A Wichita, Kan., pastor has come-up with a unique way to teach positive lessons to children. 

Instead of learning, the kids just think they're having fun.

Reuben Eckels preaches about making good decisions. But he wanted share that message to kids who weren't in the church pews.

So he invented Wichita Man, a comic book superhero who tackles real problems like gangs and domestic violence by seeking help -- an example Eckels hopes his young readers will follow.

"It is about community. Showing that one man, even with all his super powers, can't overcome all the issues," Eckels said.

The idea for Wichita Man came when Eckels was overheard by his son, discussing ways to minister to at-risk children.

"He was looking through my old comic book collection and he heard me on the phone talking to someone and he said 'why don't you write a comic book about it' and I said 'that sounds like a good idea,'" Eckels recalled.

More than 50 businesses and schools now carry Wichita Man. Eckels is now working on comic books for other cities.

*Original Broadcast Date: November 11, 2009