Youths from Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea have been using puppets to bring local children closer to Jesus this summer.

The “Come to Jesus” puppet ministry has been appearing on Saturdays in July and August at four locations — Stoney Creek Trailer Park (10 a.m.), Rainbow Terrace Trailer Park (11 a.m.), Gray Gables Apartments (12:15 p.m.) and Morin Park (1:15 p.m.).

The ministry is led by kids’ pastor, Lisa Hanson. She is assisted by some of the younger church members. While the puppet ministry has been around for three summers — not consecutively — this is Hanson’s first year of being in charge of it.

“Pastor George Marin has led it before,” she said.

The free presentation starts out with a song, followed by a game or race involving the kids present. Then, the puppet show begins.

Robbie from Australia is the main character in all the shows and the puppets sing and tell stories from the Bible and share with the kids various messages about good character, life and family.

There is a different story each week. There have been stories of Jesus, Jonah and the whale and the blind man, Bartemeus. Hanson tells kids the moral of the story. With the Jonah story: “We should always obey God so God doesn’t have to teach us the hard way,” she said.

There is also prayer and kids learn a Bible verse. They’re extended an invitation to attend church. Prizes and treats follow.

Hanson said she’s been pleased by the turnout for the shows during the summer, with between 50 and 100 kids total attending each Saturday. There have been up to 40 kids on a given week at Stoney Creek, a handful at Rainbow Terrace and between six and 12 at Gray Gables, she said.

“And it’s been growing every week at Morin Park,” Hanson added.

The helpers Hanson has are different each week, because some are working. But there are always 12 to 15 people willing to help out.

“The Lord has given me an awesome team,” she said.

The last puppet ministry shows of the season are this coming Saturday. Hanson said the group hopes to pass out school supplies to kids at this final show.

Hanson said she is collecting supplies if anyone is interested in donating any. Lists of supplies being used in the schools are in Walmart and Shopko. Supplies or money to purchase supplies can be dropped off at the church (501 W. College St.), or at Hanson’s place of business, A Best Sew & Vac.

This summer ministry will culminate at the “Great Summer Wrap Up” at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, when Hanson will lead her staff in a back-to-school bash for kids at the Grace Christian Church ministry trailer site at 802 S. Broadway (Old Buy N’ Save Lot). There will be fun, games, inflatable jumpers and prizes for kids ages 5 to 12.

Anyone who needs transportation to the summer wrap-up may contact Hanson at 383-3747.

The following week, Grace Christian’s Kids’ Church will begin its Friday night ministry. It will continue throughout the school year.