FERRIDAY, La. — Children will get the chance to enjoy a puppet and clown show with a Christian theme today on the grounds of the old courthouse in Vidalia

Street R.A.G.E. — Reaching A Generation Effectively, a program designed for children ages 5 to 11 will be presented by the Ferriday United Pentecostal Church.

Pastor Gary Howington and his wife, Kathy, sponsor a similar program regularly in their church and are making more of an effort to take it out to the community.

&uot;We’re reaching for kids whose parents don’t put much emphasis on church,&uot;&160;Pastor Howington said. &uot;It’s designed to reach kids who don’t have a church background.&uot;

The church selected this location because of the large number of children within walking distance, he added.

To appeal to the children, the program is fast-paced and will also include music, refreshments and biblical messages.

&uot;It’s exciting. It’s not boring,&uot; Kathy Howington said. &uot;If you don’t keep it moving real fast you lose their attention.&uot;

Since the program gets down on the level of the children, they are often open to the lessons being presented. &uot;God really touches these kids hearts,&uot;&160;Kathy Howington said.

The bible lesson for this week’s program is &uot;The Bible — A Change of Heart,&uot; she said. Street RAGE will begin at 10 a.m. and last about an hour.

The church began offering this type of program to children at the church about five years ago.

Since deciding to take it on the road, they have received much support from the community.

&uot;People like the idea of someone wanting to get and help people,&uot; Kathy Howington said.

The church also plans to perform the program in other area cities, including a performance scheduled for Ferriday next weekend.