Iraq sanctions beanbag toss
A simple, effective visual to attract attention and educate
Can be used for public witness or children's time
WARNING: Beanbags are projectiles.
Preparation
1.
Create a beanbag toss. A local carpenter friend made ours by using two heavy pieces of wood, looped together with strong rope at the top (resembling a bound notebook) and rope holding the pieces together at the bottom so they didn't spread too far. Looks like an A.
2.
On the front, paint a map of Iraq. Many are available on the web (Here is one that is easy to read). Use colors that photograph well, avoiding red, orange, yellow, and light blue. Make holes in the map for the beanbags to be tossed through. Label countries and cities clearly. Add the words: Jesus said, "Feed your enemies." Romans 12:20
3.
Attach a heavy piece of clear plastic across the front so it hangs over all the holes. Write on it "United Nations Sanctions."
4.
Make beanbags. (You might want to write on them, "Feed your enemies." Or "Work to lift UN sanctions against Iraq.") Think about context as you create the beanbags-one time I chose to fill them with rice rather than beans so no one could stuff a bean up their nose.
Use:
1.
Remind children or passersby that Jesus said revenge is not our job, but rather we are to feed our enemies. (Romans 12:20)
2.
Hand a beanbag out. Invite the person to feed their enemies. Pretty obvious that can't be done until the "UN sanctions are lifted."
3.
Talk to the person about the sanctions, the effect on the people (especially the children) of Iraq, and what can be done. Depending on context, you might choose to do this only orally or to have appealing handouts with facts available.
