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Froste New user 88 Posts |
Howdy folks,
I'm kinda new around here as you can see by my post count. I've been working a close-up table for the past few weeks at a local Farmer's Market. It's great fun, great practice working with a Live Audience, and overall it's been a completely wonderful experience. Please understand that Jesus is part of my life, I have been saved. I'm sure in my black shorts, flaming green shirt and pentacle necklace (work clothes!) I don't quite look the part... but that's how I roll for now. Yesterday was the first time I was evangelized to during magic time. The first brush was with a young lady who was walking by my table. I asked her politely if she liked magic. She stopped and said she did and while I was deciding which effect to perform she curtly supplied that the best magic she had ever seen was what Jesus did to people's lives and then walked off like she had just won something. I was a little confused, I mean I'm certainly not looking to perform miracles to rival Jesus by any means. My aim is to entertain and maybe even amaze. The second brush was a couple of hours later. During a lull a fellow approached with a pair of identical curved cards, one pink and one blue. They had a script on the back that was written to essentially establish that the person he was talking to was indeed a sinner like everyone else and that Jesus was necessary to prevent the listener from experiencing the fires of hell upon death (which may very well occur right now, according the the fellow.) He asked questions (have you ever lied, stolen, etc) and such for a few minutes and when I saw someone who wanted to see some magic aproaching I cheerfully told the gentleman that I was unconcerned about the afterlife, having already invited Jesus into my heart. But the thing is... the whole experience left me feeling a bit odd. I wonder if I should have interrupted him with some gospel magic, like the Professor's Nightmare with Gospel Lesson that was described in another thread in this forum. Has anyone here been in a similar spot? It's not quite like having a heckler, but it is similar in that I had an "audience member" take over and push his agenda for a while. It would have been worse if others had been around, surely, but I'm not completely convinced that my table wasn't avoided while he was at my table. |
Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
Fortunately I've never had this happen to me while performing. But then again I perform in a more formal setting these days and haven't worked the bricks for years. I have a Friend however who still does a lot of street work and occasionally has some evangelical type try to proselytize to his crowd during his show. He, being well versed in such things is always able to get the crowd to turn on the clown usually by getting the fellow to admit that animalsdon't go to heaven so little Sally's cat or Timmy's dog ain't going to be in heaven with them. A real funny bit when he gets to use it.
Occasionally I get accosted on the street by some well meaning evangelical type trying to foist some sort of tract or literature on me. I politely decline the material and tell them that I'm not superstitious which usually leaves them with a puzzled expression on their face.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
Froste, the good news is that there are Christians actually being Christians. They should be out evangelizing and sharing.
You have to think like they are thinking, you would not normally associate a Christian, who is a magician, working in a farmers market, and as you already stated about the way you dress for the performance, may not lead one to think of you as a Christian. That said, I would politely tell them, thank you so much for caring for my soul and that it's good to see Believers out sharing their faith. Then tell them you already know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You've done 2 things, you've encouraged them and let them know, you're a Believer too. Then ask them if they would want to see a trick! I have been performing for 36 years, at times doing 30 to 40 weeks a year, five days a week...I know not everyone is open to us doing magic, but it is a great tool for evangelism and entertaining too. Not everyone understands, but that's okay. We can help educate them. I just had 40 people saved last week in 4 days doing Gospel magic...that is the real miracle! God bless you! |
Carrie Sue Veteran user Auburn, MI 332 Posts |
Froste,
I can understand how you were taken aback by the first lady's answer to you, but I've got to give her points for using your question as a conversation starter. Next time someone says something like, "The best magic I've ever seen was what Jesus did," you can gently respond with something like, "Well, I've experienced His power, and I would call it more miraculous than magic." Having found common ground with the person, you then can try refocusing the conversation to the illusions you're performing. I've seen cards like the one you mentioned the second gentleman using. Regarding that experience, it sounded at first like he was sharing his faith with someone else in your crowd, but then it sounded like he was sharing with you. Your cheerful response sounded the best to me. You reassured him that you were on the same team, although the word "unconcerned" may not have been the best choice. I'm with T.M. Owens. Don't beat yourself up over these encounters, and don't get skittish about them, either. You just keep getting out there and practice taking direct control of your audiences. Almost anyone who feels they have something more important to say can take over your show at any time. All the Lord's best for your show and your future in magic! Carrie P.S. Payne, your spurting venom against Christians continues to amaze me. Evangelical types are clowns to you? Forgive me if I can't see the tolerance. Oh, the shame of it! |
Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-10 21:44, Carrie Sue wrote: No, not just Christians. Any idiot who breaks into the middle of a workers set in a vain attempt to steal his crowd. Doesn't matter if it's a Preacher, Drunk or Lunatic. They're all clowns and deserving of any derision they incur through their rude and inconsiderate actions. You can stand on the street corner an hawk God all you want. Doesn't matter to me. Just don't come into my circle while I'm working and try to do it.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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Froste New user 88 Posts |
I guess I didn't describe the situations completely. That's not surprising, given the limits of the written word. I'll try and 'splain more.
