“behind the scenes” youthworker guide · 2019. 10. 10. · page ayna 2 “behind the scenes”...

In Theaters Nationwide June 13, 2014

“Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide

Page AYNA 2 “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide

ALONE YET NOT ALONE

READ THIS FIRST!Your young preteen and teenaged girls havegrown up watching movies. They’ve seen themin theaters, in classrooms, in their living room,and maybe even in their family’s car. They’vememorized lines of their favorite films. They’vedressed up as movie characters for Halloween.They are continually being shaped by what theysee and hear through the movies they view.There’s no doubt about it; movies are a big partof their lives!

But the movie Alone Yet Not Alone has thepotential to be much more than those movies.This movie won’t require them to wear 3-Dglasses or blow out their eardrums withmassive explosions. Seeing Alone Yet NotAlone will be a new experience for these younggirls because of the way it will engage

…their brain.

With your effort and plans, when they see AloneYet Not Alone they’ll use their brain instead ofjust their eyes and ears. You, a savvy youthleader, will help them discover that movies are more than what is seen on the screen orheard through the sound system. Moviescontain messages – ideas and viewpoints that moviemakers want their audiences tounderstand and experience. Now that youryoung friends are old enough to figure thesethings out for themselves, they’ll start noticingmore and more messages in movies.

When your students use their brain whilewatching a movie, these films become a whole new experience. Using your brain whilewatching a movie is like raising your hands inthe air while riding a gnarly rollercoaster. Theexperience and thrills go to a whole new level!

That’s where this “Behind The Scenes”Youthworker Guide comes in.

When you put into actionthe ideas included here,you’ll help your youngfriends know what to lookfor in the film and bebetter equipped toprocess the film afterseeing it. You and yourstudents will go see AloneYet Not Alone with someinsider info that will helpthem recognize the film’s

messages. The material in this Guide is kind oflike one of those “secret decoder rings” thatyoung kids used to play with – but more fun!

The FilmBased on a true story, Alone Yet Not Alonebegins when the Leininger family arrives in theNew World in 1755 and starts to enjoy the fruits of freedom and hard work. But, NativeAmericans attack the family – and carry awaytwo sisters, Barbara and Regina. In thefollowing years both girls rely on their faith in God’s presence, even in the darkest ofcircumstances.

This inspirational film will especially appeal tothe preteen and teenaged girls in your youthministry. The heroines’ faith, courage, and innerstrength are virtues you want to foster in allyour female students. Barbara, Regina, and therest of the family can be role models for theinner strength, conviction, and faith that everyyouth leader hopes to encourage in his or heryoung friends.

This MaterialYou have in this “Behind The Scenes”Youthworker Guide a complete resource that will enable you to use the film for life-changing ministry. Here are the elements thatare included:

Timeline – This is an easy-to-followlisting of what to do in the weeksleading up to the film's release.

Session 1 – Built around the scene ofthe Leininger family sitting around the dinner table, this sessionexplains that everyone can plan onexperiencing trouble, but we don’thave to face those troubles alone;God is always with us. This

session should be used the week before yourmovie outing.

Session 2 – This session can be used afterseeing the film, maybe even that same evening.It reinforces the concept that sacrifice is theultimate form of love and that forgiveness isgodly. The scene from the film is of a youngwoman (Lydia) who sacrifices herself for thesake of two young boys. While being put todeath, she forgives her tormentors.

Session 3 – This can be an excellentopportunity for you to present the Gospel tokids who were brought by friends to see thefilm. It uses a beautiful scene from the filmwhen Barbara talks about Jesus in response to hearing about the “Great Spirit” and “EvilSpirit.” Use this session the week after seeingthe film with your students.

More Themes – In addition to the three youthmeeting sessions, there are supplementarythemes that the movie highlights. We’veincluded some Bible passages and possiblediscussion questions for each of them.

We hope that this movie will be an importantstep in reaching and teaching young girls tofollow Christ with all their heart. Our prayers arewith you!

© 2014, INTERLi�NC. INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300

<< Page AYNA 3

AYNA TIMELINESince we understand the “ready, fire, aim”nature of youth ministry (being youth leadersourselves), we’ve created this resource to helpyou make the most of the upcoming Alone YetNot Alone film. The planning has been done foryou; all you have to do is make this strategyhappen. Easy!

