Breakthrough, a faith-based movie released this past spring, tells the inspirational true story of Joyce Smith and her son, John, who fell through the ice on a frozen lake in Missouri. Today we’re going to listen to an interview with the real people behind the incident. As you watch the video and hear John’s story of survival, imagine yourself in the middle of that kind of a traumatic situation.
Share the first part of this video with students [STOP at 2:47; the rest will be used in Step 4].
https://www.guideposts.org/faith-and-prayer/prayer-stories/power-of-prayer/meet-the-real-people-behind-the-movie-breakthrough
- In times of trouble, we want to help those we love. John’s friend called 9-1-1 and John himself tried to keep the ice from closing in on the friend who fell in with him. What would you have done to help? (Answers will vary but might include: Try to find something for them to grab on to; run to get help, etc. If students mention prayer, acknowledge but do not comment on that response.)
- Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted or needed the help of others? What were you hoping the others would do for you? (Answers will vary with the situations; allow a few students opportunities to share their stories and the help they desired. Be prepared to share your own experience.)
When help arrived to pull John out of the water, it was too late. He wasn’t breathing. We live in a world where brokenness and sin may cause bad things to happen to the people we love. We can think of ways to help when our friends and family experience difficulties and times of trouble, and we can be prepared to step in to do what we can. But often, even if we can offer a helping hand, it isn’t enough. Real help—the true and lasting kind—is from above. Let’s find out more.
