New Shoes at Kids Corner

Ron VandenBurg has some big shoes to fill, but he says he has the feet (figuratively speaking) to fill them.

VandenBurg joined Back to God Ministries International’s ReFrame Media team in January 2014 to provide leadership for the Kids Corner ministry team, which had been led by Barb Brouwer who retired recently.

VandenBurg is the first BTGMI staff member to work from the Canadian office.

Kids Corner, the children’s ministry of ReFrame Media, which is the BTGMI English outreach, offers enjoyable ways for kids to explore the gospel, grow in discipleship, and cultivate scriptural literacy.

One way Kids Corner does that is through a Bible study correspondence program.

Kelly, one of the young listeners who described herself as “a student of God's Word” told the Kids Corner team: "Thank you so much for the Bible studies you send me. I really enjoy them and I like having to look in the scriptures to find answers.”

Kelly learned about the Bible studies through Kids Corner weekly audio programs for six- to 12-year olds. Kids love such characters as Lizarardo and his reptilian friends from Reptarium Middle School because in the quest for fun, Liz and his pals often get themselves into…little fixes.

But as the characters find the Bible’s answers to the challenges and drama of childhood, listeners learn practical lessons about what it means to be life-long followers of Jesus.

On the air since 2004, Kids Corner has sought to assist parents in faith formation of children. Brouwer,who retired in late 2013, was passionate about helping kids know the love of God, leaving a big footprint at ReFrame Media.

As he steps in to fill that footprint, Ron VandenBurgbrings with him 27 years of teaching experience and proven expertise in curriculum development and children’s spiritual formation. He also comes with prior experience at Kids Corner.

Since 2007, he has written a number of Kids Corner episodes. He says, “ReFrame gives me the opportunity to use my storytelling gifts, my love of theater, and my production skills to create fun, wacky stories that help children learn important faith formative lessons.”

As he looks to the future, he envisions even greater potential for the Kids Corner ministry.

As more and more audio programs are enjoyed on-line, Kids Corner is no exception. Attracting new listeners to the website, podcasts, and Facebook page is a key challenge.

Soon, weekly email alerts will invite listeners back to check out new recordings. Mobile apps will offer new channels for delivering audio content.

“Families need to have easy, mobile ways to access these stories,” he says, “so that kids can listen during playtime or family time, during car rides or before they go to sleep.”

Parents like Sheree, appreciate the help they get from this ministry: "Let me just say,” wrote Sheree, “how much my family loves Kids Corner. I have 4 children, but I may even love your episodes more than they do. You do a wonderful, very professional job and it is appreciated—especially on road trips."

And Kristi, another mom, says, "Thanks for providing great audio drama that encourages our kids in their walk with the Lord."