NEW KIDS’ BIBLE PROGRAM GETS GREAT RESPONSE
An interactive new live SAT-7 KIDS show is getting children excited about the Bible. The first episode of A Riddle and a Story received an enthusiastic response from viewers who called in to the program.
The SAT-7 KIDS team even received a rare phone call from a father in Algeria (usually Algerian viewers do not call in live), who was watching the program with his family.
“The kids are so happy with the new show. Congratulations! We would like to take part in the program,” he said, as his children excitedly shouted their thanks in the background.
CREATING GOOD SAMARITANS
Each 90-minute episode of A Riddle and a Story features songs, drama segments, and special reports that relate to a biblical tale. Viewers can call in throughout the show to take part in a competition relating to the story, and a winner is picked from those who have given the correct answers and announced at the end of the program.
The first instalment focused on the parable of the Good Samaritan. The program featured a mini-drama in which a young girl needs help, but each of her friends comes up with an excuse rather than lending a hand. Hints were also given in a psychological segment about the importance of helping others and in a field report recorded at a school, in which children were asked what they would do if the class bully needed their support.
PRACTICAL BIBLICAL TEACHING
The show is the brainchild of producer and scriptwriter Marianne Awaraji and her director husband, Rawad. Marianne, who is also a popular SAT-7 KIDS Presenter, explains the aim of A Riddle and a Story.
“It is built on explaining Bible stories for kids in very practical ways,” she says. “I grew up in church, so I knew the stories, but I did not know the meaning of most of them or how to apply it to my life. I want children to grow up understanding these stories and knowing how to apply them.”
HELPING CHILDREN RELATE
The stories are introduced to viewers by talented young presenters Keana and Joyce. The girls, who are new to presenting, have been mentored by Marianne and Rawad.
“It is very hard to go live on television. When you are on a live show, you have to take phone calls and answer the kids’ questions. You have to know when it is time to play a song, or go to the clip, or a break. It is challenging, but they are doing a good job.”
CREATING CURIOSITY
The presenters appear in an attractive set that grabs viewers’ attention. Rawad describes the show as “a place where every child would like to be – playing in a colourful house, making music with their friends.”
The team hope that the remaining 25 live episodes of this season will continue to receive a warm response from children and that the show will help viewers grow in their spiritual lives.
“I want to create curiosity in children’s hearts, to inspire them to love the Bible and think that the stories are interesting,” says Marianne.
“I want them to think, ‘I can relate to this. Reading the Bible is so important for our Christian lives and relationship with God.”