Most of us look at a dumpster and see a place to put trash. But some people look at a dumpster and see it as a place to find treasure. These people are dumpster divers – adventurers who believe they can find things of great value in the most unexpected places.

Throughout the Bible, we find stories of people who stumbled onto God in unexpected places – times when they were stopped at a dead end, when they were stressed at a pressure point, and when they were isolated in solitary confinement. As we dive into their stories of excavation, we will learn more about how we can find God in our own lives.

We are all dumpster divers. Now, that doesn’t mean that we all dig through bags of lettuce-laden junk, clinging on to the hope that under every used coffee filter we might find a travel alarm clock in perfect working condition. Some of us are “executive dumpster divers.” Instead of digging through trash bags, we dig through yard sale tables, hoping that under every loved stuffed animal we might find a travel alarm clock in perfect working condition.

And then there’s the internet.

We can browse through pages and pages of eBay items, quickly filtering our search to exclude all stuffed animals and stereo equipment so that we only see travel alarm clocks in perfect working condition.

And don’t forget Craigslist, where you can find a travel al (actually, that’s just like the first kind where you dig through bags of trash…)

The point is that, whether it is paid for or free, socially acceptable or not, we all find value in things that someone else finds worthless. We’ve eaten somebody else’s leftovers (maybe even without permission – you know who you are) and worn hand-me-down clothing. We are all adventuring through life stumbling onto treasure in unexpected places.

This artwork deals with the thrill of the hunt and the eager anticipation of what surprises may lie around every corner. Danger. Excitement. Celebration. The ubiquitous treasure opportunities and the elevation of trash to treasure.

When you find treasure, let it captivate you. Celebrate it. Share it. And know that it is only a small taste of the treasures that are yet undiscovered (treasures even better than a travel alarm clock in perfect working condition).

Master Teacher's Guide [ view sample ]
The Master Teacher's Guide is designed for use in large-group settings such as Wednesday night gatherings, combined Sunday School classes, summer camps, and other worship gatherings. It contains background information, explanation and application points, opening illustrations and stories, prompts for personal stories, and life-changing Turning Point activities.

Leader's Guide [ view sample ]
The Small Group Leaders Guide is perfect for use in Disciple Now settings, in-home small groups, individual Sunday School classes, and other settings with one leader and 10-15 students. It contains background information, explanation and application points, group activities, discussion questions, and life-changing Turning Point activities.

Gathering Tool
The Gathering Tool is designed to provide an opening illustration for groups that meet together in a large group before dividing into small groups or Sunday School classes. This will allow small groups to experience the series video and will add to the overall experience of going through the series.

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