Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Sharing her voice

Ventriloquist Dawn Getley of Mutley Baptist Church and her little friends are popular with young and old alike

Dawn GetleyEveryone wants to voice their comments effectively enough to influence others. Dawn Getley does this in a creative way with ventriloquism and illustrated messages that touch thousands of lives.

An evangelist with OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners), she helps youngsters – and the not so young – to think through spiritual issues and make the right choices.
 
‘On Wednesday we welcomed Dawn Getley, our local talented ventriloquist preacher, to lead worship,’ one head teacher posted on a Plymouth school website. ‘The children always enjoy Dawn’s visits and as usual she had us all in stitches of laughter at the silly antics of Horace, her little friend…
 
Although all over the city children recognise Dawn as Horace’s Mum, she uses a range of puppets with her illustrated teaching.

One is Aquaduck who also appeals to adults when she speaks at churches and events such as Messy Church.

Dawn said, ‘I've been doing this for almost 30 years now, so we think, conservatively, that over the years about 100,000 children have come to know Horace and the Bible accounts through the schools work.
 
‘My puppets and I are often part of the service on a Sunday morning at Mutley Baptist Church, taking the children's slot.

'I do try to make sure it communicates with the adults as well! One of the most popular is Aquaduck, who has everyone in his fan club from the very youngest to the very oldest in the church.

'My opening line, just to introduce myself to those who may be new to the church is always, “Hello! I'm Dawn and I'm part of the church family here at Mutley”.’
 
Dawn’s OAC ministry draws heavily on her gifts of ventriloquism and sketchboard painting. A qualified teacher and author, her book Child’s Play enables others to reach children with 66 New Testament messages accompanied by sketchboard illustrations.
 
Recently, one person suggested another means of expanding her work.

After a children’s slot in church, the mother of a two-and-a-half year old daughter Rosie sent this message.  ‘I came into the front room as I heard Rosie apparently chatting to herself...turns out she was actually chatting to her toy duck and she said, “Hello, I'm Dawn!” when she saw me. Well…how would you like an apprentice?’

With a view to the future, Dawn happily agrees that another voice to present others with spiritual choice would be welcome.

 
 

Baptist Times, 29/09/2015
    Post     Tweet
SWBA Home Mission Stories
Examples of how Home Mission funds are being used in the South West Baptist Association
SubArticleD2019
Time Out stands out in Devon
A Baptist church's seaside community hub staffed by volunteers is thriving, thanks partly to a grant from Baptist Insurance
smchstory
'We love our village school - and were really keen to help out' 
The Baptist Church, Kilmington has opened the doors of its 'Beacon' premises to host the Pipits pre-school/reception class of Kilmington Primary School while a new classroom is built
‘Watch the Creation story unfold in glorious colour and complex design’ 
Baptist church member Jacqui Parkinson is helping people encounter the Bible through her dramatic textile art which is currently touring English cathedrals
Big church, little church 
Watchet Baptist Church has been on a journey discovering new ways of being missional disciples of Jesus - and this has included an overhaul of Sundays. Minister Mike Sherburn is joined by several members in reflecting on what’s happened so far
'Angels' sought for popular Cornwall food festival 
Cath Horne moved to Porthleven in Cornwall last August having served for 23 years at Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church. She has now been asked to lead a team of Festival Angels at the town's popular food festival She is building the team, and explains mo
Boosting spirits in Paignton 
Helped by the Baptist Insurance Grants Programme, Paignton Baptist Church is reaching out to those in need of support with mental health and wellbeing through a garden project and hobby group
     Regional News 
    Posted: 25/09/2024
    Posted: 12/05/2023
    Posted: 14/12/2022
    Posted: 09/08/2022
    Posted: 18/01/2021
    Posted: 01/07/2018
    Posted: 07/11/2017
    Posted: 24/05/2017
    Posted: 24/01/2017
    Posted: 12/05/2016