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Stories & Blog
The “Good” Guy Didn’t Make It
BRAZIL — The kids paid no attention to the Bible story last week. Disheartened, Crossworld worker Veronica wanted to take a break from teaching Sunday school in the Amazon village. But as she looked at four olive-skinned, dark-haired dolls one day, an illustration started to take root in Veronica’s mind.
The next Sunday, Veronica carried the dolls to the front of the grass-roofed hut. After re-explaining the gospel, she used the dolls to illustrate, with each one reacting differently to the message. And this time, the kids sat glued to the story!
“Doll #1 listens and understands she needs salvation because she is a sinner,” Veronica said. “She becomes a fruitful Christian. Doll #2 listens and believes the message, but does not bear much fruit. Doll #3 does not pay attention, and instead plans how she can drag the boy next to her into the bushes when the meeting is over.”
The kids giggled at the all-too-familiar scene, then hushed again as Veronica pointed to the last doll.
“Doll #4 half listens and wrongly thinks that because he is a ‘good’ guy he will be accepted into heaven.”
One child’s striking realization broke the silence. “Is Veronica really saying doll #4 does not go to heaven even though he doesn’t drink or steal?”
Italicized names were changed to protect identities.
The next Sunday, Veronica carried the dolls to the front of the grass-roofed hut. After re-explaining the gospel, she used the dolls to illustrate, with each one reacting differently to the message. And this time, the kids sat glued to the story!
“Doll #1 listens and understands she needs salvation because she is a sinner,” Veronica said. “She becomes a fruitful Christian. Doll #2 listens and believes the message, but does not bear much fruit. Doll #3 does not pay attention, and instead plans how she can drag the boy next to her into the bushes when the meeting is over.”
The kids giggled at the all-too-familiar scene, then hushed again as Veronica pointed to the last doll.
“Doll #4 half listens and wrongly thinks that because he is a ‘good’ guy he will be accepted into heaven.”
One child’s striking realization broke the silence. “Is Veronica really saying doll #4 does not go to heaven even though he doesn’t drink or steal?”
Italicized names were changed to protect identities.
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