Foundations & Origins

Q:  What inspired the launch of Cooee Kid’s Ministry?

A:  After a busy year serving as acting head of Children’s Church, I suddenly found myself with time on my hands—and shelves upon shelves of children’s ministry resources sitting unused. It was my husband who gently nudged me to share what I had, encouraging me to make those materials available to help other leaders and volunteers pour into kids’ lives.

Q:  What does the name ‘Cooee’ mean, and why was it chosen?

A:  I chose the name Cooee for a couple of meaningful reasons. First, the word itself has deep Australian roots. Early settlers adopted the “cooee” call from the Aboriginal Dharug language, where it means “come here.” It’s used to locate others in the bush, call for help, or announce one’s arrival at a campsite. Over time, it became a symbol of Australian identity—uniquely ours.  I thought an Aussie take on things could bring something fresh to the world of Children’s Church lessons. My stories and resources have been downloaded across the globe, and I hope people enjoy the Australian flavour woven through them.

The second reason is more personal: I love the call of the Cooee bird. That’s the nickname for the Eastern Koel, a large migratory cuckoo whose repetitive “coo-ee!” rings through the trees each spring. To me, that call heralds a season of joy—warm weather, family birthdays, outdoor fun, and of course, Christmas.  As I reflected on the name, Jeremiah 33:3 came to mind: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” It felt like the perfect fit—a call to connection, discovery, and delight.

Q:  Who were the founding leaders or volunteers, and what were their hopes?

A:  My husband and I are the founders and volunteers behind this ministry. From the beginning, we’ve been blessed with incredible support. My brother built the first website, and more recently, Strictly Marketing gave it a beautiful upgrade—making it easier to navigate and find the lessons you’re looking for. Their generosity truly blessed us.  We’re also deeply grateful for the family and friends who donate funds to keep the website running. Because of their kindness, every resource can be downloaded completely free of charge.  Our hope remains unchanged:  to equip the body of Christ so that children everywhere can hear the Gospel and grow in faith.

Q:  What was the first lesson uploaded?

A:  I honestly can’t remember! I was so excited—I just started uploading everything I could get my hands on, as quickly as possible. Some of the earliest lessons are in black and white and still have a few typos my husband and I missed. When I get the chance, I go back and edit and repost them. But as long as the biblical content is sound, I don’t worry too much. The heart of the message is what matters most.     

Impact & Growth

Q:  How has the ministry grown in the past 7 years?

A:  I’m constantly adding new lessons and stories, and I try to blog every week. I stopped counting downloads after we passed 10,000! In the early days, I felt the need to justify my time and the generous donations that kept us going. But now, I’m convinced—God gets His resources into the hands of His people. I don’t need to track every number.  That said, I still get a thrill when I see lessons downloaded in places where Christians are persecuted.  It’s a beautiful reminder that His Word reaches far beyond what we can imagine.

Creativity & Curriculum

Q:  What makes Cooee’s approach to teaching kids unique?

A:  I think one of my points of difference is my Aussie way of looking at things. My writing style is bright and breezy—like a day at the beach! It’s relaxed, cheerful, and full of warmth. I’ve created several Australian-themed lessons that have become quite popular, and I love weaving local flavour into stories that share timeless biblical truths. 

Wattle You Do? Daniel’s Friends and the Image of Gold: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wattle-You-Do.pdf

Tongues on Fire! A play based on James 3:5-8: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tongues-on-Fire.pdf

Guard Your Heart! Beware of snakes: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Guard-Your-Heart2.pdf

God’s Aussie Creations! Australian animals and birds: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Gods-Aussie-Creations.pdf

The Green and the Gold! Be strong in the Lord: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Green-and-the-Gold.pdf

Hold On Tight to God! Hezekiah: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Hold-on-Tight-to-God.pdf

Australia Day Spectacular! https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Australia-Day-Spectacular.pdf

Boomerang! Creation: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Boomerang-Gods-Word-Does-Not-Return-Void.pdf

Keep Moving Forward! The Spies Sent Out: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Keep-Moving-Forward.pdf

I’m mindful that many lessons are downloaded in countries where English is a second language. That’s why I put a lot of care into word choice—keeping things clear and concise, and adding explanations wherever needed. My goal is to make each lesson easy to understand, no matter where it’s being used.   

Q:  How do you weave biblical truths into creative, multisensory experiences?