NowDetermine when you’ll take your group to themovie – Many youth leaders will want to taketheir groups to see AYNA on the openingnight/weekend. The opening is on a Fridaynight, so check for school events that might get in the way. Plan your date, and then getmoving on the rest of this checklist.

Five Weeks OutForm an AYNA Team – You’ll need help if you’re going to make the most of this ministryopportunity. Pull together a team of adults whocan help you with the various needs of this kindof program. Put different people in charge ofPrayer, Publicity, Transportation, Ticket sales,and Programming. Have them start workingimmediately.

Have a Parent’s Meeting – Show the movietrailer to the parents, talk about your plans,answer questions, get feedback, sign upvolunteers, and PRAY!

Show the Trailer – Let the excitement begin byshowing the movie trailer to your youth and bytalking about the ministry potential of thisopportunity.

Begin Promoting – Here are a couple of ideas that might work with your group:Texting – Start by sending “What’s an AYNA?”texts to your students.Ringtones/Themes – Have a “Who Has TheCoolest AYNA Phone?” contest each weekduring your youth meetings with the winner ofthe previous meeting taking on the challengers.Judge phones on the basis of coolest desktop,ringtones, etc. Award the final winner two freetickets to the movie, one for themselves andone for a pre-Christian friend.Time Travel – Have students dress up in theirbest “old-timey clothes” for one meeting. Havestudents vote on the best outfit and award thatperson with two free tickets to the movie.

Initiate Prayer Effort – Unfortunately, manyyouth leaders make great plans and thenmerely pray that God will bless their efforts.In this case, you need a prayer team to talk toGod about the pre-Christian kids that need tosee the movie and hear the Gospel. You needprayer team members who will each take onone or two students from your group and prayfor them daily – that those students will be boldand invite their friends to the film.

Four Weeks OutKeep Praying – See if your students will identifytwo “I wanna ask ’em” friends that your prayerteam can start praying for.

Keep Promoting – If you can, have differentAYNA “characters” show up at your youthmeetings to give announcements, participatein skits, etc.

Start Selling Tickets – Do what someprofessional football teams do and sell onlypairs of tickets. That way you’ll encourage yourstudents to bring an unchurched friend withthem to the movie.

Three Weeks OutKeep Praying, Promoting, and Selling Tickets –By now you should have an idea if you need tosnag even more seats for the theater showing.

Reader’s Theater – Have five or six of yourmost-talented readers create a “Reader’sTheater” presentation of a chapter from theAlone Yet Not Alone book.

Two Weeks OutPhone-chain – Initiate a program to call eachstudent on your list, talk to them about going tothe movie, and ask about the friends they’rebringing with them.

Show the Trailer – The more your studentsknow about the film, the more likely they will beto invite their unchurched friends to attend ashowing of the movie with them.Keep praying for the kids,promoting the movie, andselling tickets.

One Week OutFinalize Transportation – Makesure you have enough vehicles,drivers, leaders, and materials youplan to have in each vehicle.

Confirm Tickets – Make sure you have ordered enough to handle inevitable last-minute additions.

Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie,and selling tickets.

Movie WeekFirst AYNA-themed meeting – Refer to theMeeting Guide.

Last Minute Blitz – Use every communicationtool you have to flood students with AYNAmessages. Use email, social media, text, ChatRooms, phone calls, snail mail, smoke signals,Morse Code, two-cans-and-a-string —everything possible!

Reconfirm Transportation – Make sure you haveone or two cars on standby in case you have alot of “walk ups” – kids who just “show up” butyou had no idea were coming.

Reconfirm Ticket Count – See “ReconfirmTransportation” – You’re better off having a fewtoo many tickets than too few.

Sign-In – Prepare “AYNA Cards” so you can getcontact information for each student attendingthe movie with your group. These cards will bevery important for your follow-up strategy.

One Week AfterWithin 24 hours – Have someone personallycontact each student who attended the movie.Invite each student to the follow-up AYNAyouth meeting.

Third AYNA-themed meeting – This session isaimed at sharing the Gospel, so work hard toget all the kids to come back for this session.

Pray that the Lord will continue to work in thestudents’ lives even after theprogram ends.



