Loving God - Serving Children

Inspired by other children's ministries in the late 1990s, Penny Scott created the character of Penny Praise as a way of connecting with children in her preschool Sunday School class at The Grove church in Maysville, GA. Penny has always had a passion for teaching even the youngest child about Jesus Christ. As Penny Praise, she seeks to help parents, grandparents, caregivers and other adults minister to - and be ministered by - young children. 

Penny Praise Ministries began by connecting with children outside the church through face painting and one-on-one interaction with families at local events and festivals. In 2009, Lauren Hodges joined Penny Praise at the age of fourteen, learning leadership skills in her preschool classroom, painting faces at festivals and sharing the Gospel with children of all ages.

 Lauren, together with her twin sister Meaghan, illustrated the first edition of Ms. Penny's first book, Hoppin John Celebrates Easter, while still in high school. She went on to illustrate Penny's second book, Petey Pig Celebrates the Nativity, while pursuing her BA degree in 2D Arts and Graphic Design. Now an award winning author and illustrator in her own right, she continues to be an important part of Penny Praise Ministries and has since re-illustrated both books.

 Penny continues to be a faithful mentor and source of inspiration to Lauren. This "dynamic duo" of creativity and faith are continuing to expand the reach of the ministry for the cause of Christ.