Focus on the Family

Guest (Female): I firmly believe that God gives us the responsibility to train our children in His ways, and that's a huge responsibility. What Focus on the Family did was give us the resources to do it.

Jim Daly: I'm Jim Daly. When we work together, we can transform our nation one family at a time. Make a monthly pledge today at focusonthefamily.com/families.

John Fuller: The following program is sponsored by Focus on the Family and is supported by the prayers and financial gifts of wonderful friends like you. This is John Fuller, and please remember to let us know how you're listening to these programs on a podcast, app, or website.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Well, freedom and liberty were pressing needs felt by the leaders of the 13 American colonies 250 years ago. They had a deep faith in God and decided to take a stand against the mightiest empire in the world when they signed the Declaration of Independence.

We'll hear more today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller. And Jim, many people are obviously planning time together as family and friends as we celebrate the 250th. I wonder, though, how many Americans really understand the significant events that led up to this very special holiday?

Jim Daly: Well, I'm hopeful that many of us do, but we're so blessed to be living at this time in history where we can celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that we have. And I really do hope every one of us will take time this weekend to have fun with your family and express your love for each other. Those are important things to do, but it's also important to reflect on the great price that was paid for our freedom.

Because back in 1776, the founding fathers of this nation were literally putting their lives on the line. To the British, the Declaration of Independence was an act of treason, and the original signers kept their names secret because otherwise, they would have been killed. Those were the stakes at the time, and today we want to help you get a sense of the courage and sacrifice and profound faith that many of our founding fathers had.

That's why we have a dramatic episode from our Adventures in Odyssey team that we'd love to share with you today, and I think you're really going to enjoy it.

John Fuller: Adventures in Odyssey, of course, the audio drama series that we've been producing since 1987, provides wonderful creative stories that feature faith and life lessons for children and for many adults as well. And we have more than a thousand Adventures in Odyssey episodes, and we have a big new thing coming up in early 2027: a brand-new animated film called Adventures in Odyssey: The Movie.

It's our hope that millions of new families will be introduced to the world of Odyssey and ultimately to the good news message of Jesus Christ.

Jim Daly: That's our goal, and we're counting on the prayers and financial support of friends like you to help us achieve this. But we'll tell you more about that later in the program. What we need to do right now is set the stage for today's drama titled "The Day Independence Came."

And it all starts in an old-fashioned ice cream shop called Whit's End, run by Mr. Whittaker, or Whit, as we call him. Whit and his friend Tom are discussing trivia with a young history buff named Erwin Springer.

Mr. Whittaker: Okay, here's one for you. Who commanded the British forces during the Revolution?

Erwin Springer: That's easy. General Charles Cornwallis.

Tom: Oh boy, he's got that. How do you know all that stuff, Erwin?

Erwin Springer: Oh, I love the Revolutionary War. There were so many great heroes like Washington and Adams and Nathan Hale. It's my favorite period in history.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, speaking of Franklin, that reminds me. I have a book about him for you, Erwin. It's a big, thick one, too. I found it at a sale downtown.

Erwin Springer: Really? Where is it?

Mr. Whittaker: It's on one of the shelves in the Bible room. I didn't want any of the kids to handle it before you got to it.

Erwin Springer: Great!

Tom: Look at him go. You'd think he was looking for buried treasure or something.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, what makes you think he isn't?

Erwin Springer: Great, there's nobody here. I'll be able to read it right now. Let's see. There it is on the top shelf. Now, where's the stepladder? Hmm. Well, here's a chair. Mr. Whittaker doesn't like us to climb on chairs. I'll just do it real quick and nobody will ever know.

There we go. Still pretty high. I think I can stretch up and get it, though. Got it! Whoa! Whoa!

Oh, my head. Ouch. Oh, my head. The book must have hit it when I fell down. Hey, where is my book? Come to think of it, where's Whit's End? This looks like the old dirt road up to Trickle Lake, except it isn't.

Guest (Male): Boy! You, boy!

Erwin Springer: Who, me?

Guest (Male): Yes. Follow me if you value your hide.

Erwin Springer: Uh, excuse me, but I was taught never to go with strangers.

Guest (Male): Get down! Hold up, you redcoats!

Erwin Springer: Did he say "rebels"?