ALONE YET NOT ALONE

IntroWe all know that students are immersed in a multi-media world. They see thingsdifferently, they hear things differently, and theylearn things differently. So anytime you canincorporate video and music into a message,they listen more intently. You know this alreadyand I have no doubt that the resource you havein your hand right now will benefit yourstudents immensely. Add on the fact that youare one “hip” youth leader, and that’s acombination that students can’t ignore. Feelfree to tweak these resources as you see fit;they are simply to help guide and facilitatediscussion. Our prayers are with you and yourgroup as you go on this journey!

Session 1: Family At The Dinner Table

ThemeGod will never leave you nor forsake you.

ObjectiveStudents will be reassured that despite thetrials that they encounter, God will never leavethem nor forsake them.

Warm UpChain Tag – All players (except two) form intobuddy pairs and link arms. Pairs spread outover the playing area. There is one player as “It”and one player being chased – the “Runner.”The “Runner” may run up beside any buddypair and link his arm with one free arm of abuddy. This makes three students together –which is not allowed. So, the member of thebuddy team that the “Runner” did not link arms with is now the “Runner.” “It” can tag the “Runner” at anypoint. As soon as the“Runner” is tagged,the “Runner” is “It”and “It” is now the“Runner.” Makesense?

TransitionAfter the laughter andexcitement diesdown, ask studentshow they felt whenthey had to run aftersomeone else linked

up with their partner. Ask if it was difficultfollowing who was “abandoned” and who was“It”. Let students know that we may often feelabandoned by many people, but that there isSomeone who will never leave us: God.

The ClipPlay Movie Clip #1. The Leininger family isabout to have dinner, the father reads from theBible, and the family unites in finishing theverse, “He will never leave you nor forsakeyou.” The father continues to say, “Each of youwill have times of testing in your life, but nomatter how dark the wilderness, God will neverleave you nor forsake you.”

TransitionDiscuss with students what stood out to themabout the scene.

Bible StudySay something like, “It’s easy to feelabandoned when our society is continuallyportraying abandonment. You may experienceabandonment in only having one parent athome, or in an old group of friends who nolonger greet you with smiles but instead gossipabout you. You might feel abandonment whenyou make a mistake and no one is willing toforgive you. We can rest assured that wheneveryone else abandons us, God never will.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong andcourageous. Do not be afraid or terrifiedbecause of them, for the Lord your Godgoes with you; He will never leave younor forsake you.”• Think of a time that you’ve reallybeen tested. How were you able to

get through that tough time?• How does this verse reassure you as you facecertain trials and situations?

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, sothat in Me you may have peace. In this worldyou will have trouble. But take heart! I haveovercome the world.”• Mr. Leininger tells his family that there WILL be times of testing in their lives. Why do you think Mr. Leininger was able to makethat statement?

• What are some of the “trials” you have had or are currently facing?

• What hope does this verse hold for us?(Christ has overcome the world.)

Wrap UpWe can get down on ourselves when we feel asthough everyone is abandoning us. Our trialsare intensified when we feel alone and our hopediminishes. However, we can have confidencebecause God has promised us that He willnever leave us nor forsake us – and no matterwhat trials we face, they’ve already beenconquered by Christ.

Pray that students recognize that they haveGod on their side, even when everything feelslike it’s falling apart. Also pray for the studentswho are currently feeling abandoned, that theymay find peace in God’s promises.


<< Page AYNA 5

Session 2: Lydia’s CompassionToward Those Hurting Her

ThemeSacrifice and Forgiveness

ObjectiveStudents will recognize the significance ofChrist’s sacrifice as well as the importance offorgiveness.

Warm UpWink, Murder – This is an awesome “zero-prep”game that can be pretty entertaining. Havestudents sit in a circle, close their eyes, andbow their heads. (NO PEEKING!) Tap a studenton the back of their head. This student will bethe Wink Murderer. When you have tapped thestudent’s head, stand in the middle of the circleand say, “A murderer is among us!” Studentsraise their heads and begin to look around thecircle at each other. The student who is theWink Murderer winks at people who make eyecontact with him or her. The students that getwinked at portray a dramatic “death” and fall tothe floor or slump over in their seat. If a studentwho is “alive” wants to make an accusation(guess who the murderer is), he or she yells, “I have an accusation!” and takes his or herguess. If the guess is wrong, that person must“die.” The game continues until someonecorrectly accuses the Wink Murderer. Play as many rounds as you have time for.

TransitionAsk students if it was worth making anaccusation when they could possibly“die” by doing

so. Say, “Sometimes we have to sacrifice forthe betterment of others.”

