Session 13: Walking to Battle
Suggested Week of Use: November 24, 2019
Core Passages: Ephesians 6:10-20
News Story Summary
Because of increasingly ferocious wildfires, such as the recent Kincaid fire in California, scientists have been working to understand how firefighters’ exposure to smoke and chemical vapors affect their long-term health. Smoke and vapors that have been inhaled remain in their system for a long time after the fire is out. To protect themselves, wildfire fighters tend to wear relatively lightweight gear or a simple handkerchief over their face. To improve conditions, cancer prevention groups are working to develop better lightweight, protective equipment for firefighters.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the phrase “Nobody gets out without damage”)
Focus Attention
After completing the Explain idea in Focus Attention, share the news story summary. Ask: Why do you think firefighters believe that the short-term protection of fighting a wildfire is a priority over its long-term effects? Explain that protection when fighting wildfires is out-weighed by the need for being able to move and work an extended time. Ask: Why is it so important for people to develop light-weight gear that will adequately protect wildfire firefighters? Complete the step as written.
Summarize and Challenge
To supplement the Challenge idea in Summarize and Challenge, remind the group of the news story summary. Lead the group to create a comparative chart of the differences and similarities between a spiritual battle and a wildfire battle. (potential differences: spiritual vs physical, unseen vs seen; potential similarities: need specific protection, both can spread if left unchecked, both have long-term impacts). Complete the step as written.