Focus on the Family ministry logo. Stylized silhouette of young child holding parents' hands

We’re in This Together

Have you noticed how your family helps you get things done? The Bible says that God gives everyone gifts. These gifts are all different and important (Romans 12:6-8). Because everyone’s gifts are different, we can help each other. Check out how these animals use their unique gifts to help each other too.

Traveling Teammates
Every fall, Canada geese fly south to be warmer. They travel in groups of 30 to 100 birds. Maybe you’ve seen them fly in a V-formation. When the birds in front flap their wings, they cause air to move up and back. This movement makes it easier for the birds behind them to fly.

Scientists think Canada geese can fly 70% farther by working together. That means it takes the same energy to fly 17 miles in a group as it takes a single goose to fly 10 miles. When a lead bird gets tired, it moves to the back and lets a teammate fly to the front. The birds in the back honk to encourage everyone in the group.

Did You Know?
Canada geese can fly up to 1,500 miles a day. That’s the distance between New York and Colorado!

Helping Each Other
In Africa, chimpanzees live in large communities. The largest and strongest male chimp is the leader. Chimpanzees often divide up into smaller groups to eat and travel. They even build nests together to sleep in.

These apes use facial expressions, gestures, drumming and different sounds to communicate. Chimps are affectionate animals. They kiss, hug and hold hands. They spend much of their time grooming each other to remove insects and dirt.

Did You Know?
Chimpanzees can run as fast as 25 mph.

Sharing the Work
Termites live together in huge colonies. Millions of these insects cooperate to build large mounds for a home. The termites in a colony have specific jobs.

The king and queen are responsible for having babies. Workers care for the eggs, dig tunnels, keep the nest clean and feed the colony. Soldiers defend the colony from ants and other termites. They warn their friends of danger by tapping their heads against the ground and walls. Soldier termites can also work together to block entrances from intruders.

Did You Know?
Some termite queens can lay more than 10,000 eggs a day!

Growing God’s Team
Just like these animals, you can use what you’re good at to work together with people in your church and family. Maybe you can say hello to people on Sunday, serve at your church’s food bank or pray for people who are sick or sad. God gives each one of us different gifts to help spread the Good News about Jesus. Pray about how you can help the people around you.

Welcome to Clubhouse Jr.

Every month, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. magazine provides age-appropriate, biblically based stories, poems, puzzles, crafts and recipes that can help children (ages 3-7) learn more about and grow closer to God.