Clown Character Pics

Clown characters we met at the COAI Convention.

A dutch clown, cowgirl clown and mi favorita--the "Taco Bell" Clown!

These pictures were so cute, I just couldn't resist posting them too.

Clowns of America International (COAI) Convention

In April, Paul and I attended the Clowns of America International (COAI) Convention which took place this year at Disneyland, just a few miles from where we live. I attended workshops on characterization and improvisation techniques. Paul practiced juggling, and went to face painting lectures. We both learned so much about clowning as an art form. As you can see from the pictures, we met some pretty cute characters, as well.

Paul-A Clown?

Top Three Clown Names: 
Boots, Jawbone, Mr. Orange 


Which is your favorite?

The highlight of the COAI Convention for Nancy was Paul “trying on” a clown face for the first time. Could Starburst be getting a partner? We are experimenting with possibilities for performing together the future. I think we would make a pretty good team! If so, Paul could draw on his theater experiences in college and continue to add to his skills. I have learned a lot from him already about rehearsal techniques. We will have to wait and see what God does but, it is exciting to dream about.

Starburst "MakeOver"

This Starburst "Makeover," motivated by the upcoming Children’s Retreat, included a new wig, vest, and large pockets added to suspender pants. What do you think of the new look?

Have Lama Will Travel

Starburst makes a new friend at the Twin Peaks Community Church Annual Strawberry Festival.

In June, Starburst shared a gospel Illusion for the “Kids Corner” Children’s Sermon at Twin Peaks Community Church. She also performed for their Annual Strawberry Festival as a strolling clown, entertaining with gags and a few pocket illusions.

"Clowning Around" at CMTA 2011

I wasn't the only one "Clowning Around" at the CMTA Convention!"

CMTA Conference 2011

At the end of April I exhibited for Christian Educators (CEAI) at the Christian Ministries Training Association (CMTA) Conference.

I also taught two workshops. “Grow your Children’s Ministry by Serving the Public School” took place on Friday. In it, we discussed how the church could reach out to schools in their neighborhood by providing after school clubs as a service to the school community.

My Saturday workshop was called, “Starting Your Own Gospel Clown Ministry.” This class is basically an introduction to clowning so I taught the class in clown as Starburst.

This picture with Forrest Turpen and Carol Cliff was taken on Saturday after the clown ministry class.

Unforgettable

Mario Martinez (right) and Gwen Blankenship (pictured with students on the left) are two “unforgettable” educators.

Mario has been a leader at an after school Good News Club for 5 years at the elementary school where he teaches in Murrieta. His former students, now in middle school and high school, come back to talk with Mario and ask questions about God. As a result, he has led many of them to Christ.

Gwen has been teaching for 23 years; long enough to teach the younger siblings of former students. Currently, she teaches Life Science at Ensign Middle School in Newport Beach. Right before graduation this year, Mrs. Blankenship got this letter, which brought tears to her eyes. “Your kind-spirited heart has really touched mine in a way you couldn’t imagine. I feel as though you have impacted my life for the better. The way you can change a student’s life, makes me dream of what a great person I hope to be. Thank you.”

Many educators don’t realize that students are saying “you have a place in my heart” or “I haven’t forgotten how important you are to me.” These teachers received them like Christ talks about in Matthew 18:5, and students continue to hold what their teacher said or did close to their hearts and minds. This special kindness is what makes a teacher truly unforgettable.

Daniel Dreams Come True

At the Daniel Weekend in May 2010, each of us shared a dream that God had put on our heart; a dream powerful enough to transform schools. Brent Coley, one of the teachers who attended, shared with us that God had laid it on his heart to become a school principal--someday. On Monday, June 13, 2011, Brent was hired as Assistant Principal at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta. We look forward to how God is going to use Brent in the lives of many students, parents and fellow teachers.

Making A Difference Through Prayer

Every Monday morning for the last year, Rod, Ben and Mario have met to pray. They are Christian teachers who currently make up part of the 4th- 5th grade teaching team at Avaxat Elementary. They are especially committed because this prayer time has helped them get through unexpected events in their personal lives during the school year. “The Guys” were praying when Ben’s wife went to the hospital with an attack of appendicitis just after delivering their third child. They were also involved in praying specifically for Mario’s Father, who accepted Christ, just before he died. Mario’s mother and brother accepted Christ at the same time as his Father. Through this, Mario got to see a few of his lifelong prayers answered! When I met up with them in May, one of them jokingly admitted that they “almost” look forward to Monday morning prayer times more than Friday afternoons! That’s saying a lot for a teacher.
This group of prayer warriors became known at the school as they invited others to join them. A principal visited one meeting and asked them to pray for the needs of his own children. One parent even requested these teachers to pray with her son and daughter during lunchtime the day they got the news about their grandfather’s passing. It was a great comfort to these students to know that God understood and was caring for them in their time of sadness. God has truly been honoring the efforts of these teachers who are making a difference through prayer.