Beltsville Adventist School (BAS) has an evangelism program called the “BAS Hand Band,” which was revived in 2022 and is now directed by music teacher Robin Roys, with support from Principal Jerson Malaguit. NAD got us new puppets and it has been such a blessing to us and others. It is an outreach ministry team of 8th-graders who illustrate Bible stories and songs with hand puppets and English handbells, to local churches. The group is often featured as a special musical guest with the handbells, and the puppets serve as featured performers in the children’s story.

The inspiration for this group came from trying to find a niche to creatively reach audiences. Society has become so digitized that it is hard to find alternatives that can consistently hold the attention of children. Puppets have the unique ability to fill this role. This ministry serves a dual purpose by giving viewers a message of blessing, and letting students contribute to worship in an engaging way. Thanks to recent grant funds and continued demand, the BAS Hand Band will continue blessing audiences with their ministry and we hope to inspire other schools that are looking for a unique ministry.