Guest (Male): Yes. We have to get out of this clearing. Over there, get behind those bushes. Where are they? I don't know, but they run like rabbits. Now they've got to be about here somewhere.

Guest (Male): Well, let's take a breather for a moment, shall we, Alfie?

Guest (Male): Right.

Erwin Springer: They look like redcoats.

Guest (Male): Yes, they are redcoats, and deadly ones too. We have to think of some way out of this. We could fight, but unfortunately, I have no more shot left. Still, there must be some way.

Erwin Springer: Hey, look up there, above the soldiers.

Guest (Male): What?

Erwin Springer: You see it? That big white-looking thing.

Guest (Male): Yes, so?

Erwin Springer: It's a wasp's nest.

Guest (Male): So it is. How's your aim?

Erwin Springer: Uh, not too good.

Guest (Male): All right. Looks like it's up to me, then. Hand me that rock over there.

Erwin Springer: Okay.

Guest (Male): Now, I only have one shot, so it has to count. Are you ready?

Erwin Springer: Yep, ready.

Guest (Male): Hey, lobsterbacks! How about some company?

Guest (Male): Look out! Help! Ow! Oh!

Guest (Male): Look at them go. We fixed them for fair, eh?

Guest (Male): Ow! Ouch! Oh! The wasps are stinging me! Ah! We'd best make a hasty retreat, or we'll end up as food for the wasps ourselves.

Guest (Male): You said it! Let's get out of here! Ow! Ouch! Oh! They're still coming!

Guest (Male): There's a lake ahead. Can you swim?

Erwin Springer: No!

Guest (Male): Well, there's no time like the present to learn! Whoa! Now, don't struggle! Don't struggle! I've got you! I have you! Now, that's it! Just move your arms and legs. Yeah, that's good!

Oh, that's it! Now, up onto the shore! Ah! Well, we've had quite an adventure. And I don't even know your name or where you're from.

Erwin Springer: I'm Erwin Springer from Odyssey.

Guest (Male): Well, Erwin Springer from Odyssey, I thank you for saving my life.

Erwin Springer: Likewise, I'm sure. And you are?

Guest (Male): My name is Hale. Nathan Hale.

Erwin Springer: Nathan Hale? The Nathan Hale?

Nathan Hale: Huh? You've heard of me?

Erwin Springer: Who hasn't heard of you?

Nathan Hale: Well, I don't know. Everyone, I would imagine.

Erwin Springer: Wait a minute. If you're Nathan Hale, then this must be... what year is this?

Nathan Hale: 1776, July to be precise. We're just outside of the township of New York.

Erwin Springer: New York? Oh, wow. Oh, wow.

Nathan Hale: Master Springer, are you all right?

Erwin Springer: Yeah, yeah. I just can't... you're really Nathan Hale.

Nathan Hale: Yes. I think I'd better get you back to camp. You seem a bit delirious. Can you walk?

Erwin Springer: What... oh, yeah. Yeah, sure. Let's go.

Nathan Hale: Are you sure? It's a good stretch of the leg.

Erwin Springer: No, I'm okay. Really, let's go.

Nathan Hale: Good fellow. All right, this way then.

Erwin Springer: Uh, wait a minute. What camp?

Nathan Hale: The camp of the Continental Army, of course.

Erwin Springer: Oh, wow. Oh, wow. I can't believe this. The kids at Whit's End are never going to believe this. I'm not even sure I believe it. Maybe I should pinch myself to see if I'm awake. No, if I am dreaming, I don't want to wake up. This is great!

Nathan Hale: Master Springer, come in!

Erwin Springer: What next?

Guest (Male): So this is the young man who saved my captain's life?

Nathan Hale: Yes, sir. This is Master Erwin Springer of Odyssey.

George Washington: I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Master Springer. I'm George Washington.

Erwin Springer: Oh, wow. Oh, wow.

George Washington: Oh, wow. Is that some sort of Indian greeting?

Nathan Hale: I don't know, sir. He does seem to say it often, though.

George Washington: Well, in the interest of maintaining good relations with the people of Odyssey, I say oh wow to you, Master Springer. In saving Captain Hale, you have done me a great service. I am in your debt.

Erwin Springer: You, in my debt? Oh, no, sir. I just pointed out where the wasps were. It was Captain Hale who did all the work.