You see, the young lady did not say her peice as a conversation starter, but rather as a conversation avoider. As though she wanted to move along quickly lest I get some evil magic cooties on her or something. The second fellow wasn't talking to anyone nearby me... the table was me, myself and I practicing fans and ribbons when he approached. He didn't exactly steal the show, but his presence made it difficult for the next show to begin. You're both right on, Carrie Sue and Payne. I could probably use some tips on keeping control of the show, inasmuch as a table in the midst of a chaotic market can be controlled. It continues to be a wonderful experience, and that's exactly what I signed on for... experience. |
Tony Brent Regular user Orlando, Florida 156 Posts |
Froste,
It seems you have the right attitude about performing in front of a live audience. Anything can happen when you are dealing with people. Regarding you brush with the lady and gentleman who mentioned their faith; who knows, maybe she felt the urge to say what she said but the conversation wasn't really meant for you, but for someone nearby who may have overheard what they said and maybe later on will have a life-changing decision. As for Payne; I love your posts. They are always are intelligent and make me laugh. It's guys like you that I want to hang out with in heaven. Tony Brent Outta Control Magic Show Orlando |
Bendy Special user Columbus, Ohio 518 Posts |
I'm a Christian. I'm an Evangelist. I have a tract ministry. I am also an Illusionist. I actually use the curved illusion tracts that you mentioned here often. They're great ice-breakers and they not only provide a strong Gospel message, but they provide a neat illusion for people to show their friends. They do their job in that they present a clear message and people hold onto them and even share them. That being said, however, I would never interrupt someone's performance to show the tract or witness to them. They are there to do a job and if I distract them from that job, then I am causing them to "steal" from their employer - even if that employer is themselves. That, in my opinion, is not ethical. I would enjoy the performance of a fellow magician. I would, if given the opportunity AFTER the performance, use our common interest of magic to ask some questions that would/could lead into a witnessing situation. But I would never interrupt someone in the process of performing or even in gathering an audience. That kind of behavior is just rude and, in my opinion as an in-your-face evangelist, is most likely to be counter-productive to the whole goal of witnessing.
Unfortunately, many well-meaning Christians also view "magic" as anti-biblical and figure that you couldn't possibly be a Christian if you're performing magic. Those people have a narrow understanding of the biblical definition of sorcery, (if they've ever actually READ those passages at all). Forget my ordination documents, my street evangelism trips, my preaching, my tithe-paying, the sound doctrine and biblical messages in my performances and any/all other fruits of my faith...To those people, I am going to Hell because I perform illusions. With those kinds of people, there really is nothing you can do except carry on and pray for them. |
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
Unless I'm not understanding your original post, you were not in the middle of a performance, but either getting ready to show the lady one, and you said it was during a lull and you were just practicing when the gentleman came up to you...again it goes back to, at least people are sharing their faith. It would never be proper for them to interupt your program, but sharing with you otherwise is on the level. The one thing it should cause us as Christians to do, is seek the Holy Spirit in who to talk to. Just because someone doesn't "look" the image, doesn't mean they're not a Christian.
But don't let them ruffle your feathers, you keep, keeping on. |
DocEdward New user 43 Posts |
Froste,
Work on controlling the direction of your performance, but realize that with close-up or street magic, you can only do so much with that. As an evangelist, pastoral counselor and minister I work a lot with street, biker and prison ministry and have learned to "earn" the right to share my faith with people first. Magic has been a big help there too. I would say that both people you encountered didn't do a great job of this. But at the same time I have to give them credit for trying. I think Carrie Sue's response would be a good way to go. Also, you will indeed run into Christians who just don't understand the concept of magic and see it as something to avoid, as in the case of the first lady. Sounds to me like you're doing a good job and this is obviously something you can grow from. And remember, don't worry about getting it wrong, you'll have the chance to do it again, and again, and again... < )))>< |
Froste New user 88 Posts |
Thanks for all your comments, guys. I love all your encouragement. I will definitely keep on keeping on.
Here's a funny follow-up. When I got home from yesterday's market magic, there was a flier about a free magic show in the park not half a block from my home. I went over to see what was happening and found myself smack in the middle of a Christian Magic Show. I've been wanting to see a Christian Magician work and this was it! I talked with the pastor after the show about Jesus and magic and the local magic scene and so forth (he was from out of town). He gave me some helpful hints on the TT and a new handling (new to me anyway) for Prof's NM. Awesomeness abounds. |
totalmagic New user 69 Posts |
I would be careful about shooing off evangelists. Even though you are already saved you never know who else might me listening. There might be a person listening even if you don't think they are, they might be really affected by the message.
