“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

He Came Bearing Gifts

Twice a month, when we're available, Sue and I serve in a food pantry based out of our church in Naples, Maine.  This is hardly a big sacrifice; we actually benefit from the food distribution ourselves, now that both of us are in the low income world of Christian education.  Furthermore, I always look forward to working alongside Richard, a retired Coast Guard cook, and Don, a career lobsterman.  These are a couple of real Mainers through and through.  Meanwhile, Sue has her share of friends she works with on the first Tuesday and third Monday of the month as well.

We were serving there on December 16 (the third Monday of the month) and were just about ready to close up.  I went into the fellowship  hall to see if we had anyone still waiting for a box, and there was one man sitting there.  I told him I imagined his box was ready and he could pick it up when he told me he was not there for the food pantry. "You're the magician, aren't you?"

Normal I respond to this statement with, "Actually, I'm a magician, but some day I hope to be THE magician.  Right now there's lots of us."  For some reason, it didn't seem the right time to be a wise guy, and I'm glad I wasn't. "Yes," I said.

"I don't know if you remember, but I met you at a show in Bridgton a while back.  We spoke after the show and I told you I had a bunch of illusions I was wanting to donate to you."

Immediately I recalled the conversation.  It was three years ago! He was a local guy and retired pastor who had used illusions for sermon illustrations, and he believed it was time to pass them on to a fellow illusionist who would also use them for the Gospel.  Shortly after this meeting, though, we switched churches and he didn't know how to get a hold of me.  After three years, he had learned I'm often at the food pantry, so he stopped by.  He brought in a large box filled with literally hundreds of dollars worth of only-used-once props.  Two of them were actually props that I have previously owned and lost over the years: the needle through the balloon, and the vanishing salt shaker.  Another was one I already own, but is used nine months out of the year by LOL, my teenage jugglers at school.  He gave me a beautiful new set of shackles, so now I can have one at home and one stays at school.  In addition, he gave me eight other illusions I have never owned until that evening and a new set of stripped cards. There were also two books!

I already have plans for two of them, and another one: passe-passe bottles, I actually used for the first time yesterday in church.  I was filling in for our pastor, and I did this trick as part of MY sermon illustration. 

Today it has been snowing since I woke up, so I have stayed at home all day.  I used part of this snow day to go through the props more thoroughly, and I plan to use more of them in upcoming shows.

Call it an early Christmas gift!

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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