Theme:
Caring for the poor.
Episode Number:
006
Writer:
Paul McCusker
Scripture:
Matthew 25:31-46
Album:
Gold Audio #01:
The Adventure Begins
Last Air Date:
12/26/2005
Original Air Date:
12/26/87
Summary:
It's the day after Christmas, and Annie McNeal is bored, despite the fact that she got everything she wanted-and more-for the holiday. She wanders into Whit's End looking for something to do. Annie finds Whit hard at work preparing boxes of food for the poor people at Foster Creek ghetto. Whit asks if Annie would like to help, and she agrees.
At Foster Creek, Annie meets a young boy named Tommy who lures her out on the dangerous streets-against Whit's orders. When the two kids are spotted by a gang, Tommy runs off, and Annie is pulled into a house by old Mrs. Rossini, the local crazy lady. Only, Annie soon learns that Mrs. Rossini isn't crazy. She's a lonely widow who is pleased to have company for the first time in years. She and Annie have a delightful afternoon tea, and Mrs. Rossini tells Annie about her life, describing how the Lord has brought her through some very difficult times.
Suddenly, the gang shows up again. They smash Mrs. Rossini's windows and threaten to break into the house. But they disappear as quickly as they came-thanks to some quick thinking by Whit, who shows up with several deputies from the sheriff's department. They all head back to Reverend Pike's church for a delicious day-after-Christmas lunch, where Whit informs Tommy and Annie that since their disobedience led to the broken windows, they'll have to work to replace them.
Tommy is disappointed, but Annie doesn't mind. She's glad to have something worthwhile to do with her time. Her afternoon with Mrs. Rossini has taught her a valuable lesson: The fun of getting Christmas presents can quickly disappear, but the excitement of giving lasts all year long.
Discussion Questions: