PENNY: Hi, Mr. Christopher!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: There you are, Penny! I was getting concerned that something had happened to you! You’re running late, and I haven’t heard a sound from Surfer Bob, either.

PENNY: Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. C. I just stopped by the post office on my way here to see if we had any new letters from our Kids On Mission partners. (indicates bag) … And as you can see, they’ve been very curious!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Indeed they have! You know the sign of a true Kid On Mission is one who is eager to learn about how they can be on mission with God … and from the look of that mail bag, we have a lot of TRUE Kids on Mission!

PENNY: Yeah, let’s see what they have to say! (Penny begins to pull mail from bag, then pauses to talk to Mr. C again) Did you say you haven’t heard a peep from Surfer Bob? I wonder where he’s been?

SURFER BOB: (appears on screen, surprising Penny and Mr. C. Draped in an indigo cloth, wearing an indigo turban. Carrying a small telescope.) All the way to Timbuktu!

PENNY: Aw, come on, Bob-o. You expect us to believe you’ve really been to Timbuktu? That’s just a cliché, like “Apple of my eye” or “Water under the bridge.” Nobody really goes to Timbuktu!

SURFER BOB: Really, Miss Penny! That’s jest exactly where I’ve been …

PENNY: Surely he can’t be serious!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Actually, Penny, there IS a place called Timbuktu. It’s in the West African country of Mali – in the Sahara Desert.

SURFER BOB: Yep. Jest click on this here Geographic Locator I rustled up fer ya.

check out Geographic Locator here

PENNY: (to camera) Well! You learn something new every day!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: I see you found the traditional dress of ‘The Blue People,’ Bob.

SURFER BOB: Yep, yep, yep. Don't cha know it! I really think this is my color, don’t you? Brings out the blue in my eyes. Heh-heh. Jest kiddin’ ya, Christopher. Of course I had to EARN this here fancy turban.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Of course! And good job on that.

SURFER BOB: Thank ya, Christopher.

PENNY: (confused) What are you two TALKING about?

SURFER BOB: Well, see, Miss Penny, to get the blue as a Tuareg dude, you gotta' follow the stars on a camel, not a car, at night, not noon, through them thar sand dunes.

PENNY: Huh? What kind of riddle is that? What’s a Tuareg? I’m still confused.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: I think we should start at the beginning. Remember the Geographic Locator said the Tuareg founded Timbuktu in 1000 AD? The Tuareg are a nomadic desert people – that means they traditionally roam the Sahara without settling in one place. The Tuareg believe that living in the open desert represents freedom.

PENNY: Wow! That must be very exciting to sleep under a blanket of stars every night!

SURFER BOB: Jest try using those stars to get home. It ain’t easy, I guar-run-tee!

PENNY: I think I’m confused again.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Well, Penny, the Tuareg believe in using constellations – or groups of stars – to navigate around the desert. In fact, each village is named for a star directly above it. Once a young man can navigate with the stars, he is considered a man ready for marriage, and he’s given an indigo…blue turban.

SURFER BOB: Marriage!! Nobody told me that’s what this here turban meant! Yikes!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: It doesn’t mean you HAVE to get married, Bob.

SURFER BOB: (almost faint with worry, then relief) WHEW-wee! That wuz a close one!

PENNY: Mr. Christopher, do the Tuaregs believe in Jesus Christ?

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Sadly, Penny, no they do not. Why don’t we watch the Feature to learn a little more about the Tuareg?

SURFER BOB: Yep! It’s a good one!

PENNY: Here we go, the Feature.

to watch the Features, click here

PENNY: What an amazing people! But it’s always so sad to hear about people who don’t have the hope of eternal life with God.

SURFER BOB: That’s jest why we have all these here Kids on Mission hombres! They can pray for these here Tuareg – that God will lead these desert folk to know Him as the living Water.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Very true! Prayer is an essential factor in the Tuareg coming to new faith in Jesus Christ!

SURFER BOB: And them Kids on Mission can give their offerings through the Cooperative Program and to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® in order ta help Southern Baptists tell the Tuareg that Jesus is the one and only Prince of peace.

PENNY: And don’t forget, guys – they can tell their friends about Jesus now – He is the Bright and Morning Star!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Speaking of our Kids On Mission, let’s see what’s in that mail bag you brought, Penny.

PENNY: Oh, yeah! Here’s the one right on top.

to watch the KidsMail, click here

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Another great letter!

PENNY: Yes it was! (to camera) Send your questions to Kids On Mission, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230.

SURFER BOB: Well, I’m headin’ back to Africa. It’s almost time for some of that good Tuareg tea. Adios!

PENNY: And I’m going to read more of these KOM letters.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: (puts glasses on, walks toward Penny’s desk) I think I’ll join you, Penny! …(to camera) We’ll see YOU next time!

PENNY: Goodbye!

®Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is a registered trademark of Woman's Missionary Union.