they were not able to say them before Sunday School.  Encourage your children to take part!  This is a fun way to hide God’s Word in their hearts.
Blessings!
The Reign Forest Team