God can even use a puppet's well-earned holiday to make a difference in the lives of remote Australians.
So discovered Scott and Libby Monro, who run the Animalia Puppet Troup in Wollongong, as they returned from a holiday touring North-West Australia as BCA Nomads.
The Munros, with children Emily and Joshua and puppets Dizzie and Dozer, enjoyed the experience so much they are already looking at future holidays in terms of where they can go and help in children's ministry.
"We encourage everyone to think about being BCA nomads and add some spice to your next holiday," says Libby.
The Munros began in Katherine in June and worked down the West Coast of Australia.
Although they had toured Australia before, their fluffy travelling companions helped them to see familiar sights through new eyes.
"The most significant difference for us was to meet the locals," says Libby.
"Previously we were sightsee-ers, but to really get to know an area, you need to know the people that live there. It adds a whole new dimension."
BCA nomads usually employ people's practical skills " carpentry, building, electrical " to support ministry in remote areas.
But with the Munros it was obvious their skills should be used for children's' ministry.
"We were excited at the prospect of sharing God's word with kids who probably saw very little in the way of experienced puppetry," says Libby.
"We met with so many brothers and sisters in Christ, who welcomed us into their homes as part of their family, shared their meals and their friendship with us. Working for the Lord gave our holiday an added spice, we had never experienced on our numerous holidays before."
The Munros first challenge was accomodating their large collection of characters.
"Many of our puppets are too big and our theatre, while transportable, just took up too much space for this trip," says Libby.
Scott came up with a brilliant plan of using a collapsible shower tent.
Libby, after some wrestling with a wired tent and a sewing machine, managed to create a theatre.
They then attached a black screen to the tent, so they could still stand up and see the puppet and the audience while working the puppets.
The Munros were only able to take two of their puppets away on the holiday: the infamous Dozer and his sister Dizzie.
This meant they had to re-work several puppet shows.
Yet it made little difference to the impact with the family performing in churches, schools, playgroups, missions and even parks.
"It was a wonderful feeling to see the joy and excitement on the children's faces," says Libby who does ventriloquist puppetry.
"I particularly like to see the confusion and amazement on their faces when the puppet comes out of the puppet theatre and begins talking to them. They think they have it all figured out until you come out of the box!"
However, the Munros say the welcome they received from ministry staff and church families on our trip was the real joy.
"We have special memories and friendships we hope to maintain," says Libby.
"The North West Diocese in particular we felt a bond with and hope to return, to see people again and do some new shows for the kids. We have added many new towns and people to our prayers. You can pray with so much more feeling in your heart, when you see people's circumstances and the challenges they are facing first hand."
