By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL

Freeport News Reporter

Local businessman Frank Outten has found an inventive way to encourage children to read the Bible, and the success of his first "Summer Job" venture last year has led him to repeat the program this year.

The programme allows participants to study four books of the Bible – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – after which they will be tested on their knowledge.

The idea for the program came about a few years ago as each summer scores of students would come in to his store looking for summer jobs, Outten explained.

The time spent studying is likened to a summer job, and the prizes awarded are given as "payment" for a job well done.

First, second and third place winners in the various age divisions will receive prizes ranging from MP5 players, laptop computers, PSPs, Motorola and LG cellphones, to IPhones, cell phone watches and school supplies.

All registered participants will be given notebooks and pencils to return to school with.

The notebooks are specially made with a listing of the members of Parliament and Senators, the pledge, the national anthem and other relevant information about The Bahamas at the front of them and over $20 worth of coupons at the back.

Perhaps the most coveted prize for this year's competition is the payment of school fees up to $1000 for all first place winners.

Noting the rising cost of school fees, Outten had expressed his interest last year in securing that particular prize for the winners, and said he was thrilled to be able to offer it, thanks to the help of a few sponsors, including Subway Restaurants, Maechal Electronics and Lucayan Shipping.

Outten explained that the idea for the program tied in with his goal of giving back to the community.

"This is the mandate of Frank's Ice Cream," he said. "The more I do stuff like this, the more the Lord blesses me to do more stuff." .

The businessman explained that he was involved in a bad accident in June 1998 in which his Jeep Cherokee turned over five times.

"After two days of fasting and praying, coming back the Holy Spirit showed me this ice-cream truck sitting outside my yard and every year we've been doing something to give back, using the business as a tool to give back."

Outten said after he saw how last year's program impacted the participants, he made a vow to turn it into an annual event.

"I just sat there and watched the joy on these kids faces as they received gifts and prizes for studying the Bible," he said.

One of the reasons he advocates for children to study the Bible, Outten explained, is his recall of having only learnt the words of the "Our Father" prayer properly at the age of 30.

"It's all about encouraging them to study their Bibles. I went though the corner one time and I told this little boy, 'Say your Our Father prayer and I'll give you a free ice-cream,' and he couldn't say it," he shared. "The next day I went through there he was saying it off like a song. So I said, 'Wait a minute, they just need motivation.' "

Outten said he believes his efforts would not be in vain if he is able to reach at least one person.

"When these kids get older and they hook up with the wrong company, and they have a gun in their hands, they will think twice before they pull the trigger, and if this could do it, that's all I want," he said.

Outten said at the end of the program a graduation ceremony will be held where prizes will be distributed.

Registration for the "Summer Job Programme" closes on July 31 and interested persons can pick up entry forms from Frank's Ice Cream and Subway stores.