Family Faith and Fun Friday: Water Bomb Battle

Welcome to Family Faith and Fun Fridays. As the week winds down and I anticipate more family time over the weekend, I often ask God for one good idea that will enable me to bring the Word to life and bring our family together. Usually, the activity overflows out of something the Lord has been teaching me through His word during the week. I’d like to invite you to join me and my family in the adventure. Sometimes I’ll post things we’ve tried; other times I’ll post an idea in the works. If you’ve got thoughts to add or suggestions on how to adapt or improve the suggested activity, please don’t hesitate to post a comment. Enjoy!

I’ve been telling stories to 115 kindergarten students all week at Vacation Bible School. I’ve played the part of the Bubblegum Queen, a shoeless bear-chased hiker, and a loopy chef.  Yesterday, my son Luke and I staged a rowdy game of laser tag through the crowds of kids.  Our “opening” certainly garnered their attention, as did my obnoxious military fatigues and the olive green ninja turtle shell strapped across my chest. We pulled out all the stops to teach our eager students about “God’s Protection.”
As a mom, I don’t think I can OVERTALK the importance of wearing God’s armor. We live in the middle of a battle, and our children do, too. Whether we like it or not, we have an enemy who HATES our children.  The Bible says Satan prowls around like a lion waiting to strike.  I would NEVER send my children into a lion’s den, yet so often, I send them into the world unprotected spiritually.  This weekend, we’re going to beat the heat and have some fun talking about protecting ourselves with the shield of faith.

                                            Water Bomb Battle

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17

Fill a tub full of waterballoons and divide your family into teams (we like to do parents vs kids!).  Then give every player a “shield” (trash can lids, rubbermaid crate lids, large pieces of cardboard, etc). Divide the waterballoons equally between the two teams and establish boundaries for your playing field. Explain that the game is like dodgeball.  You must throw the waterballoons at your opponents (all bullets must hit below the shoulders). Players may use their shield to deflect the water bombs, but if any part of the bomb explodes on their body, they are out. The object of the game is to survive the battle. The team with the most players alive when the balloons are gone is the winner.  Enjoy the wet and wild play!

After the game, read Ephesians 6:10-18. Ask your kids, what does it mean to use the shield of faith? Give examples of how faith has helped to protect you, and then ask your kids for some examples of their own.  Consider memorizing verses 14-17 as a family so you can keep a mental checklist of the armor you need to face each day.