Franklin Simmons was praying to God and wondering why so many of today’s young people seem lost.
It’s then he felt God nudge him toward the answer — use them or lose them.
But that was it.
For awhile he didn’t know what to do.
Then he hit on it — a children’s ministry.
Simmons, a retired pastor, created an alter ego he hopes will entertain children but also bring them spiritual purpose.
For the past few years he’s performed as Capt. Tara, a 1700s-era sea captain with a menagerie of puppet friends. His character offers a biblical message using songs, skits and stories.
Simmons, 75, looks the part of a friendly sea captain with his salty hair and 6-foot-3-inch frame. His wife Judy, an expert seamstress, created most of the costume which features breeches, vest, a tri-cornered hat and pilgrim shoes.
The only hint of modernity is his knee socks, which are actually soccer socks.
Capt. Tara, he said, is an acronym for Children and Parents Together, Teaching a Right Attitude.
“He’s fantastic,” said Amy Hannold, the publisher of Whidbey Island Macaroni Kid, a website that offers family focused resources. Macaroni Kid also puts on a family festival annually, at which Capt. Tara has performed.
“It’s his enthusiasm and sheer love for children.”
The ministry couldn’t have come at a better time for Simmons, who found himself a bit bored in retirement. He’s been married more than 50 years to Judy and the two raised five children together. He served as a pastor for decades and in his youth also went to Vietnam while in the Air Force.
Simmons, who now lives in Oak Harbor with his wife, perfected the character at his church while living in Lake Charles, La. The performance, while aimed at younger children, is for all ages.
“It’s good, clean entertainment,” he said.
And the ministry is just as much about drawing teenagers into service, he said. At Lake Charles, he had a few dozen teens participating in the performance and working with younger children.
That, he believes, is how God wants him to use young people.
“You are reaching inside of them and pulling them out, giving them a better life,” he said. “You are planting something in their hearts and minds.”
His next performance is planned for noon Sunday, April 12, at the Oak Harbor United Pentecostal Church, 210 SE Pioneer Way. The public is invited. Capt. Tara performs about once a month at the church.
His daughter and son-in-law minister at the fledging church. While the performance is a draw to bring families, Simmons said he would also perform at other area churches.
He’s also interested in teaching others how to have similar ministries at their churches.
“I’m trying to do this in Oak Harbor,” he said. “I’d like to set up a children’s church.”
“I’ll use anything and anybody I can.”
