Theme: Dealing with fear.
Episode Number: 010
Writer: Paul McCusker
Scripture: 1 John 4:18
Album: Gold Audio #01:
The Adventure Begins
Last Air Date: 07/29/2005
Original Air Date: 1/23/88
Summary:
Shirley is afraid of everything. When we first meet her, she is screaming at the
top of her lungs at the sight of Jake's pet mouse, Luther. Whit notes Shirley's
problem and tells her that Jesus' perfect love can cast out her fear. Whit
suggests that most fears are really inside our heads. He coaxes Shirley into
holding Luther just so she'll know that there is no reason to be afraid. All is
well for a few seconds-then Luther moves. Shirley screams again and drops him,
sending Luther scurrying off into the cracks and crevices of Whit's End.
This doesn't sit well with Jake, and he concocts a plan to teach Shirley a
lesson about fear. With the help of his friend Danny, Jake sets the plan: He'll
lure Shirley down to the basement of Whit's End, where he's rigged up some boxes
to fall on her. Danny's job is to turn out the lights once they're down there
and then distract Connie, who is working upstairs. Whit is at a meeting.
Shirley comes in, and Jake puts his plan into action. Down in the basement,
Shirley is frightened. Jake laughs, especially when the lights go out. But when
he tries to take Shirley back upstairs, he trips over his own booby trap and
ends up spraining his ankle. They yell for help, but Danny is doing his job so
well that no one hears them. Jake can't walk, so it's up to Shirley to face her
fears and go for help. She remembers Whit's words about fear and turns to God
for strength. Shirley sets her mind on Jesus, and her fear disappears. Jake is
rescued, and all learn a valuable lesson about the power of Jesus' perfect love.
Discussion Questions:
PARENTAL WARNING: The nightmare scene and the scene in the basement at Whit's
End may be too intense for younger listeners.