Prepare and Pray ~ A Stranger and Farewell

Prepare and Pray, is a family preparedness study based off the book Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann Wyss. SFR is a delightful "living" book that is rich in natural science, vocabulary, geographical details, history and physical science. It is a timeless classic with strong moral and spiritual content. We read the original version and love the rich language. The subjects we cover in our curriculum include Bible memory, Handi-work/Crafts, Life skills, Clothing, Shelter, Health, Safety and Nutrition, Natural and Physical Science, Geography and History. The discussion questions provided provoke deep discussions. And I love the Toddler Tales for the little ones.

We wrapped up our Prepare and Pray study yesterday. Note: Some of my readers are now using Prepare and Pray and if so, you may want to skip this post, as it may spoil the ending of the book!

Chapter 17: A Stranger {A New Sister}

After finding a help note attached to the leg of an albatross, Fritz sets off on an expedition to rescue a lone young lady stranded on the island and the whole family welcomes Jenny (Miss Montrose) as their sister. Chapter 17 tells about their adventure and how Jenny had to dress as a "boy" and do "boy" things to survive on the island, but once among the family, she left those duties to the boys and took her proper role alongside Mother and the boys treated her with chivalry and respect as they would their mother.

So our discussions this chapter focused on the role of the woman as the "weaker" vessel based solely on gender. Women certainly have the ABILITY to do men's work ~ but does that mean they should? When women fulfill their proper role as a woman, they are fulfilling a role that preserves and promotes true masculinity. In other words, she is letting the man fulfill his proper role because she is not in the way.

A few of the discussions and survival skills we learned this lesson include:
  • telling time with the sun
  • the importance of learning to swim (which led to an agreement to sign the kids up for another session at the Y)
  • practicing first aid for sprains and broken bones
  • the benefits of bow and arrow hunting over gun hunting in a survival situation
  • the importance of simple family worship
  • and more
Chapter 18: Farewell

The Robinson's hear 3 signal fires from an unknown ship. Are they friends who would help? Enemies who would hurt? Refugees who would need help? We discussed what we would do in this situation.

It turns out the ship is an English ship that happened along their coast in search of Miss Montrose. The Robinson's have an opportunity to return to civilization. But do they?

"That night I had a long consultation with my wife, as to whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to return to Europe. It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither simply because an opportunity offered for doing so." ~Father in SRF
The Robinson's were content with God's provisions on the peaceful island and 4 of the 6 chose to remain!
"What initially began as a life threatening crisis, has mellowed into a ten year history of obstacles overcome, spiritual character growth, academic and physical strengthening, and a deep awareness that life is a daily miracle. May God bless our efforts so richly!" ~ Authors of Prepare and Pray
Mr. Robinson wished two of his sons well as they chose to return to civilization.

In conclusion, there is much that I could say about the book and about this curriculum, but I want to bring up an important note that the authors share:
"Our goal as Christians is NOT to "survive at all costs," nor to contribute to the humanistic "survival of the fittest" mentality. True Christians do not fear death or suffering and they strive to pass this hope and peace which passes all understanding, on to their children."
While "survival" is not our goal, we acknowledge that Scripture teaches a "preparedness" attitude. Scripture also encourages us to be watchful. If we do NOT watch, Yeshua (Jesus) will come on thee as a thief and you will not know what hour!

Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you. ~ Revelations 3:3
But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail on a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 1 Thes 5:1-4
If we follow Yhvh's word and walk in obedience, we will not be left in the darkness. We will know!
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Master Yeshua HaMashiach! ~ 1 Thes. 6-10

We keep the Feasts of YHVH because they are a foreshadowing of things to come. Yeshua WILL return to fulfill the fall Feasts and accomplish His good and perfect will! We can't let ourselves be distracted with worldly holidays and traditions that are NOT in the Bible ~ if we do, then His return WILL overtake us as a thief in the night!

We say, "Come Master Yeshua Come!"

Meanwhile, all we can do is:

3 comments

  1. Wonderful! I really like the entire post, the part about a woman's role and that of being watchmen... Thanks Chel!

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  2. Thank you for such great documentation on your studies. As always it's so inspirational.

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