Just wanted to know what everybody's favorite Christian effect is.

I would say the one with the iodine in water, and the cross goes into the water; and the water becomes clear again, essentially the concept of Christ's death as being a way to cleanse us of our sins (sins being of course represented by the poison of iodine) - although I have yet to perform it in an actual show. So far, none of the churches are hiring magicians often in my area.

But I just like it. I'm not keen on the "storebought patter" but if someone can come up with something that comes from the heart and sounds real, then it's a beautiful effect.

Torn & Restored Newspaper: God can heal our sin.

The People That We Meet.

So many applications

I also like Clippo, same as above.

I use the strait jacket and talk about how we are born into bondage, and can be set free.

Barry Mitchell's "Mother of All Diamonds" effect where coal turns to diamonds. I love this effect and use it to illustrate how God values each and every one of us. We're all diamonds in the rough but God sees the before and after, the beginning and the end. I utilize Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

My favorite close-up effect, at the moment, is a card effect using Neil Tobins "X-Pert" and is a gospel version of the Vampire Hunter routine from the effects booklet.

GlenD

Boy Glen, you are right about Barry Mitchell's trick. It is a great routine that can be used in secular shows also.

I hope you are doing well, also.

David

Chance Wolf's Shattered is my favorite.

Great patter about reflecting God's love in the world, etc.

Barry Mitchell's Chain of Sin is my second.

RevJohn

Steve Taylor's "Treasure in Heaven."

Thanks David. It sure does have secular applications as well as Gospel presentation possibilities.

And thanks for asking... I am getting better. My arm does not hurt as bad as it was and movement is improving greatly. Thank the Lord!
I sincerely hope all is well with you also.

GlenD

I use the magic coloring book and describe how people are a lot like a coloring book. They look great on the outside but on the inside they are all different. Some do not know Jesus (blank pages)Some know the stories about Jesus (Line drawings) and some know Jesus as their savior and have experienced the joy and color He brings to their life. (colored Pages) I use this in almost every show and it really ilustrates the gospel message well.

Mike

Hey Rev John! I have and really enjoy the Shattered effect as well. I came up with a complete gospel version of my own also. The only thing is the amount of pocket space necessary to do the whole routine. I have a certain black coat that I prefer to wear when I perform it but sometimes it is just too hot to wear. Do you have a particular item of clothing that you wear when you perform it?
I also have the Jumbo Shattered but have never performed it yet as I havent gotten comfortable enough with the handling of it. One of these days though... I do think it would be nice to do on stage during a gospel performance or in a secular environment.
Glad to know someone else has such a liking for this effect.

GlenD

My favorite effect to do close up is Gordon Bean’s World’s Wildest Joker with a Gospel theme. Instead of the original patter about dreaming in color or black and white, I talk about sharing the joy that we have in Christ with others. In secular situations, I still talk about the importance of being joyful in general terms, being in the world not of the world and how we can let the world rob us of our joy and the importance of sharing our joy. This sometimes leads to spiritual conversation.


Most recently, I acquired Dean Dills Nana’s Necklace with a salvation theme in mind. The two ropes represent the old and the new covenants. The three beads Christ and the two thieves. When placing the beads in the spectator’s hand and tying the ropes I talk about uniting our suffering and sin with Christ’s Passion. I then point out that when we do this we are united with Him since He united Himself with us, though sinless Himself, by taking the just punishment for our sins becoming our salvation. I ask the spectator if he/she believes this. If they say yes, I pull the ropes saying: “ Then like the beads in your hand you are set free! “ If they ever answer no I would then say: “ If you did, do you know what would happen?” (pulling ropes) “ Then like the beads in your hand, you would be indeed set free.”

Dave

Andre coles 3 ball illusion hands down, unfortunately I do not co it but I love the routine

Andre coles 3 ball illusion hands down, unfortunately I do not co it but I love the routine

Falling on our knee's in prayer!

Risen by Michael Paul...

Justin N. Miller

Any effect that shares the gospel. But my favourite to perform is my version of the "upside down card trick." Our lives can look great/regular on the outside. But sometimes inside we're upside down, and messed up.

Another close-up effect I like to use is Transmental Gemsation from Viking. Where you have 5 rods with 5 pretty looking colored gems at one end (Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, & Emerald). As far as a gospel presentation goes, I use it as sort of a random wordless book presentation but with a question for the spectator after each selection. If anyone is interested in more, let me know.

GlenD