George Washington: And modest too. Master Erwin, we were just about to retire for prayers. Will you join us?

Erwin Springer: Prayers?

George Washington: Unless, of course, you don't pray.

Erwin Springer: Oh, oh no, I do pray. Every day. I'm a Christian.

George Washington: A patriot and a Christian too. There's no better combination. Let's to it then. My tent's this way.

O most glorious God, I acknowledge and confess my faults in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. Direct my thoughts, words, and work. Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy Son Jesus Christ. In his name, amen.

Master Erwin, you seem perplexed.

Erwin Springer: I just can't believe that I'm praying with General Washington. I never knew you were so... I mean, I've always read that you were religious, but I didn't realize how much Jesus really meant to you.

George Washington: And what of you, Erwin Springer? Do you hold those truths in your heart?

Erwin Springer: Well, I guess I never thought about it before. I mean, I've read about it and everything, but until now I never realized how God really does rule countries and he is in control of what happens to them. So, I guess the answer to your question is, yes, sir, I do hold these truths in my heart.

George Washington: Then Captain Hale was correct. You are the right man for the job.

Erwin Springer: Job? What job?

George Washington: Listen carefully. Even as we speak, the Second Continental Congress is preparing a statement of independence from England. But I fear that some in that assembly do not feel as you and I do: that God must be first in our country.

And so I have written a message to them urging them to remember the ruler of nations as they ready the document. I wish you, Erwin Springer, to deliver this message.

Erwin Springer: Me?

George Washington: I know the journey will be tiring, and there is little time. But will you do this for me?

Erwin Springer: Oh, yes, sir!

George Washington: Excellent. Your horse is waiting outside.

Erwin Springer: A horse?

George Washington: Yes. You do ride, don't you?

Erwin Springer: Well, there's no time like the present to learn. Are you coming with me, Captain Hale?

Nathan Hale: No, I'm afraid I must travel a different path. Back to New York.

Erwin Springer: But you'll be caught! I mean, if you're caught, won't you be...

Nathan Hale: Hanged? Yes, in all probability. But if that is the Lord's will, then who am I to stand in the way? I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. Now, up you go! Godspeed, Erwin Springer. You carry our best hope. Onward to liberty!

John Fuller: This is Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and today we're celebrating the July 4th weekend with another Adventures in Odyssey drama episode. We've got more than a thousand of these episodes for kids of all ages to enjoy.

And you can learn more about the series and about the Adventures in Odyssey Club so you can access all thousand shows, and our new upcoming film project Adventures in Odyssey: The Movie. The details are all at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.

And now let's turn to the conclusion of today's episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.

Erwin Springer: Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Why did I ever think riding a horse was fun? But this is it, the Pennsylvania Statehouse. Oh, wow.

Guest (Male): Shh.

Erwin Springer: I'm sorry. I... Mr. Whittaker?

Benjamin Franklin: Who?

Erwin Springer: Oh, nothing. You just look like someone from my hometown.

Benjamin Franklin: Really? Poor fellow. Yes. Is this where the Second Continental Congress is meeting?

Guest (Male): Well, indeed it is. That's them in there. Come, have a seat, Master...

Erwin Springer: Erwin Springer. Thanks, but I've been sitting too long already. Besides, I have a message for the Congress from General Washington.

Benjamin Franklin: Oh, well, we can't keep that waiting, can we? Here, help me up then, and we'll deliver your message.

Erwin Springer: But they're talking.

Benjamin Franklin: Oh, that's merely Adams and Dickinson. They're always talking. Come on now.

Guest (Male): President Hancock!

Benjamin Franklin: Mr. Franklin!

President Hancock: We're in debate!

Erwin Springer: Benjamin Franklin!

Benjamin Franklin: I realize that, sir, and I apologize for the outburst, but this young gentleman has just arrived with a message from General Washington.

President Hancock: Oh, well then, by all means, do read it.

Benjamin Franklin: All right. Go ahead, Master Springer.

Erwin Springer: Oh, wow. Gentlemen of the Congress, I write you at a most delicate time. Our cause faces its most trying days. General Howe has gathered 30,000 troops, ready to strike our position. As usual, we are short on ammunition, rations, and men.

But we stand ready to fight, awaiting the outcome of your decision for or against independence.

