By Christy Mast
“Why don’t we form a team?” That question was posed to young mission worker Sara Hart more than 35 years ago.
Her “yes” and the enthusiastic participation of Bolivian young people has led to a wonderful gospel puppet ministry which now spans the world.
The group began by presenting puppet and clown shows in busy public places and at special events. Children loved the shows and large crowds would stop to watch. In addition to funny and light-hearted skits, the team also tackled stories concerning deeper issues, like good versus evil and substance abuse.
It is exciting to touch people’s lives and see them now as full-time Christian leaders.
From there it has grown and grown, to the point where the group now partners with local churches to reach communities without Christ.
The full puppet team numbers around 40 and includes adults and children. Indeed, there are married couples who met through the ministry and whose children are now putting on shows!
Sara, who is sent by SIM USA, said: “It is exciting to touch people’s lives and see them now as full-time Christian leaders.”
While many are persuaded to follow Christ as they watch a performance, Sara believes that the greatest ministry impact is happening in the lives of the team members themselves.
One young puppeteer from a difficult, abusive background was inspired to seek counselling after the show he was performing triggered emotions about his past.
Another man who felt ‘on the borderline’ as a teen, flirting with the idea of pursuing worldly activities, found meaning and purpose on the puppet team. He felt accepted as part of a family. He credits the puppet ministry with keeping him on the right path.
Please Pray
- For young people who are part of the programme to grow in their personal faith in Christ.
- For those who see these presentations to have open hearts to truth and be drawn to Jesus.
- For wisdom for church leaders and puppet and clown ministry leaders to work together in designing outreaches that will be effective in reaching many people with the gospel.
You might also like
In southern Ecuador, Rachel Wilson is equipping local believers to follow Jesus deeply and disciple others through God’s Word.
The Lord planted Sports Friends coach John Lufani, his wife Agness and their family of five in the heart of a community hostile to the good news.
In Zimbabwe, people living with HIV are finding hope and healing through the love of Jesus. Thanks to the work of Windows of Hope and the support of volunt...
Rocio felt alone and unloved after her parents left when she was just seven. But through a Christian radio programme, she heard the message of Jesus and fo...
New Zealander Sarah Scott Webb (SIM For Freedom) has been working closely with colleagues in the European Freedom Network (EFN) and the World Evangelical A...
A simple car ride in Ecuador becomes a divine appointment to share the gospel.
To say Pastor Michael* took an interesting route into Christian work would barely do justice to his astonishing story.
Amy was given a golden opportunity to tell an Indian friend the true meaning of Christmas and she took it with both hands.
Linda Pretorius has been serving soup and the love of Jesus for more than 25 years and is now making a major gospel impact among the Bushmen of Namibia, wh...
The crows perched on the trees all lean into the wind. The wind here is strong and incessant. We are on the edge of the desert in a Gabra region of norther...
Across West Africa, widows often confront a brutal reality. Ostracised by some traditions, they can be left feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. Under some of those welcoming smiles, there is sometimes deep brokenness. B and his team have seen this.