Why City Kids USA Exists
I love sharing my puppets with kids. I love the laughter and all of fun that surrounds ministry to kids. I love seeing kids respond as only kids can do. But when asked why City Kids exists, I always identify 3 reasons that are different from what I just mentioned.
#1
My Passion is for Evangelism
I love to share the Good News of Jesus with anyone, and no one is more open to the Love of God than a child, or responds more quickly to the news that they can have God as their friend. In my desire to share the Good News effectively with kids, I have had to become creative. Bob the Bear or Rickey the Rat grab the kid’s attention and they are on the edge of their seats as they listen and laugh.
#2
The War of World Views That is Apparent Everywhere
Should God be the center of our life or should our own desire to please ourselves be the center? Is there such a thing as right and wrong as declared in the Bible, or is it up to each individual to chart their own course? Of course, this is why Hollywood is so effective at molding young minds. Kids love a great story that captures their attention - and without them knowing it, teaches them about a world view at the same time. A special event featuring Tony the Tree and Wally the Walligator can capture their attention as well - with the eternal rewards that come from following God!
#3
Using a Creative Event to Reach Those That are Not Hearing the Message Every Week
The third reason ties the first two together in a package. I was recently contacted by one of the pastors of a medium-sized church to do an event for kids, however, this pastor had a bigger vision than just that. There were a number of apartments across the street from the church. The Pastor wanted me to show up a week before Easter with my truck (the side comes down to become a stage) for an outdoor event. She had multiple plans to advertise in order to gain the attendance of up to150 kids, many of them not currently a part of the church and living in the apartments. This is what it is all about for me - using a creative event to reach those that are not hearing the message every week. I am so excited when I see these kids laughing with the puppets, but more importantly when I see many of them praying to ask Jesus into their hearts.