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Meet the MissionariesBrian and Allie McClure are missionaries to Prague, Czech Republic. Together with their three children, Heidi (8), Alistair (6), and Margaret (4), the McClures work with other people who love Jesus to start a new church so families can learn about Jesus. Meeting new friends and building relationships often gives Mr. and Mrs. McClure opportunities to have conversations about God, Jesus, and church. Heidi, Alistair, and Margaret help their parents make new friends in Prague.

There are three different ways the McClures meet and help new friends.

• They invite Czech friends to join activities like Bible studies, English conversation clubs, Mom’s Club, coffee outreaches, short film nights, and more.

• They join clubs and activities that already exist in their community so they can make friends and share about Jesus.

• They spend time living life with the families around them, meeting at playgrounds, block parties, inviting neighbors and friends over for meals, going for walks, and attending community events together.

The McClures invest their lives and their family in the surrounding community in order to tell people about Jesus. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helps the McClures by providing an apartment, a car and fuel, and school resources for the McClure children.

Written by Angie Quantrell Design Editor for Preschool Resources

International Mission Study for Preschoolers

Missions Area: Prague

Christian Concept Area: Jesus

Missionaries: David “Brian” and Allie McClure

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Prayer Requests

1. Pray the Czech friends of the McClures would be interested in studying the Bible to learn about Jesus.

2. Pray that long-time church friends would choose to love Jesus.

3. Pray that people will choose to be more like Jesus as they watch gospel based videos and online church services.

4. Pray for Heidi, Alistair, and Margaret as they learn to read and write in two languages: Czech and English.

5. Pray that the McClures will stay healthy during the global pandemic.

Missions Area: Prague

Brian and Allie McClure live in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, where most people do not love Jesus. Prague is filled with beautiful buildings, stained glass windows, and lovely bridges. Czech is the official language of Czech Republic, but different dialects are spoken in different areas of the country. Czech people eat their largest meal for lunch, which consists of a broth soup starter and a main meal with meat and a starch like dumplings, rice, or pasta. Sauces are usually served over the meat. Some traditional meals are beef goulash with bread dumplings, baked or fried pork, chicken cutlets with potatoes, and fried cheese with fries.

The McClures meet many families as they take Heidi and Alistair to school or participate in community events. One of the greatest joys of Mr. and Mrs. McClure is when Czech friends introduce them to their circle of friends.

Bulletin Board Idea: Visit wmu.com/preschool to see a FREE December International Mission Study for Preschoolers: Prague bulletin board idea.

Decoration Ideas: Set the stage for preschoolers to learn about Prague. Hang Christmas lights around windows and doors. Display pictures of castles, cathedrals, and stained glass windows. Arrange the book area to resemble a coffee outreach setting with a few tables, decorative napkins for tablecloths, plastic coffee cups, and toy coffee pots.

In Case of a Pandemic: See the bottom of this International Mission Study to find ways to encourage families to participate in the study at home.

Outcomes

Preschoolers will learn about Brian and Allie McClure, missionaries in Prague, Czech Republic, who make new friends and tell them about Jesus. Focusing on the concept Jesus, preschoolers will hear that people everywhere need to know about Jesus.

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ACTIVITIES

ART—Stained Glass Window Prayer Reminder

Supplies: large paper plates, scissors, wax paper, colorful tissue paper, aprons, hole punch, decoupage glue, paint brushes, tape, yarn, permanent marker, Bible

In advance, cut tissue paper into one-inch squares. Cut out the center of paper plates. Cut wax paper into pieces the same size as plates. Around plate edges, print: Pray for the McClure family in Prague.

Look at stained glass pictures displayed in the room. After preschoolers don aprons, help them punch one hole at the top of a paper plate. Let them use decoupage glue to cover wax paper with tissue paper squares. As the stained glass dries, read the prayer request and lead preschoolers to pray for the McClures. Say: Mr. and Mrs. McClure are missionaries in Prague. They make new friends and tell people about Jesus. People everywhere need to know about Jesus.

