Episode 9: The Boy in Need of Rescue
Weekly Reading: Chapter 9
There is a saying that when a bucket is kicked, whatever is inside will come out. Although this seems to be a pretty obvious thing (no-one expects orange juice to come out of a milk-can), there is a deeper meaning to the phrase. It means that in hard or difficult times you get to see what a person is like on the inside.
Well, a tragedy has certainly struck Kirkwood today! For the first time in forty years, Kirkwood Run has overflowed and swept the mill off its feet—literally! The villagers of this little town peep out their windows, their lanterns all ablaze, and wonder at the great CRAAAACK they hear down by the stream. Let’s see how the villagers of Kirkwood react and see if there are any lessons for us in their reactions.
First up is Mrs. Hilger. On page 87 we read that she was “by no means a comfort through the dreary hours of that long stormy night.” She took every opportunity to scold her husband, fret, and give blame. (To fret means to constantly worry.) It is extremely easy to react like Mrs. Hilger when things don’t go well. But remember this, your attitude influences everyone around you. If you are tempted to be anxious or to fret, consider Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”
The second villager we are going to learn from is Truman Ingalls. Poor Truman is filled with regret. He wishes he had been a better friend to Kelly. Now it seems like the opportunity might be lost forever. However, the Lord has other plans. On pages 93-94, Truman steps out in courageous faith—risking his life to rescue Kelly. He is choosing to do nothing from selfish ambition, rather, in humility he counts Kelly more significant than himself (see Philippians 2:3-4). There is much we can learn from Truman!
The next villager we shall look at is little Annie Ingalls. She is the only one who has “no thought of self in this time of trial. She had but one absorbing, deep-seated conviction—that Christ was strong to save.” In this great time of distress, Annie chooses not to look at the bad things happening around her, but instead to focus on God’s Word. This is what gives her the comfort and strength she needs. A good portion of Scripture to describe Annie is Psalm 34:17, 19, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles…many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
The last villager we shall examine is Mr. Ingalls. Annie’s father is a man of action. In the midst of tragedy, he takes the time to slow down and pray with his family. He shows us that in difficult times there is something we can do. We can be strong and courageous, without fear or dismay because we know the Lord is with us (see Joshua 1:9). With the Lord’s help, Mr. Ingalls leads the villagers in a rescue for Kelly Nash.
There are certainly a lot of characters we can learn from. Which one do you relate to most? Wherever you fall on the scale, take some time to read the Bible verses for each character and put to memory the one that jumps out to you. Write it down on a piece of paper and let it be your motto for this week. It might surprise you how God will use that Scripture in your life.
Now, without further delay, let’s get back to our book and see how the story unfolds in chapter 10, “The Hospital.” What happens to Truman and Kelly?!
Your friends at Lamplighter Ministries
Weekly Activity
Holding the Rope
In chapter 9 of Kelly Nash, we see the villagers of Kirkwood uniting to ‘hold the rope’ for him—figuratively and literally! Today we will practice working together as a team with a fun interactive challenge: The Human Knot. Remember to communicate and encourage one another. Feel free to gather as many people as possible to participate in this game and remember—the more the merrier!
How to Play the Human Knot:
Stand in a small circle with your friends.
Stretch out your hands and grab someone else’s hand. Make sure it’s not the person next to you!
Now your arms will look all twisty like a spaghetti knot.
Work together to untangle yourselves without letting go of each other’s hands.
The goal:
Try to end up in a big open circle where everyone is still holding hands. Have fun untangling!
Memory Verse
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
Study Guide Questions for Chapter 9:
Kelly Nash:
The Boy Who Didn’t Think
Every week there will be a reading assignment. So if you don’t have one already, be sure to purchase your very own copy of the book!
