She co-starred with a singing crab in Disney’s The Little Mermaid—so why not co-star with a turtle in the new video series Guideposts Junction? That suits Jodi Benson just fine. In fact, the woman best known as the voice of the Little Mermaid prefers it that way. Says Jodi, "I’m very glad to share the stage with an imaginary character—although they do really come to life! You forget that they’re not real because they’re so there and so present."

In an industry where time in the spotlight is a precious commodity, Jodi Benson seems more than willing to give it away—even to a guy in a big green turtle suit. However, don’t mistake that lack of ego for a lack of talent. In addition to her part as Ariel in the award-winning The Little Mermaid, Jodi has been nominated for a Best Actress Tony Award for her role in the long-running Broadway musical, Crazy for You. She’s also performed on stages all over the world, and has been the starring voice in several popular animated features and cartoons.

Many Christian artists spend years trying to "crossover" into the kind of mainstream market success that Jodi Benson has achieved. However, this talented performer has been doing just the opposite—using her mainstream popularity to "crossover" into the much smaller Christian market. She describes her unique position this way, "The connection with Disney has touched a lot of kids who are non-believers to say, ‘Well, the Little Mermaid is a Christian, so, I want to check that out too.’"

She continues by saying, "The Lord made it pretty clear to me that my ministry would be with children, to children, and to families...I want kids to know that God loves them and he wants to hold them and help them grow up and stay really really close. I just want them to know that they’re loved by somebody. Somebody who really really cares about them."

Her latest venue for sending kids that message is Guideposts Junction, a live action video and audio series for kids (a co-venture of Sparrow Corporation and Guideposts magazine). Each video takes place in the imaginary world of Wally T. Turtle. Jodi, Wally, and "The Post Kids"( a group of singing and dancing children) get together to answer true-life letters that other children have written to Guideposts for Kids magazine. The letters deal with topics such as divorce, angels, and being teased at school.

As she discusses Guideposts Junction, Jodi Benson’s voice becomes excited, "We’re focusing not just on the church kids," she says, "But [also] the kids who are plugged into the TV on Sunday morning while the parents are reading the paper or whatever. We’re hoping that through the letters of the kids that have written in with real big problems, little problems or concerns, that we answer them with true stories about how God loves these kids and about how God has helped [others] get through this difficulty."

And through it all, Jodi Benson seems to have maintained a child-like sense of humor. When asked what were the funniest or most unusual things that happened during the filming of Guideposts Junction, she laughs immediately. "The [Post] kids, were forever cracking me up as we would make mistakes constantly—all of us did. We’d have food in scenes and the food would end up in our teeth and...we’d start cracking up." Add to that the reported practical jokes at lunch time, food fights on the set, and the humor of having to deal with a sometimes...uhmm... unusual smell created by the turtle suit. All in all, it’s apparent that Jodi Benson had as much fun making Guideposts Junction as kids will have watching it.

So what lies ahead for this multi-faceted performer? "Spiritually I’m really excited right now because God has given me a six-week spiritual vacation to just really focus on him and get on-track in a really great way. Time [can] get crazy sometimes and I think he’s given me this gift of time.

"Career—I have no idea! We did these six videos and we’re supposed to do six more. I’ve got an animation Bible series out in the midst of recording for Integrity [Music]. And theatrically my husband and I are doing My Fair Lady out in LA which is a Broadway show... We’re [also] getting involved in Promise Keepers [and] my husband and I are starting to sing together."

Of course, with Jodi Benson’s history, she could turn up as a co-star to an iguana—and make it wonderful just by being there.

SIDEBAR

FAMILY: Married to husband, Ray.

CURRENTLY IN THE CD PLAYER: The 1953 version of My Fair Lady (with Julie Andrews), and the classical music of Strauss.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO: "Because God has called me to do it...Any gifts that I have are clearly from him. I’m an open vessel to remain moldable and pliable and stay in his hands. I want to make myself available to join him wherever his work is planned."