Some people you meet literally change the direction of your life. I am very grateful to Pam for all the opportunities and adventures we share!
God Nudged Me to Introduce Myself
Pam and I attend the same church, but we had not met each other. I told friends that I wanted to write a children’s book, and they suggested I introduce myself to Pam Ray.
The next Sunday, I planned to introduce myself, but I talked myself out of it! My husband encouraged me, but I was shy! Next time, I said. I felt the nudge. I knew it was the right thing to do. I just got scared.
The next Sunday, I asked Pam if I could treat her to lunch and hear about her author’s journey. She excitedly agreed to meet. Whew! I did it!
Fabulous Lunch
Pam and I met at a Chinese buffet and had a very long lunch while getting to know each other. We clicked immediately. She showed me her photo album filled with book signings, speaking engagements, and, of course, her books! She wrote two sweet stories about a mouse (Tiddles) having adventures; one in the Smoky Mountains and the other in Hoot Owl Canyon. We became fast friends that day. Each supporting the other’s dreams.
God Nudged Pam
At one of our monthly lunch meetings, Pam was glowing with excitement. She wanted my opinion on an idea God had given her. She wanted to create a puppet ministry at our church and call it “Kidz4Christ”. She was overflowing with ideas for scripts, the stage, the types of puppets, and joy. I was quickly caught up in this dream and happy to support her!
Kidz4Christ Puppet Ministry Proposal
Together, we created a proposal for the church board, which was quickly approved. It was a good lesson in writing and formalizing our ideas so others could see the vision. We were starting a new ministry!
Kidz4Christ Puppet Stage
Matching Pam’s vision meant bringing many pieces together. She had specific ideas about how to design the stage. Thankfully, her husband is fantastic at building what she envisions.
The stage allows for up to four puppeteers, is solid, and versatile. Each performance has different stick-on decorations, colors for backdrops and curtains, and unique scripts. This stage and the ministry are a labor of love.
Performances
We have given seven performances for preschool through 5th grade. Each performance has a different theme. We begin with fun interactions with our bird puppets, followed by a lesson, prayer, story time, and end with theme-related art projects. Our teens assist us during the performances and art time, allowing them to mentor the younger children.
Scripts
Pam wrote the first six scripts and planned each detail. She bounced ideas off me, and we refined them together. I wrote promotional materials, helped create images to support the theme, and recorded/took photos of the performance.
Performance Seven
Pam gently pushed me to stretch my writing skills and write a script. I told her I was interested in writing about God, transformation, and butterflies. This time, Pam was giving suggestions on my script.
Everything in this ministry has been about teamwork. Together, we planned the book for story time and artwork. I was a bit nervous but excited when the day came to teach the children. It is different to be up front instead of behind the camera! This was the final performance of season 2, and we ended well!
Preschool Puppet Ministry
Our children’s pastor requested that we create puppet shows specifically for the preschool children. These performances would be shorter and simpler but allow more time to interact with our younger children.
Pam is focused on creating performances for older children, but preschool children were invited to attend and enjoy the puppet portion of the performance. They enjoy being with the “big kids,” but creating a lesson that spans that many grade levels can be challenging.
I suggested that I lead the preschool performances, and she continue to lead the ones for everyone. We would both continue to support each other during each performance, but we have ownership of our own group. I could never have imagined this two years ago!
Preschool Puppet Stage
The preschool puppet stage is designed to fit into the passthrough in our church’s preschool area. It is lightweight, easily installed, and can be removed between performances.
Preschool Puppet Stage with puppets, Photo by Pam Ray Pam and Squeaky, Photo by Gary Ray Annette with Puppets, Photo by Gary Ray
Lesson
God brings people together to accomplish things that they might not have done on their own. Pam may have gone ahead with her puppet ministry even if I hadn’t come alongside her, but then I wouldn’t have enjoyed being a part of the journey. Her journey would have been different, but the children would still have enjoyed the puppets!