oh and the second guy that talked to you used The Way of The Master program. One of the great things about that is that you don't have to earn your right to talk to someone (sorry to disagree with you DocEdward). I have seen the effect of this!! |
chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-10 22:40, Payne wrote: When it comes to a performer being interupted in the middle of a set: Payne's absolutely right (at least about the fact that people should'nt be interupting a performer in the middle of their livlihood!). Evangelizing is one thing, but interupting someone's livlihood is just plain selfish and misguided! Remember to ask yourself, if you're Christian, "what would Jesus do?"...I firmly believe he'd love that performer enough and know that that performer may be providing for a family and stand back, enjoy the show, and wait until after the show was done before he approached the performer with a loving smile and an open heart..... Remember the "fisher's of men" story? First, the nets became full and began to burst (one of Christ's miracles...and essentially he was not only teaching a lesson, he was helping them provide for their families!)...THEN he invited them to join him in becoming "fishers of men". I believe this story provides an example of God wanting us to fulfill our responsibilities as providers for our families as a way to show God that we love Him and want to take care of what He's given to us. Therefore, I believe that disrupting those who are indeed in the middle of doing just this should not be interupted by evangelical messages, but should be respected as they're carrying out God's commandment...and interrupting them is simply impatience, arrogance and selfishness. Besides, you catch more bees with honey than vinigar. The "honey" here being patient and waiting for them to finish their job so that wer'e approaching them when they are in a place where they have the time to really open up and listen. However: if it's between "bits" or during close-up/walk-around/strolling magic...that's a whole different ball game! Just go with the flow...sounds like you did great! |
totalmagic New user 69 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-22 23:05, chris mcbrien wrote: But he said that the guy walked up in a lull. So the guy did probably was waiting to talk to him until he stopped with some tricks. You need to let them witness because the people around may be affected. Quote:
On 2007-06-10 14:34, Froste wrote: |
chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts |
"You need to let them witness because the people around may be affected".
Yes, you're right, Totalmagic, it was duringa lull, but I was addressing a performer being interupted during their set as a subject brought up, and validly, by Payne. So I agree, you're absolutely right, the original incident posted here DID happen during a lull. Sorry if I got off topic. As for the phrase I quoted above, I have to admit that I don't, as a Christian, believe in this modern phenomena for some cases. It's emotionally based and a simple adrenalin rush for many perhaps that's mistaken for a special experience. It's not "love based". Calling someone out in the middle of their show and using emotions and publicity to convert people is akin to false witness. Why false? As I said, it's based on emotional response and adrenalin. I believe in spreading the gospel, but it doesn't have to be done P.T Barnum style.....I believe that turns one of the most important, if not THE important moment in a person's life into a circus. The emotions and adrenalin actually block the true experience of the heart from happening...and witnesses may mistake the adrenalin rush of the event for something it's not. If someone started trying to evangelize me during my show I'd honestly have to make an example of them, use my above story of the true miracles (many of which are small and quiet...and many times those are indeed the most affecting) and ask them, albeit politely and with unconditional love in my heart, to please wait and talk to me AFTER my set. If they did'nt respect this, I'd have them thrown out. I am a full timer and support my family with magic. If my client saw this happen it may turn them off to hiring me again because they may think I'm a "magnet" for this kind of thing for whatever reason...which means no hiring back the next season. This means loss of income that affects my entire family (wife, two kids, dog, cat, rabbit, mortgage and two car payments). I came back to Christ and was "born again" as a witness to His power on the middle of a corn field on a hot summer day...and it was quiet and still....and the most moving experience of my life. While I know that this is not everyone's experience, I truly believe that making a public specatacle, at least by rudely interupting someones livlihood, is completely disrespectful of that performer and the livlihood God gave them to help them provide for themselves and their families. At the same time, I have nothing against witnesses or some of the amazing things that can happen anywhere or anytime when someone truly becomes "born again" through Christ...when done respectfully and lovingly. Sorry to be so long winded on this...just wanted to share. |
chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts |
Went out jogging and was inspired:
If we look at what Christ wants us to do, to live like Him, then we're commanded to unconditionally love our Sisters and Brothers, wether they're "saved" or "not" is not up to us to judge, but we must want for them what we want for ourselves..this is real love. So putting myself in that performer's shoes who's up there making a living for themselves adn their families..how could I do that to their livlihood when in fact I would'nt want it done to mine? |
JohnWells Inner circle The Southern Wild 1791 Posts |
Quote:
Absolutely hysterical. |
eshdath New user 61 Posts |
Shalom, Froste I noticed you said that you were wearing a pentacle necklace.If it's the classic pentacle with a circle arround it ,than you'll probably continue have these problems with christians ,because that is the classic symbol of the wicca faith and other occult religions.
Zion speaks......are you listening?
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PutASpellOnMe New user OK 27 Posts |
Perhaps you should put up a sign that says something like "Sharing the Good News through the Art of Magic" or "Saving Souls through the Art of Magic" - something advertising you are a man of faith. If indeed you are wearing symbols that represent the Wicca, you are sending a contradicting statement. I would not let my children watch a show presented by somebody in such attire.
On another side, if you are respesenting Christ and his kingdom, be prepared to go up against the non-believers in the same sense. That my friend will be you challenge. The believers are not the ones you need to worry about. That is not your mission. |
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