The ClipPlay Movie Clip #2. Lydia and two young boysescape during a raid and hide under a smallcliff. Knowing that being found was inevitableand that the boys would be killed if found, Lydiaallows herself to be caught. Her punishment is to be burned at the stake. While the fire is being lit, she tells the other captives, includingBarbara, “Don’t cry for me – the Lord hasshown me that I will be with Him in Heaventoday.” When one of her captors tells her thatshe won’t, Lydia tells him, “I forgive you, Iforgive you, I forgive you.”

TransitionDiscuss with students what stood out to them about the scene.• Did Lydia react the way you would havereacted if you were captured and about to die?

• How hard would it have been for you to offerforgiveness to someone who was about to kill you?

Bible StudyWatching that scene can bring out strongemotions. The willingness of Lydia to save thetwo young boys, knowing that she will mostcertainly be put to death, is a noble act thatstems out of the greatest love possible: the love of Christ.

John 15:13 – “Greaterlove has no one than this:to lay down one’s life forone’s friends.”• Do you think Lydialoved those two littleboys to do what shedid? Why?• Think of your siblings(if you have any) or yourbest friend. Would it beeasier to die for themrather than a stranger?Why or why not?

Christ sacrificedHimself on the cross

for us even when we were the ones who putHim there in the first place. However, He stillforgave us and continues to forgive us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of allbitterness, rage and anger, brawling andslander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ Godforgave you.”• How hard is forgiving people who have hurt you?

• If we are commanded to forgive each otherjust as Christ forgave us, what must thatforgiveness look like?

• Is there someone you can think of right now that you need to forgive?

Wrap UpSacrificing ourselves for the benefit of othersdoesn’t have to mean that we have to die; bysacrificing our own desires we can followChrist’s example. Sacrifice is the ultimate formof love, and Christ gave it abundantly. Not onlydid He sacrifice Himself, He forgave us for all ofour sins. This week, think of someone you needto forgive, or someone you need to askforgiveness from, and grant him or her theforgiveness you’ve held back.

Pray that students have the strength to giveforgiveness and ask for it from those they’vewronged.



ALONE YET NOT ALONE


Session 3: Barbara Explains TheTruth About God

ThemeEvangelism; Witnessing

ObjectiveStudents will realize the importance of sharingthe Gospel with those that haven’t heard it.

Warm UpTelephone – This is an old but classic game.Have students sit in either a circle or in a line.Whisper a phrase or saying to the student onthe end. That student must then whisper whathe or she heard to the person next to him orher. Only whispering is allowed, and only one“Operator” is allowed (when a student wantsthe person to repeat what was said one moretime, they say “Operator.”) The initial phrasecontinues to be whispered down the line (oraround the circle) until the last student isreached. After hearing the phrase, the laststudent stands up and says the phrase outloud. (This is where it gets funny. The phrasethat started usually becomes somethingcompletely different.) Once in a while studentswill get the phrase correct, but more often thannot, they completely butcher it.

TransitionWas this game difficult? What was the mainproblem that was faced in sharing the news you had? Sometimes, when we want to sharesomething with someone, the message gets a little twisted, and it gets lost in translation.However, if we understand the urgency ofcertain messages, the meaning can be crystal clear.

The ClipPlay Movie Clip #3, which depicts beautifulscenery where Galasko and Barbara discussthe “Great Spirit” and the “white man’s God.”Barbara tells Galasko that her God made theHeavens and the Earth, and sent His son,Jesus, to save us. Galasko states that hedoesn’t know her God, but he realizes her God is powerful and good, as He madeSusquehanna beautiful and graceful.

TransitionDiscuss with students what stood out to themabout the scene.• How did Barbara handle introducing Galaskoto her beliefs about God and Jesus?

• What was great about the way Barbarashared her faith?

• Was there anything you thought she couldhave done better?

If you have students who don’t know what “The Gospel” is, ask this question to sparkdiscussion and get students asking their own questions and giving their own answers(this can be a HUGE opportunity for non-believing students!)• What exactly is the Gospel? Can someoneexplain it to me?

Bible StudySharing our faith can be an intimidatingexperience. We don’t want to seem too pushy,but we also don’t want people to miss out onthe Gospel. Even though we may be nervoussharing our faith, we need to realize that Jesushas commanded us to do just that.

