The U.S. Missions Chaplaincy Department of Assemblies of God has come up with a new outreach program for children. They will provide children a Veggie Tales backpack filled with a variety of fun Veggie Tales items such as Veggie Tales characters, pencils and pencil cases, stickers, plus other materials that would help a child in time of crisis. It also contains the Veggie Tales video “Where’s God When I’m Scared?” and other helpful pamphlets for children.

"These special Veggie Tales backpacks are designed to be given to children who need immediate attention and caring," says Chaplaincy Director Al Worthley. "Children who are seriously ill or injured, have been witness to or are a victim of a crime, or are in some way physically or emotionally traumatized -- we want to be there for them, perhaps even open a door of communication, through this gift."

Currently, the Chaplaincy Department is putting together 500 of the backpacks for chaplains to use, but the demand is greater than what they expected.

“Both our military and institutional/occupational chaplains are very excited about the possibilities these backpacks will provide," Worthley says, "but you can tell, this is not an inexpensive ministry -- we are dependent on receiving continued support in order to provide these backpacks to hurting kids."

There is already one group supporting this project. According to the national Missionettes Department, the Southern New England District Missionettes have set a goal of raising $7,500 to help fund the backpacks. "The backpacks are an incredible opportunity to reach into and touch the lives of children who desperately need to feel someone is there for them -- that they are loved," says Nancy Hidle, Southern New England District Missionettes coordinator. "I hope others will assist the Chaplaincy in this wonderful ministry."