Tape wax paper to the back of paper plates to make a stained glass window prayer reminder. Knot a short length of yarn through the hole to make a small loop for hanging. Send home to remind preschoolers to pray for the McClures.

Tip: If your church has stained glass windows, lead preschoolers on a short walk to view them.

BLOCKS—Build Prague Castles and Cathedrals

Supplies: electronic tablet, wooden blocks, people figures

In advance, search online for images of Prague castles and cathedrals.

Look at pictures of castles and cathedrals. Invite preschoolers to build a castle or cathedral with blocks and add people who visit both places. Say: The McClures live in Prague, a large city famous for its castles and cathedrals. The McClures tell new friends they meet about Jesus. They say “Bůh tě miluje” [BOO-h teh MILL-loo-yeh], which means “God loves you.” The McClures teach friends about the Bible [BIB-leh].

BOOKS—Coffee Outreach

Supplies: small tables and chairs; decorative napkins; plastic coffee cups; toy coffee pots; Bible; picture Bibles; Czech folk music CD or streaming source; Good Things Jesus Did / Buenas cosas que Jesús hizo*

In advance, arrange the book area to resemble a coffee outreach area or coffee shop. Add small tables, chairs, napkins, coffee cups, toy coffee pots, and a Bible or picture Bible on each table. Have Czech folk music playing quietly in the background.

Welcome preschoolers to the coffee outreach. Let them pretend to enjoy coffee as you read Good Things Jesus Did. Encourage them to find stories about Jesus in the picture Bibles. Say: One way Mr. and Mrs. McClure make new friends and tell them about Jesus is while they enjoy coffee together. The McClures want their friends to know about and love Jesus.

Open the Bible and read: We want to tell people about Jesus (see Acts 4:20).

HOMELIVING—Make Czech Strudel

Supplies: cookie sheet, parchment paper, paring knife, cutting boards, butter knives, bowl, whisk, pastry brush, aprons, refrigerated puff pastry, melted butter, two baking apples, raisins, cinnamon and white sugar mixed in a saltshaker, egg, paper plates, plastic forks, napkins

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In advance, enlist a volunteer to bake the strudel in the church kitchen after preschoolers prepare it. Peel and slice the apples.

Post the allergy alert chart. Wash hands. Let preschoolers do as much as possible of the work in preparing and assembling the Czech strudel, taking turns so each gets to help.

Tear parchment paper and place it on the cookie sheet. Place one sheet of puff pastry in the middle of parchment paper. Provide cutting boards and invite preschoolers to dice the apple slices. Use pastry brush to spread melted butter over the pastry dough. Let preschoolers place apple bits and raisins on the dough and take turns sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the mix. Place the second puff pastry on top. Let each child take a turn whisking the egg and then spreading it on top of the dough. Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Give to the volunteer to bake. Say: The McClures enjoy spending time with friends. They often share meals and coffee as they talk about Jesus. People in Prague like to eat strudel, a type of fruit pastry.

Cut cooled strudel into pieces and share with preschoolers. Give thanks to God for missionaries who live far away so everyone around the world can hear about Jesus.

Caution: Supervise carefully.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT—Wheeling Fun

Supplies: Sing to the Tune*, painter’s tape, two large toy trucks

In advance, use tape to make a large track around the room.

Sing “Jesus Loves Me So,” page 14 in Sing to the Tune*, as preschoolers take turns driving the trucks around the track. Say: Boys and girls in Prague love to travel on wheels like tricycles, bicycles, scooters, and skates. The McClures love to tell friends in Prague about Jesus.

NATURE—Vltava River Cruise

Supplies: electronic tablet, water table, boats, people figures, long cardboard strips, masking tape, aprons

In advance, search for images of the Vltava River in Prague. Fill the water table half full with water.

Look at images of the Vltava River. Say: The Vltava River runs through Prague. There are many bridges going over the river. People can go for walks along the river or boat rides on the river.

Let preschoolers don aprons and tape cardboard strips across the water table to make bridges. As they take people figures on river cruises, lead them to say sentence prayers for the McClures as they make new friends and tell them about Jesus.

Caution: Supervise carefully.

