“Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed”. Psalm 34:5
International Puppet Group shares Gospel at local church
The Agape Puppets is an international puppet team that shares the Gospel with thousands of men, women and children each year.
Dundalk First Baptist Church (DFBC) will host their annual ice cream and puppet show at 6 p.m. on July 21, featuring the internationally known “The Agape Puppets.” The group is a church and community favorite, featuring a variety of large and small singing puppets, story-telling sessions, and illusions. Linda Summer, the founder of the group, said the shows are for everyone, not just kids. The group travels the world offering fun entertainment with the ultimate purpose of sharing the Gospel and offering opportunities for people of all ages to give their lives to Jesus.
Linda Summer, the founder and director of Agape Puppets, travels around the world, working alongside high school and college student volunteers, not only sharing the Gospel, but also training others how to use puppets to share Jesus in their own languages, and providing supplies for them. In addition, Summer takes clothing and other supplies on her trips for those in need.
In addition to a puppet show, the group does illusions, balloons and storytelling.
Li Maier, who does the local booking for the group, said, “We’ve seen many children give their lives to Christ.” One of Maier’s favorite places to be when the team is performing is at the annual show at Helping Up Mission. “Those men are hardened by the world, and when they see it’s a puppet show, they grumble and cuss; but by the end, they’re crying like babies. Linda has a fabulous testimony,” Maier said.
Dundalk First Baptist Church members serve ice cream after the show.
For more information, including the story behind the “Agape Puppets,” visit their website. To book a show, email Li Maier.
Over 200 students attend OCBC’s International Student Ministry dinner
Over 200 young adults showed up on June 3 for the first international student dinner of the summer at Ocean City Baptist Church (OCBC) in Maryland. Serving over 231 meals, OCBC Pastor Sean Davis said it’s the biggest turnout ever for the kickoff week.
While OCBC opens their doors for the dinners every Monday, churches throughout the Eastern Baptist Association and beyond prepare and serve the meals on a rotational basis.
Ocean City Baptist Church volunteers gave away over 128 bikes to international students.
The church also gave away 128 bicycles to the students. Volunteers have collected used bikes since 2012, restoring and providing them to the international workers on a first come basis. It’s a popular program and the community responds with many donations throughout the year. Volunteers tighten seats, pump up tires, lubricate chains, and get the bikes in good working order.
International Student Consultant Amy Smith said she is in need of summer interns. Those interested should contact her as soon as possible. The positions include free room and board and a small stipend. For more information contact amy@ocbaptist.com.
First Baptist Church of Crofton, in Maryland, will have several “Wonderful Wednesdays” for the summer months for elementary school children. On July 24 they’ll host “Holiday the Clown” for “Circus Day. Kids will learn the process of becoming a clown and they’ll learn to juggle. On August 14, they’ll have a day full of bubble fun.
Both events are from noon to 4 p.m. and registration is required.