Matthew 28:18-20 – “Then Jesus came tothem and said, ‘All authority in heaven and onearth has been given to Me. Therefore go andmake disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and ofthe Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I havecommanded you. And surely I amwith you always, to the very end ofthe age.’”• Why is it important to share ourfaith with people who don’t knowabout Jesus?

• What are some reactions thatyou’ve experienced aftersharing the Gospel?

• Is there a “right” way to shareyour faith?

When we share our faith, thereare so many ways to go aboutit. However, we should realizethat The Holy Spirit will guideus in our conversation.

John 16:13 – “But whenHe, the Spirit of truth,comes, He will guide youinto all the truth. He willnot speak on His own; Hewill speak only what Hehears, and He will tell youwhat is yet to come.”• What does this versemean to you?

• Does it make you feela little better about

sharing the Gospel now that you know theHoly Spirit guides you?

Wrap UpSharing our faith can be hard, but if we don’tshare, who will? When we remember that Jesushas entrusted us to share His story, we start torealize just how important it is for others to hearabout Him.

End in prayer. Pray for students to be boldwhen they share their faith and that the HolySpirit will guide them in their words andactions. After the prayer BE AVAILABLE! Somestudents may have questions about the Gospel,and if they are pre-Christians, this provides youwith an amazing opportunity to introduce themto Jesus. Other students may want adviceabout a certain friend and how to go aboutsharing. So, be available!

<< Page AYNA 7

Additional Themes And Ideas

Abducted, yet not abandoned. Imprisoned, yetnot enslaved. Alone, yet not alone. A youngpre-teen girl is torn from her family, forced tolive in a different culture and assume a newidentity. And yet, she does not lose her faith.There are some powerful Biblical principlesportrayed in this film that youth leaders need toteach to their students. In addition to the threesessions that are included in this YouthworkerGuide, here are some follow-up ideas based onscenes from the film that you can use with youryoung girls.

Taken!Barbara was torn away from her family, and even from her little sister who was alsoabducted, and forced to become absorbed intothe culture of the Indians. She was even given anew name, was expected to turn her blondehair dark, and was instructed to follow theIndian gods.

Teaching Point: Even though circumstances are bad, we can maintain faith in God.Key Scripture: Daniel 1 (Daniel, a teenager,was forced from his home and country. He was given a new name and placed in a trainingfacility to learn the new culture. But, he kept his faith in God.)Discussion Questions:• In verse 8, Daniel “resolved” to stay faithful.Have you ever been in a position where youalmost HAD to do something you knew waswrong? How did you handle it?

• Daniel’s plan – ask permission – was foiled,so he came up with another plan. Have youever given in to doing something wrong afteryour first escape plan fell though? How couldyou have responded differently?• Nobody experiences a noticeable differenceafter just ten days of changing

their diet. Notice what verse 15 says. What doyou learn from that? (God can even do themiraculous to help you remain faithful.)

• Notice the final results in verses 19-20. Godreally honored Daniel’s faith! Wouldn’t you likeHim to do the same for you?

Escape AttemptBarbara tried to escape and was capturedagain. When she comes to, she is tied to a tree,and ready to be burned at the stake. She praysfor God to intervene and rescue her. Galaskoshows up and stomps out the fire, saving her.He proceeds to tell his brother and anotherwarrior that she was brave to try to rescue hersister, and that if one of their brothers weretaken, would they not go after him? Galaskotells them to not dishonor her courage.

Teaching Point: Doing what’s right, and puttingothers before you, takes courage.Key Scripture: Luke 15:1-6 (The parable ofthe “lost sheep”)Discussion Questions:• Barbara promised to take care of her sister,but they were separated. How did she still try to keep her promise?

• Has someone ever broken a promise that was made to you? How did you respond?

• What about a promise you’ve made butbroken? Can you still keep that promise?

• How does the shepherd searching for a lostsheep fit into this story?

• Where are you in this story – the lost sheep,or safe with the other sheep?

RecognitionToward the end of the film, Regina recognizedher mother’s voice and song.

Teaching Point: The closer you get to God, the more you can recognize His “voice.”Key Scripture: John 10:14-18(“…My sheep know Me… will listen to My voice…”)Discussion Questions:• Do you have a pet that knowsyour voice, your look, and yoursmell? How does that petrespond to “new” people?• How is Jesus like ashepherd?• Sometimes, discerningwhether God is at work orour own desires are incharge, is hard. How canyou tell if God is doingsomething around you?