PUZZLES AND MANIPULATIVES—Friends and Big City Puzzles

Supplies: puzzles about friends, big cities, and transportation

Provide puzzles about friends, big cities, and transportation for preschoolers to work. Say: Mr. and Mrs. McClure live in Prague, a very large city. In big cities, there are many different kinds of transportation. The McClures travel around Prague, making new friends and telling people about Jesus. People everywhere need to hear about Jesus!

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GROUP TIMESupplies: Sing to the Tune*, teaching picture of Jesus, strip of construction paper, marker, Bible, plastic coffee cup and saucer

In advance, print the Bible thought on construction paper and place it in the Bible.

Group Time Tip:

Begin by singing “Missionaries Tell,” page 35 in Sing to the Tune*, as soon as the first preschooler comes to Group Time. Continue singing until all are present.

Introduction

Guide preschoolers to sit in a circle. Show the teaching picture of Jesus. Invite volunteers to tell something they know about Jesus. Open the Bible and read: Jesus loves you (see John 15:12).

Pass around the coffee cup, inviting preschoolers holding the cup to say the Bible thought to the child seated next to them. Help those who need assistance in saying the Bible thought. Say: Today we will hear a story about someone in Prague who decided to love Jesus.

Tell the Story

Coffee and Friends

Mr. and Mrs. McClure looked around the neighborhood coffeeshop, watching for their Czech friend who loved Jesus. Many people sat and sipped coffee while they visited with friends.

“Hello,” said Alena as she came in the door. “Is it time for coffee?”

“Hi,” said Mr. McClure. “Anytime is time for coffee! I’ll order coffee if you both find a table.”

Mrs. McClure and Alena found a table near a window and sat down. “How are you, Alena?” asked Mrs. McClure.

“I’m doing great,” said Alena. “I’m so happy to help meet new people and tell them about Jesus.”

“We are glad to work together with you,” said Mrs. McClure. “We can’t stay long today, but we wanted to pray together before our next meeting.”

“That’s wonderful,” said Alena.

Mr. McClure brought coffee to the table. After they sipped and visited for a short time, he led them in prayer. “Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us. Please help us find people who want to know more about You. Amen.”

Soon after, the McClures had to leave and waved good-bye to Alena. Alena stayed and watched the people coming and going through the door. Very soon, she saw a woman standing by herself, looking for a place to sit in the crowded room. Alena smiled and waved her hand towards the woman, inviting her to sit with her.

“Hello,” said Alena. “You are welcome to sit with me. I’m Alena.

The woman sat down. “Thank you. My name is Věra. I just moved here and don’t know anyone.”

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“You’ve come to the right coffeeshop,” said Alena. “Let’s get to know each other.”

Alena was happy that God answered Mr. McClure’s prayer to help them find new friends to tell them about Jesus.

Stop here for Threes and Fours.

Ask: Who did the McClures meet at the coffeeshop? Why did Mr. McClure pray for new friends? How was their prayer answered?

Continue for Kindergarten

The new friends sipped their coffee and visited. “I live nearby. Maybe we can meet again sometime?” asked Věra.

Alena smiled at her new friend. “Let’s do that,” said Alena. “Would you like to meet some of my friends? We meet together for an English conversation club and Bible study. It’s a lot of fun.”

“I think that would be good. I need to practice my English,” said Věra.

“The Bible study is great, too,” said Alena. “We read the Bible together and learn more about Jesus and how much He loves us.”

Věra thought for a moment. “Yes,” she said. “I would love to meet your friends, practice my English, and study the Bible. Now I will know more people in my new city.”

Thank You, Jesus, for sending me a new friend who can learn about You Alena prayed to herself. She couldn’t wait to tell Mr. and Mrs. McClure what happened at the coffeeshop.

Ask: What happened at the coffeeshop after the McClures left? Why was Alena thankful? Why should we tell our friends about Jesus?

Prayertime

Pray together and give thanks to God for His gift of Jesus. Pray for the McClures as they make friends in Prague and tell their friends about Jesus. Pray for people to give an offering to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to help missionaries around the world.

