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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
June 2001 |
StoryVent teaches children it's OK to be a Christian
By Matthew Carlisle
Hoosier UM News Staff Writer
In the midst of the interview, it dawned on me, I'm talking to a puppet, Drango the Dragon. My revelation is a testament to the talents of Bob Shimer, storyteller and ventriloquist, the one I had originally intended to interview.
Since 1990, Bob Shimer has been entertaining people around the world with his special combination of storytelling and ventriloquism. Coining the term StoryVent, Bob has traveled the world with Drango Dragon and his friends, teaching children about the power of Christianity. When Bob isn't entertaining at his home church, Fishers UMC, he has been found engaging audiences in Greece, Turkey, the South Pacific, Las Vegas and even on the Love Boat. The puppets are able break any language barrier there might be, according to Shimer.
Residents of Indianapolis may have seen Drango and his friends at the zoo, Children's Museum, or at a local public school. In a secular setting, Bob and Drango can't always openly discuss Christianity. Drango wears a What Would Jesus Do? bracelet that, according to Shimer, "makes the point that it's OK to be a Christian and go to church." Drango illustrates to children that being a Christian is simply part of who he is, he doesn't hide it and isn't ashamed of his belief.
A love of storytelling caused Bob to take-up the craft in 1990. "I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as a professional storyteller." State Manager for AT&T at the time, Bob took retirement two years later to become a full-time storyteller. It wasn't until 1994 that Drango the Dragon was created, giving birth to Bob's call as a StoryVent.
An ordained deacon in the Presbyterian Church, Bob provides a special gift to Fishers UMC. Each Sunday morning, members are greeted with a hello and sometimes a hug from Drango. Many may know Bob's wife Linda, she is the Director of Children's Ministry at Fishers UMC.
To learn more about Bob Shimer's ministry call Bob at 312/845-2954 or visit www.drango.com, www.storyvent.com.
Last updated on 01/14/2004