### Lesson Plan: Paul's Missionary Journey
**Grade Level:** Primary 5 / 5th Grade
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Summarize key events in Paul's first missionary journey.
2. Identify the main locations visited by Paul.
3. Understand the purpose and significance of Paul's journey.
4. Discuss the challenges Paul faced and how he overcame them.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bible (Acts 13-14)
- Map of Paul's first missionary journey
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (optional)
- Activity sheets
- Crayons/Markers
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Prayer:**
Begin with a short prayer asking for wisdom and understanding.
2. **Icebreaker:**
Engage students with a quick question: “Has anyone ever gone on a long journey or adventure?” Allow a few students to share their experiences.
3. **Introduce the Topic:**
Explain that today’s lesson will focus on Paul’s first missionary journey, a fascinating trip where Paul traveled to various places to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
**Lesson Body (35 minutes):**
1. **Bible Reading: (10 minutes)**
- Read Acts 13:1-12 together as a class. Highlight key events such as Paul and Barnabas being selected by the Holy Spirit, their departure, and their experiences in Cyprus.
2. **Discussion and Explanation: (10 minutes)**
- Use a map to show the locations visited by Paul: Antioch, Cyprus, Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
- Explain the purpose of Paul’s journey: spreading the message of Jesus Christ, establishing churches, and encouraging believers.
- Discuss some challenges Paul faced such as opposition, persecution, and physical hardships, and how he relied on God's strength to overcome them.
3. **Interactive Activity: (15 minutes)**
- **Map Activity:**
Provide students with a blank map and have them label the different locations Paul visited during his first missionary journey.
- **Scenario Discussion:**
Present a few hypothetical scenarios where Paul might have felt discouraged (e.g., being rejected by people, facing threats). Ask students how they think Paul overcame these challenges and relate it to their personal lives.
**Conclusion (10 minutes):**
1. **Review Questions:**
- Where did Paul go on his first missionary journey?
- Why did Paul embark on his journey?
- What were some of the challenges Paul faced, and how did he overcome them?
2. **Activity Sheet:**
- Distribute activity sheets with a word search or crossword puzzle containing key terms from the lesson (Paul, Barnabas, Antioch, Cyprus, faith, etc.).
3. **Prayer:**
- Conclude with a prayer asking God to help students be brave like Paul in sharing their faith and overcoming challenges.
**Assessment:**
- **Participation in discussions and activities:**
Observe students’ engagement during the Bible reading, discussion, and interactive activities.
- **Completion of Map Activity and Activity Sheet:**
Check for accuracy and understanding in labeling the map and completing the activity sheet.
### Extension Activities:
- **Memory Verse:**
Encourage students to memorize Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
- **Creative Writing:**
Ask students to write a short paragraph or story about what they would do if they were on a missionary journey with Paul.
- **Role Play:**
Divide students into groups and assign them to act out different scenes from Paul's first missionary journey.
**Closing:**
Remind students about the importance of sharing their faith and trusting in God during difficult times, just like Paul did. End the lesson with a brief recap and a prayer of thanksgiving.