Session 10: Stand for Justice – Esther & Mary Slessor

Scripture: Esther 4–5
Memory Verse: Micah 6:8
Mission Focus: Mary Slessor (Scotland → Nigeria)
Theme: Stand for justice

Series: https://truewaykids.com/missions-big-world-bigger-god/

Lesson Overview

Welcome to Session 10 of Missions: Big World, Bigger God—where children continue discovering that God’s love and truth reach every nation and every person.

In this session, children learn how Queen Esther bravely stood up for her people and how missionary Mary Slessor protected vulnerable children in Nigeria.

This lesson helps children understand that God calls His people to stand for justice, protect others, and do what is right—even when it is difficult.

• God sees injustice.
• God cares for the weak.
• God gives courage to speak up.
• God can use one person to make a difference.

Through Esther and Mary Slessor, children will discover that courage is not about never feeling afraid. Courage means trusting God enough to stand up for what is right.

• Esther risked her safety to save her people.
• Mary Slessor rescued children who were abandoned and unwanted.
• We can ask God to help us stand for justice too.

What Children Will Learn

Children will learn that:

• God calls us to stand up for what is right
• Esther bravely spoke to the king to help save her people
• God places people in special places for His purposes
• Courage means obeying God even when we feel afraid
• One voice can make a difference
• Mary Slessor travelled from Scotland to Nigeria to share God’s love
• Mary rescued twins and cared for children who were rejected
• God wants us to protect and care for those who are weak or ignored
• We can show justice, mercy, and kindness every day

📖 Bible Focus: Esther Stands for Her People

This session begins with Esther 4–5 and Esther’s brave decision to approach the king.

Children discover that:

• God places people where they can help others
• doing what is right can sometimes feel scary
• courage means trusting God and taking action
• speaking up can help protect others
• God can use one person to change many lives
• we should stand for justice and care for people in need

Esther teaches children that God can use ordinary people in important moments. Even when she was afraid, Esther trusted God and chose to speak up for her people.

Her story reminds children of Mordecai’s famous words: “For such a time as this.”

🌍 Mission Story: Mary Slessor

Children are then introduced to Mary Slessor, a missionary from Scotland who served in Nigeria.

Children will learn how Mary:

• grew up in a poor family and understood unfairness
• loved hearing about missionaries and wanted to serve God
• travelled to Africa to share God’s love
• learned the local language and cared deeply for the people
• rescued twins who had been abandoned
• opened her home to children in need
• spoke against unfair rules and harmful traditions
• helped bring peace and protection to communities
• trusted God in difficult and dangerous situations

Mary Slessor’s life helps children see that justice is not only about words—it is about protecting people, showing mercy, and taking action.

Her famous prayer becomes a key thought for this lesson:
“Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for You. Lead the way and I will follow.”

🎥 Watch the Story Videos

Esther Bible Story Video

Mary Slessor Story Video (Short Version – 1:30)

Mary Slessor Story Video (Extended Version)

Lesson Resources

Everything you need to teach this session in one place:

• Clear teaching guide with step-by-step lesson flow
• Interactive opening game: Stand Up, Sit Down
• Group games including Feed the Hippos and Pass the Crown
• Bible teaching from Esther 4–5
• Missionary focus on Mary Slessor in Nigeria
• Memory verse activity for Micah 6:8
• Discussion questions and prayer prompts
• Printable worksheets and reinforcement activities
• Crafts including Justice Shield, Crown Craft, and African Hut Home Plaque
• Maze, matching games, colouring pages, and Nigeria worksheet
• Take-home challenge and reward badge

Printable Story Booklets Optional:

Includes fully illustrated Mary Slessor story booklets. Ideal for take-home use, review, and helping children retell the lesson.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Translations