John Adams: There! What do you think of your precious king now, Mr. Dickinson? A king who has massed 30,000 troops to attack one of his own colonies.

Mr. Dickinson: A colony that rebelled against him, sir. Discipline where discipline is due.

John Adams: Discipline? Have you forgotten the causes for which we fight? Taxation without representation. The oppression of our citizens.

Mr. Dickinson: Unlike you, Mr. Adams, I cannot so easily remove myself from the most powerful empire on the earth. We have no hope of winning. Better a live Englishman than dead patriots.

Benjamin Franklin: There are many, Mr. Dickinson, who would say that to live under English rule is to be dead.

Mr. Dickinson: Really, Mr. Franklin? And does this cause merit sending our small army to certain defeat against such overwhelming numbers?

Erwin Springer: But it's not certain defeat. We'll win, honest!

President Hancock: Master Springer, you are a guest of this assembly. Please remember that.

Erwin Springer: Uh, yes, sir.

John Adams: The cause of freedom merits any price, Mr. Dickinson! And as for myself, this great force only spurs my belief that we must strengthen our unity, not weaken it.

Benjamin Franklin: We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately.

Mr. Dickinson: I think General Washington will not find his opponents so amusing. Of what concern is the size of the enemy? I feel no anxiety at the large army against us.

John Adams: Have we forgotten the remarkable interventions of heaven in our favor? God will not forsake a people engaged in so righteous a cause, if we remember his loving kindness.

Mr. Dickinson: And are we so sure that God is with us?

Erwin Springer: General Washington thinks so!

President Hancock: Master Springer!

Erwin Springer: I'm sorry, President Hancock. I know I shouldn't talk, but I haven't finished the message. I firmly believe that God is on our side, as long as we are on his. And so, my only request is that you seek the counsel of Almighty God and humbly implore his providence in this most solemn task. G. Washington.

Mr. Dickinson: Well, General's faith does him credit, to be sure. But most military men believe that God is with them. It hardly makes it so. More likely, God doesn't care at all about this conflict.

Benjamin Franklin: He cares, Mr. Dickinson. I have lived so a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

Mr. Dickinson: Speak of empires, Dr. Franklin? But I see no empire here. Only 13 colonies trying to bind together into a commonwealth. And what will happen to that commonwealth in 20 or 30 years, gentlemen? Might not this great union itself become unwieldy and split into separate commonwealths?

Erwin Springer: No, it won't. It'll stay together and grow. What you're doing here today is the beginning of a great nation, the greatest in the whole world! You can't give it up now. You can't!

Mr. Dickinson: The idle dreams of youth. But what does reality say, gentlemen? Does it not tell us that this union you hold so dear will dissolve, and the many who have been sacrificed on the altar of freedom will have died in vain? I implore you, gentlemen, don't let that happen. Vote against independence!

President Hancock: Mr. Adams, have you anything to say?

John Adams: What can I say that hasn't already been hackneyed back and forth a hundred times in this room? The issue is plain. Before God, I believe the hour has come. Live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment: independence now, independence forever!

President Hancock: Order, gentlemen, gentlemen, order, please! It must still be put to the vote. Mr. Dickinson?

Mr. Dickinson: Mr. President, may I say something? I'm sure that my behavior today will finish off my popularity in this land. But I would rather be unpopular forever than vote away the blood and happiness of my countrymen. It's clear I can't stop you, but I also can't in good conscience vote with you. Therefore, I respectfully take my leave.

Benjamin Franklin: A noble fellow indeed.

President Hancock: To the vote, gentlemen! Resolved that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved.

New Hampshire?

Guest (Male): Aye! In the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands...

President Hancock: Connecticut?

Guest (Male): Aye! We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...

President Hancock: Pennsylvania?

Guest (Male): Aye! ...do declare that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states.

President Hancock: South Carolina?

Guest (Male): Aye! ...and for the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

President Hancock: New York?

Guest (Male): New York respectfully abstains.

President Hancock: That's 12 to zero with one abstention. The motion passes!

John Adams: Ride, Erwin Springer! Proclaim the news that these United States under God are now and forevermore free!

Erwin Springer: The colonies have independence! The declaration has passed! The United States of America are free! Hooray!