True BeautyIn the scene where the two of them arecrossing a river, Galasko tells Barbara that herGod has made her more beautiful than anyoneand more graceful than a deer.

Teaching Point: What is true beauty?Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 (“Charm isdeceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a womanwho fears the Lord is to be praised.”)Discussion Questions:• What makes a person “beautiful”?• Do you know good-looking people who are a pain to be around? Do their good looks overcome their obnoxious attitudes?

• Why would the Bible say that beauty is“fleeting”?

• What one step can you take to become a woman who “fears the Lord”?

ReunionNear the end of the movie, David discovers that Marie kept her promise and waited for him to return from war.

Teaching Point: Love is patient.Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-6Discussion Questions:• Waiting is very hard for most people. Why do you think we are in such a hurry toexperience love?

• How is real love different from infatuation?• Do you think a person “falls in love” only once?

• What’s the difference between “falling in love”and “choosing to love”?

The Theme SongWe all know the power of a song to multiply a movie’s impact. Rarely does a movie use thetheme song as powerfully as AYNA. The song is sung by the Mrs. Leininger to her youngchildren, the girls sing it as a reminder duringtheir captivity, and in an interesting twist thesong is central to the reuniting of the motherand daughters at the film’s climax. We will bedeveloping additional resources around thesong for your AYNA ministry plan.

The Book Rich in historical details, the AYNA Book is the story of Barbara and Regina Leininger’smiraculous survival and extraordinary faith. It is great read for youth group girls and anexcellent companion resource as you use thefilm in your ministry. Zondervan.com



ALONE YET NOT ALONE


MOTHERS &DAUGHTERS:Making the Most out ofAlone Yet Not Alone

Alone Yet Not Alone harnesses many themesthat your daughters are facing: identity,appearance, love, and more. This film providesa unique opportunity for you, the mother, toexplore these themes with your daughter(s) aswell as build a stronger relationship betweenthe two of you. The following movie themes,discussion suggestions, and optional activitiesaim to enhance the movie experience long afterthe credits stop rolling. We hope they will serveas a bridge where you and your daughter(s) canmeet and grow in Biblical truth.

Identity

When the Indians take Barbara, she is given anew name (Susquehanna) and becomesengulfed by the Native American culture. Attimes she seems to forget she was evenkidnapped, and she even learns to enjoy her lifeas “Susquehanna.” She begins to actually“become” part of the tribe, and even isproposed to by the Chief’s son, Galasko. WhenGalasko proposes, he explains thatSusquehanna must now follow the Indian’s“Great Spirit.” At this point we see Barbara’sface change when she realizes that she cannotdo what is asked because she is a Christian. In essence, Galasko was telling Barbara shehad to lose her identity to truly becomeSusquehanna. However, Barbara refuses tofollow their god, knowing that she belongs to Christ.

Discussion SuggestionsAsk your daughter(s) what identity is. Guide herto a proper understanding of what it means,then ask her what she thinks most girls findtheir identity in; (most likely, you’ll hear thingslike “their looks”, “popularity”. “boys”, “sports”,etc.). Discuss with her why these things areultimately unfulfilling. Continue discussing howBarbara was able to always stand by heridentity in Christ, and ask your daughter(s) whythat was important for Barbara as well as why itis important for your daughter(s) to rememberher identity in Christ. Discuss what “newcreation” means in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and howit applies to having an identity in Christ.

A Step FurtherBuy modeling clay at your local craft orsuperstore, and spend time making somethingwith your daughter(s) to show that they areGod’s creation. Use this time to reflect on theconcept of identity, as well as just catch up witheach other. When the final craft is done, seal orbake it to preserve the item, and place themboth in a visible area in the home. (You can alsoattend a pottery making class as anotheroption, using the same principles).

Appearance

Part of Barbara’s transformation into the tribe’sculture, she had to undergo a physical changeto “look the part.” Tribeswomen helped colorher blonde her into a dark black, and evenchange her skin tone with clay and dyes. Bychanging her appearance, the tribe could“accept” her as one of their own. Later in themovie, Galasko mentions Barbara’s exceptionalbeauty and grace is unmatched by anyone he’sever seen.

