MUMBAI: There's a new kid on the block in children's television in the US. On Christmas Eve, 24 December 2005, the Smile of a Child Television Network will launch and begin offering Christian Children's programming.
The new addition to Trinity Broadcasting Network's (TBN) family of Christian television is the special project of TBN co-founder Jan Crouch.
Crouch says, " Television is a perfect tool to pour the love of God into the hearts and lives of children all over the world. ."
With the help of her husband, TBN co-founder Paul Crouch, as well as some key ministry partners, Jan started Smile of a Child several years ago as a vehicle to reach out to hurting and needy children throughout the world.
"It began simply with providing dolls to poverty-stricken children in Haiti. It has grown to taking many thousands of toys to children all over the globe, as well as providing needed medical care through building hospitals in places like Haiti and Costa Rica. And now we've added the powerful medium of television to take Smile of a Child to countless thousands more precious children" she adds.
Smile of a Child Network programming director Brenda Rossman said that parents have been waiting for the type of television programming that will both entertain as well as morally instruct their children during their formative years.
She says, "There's certainly been no shortage of educational children's TV programs. And parents have been grateful for it. But the Smile of a Child Network takes it a step further and adds the crucial element of spiritual instruction that will really bear fruit in the lives of children for many years to come."
"Parents can rest assured that Smile of a Child will be completely free of the violence and crude humor that unfortunately has crept into many of today's children's shows. This new and innovative network is all about helping children develop positive social and spiritual skills at a young age" adds Rossman.
One of its shows will be Kingdom Adventure. This fantasy series combines puppets and animation in a setting of adventure where right is right, wrong is wrong, and good wins over evil.
Gina D's Kids Club is an educational series for preschoolers ages two through six. The aim of the content is to entertain, amuse, and delight young viewers through a combination of live action and dynamic 3-D animation.
BJ's Teddy Bear Club & Bible Stories, is a programme designed to educate and entertain while introducing young children to colours, letters, numbers – and special stories right out of the Bible. The star of the show is BJ (Bearsheba J. Bear), a loveable animated teddy bear who takes the children on an unforgettable journey through the Bible.
Meanwhile Retro News: A Blast from the Past is a fast-paced magazine-style show especially for kids age nine to twelve. From their virtual news room teen journalists bring significant, interesting, and humorous historic events to life with actual news footage. Special features like "Spiritual Heroes" introduce young viewers to the characters and events that helped shaped world history.
Maralee Dawn & Friends takes an imaginative approach to Christian and value-based children's programming. Each episode is packed with songs and stories. Ventriloquist Maralee Dawn and her unique puppet characters captivate the imagination of young viewers with adventures to exotic places, encounters with unusual creatures, and creative interactive projects.
Christian media expert Dave Bohon says, "The Smile of a Child Television Network is right on the leading edge of new and innovative children's TV. Over the months and years ahead we can expect it to be setting the standard for the best in Christian children's programming."
