In 2019 I wanted to write a short story series for children using the most popular Proverbs from the Bible.  Each Proverb had to be presented in an entertaining way.  Each story had to be clear so children would understand it, and it should demonstrate how a Proverb could still be relevant to their lives today.  I was reading Proverbs 2 verses 4 and 5:

If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

That verse sparked the idea of searching for treasure and the word ‘fossicking’ came to mind.

Fossicking is an Australian word for searching or rummaging for precious metals and minerals.  It was coined in the 1850’s during the Australian gold rush in New South Wales and Victoria.  Today, amateurs who search for gold and gemstones are still called fossickers.

Then I learned there was a ‘Fossicker’s Way’ in New South Wales.  A touring route that led tourists from town to town in search of gold and sapphires.  Finally, this year the Fossicker family was born.  A family of fossickers who travelled Australia.  And a Dad who would use their adventures to instruct his children in learning Bible Proverbs.

With a Dad named Barry (after Barite) and a Mum named Beryl, it seemed only fitting that each Fossicker child should be named after a gemstone, and finally I settled on Jasper (17), Amber (15), Garnet (13), Opal (10) and Pearl (6).  Here are six of their adventures.

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 1:  What is Wisdom?

 

Garnet finds a beautiful sapphire in a gully.  A find that leads to the family discovering more sapphires as well as some zircons.  Pearl wants to know how her Dad knew where they should look for them.  Mr. Fossicker explains that he used his knowledge and put it into action.  And he explains the difference between wisdom and being smart.

Bible Story:  King Solomon’s Dream

Memory Verse:  James 1:5  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  Have a Memory Verse Rock Hunt.

Game:  Sapphire Spot

Craft:  Dynamite Lifesavers

Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Fossickers-Way-1.pdf

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 2:  The Fear of the Lord

 

Jasper backs over Garnet’s bike with the land cruiser.  Garnet is furious but he was told to put his bike away more than once.  He just wouldn’t listen.  He thought what he wanted to do was more important than anything else.  Garnet learns that fearing the Lord, instead of pleasing yourself, is where true wisdom starts.

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 1:7  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Say the verse underwater!

Game:  Deep Sea Relay

Craft:  Glasses to decorate

Visit:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Fossickers-Way-2.pdf

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 3:  Trust in the Lord

 

After a long, winding trek following the wash of gravel to find quartz crystals, Pearl is exhausted.  She heard that rocks are magic and thinks she should wish herself home.  Garnet has the idea of using a straight road home instead of retracing their steps over logs and around boulders.  Mr. Fossicker explains later that people will wander around looking for ways to fix themselves but we must walk and live in a straight line with only one direction and that’s towards God.

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 3:5&6  Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Learn to sing it!

Game:  Obstacle course

Craft:  Leaf Lights

Visit:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Fossickers-Way-3.pdf

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 4:  Guard Your Heart

 

Feelings of envy  led Amber to make the biggest mistake of her life.  She stole a piece of amber.  Even though she returns the gemstone unnoticed, she feels her sin is sealed inside her heart like a mosquito caught in ancient resin.  She learns she must ‘keep her heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life’.  And she learns that God can restore her when she asks for His forgiveness!

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Learn the verse by reciting it with actions.

Game:  Hunter and Watchman

Craft:  Insects to make

Visit:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Fossickers-Way-4.pdf

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 5:  Work Your Land

 

Jasper is a sleepy head because he spent all night gaming.  He is not interested in hard work.  Tired and annoyed he tries to pick up a shovel by seesawing it towards himself but gets a bop on the nose!  Jasper learns the hard way that lazy living and thinking is not good for you and that if you put the work it you’ll be rewarded.  God is a big believer in people working.

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 12:11  Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.  Pan for the Memory Verse!

Game:  Gold Rush

Craft:  Rock Art

Visit:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Fossickers-Way-5.pdf

 

The Fossicker’s Way Lesson 6:  A Haughty Spirit

 

Opal is excited to be in the area that produces the precious gemstone she is named after.  She can’t wait to go noodling!  Despite warnings from her parents about the heat, and the danger of open mine shafts, Opal thinks she knows better.  She stumbles and falls 3 metres down an opal mine and needs to be rescued.  Opal learns how important it is to stay humble.

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 16:18  Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  Fly Swat!

Game:  Tunnel Ball

Craft:  Water Marbling Painting or Marble Painting

Visit:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Fossickers-Way-6.pdf

 

 

I have grown very attached to the Fossicker family and I’m convinced there are more adventures to come!  But I hope these 6 lessons will help you teach the children in your life how important it is to use God’s wisdom and that they will look forward to fossicking in the book of Proverbs for themselves.

 

God bless you,

Deb Wassenberg