In the Thanksgiving Devotion called "God Helps Me Be Thankful", we heard the story of how the pilgrims came to America so they could be free to worship and pray the way they wanted to. And, you probably remember the little Indian, named Squanto, who came to help the pilgrims. Let's go back and take a look at all the things that made Squanto such a good friend to the pilgrims.

First of all, he welcomed the new pilgrims. He probably knew how scary it was for them to live in a new place, so he made the first move and went over to welcome them to help them feel better.

Next, he started a friendly conversation and listened to all their stories. He listened because he cared about them. After he learned of their troubles, and the hard winter they had, he felt bad for them. He wanted to help them, so he acted on those feelings. He decided to help them. He did all kinds of helpful things. He taught them how to stay far away from the wild animals, so they wouldn't get hurt. He taught them how to plant corn and other crops, so they could have lots of food for the next winter. He was generous and gave them some of his own seeds to plant. He wanted them to do better the next winter. He wanted them to have lots of crops to feed their families, so he he was kind to them. So, guess what happened: When it was time to harvest the crops, there was so many the pilgrims didn't know what to do! They had more than enough!...thanks to God, and thanks to friends like Squanto. So the pilgrims decided they wanted to be kind also, so they shared their new crops with the indians. To show their appreciation, they gave a big party and invited Squanto and all of his friends. This big party was called the First Thanksgiving. They wanted to have a big celebration and give thanks to God because He had given them so many crops. And, they wanted to share all they had with their new indian friends too.

So we see that Squanto was friendly in many ways: He listened to the pilgrims; he welcomed the new people; he shared his knowledge; and he gave generously of the things that he had. He was a big help to the pilgrims. It made Squanto happy to be kind and help them; and the pilgrims were happy to get help. They were happy to have Squanto as their friend too. And, God is happy when we are friendly and kind to others. He wants us all to be friendly.

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So you see, you can be a good friend too. God will help you be a good friend if you ask him to. Good friends listen well to others' stories. Good friends care a lot about other people. Good friends help others, and are kind to others. Good friends thank others for helping them. Good friends are generous and share what they have with others. Another way to be a good friend is to welcome the new people...just like Squanto did! And, good friends also celebrate together, just like the indians and pilgrims did at their First Thanksgiving party! Now lets pray that God will help us be a good friend on Thanksgiving, and every day.

© copyright Virginia Sigle / biblekidsfunzone.com

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for good friends.

Please help me to be a good friend too.

Help me be kind and share.

Help me to listen really well.

And help me be willing to help others.

Thank you now for helping me be a good friend.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Lesson

I hoped you liked the lesson about how Squanto and the indians were kind to the pilgrims, and were a good friends to them.

As you do the craft and color page, think about how you can share with your friends, and how you can be kind to them.

Foam Indian Craft

Thankful ABC's Activity For Thanksgiving