Mr. Whittaker: Erwin? Erwin? Oh, come on now, wake up. That's a boy.

Erwin Springer: Oh, my head. Oh, Mr. Franklin?

Mr. Whittaker: Franklin? No, it's Mr. Whittaker. Easy now, easy. You took quite a fall.

Erwin Springer: I was... I was in Philadelphia with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.

Tom: Oh, it sounds like he's going to be okay. Well, I'll go check on the ambulance.

Mr. Whittaker: What happened?

Erwin Springer: Oh, your chair slipped out from under you. Looks like the book hit you and you hit the floor. You were only out for a couple of seconds, but we'll take you to the hospital just in case. Now, what were you talking about when you woke up?

Erwin Springer: Oh, I had this incredible dream. I was in the Revolution with Nathan Hale, and I prayed with George Washington, and he sent me back to the Continental Congress with a message, and I saw them sign the Declaration of Independence.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute. Easy now. Sounds like you've had quite an adventure.

Erwin Springer: Oh, I know it was only a dream, but it seemed so real.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, dreams are that way sometimes.

Erwin Springer: Yeah, but, but you know what was really weird, Mr. Whittaker?

Mr. Whittaker: What?

Erwin Springer: Benjamin Franklin looked and sounded just like you.

Mr. Whittaker: Really? Poor fellow.

Erwin Springer: Oh, wow.

John Fuller: This is Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and we've been enjoying an episode from Adventures in Odyssey, the popular audio drama we have for kids and families.

Jim Daly: You know, we often forget or overlook the deep religious faith of our founding fathers, but it's so evident in the letters and articles that they wrote each other. Of course, they weren't perfect people. They had their flaws and blind spots, as we all do.

But the Lord brought together an incredible group of intelligent, bright, insightful people to form this great country. And we're still benefiting from the Bible-based wisdom and guidance they put in place 250 years ago.

I think our Odyssey team did a great job with today's history lesson. It was so creative and fun and thought-provoking all at the same time. Our goal with this drama series is to introduce children and families to godly truth and the good news of Jesus Christ. That's at the core of what we do.

And that's why we've created a special Adventures in Odyssey Bible for children, packed with more than a thousand engaging elements and beloved characters from Odyssey who can help bring God's word alive for young readers. When you make a monthly pledge of any amount to the ministry, we'll say thanks by putting this children's Bible into your hands.

John Fuller: It really is a wonderful resource, and your kids are going to love it. And it's just one of the many resources we recommend for your family. Now, you can find our Odyssey drama series on most Christian radio stations, or you can purchase specific episodes from our website.

And then there's the Adventures in Odyssey Club where, for a monthly fee, your whole family can enjoy the entire library of more than a thousand episodes.

Jim Daly: And as we mentioned at the beginning, we have a new animated movie coming out in early 2027, Adventures in Odyssey: The Movie. Pretty straightforward title. It is. But it's full of action and mystery and fun for the whole family, and you can visit our website to get a sneak peek and a trailer.

You know, I believe Adventures in Odyssey is one of the greatest outreach tools we have here at Focus on the Family. And here's a note from a young man named Jeremiah who confirms it.

He said, "Thank you so much for producing Adventures in Odyssey, which led me to accept Christ when I was eight or nine years old. I'm 16 now, and I'm walking with God still. I listen to your CDs every night. They help contain my thoughts and help me focus on God. They always provide a message to keep my head above water." Wow, at 16, that's really good.

John Fuller: That's a pretty strong testimony there.

Jim Daly: And I hope that inspires you to become a friend of Focus on the Family with your ongoing support so together we can reach even more children like Jeremiah and their families.

Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, our research shows, on average, 22 children make a salvation decision for Christ every day, about 9,000 children a year. And I want to invite you to become part of that, to enjoy the bounty of that spiritual fruit. Let's do this together. Let's reach another 20,000 children and introduce them to Jesus.

John Fuller: Yeah, join us in this outreach with your monthly pledge or one-time gift. In response, we'll send that Adventures in Odyssey Bible for children to you, and we'll have details about the Adventures in Odyssey Club and also the upcoming movie, all online.

Our phone number is 800, the letter A, and the word FAMILY. And our website is focusonthefamily.com/broadcast. Thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller, inviting you back as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.