A:  I’ve been volunteering in Children’s Ministry since I was fourteen. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to learn from wonderful leaders and pastors, and to attend conferences where seasoned mentors generously shared their ideas and expertise.  And I still remember what it’s like to be a kid. Staying childlike (hopefully not childish!) has never been a struggle—most things that thrill children still thrill me. Wonderment is the word that comes to mind, and I’ve never lost it. That sense of awe and delight shapes the kind of stories and lessons I create.  Having grandchildren helps too—they’re a constant source of inspiration, laughter, and honest feedback! 

Q:  What are some favourite crafts, skits, or object lessons from the past 7 years?

A:  It’s hard to choose a favourite—often, it’s the latest one I’ve written! But the short stories hold a special place in my heart. Many were written in my twenties, and it’s such a thrill to see children still enjoying them all these years later. That kind of lasting joy reminds me why I started writing in the first place.

Spud and the Figs. Evangelism: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/short-stories/spud-and-the-figs/

The Twins at Sunshine Cover. Daniel: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/short-stories/the-twins-at-sunshine-cove/

A Matter of Time. The Book of John: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/short-stories/a-matter-of-time/

I’ve always loved drama, so lessons that feature a quirky character—especially ones I’ve had the joy of performing—make me smile. I still remember the reactions and interactions from the children and leaders. Those moments of laughter, surprise, and connection stay with me and remind me how powerful storytelling can be.

A favourite character I’ve performed: Mrs Sudso, the laundress. Whiter than White: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Whiter-Than-White.pdf

Q:  How do you choose themes or series for each term or season?

A: In several ways! Being in the southern hemisphere means some lessons might seem a little unusual to others—Christmas falls in our summer, and Easter arrives in autumn (we don’t say “fall”). I try to write lessons for all occasions and make them available on the website for people to adapt. Just presenting a Bible story in a new way helps keep children engaged. An Aussie Shepherd’s Christmas is downloaded regularly—it’s a lot of fun, and you can’t get more Australian than Sheila and Shorty!

An Aussie Shepherd’s Christmas: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/An-Aussie-Shepherds-Christmas.pdf

Most lessons begin during my morning Bible study. A scripture leaps off the page, or an idea is sparked. I use a commentary to make sure I’ve understood the meaning correctly, then flesh the lesson out from there. Not every idea works straight away. I have a “Working on It” file on my computer, and some ideas sit there for years until the timing is right or I make a connection with something else. Nothing is wasted—even if it’s just me learning that a scripture isn’t saying what I first assumed.

People in my church know that if they preach, teach, or share a Communion message that I think would make a great lesson, I’ll grab it! I always ask for permission—and I’ve never been turned down.

Volunteers & Community

Q:  Who are the unsung heroes behind the scenes?

A:  My husband reads and fact-checks every lesson before it’s uploaded. You’ll still spot the occasional typo we’ve both missed, but I’m confident the teaching is biblically sound. The Lord is very clear about the responsibility and accountability of teachers, and we take that calling seriously.

There are other unsung heroes—just the way they like it—who have funded Cooee Kid’s Ministry. Their generosity has kept the website active and resources freely available. We’re deeply grateful for the friends and family who believe in the importance of ministering to children—and who believe in us.

Challenges & Lessons Learned

Q:  What have been some of the biggest challenges—and how did you overcome them?

A:  Sigh… Technology—that’s the biggest challenge! Thankfully, my husband is a quick learner. The real test is his trying to teach me what he’s learned!  Still, I believe my writing has grown stronger over time. With each lesson, the Gospel is preached more clearly and boldly. I don’t tiptoe around things like I might have in the past. Time is short, and the message matters.

Vision & Future

Q:  What’s next for Cooee in the coming year(s)?

A:  I absolutely love what I do. Being able to spend my days writing is a dream come true. Creating Spirit-filled lessons and stories that speak to children’s hearts is a privilege—and one I hope to continue for many years to come.

Q:  Are there any new dreams, programs, or outreach plans on the horizon?

A:  Always! I’m a big dreamer. Right now, I’m working on a vast series about Moses, and I’m genuinely excited about where it’s heading. I’d also love to get involved in Christian radio again—so many of the stories and plays we’ve created would be perfect for audio. Just imagine the sound effects!

Q: How can the church or community support the ministry’s next chapter?
A: Please pray for Cooee Kid’s Ministry. That’s the most powerful and effective support you can offer, and we’d be deeply grateful.