King of the Kids! (Rev. Dave)

[C.A.R.]

Since there's a few new members on this site, I feel more people should know what Dave (ReverendZed) does for disadvantaged children.

Well done mate!

 

http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/warcry/default.asp?contentID=1540

 

King of the kids

Dave Marrett is passionate about bringing joy into the lives of disadvantaged children, writes Faye Michelson.

 

Dave Marrett has several alter egos—Nipper Wilson, Billy Cockatoo, Ricky Kangaroo and Whitey, to name a few.

 

They are colourful, funny, out-there characters that he wears on the end of his arm.

 

‘I think I can speak “puppet” in eight or nine different voices,’ he laughs.

 

Dave was recently appointed chief executive officer of Melbourne-based Southern Cross Kids’ Camps (SCKC), a charity that provides holidays for children who are victims of abuse, domestic violence and neglect.

 

The organisation holds eight camps each year—four in Victoria, two in NSW and one each in Queensland and New Zealand.

 

‘Many children attending our camps live in foster care and often move from home to home,’ Dave explains.

 

‘A significant number have encountered horrendous experiences and struggle with multiple issues. They often lose the opportunity to just be children, to have fun and to laugh.

 

‘Our programs are specifically planned to bring fun and laughter back into the lives of these children, to provide a time for them to forget about their “experiences” and just enjoy being kids.’

 

Dave brings almost 20 years’ experience in children’s work to his new role. He has worked as a children’s and family pastor in Australia and the US, has lectured in contemporary children’s ministry, written children’s material for Australian and US churches and run numerous kids’ programs.

 

His introduction to children’s work started at The Salvation Army in Cairns (Qld) almost 20 years ago, when he was asked if he could help out at Sunday school.

 

‘I said I’d give it a go; I rolled up with my kids’ picture Bible and told a story in the most dramatic way I knew how—and the kids loved it,’ he recalls.

 

‘I was asked if I would come back the next week, which I did—this time with an old puppet I’d found at an op shop—and proceeded to teach, entertain and almost lose my voice through my now famous puppet Whitey.

 

‘Thanks to those who encouraged and believed in me in those early days, I’ve had the opportunity to minister to thousands of children over the years.’

 

Dave loves having fun with children and admits to being a bit of kid himself.

 

‘But, more than anything, I have learned the enormous value of children in this world,’ he says.

 

‘Because of that I can identify with kids and have fun with them, which allows me the freedom to engage, teach and interact with them.’

 

A father of five, Dave is passionate about working to break the cycle of child abuse in Australia, and sees Southern Cross Kids’ Camps as one way of doing this. There are more than 50,000 substantiated cases of child abuse in Australia annually.

 

‘The overwhelming need to be an active participant in pushing back the rising tide of child abuse was at the forefront of my decision to ‘roll up’ my sleeves and partner with the SCKC team,’ he says.

 

‘I see the organisation as being a vital part of this and want to use my skills with SCKC to make a difference in the lives of children who have experienced the trauma of abuse.

 

‘My vision is also to bring awareness of this huge crisis of child maltreatment to everyday Aussies, so that together as a community we can stand against it.’

 

Last year 240 children took part in the camps, which ran with the help of more than 400 dedicated volunteers.

 

‘Inviting children to return to a Southern Cross Kids’ Camp every year enables us to build on the foundation of previous years, and continue to develop their confidence, self esteem and trust,’ Dave says.

 

‘We provide the children with a positive event to look forward to during year, with many counting down the months until their next camp.’

 

For more information about Southern Cross Kids’ Camp go to www.sckc.org.au

 

 

(Funny photo too mate! -Lurch)

[.]

Well done mate. Very inspiring.

[stevo_gj]

That's brilliant, hats off you to rev!

[NZeder]

Respect the Rev

[Cdr Zero]

Good on you Rev! 

[sco_aus]

Good on ya Rev, this planet needs more people like yourself.

[T.A.P]

I'm truly inspired, my hat's off to you.

[Hunter]

Your a good man dave.

[RBZ 260]

Good on you Dave. Another few notches (quite a few) for u in the respect scale mate.

 

Thanks for posting Lurch.

[FuzzyDropbear]

Good job Dave!  Lovin' that photo too 

[FLEXZED]

well done dave

 

great to see a person with so much heart

 

Loui

 

[Zedman240®]

Dave, the world needs more people like you! You help so many that's why it's never a bother to help you with your Zed..

[reverendzed]

Thanks guys I'm humbled by your comments - My biggest desire is that I could work myself out of a job! No Child abuse = No Job

Rev.

[MR260]

Your a true Saint!!

Helping so many kids and helping so many Zeds too!

[Thomo260]

- My biggest desire is that I could work myself out of a job! No Child abuse = No Job

Rev.

AMEN to that! Well done Rev.

[MaygZ]

Thanks guys I'm humbled by your comments - My biggest desire is that I could work myself out of a job! No Child abuse = No Job

Rev.

 

Me too!  It would be nice to live in such a world.  In the meantime, keep up the great work to break the cycle.

 

MaygZ

[Hunter]

Thanks guys I'm humbled by your comments - My biggest desire is that I could work myself out of a job! No Child abuse = No Job

Rev.

 

AMEN