I caught Puppet Fever in 1992 after attending Children's Ministries University, and wanted to start a puppet team at Kingswood. Wouldn't you have loved to have been in the room when a friend and I explained to the pastor our dream, and asked for financial support? There obviously was no money and there was considerable skepticism. I just wanted to have fun with my kids telling bible stories in a unique way. Little did I know that God had extravagant plans for me and the creative arts!

I experienced the most amazing extravagant generosity when my friend and I advertised that we wanted to start a puppet team and chose a program called "Adopt a Puppet." The congregation was asked to adopt a puppet by paying the purchase price and shipping, or to make a donation for staging and curtains. Our goal was to raise enough money for a simple PVC puppet stage and to purchase 10 puppets. We started praying!

My spiritual journey continued to evolve. In 1994 I was in my third year of the Disciple program and ready to start something new.I was being called to Creative Ministry.  For me, the following explanation of Matthew 6:33 on the internet summed up the extravagant generosity I experienced.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

"You shouldn't inordinately worry about money, material things, worldly success, etc. because if you really and truly put God first in your life, all of these things will be taken care of.

No, it doesn't guarantee you will be a millionaire, or live in a palatial home, or never have to work for what you get. But God has a way of giving you what you really need to live a decent life, if God is first in your mind and heart. Do this, and the other stuff will be taken care of, as long as you do your part normally to make it happen."

The Adopt a Puppet program was a phenomenal success! Our Kingswood family sponsored 40 puppets and supplied the financial support to purchase all the needed materials to start the team.

As the saying goes, if you want to make God laugh, then tell Him your plans. Glory Fingers is celebrating its 19th year in ministry and I am sure that God is still chuckling!