LEWISTOWN — For the past five years, Locust Grove Mennonite Church has partnered with children’s ministry leader Forrest Chapman to bring an energetic mix of laser tag, games and fellowship to local youth.

Chapman, his wife, Karen, and their children travel across the country offering churches a hands-on approach to children’s ministry designed to get kids active and engaged.

Chapman has been involved in children’s ministry since his teenage years. He received training under Charles Homsher, founder of Neighborhood Bible Time, and earned a master of divinity degree from Calvary Baptist Seminary. He has spoken at camps, youth retreats, vacation Bible schools and special events for more than 20 years.

As part of the partnership with Locust Grove Mennonite Church, Chapman and his family will host a free laser tag event beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the church, located at 3358 W. Main St., Belleville.

Children must pre-register by Tuesday, Jan. 27, to attend. The event is free and is designed as a drop-off program, with pickup scheduled for 9 p.m.

In addition to laser tag, activities will include Gaga ball, four square, 9 Square in the Air, board games and video games, including old-school arcade games such as Ms. Pac-Man and Centipede, as well as Nintendo Switch. Pizza, snacks and prizes will be available throughout the evening.

The night will begin with a group assembly featuring games, competitions and prizes. Children will then be divided into grade-based groups for the laser tag portion of the event, with each group receiving 30 minutes of playtime. While not participating in laser tag, children can take part in other games and activities.

“Churches contact us and have us come in and help them run an outreach on Friday,” Chapman said. “Often on Saturday we’ll do a kids ministry workshop with the church family, and on Sunday either preach or run their kids ministry so they can see how we do it.”

More information about Chapman’s ministry is available at mrforrest.org. Churches interested in hosting similar events may contact Chapman by email at mrforrestministries@gmail.com.

To register for the Jan. 30 event, contact Locust Grove Mennonite Church at (717) 935-2164.