Sing “I Love Jesus,” page 16 in Sing to the Tune*, as a prayer to the Lord.

Closing

Repeat the activity of passing around the coffee cup and saying the Bible thought. Allow preschoolers to tell each other “Jesus loves you.” Ask preschoolers to name someone Jesus loves.

Open the Bible and read: Jesus loves you (see John 15:12).

*Important Resources Information

Resources marked with an asterisk are available through WMU Customer Service—online: wmustore.com; or call: 1-800-968-7301.

Good Things Jesus Did / Buenas cosas que Jesús hizo, E188104, $1.99

Sing to the Tune, W108103, $7.99

If your church is not yet meeting, here are some suggestions for hosting the International Mission Study in ways that reflect social distancing and stay at home guidelines. Many of the ideas can be sent to parents of preschoolers as text messages or through social media.

1. Send home an International Mission Study kit for each family. Visit a discount store and purchase: paper plates, wax paper, colored tissue paper, glue sticks, and index cards. Cut centers from plates and print the prayer request found in Art along the plate edges. Cut pieces of wax paper the same size as plates. Cut tissue paper into small squares. Fill gallon ziplock bags with one plate, one wax paper, one glue stick, and a handful of tissue paper squares. Add an index card with simple directions to make a stained glass prayer reminder. Print the story and include it for parents to read with their child.

2. For Art, encourage preschoolers to draw pictures of castles and rivers after looking at online images of Prague. Discuss what it would be like to live in Prague like the McClures. Encourage families to pray together for the McClures as they tell friends in Prague about Jesus.

3. For Blocks, lead an adult to search online for images of castles and cathedrals in Prague. Encourage preschoolers to use whatever blocks they have at home

to build a castle or cathedral. Ask parents to send you a picture of their child beside their child’s creation.

4. For Books, advise parents to read a Bible story about Jesus from a picture Bible. Let parents tell their child that the McClures teach friends in Prague about Jesus.

5. For Homeliving, lead families to prepare Beef Goulash or Czech Strudel for lunch or dinner. Tell them that the McClures enjoy eating meals with friends and families they meet. Ask them to pray together that the McClures will be able to tell many people about Jesus and many people will choose to love Jesus.

6. For Music and Movement, ask an adult to use a phone or electronic tablet to play Czech folk music. Encourage families to move scarves to the music as they share that the McClures speak Czech with friends they meet in Prague.

7. For Nature, let an adult search online for pictures of animals that live in Czech Republic and Prague. Let them look at the pictures and move like the animals. Lead families to discuss the differences between the animals found in Prague and the place they live.

8. For Puzzles and Manipulatives, encourage preschoolers to thread pony beads onto chenille stems to make friendship bracelets to give to friends. Let families discuss how the McClures make new friends and tell them about Jesus.

9. For Group Time, provide the story for parents to read to their child. Send the story digitally or mail a print copy to families. Encourage families to sit around a coffee table with plastic coffee cups, pretending to sip coffee as the story is shared.

10. For Prayertime, remind families that everyone around the world needs to know about Jesus. Ask families to pray together for the McClures as they live in Prague to teach and tell people about Jesus.

In Case of a Pandemic

IntroductionSit beside each other. Open the Bible and read: Jesus loves you (see John 15:12).

Take turns holding the coffee cup and saying the Bible thought. Say: Let’s hear a story about someone in Prague who decided to love Jesus.

Coffee and FriendsMr. and Mrs. McClure looked around the neighborhood coffeeshop, watching for their Czech friend who loved Jesus. Many people sat and sipped coffee while they visited with friends.

“Hello,” said Alena as she came in the door. “Is it time for coffee?”

“Hi,” said Mr. McClure. “Anytime is time for coffee! I’ll order coffee if you both find a table.”

Mrs. McClure and Alena found a table near a window and sat down. “How are you, Alena?” asked Mrs. McClure.

“I’m doing great,” said Alena. “I’m so happy to help meet new people and tell them about Jesus.”

“We are glad to work together with you,” said Mrs. McClure. “We can’t stay long today, but we wanted to pray together before our next meeting.”

