The Kidminister and His Puppets
I have been using puppets since I started my ministry. When I
started, our puppets were old and worn from years of use and misuse. I have
invested a great deal of money into our family of puppets. We have puppets of
all sizes, colors and nature. It is funny, though, some of my puppeteer's
favorite puppets are those old, tattered puppets that someone made. So, you
don't have to spend a fortune to get a good puppet that will last for a long
time and that kids will enjoy.
My number one puppets come from
Amaze
Healing Wings. My most used puppet is a lovable little dog named Scruffy.
Scruffy has put my ministry into the hearts of children and adults alike.
With his host of friends including dogs, bears, a lamb and an eagle,
Scruffy shares God's Word and helps kids hurting know that they are loved by so
many. Each puppet has it's own personality and own use. I use certain puppets to
address issues like abuse, disabilities, adoption, learning, new Christians, or
teaching new words. Each puppet has it's own written background or history and I
use that information to just have conversations. That's how most of my programs
are, just me talking with the puppet. Kids and adults alike get so totally
engrossed in the conversation that they forget for an instant that it's a
puppet. The kids then can check the puppets' special hearts (clothe hearts with a
pocket for object lessons) and find out what they're feeling.
Scruffy and I have been to schools, fairs, chapel services,
camps and this year we will be traveling to even more areas to talk with
kids about how God loves us and how he wants us to love each other.
Little kids always ask, "Is Scruffy real?" And my
response is, "Yes. He's a real puppet." They are always happy with
that answer and then give him a hug or rub his head.
On this page, you'll find some links along with the beginnings of
some articles and instructional sheets on puppetry. Remember, if you're having
fun, the kids will have fun!
Everything
Puppets