This experience comes from Philippians: Sharing the Joy of Jesus. Try it, and you'll gain a better understanding of why it's so important to have others around to help keep us focused on Jesus, especially during the tough times.

For this activity, you’ll need:

• A tray of ice cubes (or enough so everyone in the group has an ice cube)

Leader: Bring out the ice—enough for everyone to have a cube.

Everyone take one ice cube, and stand in a circle. Grab hands with the people on either side of you—and put the ice in between your hands. Hold hands tightly—with the ice in between—until the ice completely melts. It’s going to get really cold, but don’t let go. You’re in this together!

(FYI: In a field test, an average-sized ice cube took about five to seven minutes to completely melt… so stay strong, there’s an end in sight! Make the time go faster—sing a favorite song together, or tell stories about the coldest you’ve ever been.)

When the ice has fully melted, drop hands. Blow on them, rub them together, get your circulation back. Then read Philippians 1:27-30, and answer the following questions:

• What was it like as you held onto the ice—and it got colder? Did it make it better or worse knowing that your partners were going through the same thing? Explain.

• How does standing together as a group when we’re struggling help each of us keep Jesus a priority in our lives?
• What do you need to do to give Jesus the priority he deserves in your life? How can you help each other keep Jesus as your first priority?