“That’s wonderful,” said Alena.

Mr. McClure brought coffee to the table. After they sipped and visited for a short time, he led them in prayer. “Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us. Please help us find people who want to know more about You. Amen.”

Soon after, the McClures had to leave and waved good-bye to Alena. Alena stayed and watched the people coming and going through the door. Very soon, she saw a woman standing by herself, looking for a place to sit in the crowded room. Alena smiled and waved her hand towards the woman, inviting her to sit with her.

Story Time(for Parents)International Missions Study for PreschoolersMissions Area: PragueChristian Concept Area: JesusMissionaries: David “Brian” and Allie McClure

Supplies: Bible, plastic coffee cup and saucer

“Hello,” said Alena. “You are welcome to sit with me. I’m Alena.

The woman sat down. “Thank you. My name is Věra. I just moved here and don’t know anyone.”

“You’ve come to the right coffeeshop,” said Alena. “Let’s get to know each other.”

Alena was happy that God answered Mr. McClure’s prayer to help them find new friends to tell them about Jesus.

The new friends sipped their coffee and visited. “I live nearby. Maybe we can meet again sometime?” asked Věra.

Alena smiled at her new friend. “Let’s do that,” said Alena. “Would you like to meet some of my friends? We meet together for an English conversation club and Bible study. It’s a lot of fun.”

“I think that would be good. I need to practice my English,” said Věra.

“The Bible study is great, too,” said Alena. “We read the Bible together and learn more about Jesus and how much He loves us.”

Věra thought for a moment. “Yes,” she said. “I would love to meet your friends, practice my English, and study the Bible. Now I will know more people in my new city.”

Thank You, Jesus, for sending me a new friend who can learn about You Alena prayed to herself. She couldn’t wait to tell Mr. and Mrs. McClure what happened at the coffeeshop.

PrayertimePray together and give thanks to God for His gift of Jesus. Pray for the McClures as they make friends in Prague and tell their friends about Jesus. Pray for people to give an offering to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to help missionaries around the world.

Sing “Jesus Loves Me,” as a prayer to the Lord.

Supplies: white and blue butcher paper; yellow construction paper; cotton batting; red pre-cut alphabet letters; markers; scissors; stapler; café-style table; tablecloth; Missions Banks*; Lottie Moon Christmas Offering envelopes; Week of Prayer for International Missions Prayer Guides

Directions:

International Mission Study for Preschoolers Bulletin Board Idea

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International Mission Study for Preschoolers

Open the Bible and read: Jesus loves you (see John 15:12).

PRAGUE

Czech Republic

Meet David “Brian” and Allie McClure, missionaries to

Prague.

Meet Heidi, Alistair, and Margaret McClure, children of Mr. and

Mrs. McClure.

Pray for the McClures as they make new

friends and tell them about Jesus.

Pray many people in Prague will want to love

Jesus.

1. Cover a bulletin board with white butcher paper. Cut out a large coffee cup and saucer from blue butcher paper and staple it in the middle of the bulletin board. Pull strips of batting to resemble steam and staple above coffee cup.

2. For bulletin board text: • Add pre-cut letters spelling “PRAGUE” to the side of the

coffee cup. • Use marker to print “Czech Republic” on the saucer. • Use marker to print “International Mission Study for

Preschoolers” along the top of the bulletin board. • Print “Open the Bible and read: Jesus loves you (see John

15:12).” along the bottom of the bulletin board.

3. On four pieces of yellow construction paper, print the following:

• Meet David “Brian” and Allie McClure, missionaries to

Prague. • Meet Heidi, Alistair, and Margaret McClure, children of

Mr. and Mrs. McClure. • Pray for the McClures as they make new friends and tell

them about Jesus. • Pray many people in Prague will want to love Jesus.

Staple one yellow construction paper statement in each corner of the bulletin board.

4. Set up the café table to the side of the bulletin board. Cover it with a tablecloth and arrange a display of Missions Banks, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering envelopes, and Week of Prayer for International Missions Prayer Guides.