I have developed an online magic trick you can try now. Feel free to download the images if you’d like to use it on your own site. (A link to my site would be appreciated.)

The four symbols below represent some of the different ways people try to get to heaven. (Eastern Philosophies, Good Works, Knowledge, and Christianity.)

You had a choice each step of the way, but I know what you choose. Click here for the prediction!

Below is a link to the workshop notes from my balloon sculpture workshop. It includes information on where to get the materials you need, and some simple balloon sculptures you can do.

Balloon Sculpture Basics (PDF)

Update 9/15: Corrected link to PDF.

Below I have the workshop notes from my basic puppetry workshop. They were designed to be used in conjunction with hands-on training, but there should be enough information here to get you started.

Basic Puppetry Workshop Notes (PDF)

In this magical object lesson, a strip of paper is repeatedly cut in half and put back together. The performer can keep cutting out more pieces from the middle of the paper, and restoring what is left. There are several possible lessons, including teaching the concept of how our sin cuts us off from God.

Effect

A strip of paper is cut in half and is restored. The performer can keep cutting out more pieces from the middle of the paper, and restoring what is left.

Preparation

Cut a strip of paper about two inches wide and at least eight inches long. Heavily coat one side with rubber cement, except for about an inch at each end. (It helps to let it dry and apply a second coat.)  After it dries, coat the rubber cement completely with talc or baby powder.

Presentation

Cut the strip of paper in half. Separate the two pieces to show it is really cut.

Put the two pieces together with the rubber cement on the inside. Cut through both strips about ¼ inch from the first cut. The cut will expose some of the rubber cement and actually glue the strip back together.

Hold one end of the strip and allow it to open. (The glue is just strong enough to hold the strip together, so handle it gently!) You can fold the strip in half again and repeat cutting out a pieces of the strip.

Applications

Sin Cuts Us Off From God

Write “God” at one end of the strip and “Me” at the other.

Cut the strip in half to illustrate how our sin cuts us off from God. Restore the strip to show how God restores our relationship with him when we ask for forgiveness.

God’s Pruning

Write “Jesus” at one end of the strip and “Me” at the other. In this presentation, the strip isn’t cut in half. Instead, the middle is just cut out.

Talk about how God has to “prune” things out of our lives to bring us closer to him. Fold the strip and cut out a small portion. Open the strip to show that “Jesus” and “Me” are closer together. Keep repeating this, bringing “Jesus” and “Me” ever closer.

This object lesson teaches us to trust God when making choices in life.

Effect

The magician displays three small boxes. One is full of paper clips, and the other two are empty. The boxes are mixed up, and the audience tries to guess where the full box is, but they are always wrong.

Preparation

You’ll need four identical paper clip boxes. Three are empty, and the fourth has some paper clips in it. The boxes should be taped shut. The box with paper clips is attached to your arm with a rubber band. This is hidden under your sleeve.  

You can use small match boxes and matches instead, if you prefer.

Presentation

Display the three (empty) boxes. Shake one of the boxes with your right hand. The rattling sound from the box in your sleeve will make it seem that the box is full. Shake the other two boxes with your left hand to show they are empty.

Mix the boxes and have an audience member try to guess where the full box is. Shake their selected box with your left hand to show they’re wrong. Shake one of the other boxes to show where the full box really is. This can be repeated several times.

Application

Choices

We all have to make choices every day. If we rely only on ourselves, we may make the wrong choice. God knows everything, and he is willing to help us make the right choice.