New Book. Now available at Amazon.com

 

I am delighted to announce the release of Gospel Magic for Preachers: Theology and Praxis.  This is the hard copy of my ebook which is available on www.gospelemagic.com. Hope you enjoy it.

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Raccoon

He has been one of my best buys . . . ever! I first bought Rocky Raccoon over 20 years ago and I am now on Rocky V (yes they do wear out!). Surprisingly though Rocky has not made an appearance at St Andrew's Church since we moved to Abu Dhabi in 2010. (he was seen though on the beach at Fairmont Hotel and has made special appearances at the British Al Khubairat School)

Our Christmas morning service was packed - there was an overflow crowd out in the lobby and the balcony was full. I introduced my wrapped gift and after a momentt of suspense unwrapped it and out popped the Raccoon - cue my usual routine of attacking kids, eating and drinking, being hynotised etc Then once I had the full attention of the congregation (many who are not regualr churchgoers) I explained how Rocky only came to life when he was in my hands. I went onto explain that the gift the baby Jesus brings is life in God. That when we walk with Him and trust in Him and follow His ways that is when we become most fully alive.

There was a real buzz as the congregation moved out and I pray that the seed will have been planted in many a heart . . . all thanks to a furry puppet. Now that is Gospel magic at it's best.

Who is Gospel Magic for?

All over the world the Church is growing. The greatest need in virtually every church worldwide is for creative teaching to children, youth and young adults. Especially to those who are new to the faith or whom have little contact with the Church.

How to do Gospel Magic is an ebok made not for magicians or 'experts' but written specifically for the thousands of hard pressed teachers who are wondering what they are going to do this weekend in Church for the young people.

Each magic trick is easy, simple, with a great Biblical message and most importantly the young people will learn and remember vital Gospel truths.

So for pastors, priests, youthworkers, Sunday School teachers and anyone involved in evangelism in a post modern society, I invite you to check out my e book on How to do Gospel Magic which you can find at www.gospelemagic.com

Teach the faith in a memorable and inforgettable way.

'Nuff said!

Blessings from the Arabian Gulf.

Linking Rings and the Gospel

Of all the Linking Rings the Newman set are my favourite. They are flat, handle easily, burnish to a bright and ttractive bronze finish and the key ring is virtually impossible to detect.
I use my Rings in one of three ways.
1) To introduce the subject of illusion. The idea that not everything is as it seems. For example Jesus has been decribed as a greta moral teacher or prophet . . . but he is so much more than that. He seems like a normal human being . . . but there is a secret.
2) With a set of three rings it of course is a great visual aid for the Trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal and of the same substance.
3) The need for unity between Christians and Churches. Even more so when they are livingin in Islamic countries.

How do you use your Linking Rings?

ribbon and glass penetration

One of the most baffling and visual effects I use in my shows is the beautiful ribbon penetration through glass. I think I bought mine years ago from International Magic Studios and its trade name was 'Fanplastic'. It always gets a stunned reaction and the patter is powerful. In a non religious context I use this to talk about Harry Houdini who could escape from anything. The sheet of glass is then woven into the frame and it really does look convincing. This is one prop which silences the hecklers and in 20 years of performing I have only had one guy come close to guessing how it works.

The themes of escape, liberation and freedom are of course all very Biblical ones. In the Old Testament it ranges from the people of Israel escaping from Egypt through to the New Testament message of finding freedom from sin in Christ.

I think you can still get this from International Magic Studio or the last I saw it was on the Penguin Magic. com site.

I like this because it is simple to perform, extremely visual (kids and adults are stunned alike), devastatingly fooling and lends itself to a message with a punch.

Check it out

instant gospel magic

All you need is a coin. Then you are set for performing a gospel magic trick wherever you are and at any time.

You need to know how to do the french drop, which is one of the smoothest ways to make a coin disappear from your hand. You can learn this by googling a video on how to perform the French Drop. (It's amazing what is out there!)

If someone asks me why I am a Christian - or more often - what do I believe. This is what I do.

I take a coin and explain to them that I follow the teachings of Christ. He taught his followers through word and deed that we are called to love God and our neighbours and that through a relationship with Jesus we can know God as our heavenly Father. This is possible because Scripture tells us that Jesus was put to death and his body was placed in a dark tomb. (Place coin in your fingers and perform French Drop). This would have been the end of the Christian story - except for one thing. Gesture towardsyour (empty) hand. When the disciples went to the dark tomb on the third day to get it ready for a proper burial - they found the tomb - empty!! (Open hand to show that the coin has disappeared).

Scripture tells us that on the third day Christ was raised from the dead - although many theories have been posited about how the tomb came to be empty. Themost convincing one still remains the Biblical one. The resurrection of Jesus.

Why do I believe in Jesus today? (reach to your chest with your loaded hand) - it's because Jesus is alive today and I know him - in my heart (produce coin from your 'heart' area of the chest at your finger tips).

This can then open up the discussion on what theories do people believe about the empty tomb and what difference does resurrection make for Christians.

Enjoy.

new purchase

John Archer is one of the Britian's busiest comedy mentalists and magician.

He has produced a dvd set called Educating Archer which gives a sample of his style. In the first dvd we see him in action and the second dvd presents the workings and secrets of his routine.

My favourite is his routine called Collard. The inspiration for this trick comes from Al Koran's "Medallion". Archer's adaptation of this classic effect involves the presentation of a large stuffed toy (or puppet) which has a collar and name tag around it. The audience are invited to help name the toy and they call out letters and vowels which are duly recorded onto a name certificate.

The conclusion of the routine is that the name on the collar tag hanging around the toy's neck in full view all the time matches the name which the audience has just constructed. Great routine with audience participation and a baffling ending. It also has for me a great Gospel allegory in which we are reminded that God has engraved our names on his palm. I am looking forward to trying this in a church service in the near future.