About bears, night- time and God


During the cold months of winter the days are short and the nights are long. Every night the sun has gone to bed well before Teddy Horsley climbs the stairs to his own bedroom. Outside the night is dark and Teddy Horsley feels the darkness creeping into the corners of his room.


Teddy Horsley is a bear who sometimes feels scared of the night-time. He pushes open his bedroom door to peep inside. Then he sees something stir in the corner and dark shadows play on the walls. When Mr and Mrs Henry switch on the lamp the shadows disappear and Teddy Horsley sees the sleepy cat stretch in the corner. Teddy Horsley feels safe because Mr and Mrs Henry are there to protect him.


Teddy Horsley is a bear who sometimes feels scared of the night-time. He picks up his toys to put them in the cupboard. Then he sees something hiding under the bed and teasing him in the darkness. When Mr and Mrs Henry lift up the bedspread Teddy Horsley laughs at his slippers lying there. Teddy Horsley feels safe because Mr and Mrs Henry are there to protect him.


Teddy Horsley is a bear with a vocation for ministry among children. In this series of articles Leslie J Francis introduces themes relevant for working with children in rural churches


Teddy Horsley is a bear who sometimes feels scared of the night-time. He folds up his clothes to put them on the table. Then he feels something moving behind the curtains and trying to get into the room. When Mr and Mrs Henry pull the curtains back Teddy Horsley finds the window open and the cold night breeze blowing in. Teddy Horsley feels safe because Mr and Mrs Henry are there to protect him.


Teddy Horsley is a bear who sometimes feels scared of the night-time. He peers through the window to look at the black night outside. Then he hears frightening noises echo through the darkness. When his eyes adjust to the darkness, he sees the friendly tawny owl hooting ‘goodnight’. Teddy Horsley feels safe because Mr and Mrs Henry are there to protect him.


Teddy Horsley is a bear who has


learnt to feel safe at night-time. When he gets into his bed, Teddy Horsley turns off the light. He still sees shadows playing on the wall, but he is not afraid. He still feels movement behind the curtains, but he is not afraid. He still hears noises echo through the darkness, but he is not afraid. Teddy Horsley feels safe because the Lord is there to protect him through the night.


Note: The Teddy Horsley books are published by Christian Education, 1020 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B29 6CB; Tel. 0121 472 4242, www.christianeducation.org.uk


This article is based on the book Night Time, inspired by Psalm 91.


The Lord will cover you with his wings;


you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night


or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark


or the evils that kill in the daylight. 


Teddy Horsley lives in North Wales with Betsy Bear and Professor Leslie J Francis.


www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk


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children and young people


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