In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Well, I have been doing a lot of asking and seeking lately.
With the concern of adding puppets to the ministry and not knowing the “how” to do it, I have been praying for God to bring forth people with the knowledge and expertise that can help me. When I asked God for help making the Immanuel Quilt, He sent seven helpers. When I asked for help writing the book, He sent me to a writing coach. I was/am confident that if adding puppets to the ministry is God’s plan, He will provide the help needed to see it through.
Well, guess what? I have good news! The Lord is beginning to open doors and introduce me to people that can help get it done!
In July, speaking to the ladies of the Bainbridge Christian Church, I kept the puppets, Grandma P and Wolfie, covered until I had told them about the children’s curriculum, The Good News Reporter. Oh, I explained everything the series offers, including the written skits. One woman, Sue, not knowing I was about to reveal the puppets, whispered to the gal next to her, “This would be a great start for the puppet ministry I want to start.” When I unveiled the puppets, Sue could not contain her excitement!
In years past, Sue was the overseer of her church’s puppet ministry. It was a ministry of the teens. They traveled around doing puppet shows and even entered puppet competitions. Who knew there was such a thing? Sue and I will be getting together very soon!
Another similar thing happened when speaking at a Stonecroft luncheon on Monday. After telling the guests about the curriculum, I uncovered the puppets to reactions of awes and amazement, yet none were left more in awe than me. A first-time guest told me she would like to be a part of my puppet team! Susan has been a children’s ministry leader and part of a puppet ministry team for several years. I am delighted that God opened the door for us to meet! We, too, will be getting together soon.
God also arranged another, more unorthodox, meet-up.
In a private Christian Puppeteers Facebook Group, I asked if any puppeteers around Indy would be willing to meet with me. Jim and Bonnie Scott answered the call. Therefore, I found myself driving to the other side of 465 to the home of a couple I’d never met before to spend the day learning about puppet ministry.
Involved in puppet ministry for 30 years, Jim and Bonnie have taught workshops during the International Festival of Creative Arts Ministry held at Olivet Nazarene University each year. And yet, they invited me to their home for one-on-one instruction. What an incredibly kind gesture!
In my time spent with Jim and Bonnie, I learned a wealth of information. I also made two puppets, came home with patterns for more, and made new friends who wish to see this puppet ministry succeed. God is answering prayers and opening doors.
Many people believe God doesn’t care about things on their hearts. This is simply not true. I journal my journey to tell what God is doing for others to see, God cares.
The LORD watches over all who love him. (Psalm 145:20)
He cares for those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)