I LOVE WHAT I DO!

 

     When it comes to ministry to kids, I absolutely love what I do. Last week I had the privilege of running a Vacation Bible School here in South Carolina. I have been involved with "VBS" ever since I was a helper in 1981 at SGT. I helped a teacher in the "Middler" department with about 8 third grade kids. I was a 17-year-old kid who didn't realize God gave me a gift. Last week I really loved seeing the faces of the kids at VBS when they did the worship songs, when I brought out one of my characters and when they came running in from playing games. I loved thinking of new ideas at this VBS that grab the attention of these kids. From the fall of 1984, the very first time I used a puppet as a Bible College student lip syncing to the song "New Life in Jesus" to the last time I used Shelton the Shark at VBS last Friday, I really love what I do! It gives me joy! It has been a wild ride, but I have enjoyed it, and I continue to enjoy every second!

     I have had many jobs in my lifetime. I once had a job refinishing hardwood floors, I worked at Home Depot, I drive a limo, I even collected garbage at Sunken Meadow State Park, and I tested Mammography machines. Those are just a few. My all-time favorite has always been being a Children's Pastor. Standing in front of a group of kids has always been my thing. Whether it is speaking at a Christian school chapel service, doing a children's church program, a VBS or doing a Kids Crusade at a local church, I really love what I do! Don't get me wrong. I do love my job at Chick Fil-A, but I know God did not call me to sell chicken to total strangers or stand outside in the 90-degree heat and take orders at people's cars. That is not what I want to do the rest of my life. Chick Fil-A is a job. It pays the bills. I don't see myself going anywhere there as far as management goes. My heart will always be for ministry. You all know I love being a ventriloquist, but I also love writing. I do have ideas for books both for adults and children. Finding the time to write is always a challenge (especially when you have to wake up at 4:30 am and work all day). 

     I am the kind of guy who gets weird ideas at the weirdest places. I can walk through a Walmart and come up with ideas from games just walking through the toy section. I will get ideas just driving to work and even in the middle of the night. I once got an idea for a Christmas play while I was home sick. It was in August, and it was very hot outside. I sat at my laptop and typed away. I wrote it from beginning to end that day. That same year, our church did the play on Christmas Eve. 

     My crazy mind is always going, but that is what God has called me to do. To be a creative guy. I hope one day to be back doing what I love fulltime. I enjoyed my 22 years at SGT and my 2 years at Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship. I have enjoyed traveling as "The Puppet Guy" for the past 6 years I know God is not done with this 61-year-old man who "talks to his hand." The creativity just keeps coming. The ideas continue and I look forward to using these ideas for this next generation. They will get to see my ventriloquist figures, my videos where I use toys to teach a bible lesson or when I bring out my "gospel illusions" to tell them about Jesus. I. do have to confess there was a time where I thought my time doing kids ministry was over. I didn't think a church would want a 61-year-old guy teaching young kids. They might prefer a young kid right out of bible college who has years ahead of him. Let's just say my tank is not on empty and I still have a lot to offer. This crazy creative mind of mine is still going strong! I will continue doing what I love until either Jesus calls me home or I can't physically or mentally do it anymore. I hope you are all doing what you love also. I have said it many times that it gives me joy. So, look out South Carolina. This guy is not done! Be looking for more crazy ideas and creative ways from me to reach these kids for Jesus!

I love what I do! I hope it shows!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!