Discussion SuggestionsYour daughter(s) is facing an enormous amountof pressure to look a certain way; whether it’sfrom movies or shows she watches, magazinesshe reads, songs she’s heard, or from peers,the pressure can be overwhelming. Along withthat pressure, she is also going throughphysical changes that place even more stressto the mix. Alone Yet Not Alone provides youwith a great opportunity to engage a discussionon appearances. Ask your daughter(s) whattrue beauty is. Discuss with her the importanceof what the Bible’s description of beauty is byreading Proverbs 31:30. Use an example fromyour past (or present) in which you remembersomeone who was recognized for their outerbeauty, but inside, lacked true beauty. (Mostlikely, your daughter will also think of anexample!) Don’t use this time to bash thosepeople, but rather, use it as a way to show yourdaughter(s) that physical beauty means nothingwithout a beautiful heart.

A Step FurtherTake a trip to a local park or garden with yourdaughter(s). Take pictures of the nature aroundyou such as flowers, trees, birds, etc. Whenyou’ve done that, explain that God createdthings perfectly the way they are. They arenaturally beautiful because they were all madeby Him. Remind your daughter(s) that she is nodifferent. Then take pictures of your daughter(s)with the natural views as a backdrop,symbolizing her beauty as well.

<< Page AYNA 9

Love

In Alone Yet Not Alone, love is woven in manyways throughout the entire film. Love assacrifice (John 15:13) occurs when Lydia, afellow captive woman who was the only adulttaken, was burned alive after giving herself upto her captors in order to allow two young boysto escape. Love is also shown when she tellsher captor that she forgives him for what hewas doing. Another occurrence of love isshown through the relationship of David andMarie who were separated when he went off towar. When David returned, he discovered thatMarie kept her promise to wait for him to return.Lastly, when Regina (Barbara’s younger sister),is finally released from captivity, her mother isable to recognize her despite the change inRegina’s appearance. We learn that Regina’smom never stopped praying and looking forRegina. This love of a child by his/hermother/father is exceptionally displayed in the movie.

Discussion SuggestionsAlong with pressures of appearance, the notionof love for most youth is surrounded by liessuch as: love is sex, love can be earnedthrough appearance, you have to be loved toreally matter, etc. Ask your daughter(s) what thedifferences are between society’s views on loveversus God’s view of love. You can then refer tothe above examples in the movie, then highlight1 Corinthians 13:4-6, where love is described.Discuss with your daughter(s) why it’s so hardfor her peers to grasp the true nature of love. Atthis time, remind your daughter(s) that you loveher. Take a moment and compliment her on thecharacteristics you love about her. Let her knowthat there is no love like a parent’s love, andhow God proves this by sending His own Sonto die for us. He loves us as His children.Remind her that love is patient, and that shewill find love in time, but that it is worth waitingfor. Reassure her that you love her and willalways do so.

A Step FurtherHave an art day with your daughter(s) whereyou write/paint the word “LOVE” in big letters inthe center of a canvas or piece of paper. Then,using different colors, write out the Bible’sdescription of love, described in 1 Corinthians13:4-6, in smaller letters around the “LOVE.”Let it dry, frame it, and hang them in yourdaughter(s) bedroom where she will constantlysee it as a reminder of true love.

We pray that these topics and discussionsuggestions will give you as a mother theopportunity to connect with your daughter(s)through the movie’s themes.



A miraculous survival. An extraordinary faith.The Leininger family settled deep withinAmerica’s new frontier, in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania. They were celebrating theirblessings, their faith, their freedom, and abountiful harvest when their family was tornapart by the Penn’s Creek Massacre. WhenBarbara and Regina are carried away andseparated by Delaware warriors, both sistersrely on their faith in God’s truth, even in theirdarkest hour. Alone Yet Not Alone is aninspirational true story of a family caught in the crossfire of the French and Indian War.

The powerful Biblical principles portrayed inAYNA are ones that youth leaders need toteach to their students. This “Behind TheScenes” Youthworker Guide is a completeresource that will equip you to use the film to provide life-change to the students in your ministry.

These materials written byTeam interlinc Writers

Mandy KyesSouthwest Community ChurchIndian Wells, [email protected]

Ken McCoyJumpStart MinistriesEscondido, [email protected]

In Theaters Nationwide June 13, 2014 aloneyetnotalone.com ayna.interlinc-online.com

“behind the scenes” youthworker guide · 2019. 10. 10. · page ayna 2 “behind the scenes”...

Documents