The Auburn Advent Christian Church is in one of the poorest neighborhoods in this medium sized Maine city. Pastor Laurel-Leigh has been there for five years, and the Lord is making an impact in this neighborhood through her, and her commitment to this area is very admirable. We are blessed that we have been a part of her work in Auburn over the five years she has served there.
Last night we were once again the program for their annual ‘Cabin Fever Reliever’ event. There were about 25 people in attendance, and we did an hour long program. I continued to take risks with new and new-ish material such as “Dry Bones Dance” and the bleeding rose illusion. Everything was well received, and after closing with the story / illusion of the prostitute that washed Jesus feet with her tears, I had a prayer time that included a time for those who wanted to receive Jesus as their Savior. It was a special evening.
During the show, our 11 year old daughter, Rose, sat with an 11 year old girl from the neighborhood (When Rose wasn’t needed on stage or to run my i-pod.) The girl was pleasant and friendly. Afterwards, Pastor told us she had almost died a few months ago from a suicide attempt. How heartbreaking; as parents of an 11 year old girl ourselves, Sue and I can’t imagine what this would be like. Please pray for this sweet girl.
After the program there were refreshments, and Rose sold some handmade greeting cards. She has been working on these cards since Christmas, and all proceeds go to the orphanage in Uganda that her sister, Jo, will be doing her internship at this summer. The cards are all unique and beautifully made by Rose, and she made over $20 last night for this mission project. She was very pleased, and the cards will be on sale at various churches we visit between now and when Jo leaves for Africa this summer.
As I was enjoying a snack in the fellowship hall, a couple boys asked me, “How did you do all those tricks?” I answered as I always do, “I practice a lot and read a lot of books on magic.” The one boy turned, clearly disappointed, to his friend and said, “did you hear that… you have to read books!”