Ministry Trick of the Month

This is the place where I will either teach a new trick, or actually perform one for/on YOU! These will most likely not be EARTH-SHATTERING tricks, but I think you will agree that the lessons they are designed to teach are extremely valuable, and very practical for children's workers!

This page is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to teach children, and wondered, "what am I going to speak on this Sunday??". All materials are commonly available, and should cost little or nothing to gather up and use.

NOTE: I know that this trick has been a LONG time in coming... please forgive the delay, as my touring schedule has been such that updates have literally been next to impossible.

Two solid, ungimmicked fabric loops appear to exchange places in a seemingly impossible manner. They are then both "locked" onto your fingers, only to be completely separated in an instant!

Fabric loops. You can find these in either cotton, or nylon (cotton is more substantial) at any craft store, or Wal-Mart or K-Mart craft dept. They come in bags with a bazillion loops for about $3. They are used for making pot-holders, etc. Once you get the knack of this, carry a few sets with you at all times... it's a GREAT witnessing tool, but when you perform it, you'll be mobbed by kids (and adults) who will want you to teach them. Go ahead and teach them, and then give them a set of their own. You will notsoon be forgotten... and neither will the lesson!

Pick up two contrasting colored loops, and place them on your fingers, as in figure 1.

You are now going to "lock" one of the loops onto your fingers (thumb and index finger) by folding the one held between your thumbs, and closing your fingers "through" the folded loop. (See figure 2). Having done this, you are ready to grab the other loop and demonstrate how it appears to be "trapped" by your closed fingers.

figure 2

figure 3

Now, if you quickly reach up, and grab the "locked" loop (in the example, the white one) by just one of the segments (I show the one closest to the base of your thumb), and pull on it (figure 3), you will notice how the loops appear to exchange places. They DO exchange places! (See figure 4) You will do this several times as you follow the storyline.

figure 4

figure 5

Having made the "exchange" a number of times, you will then open your thumb and finger momentarily, so as to allow the dangling loop a way to be draped lightly over the thumb. (figure 5) Close your finger and thumb again as soon as this is done.

figure 6

figure 7

Now, with the loops in this position, you can reach up, and take the segment of loop closest to the base of your thumb, (figure 6), and when you pull it away, it will appear to "melt" through both the other loop, and your fingers, too! (figure 7) It is an unbelievable illusion, and you really must see it for yourself.

"The Bible teaches us that all of us have sinned... and all have fallen short of God's glory. If I were to use these two loops to help illustrate that truth, I might lock one onto my fingers so that escape is absolutely impossible." (figure 2)

"Yes, we were trapped in our sin - a miserable situation at best. But then God looked down upon His creation, and decided to send us a gift... it was the gift of grace, and it was given to us in the form of His Son, Jesus. (refer to the other loop, which is currently dangling) The Bible teaches us that Jesus loved us enough, that he went to the cross... essentially removing the barrier of sin and death for all who would but believe in Him." (make the move as detailed in figures 3 and 4)

"Now, some people say that what I just showed, and told you - is only a story. They would say that Jesus was just a good man, but as a man, he could not have taken our place - he was also locked into sin." (repeat the exchange, so the loops were as they were in the beginning.)

"But I am here to tell you - that is NOT the truth! Jesus DID take our place at the cross, once and for all!" (make the switch once again, and then after letting that sink in, open your fingers and "lock" the Jesus loop onto your fingers as in figure 5)

"The Bible says that Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother, and whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!" (execute the move detailed in figures 5 and 6, timed to the words you are using).

Note: I have used this for years and years, and it is a very practical lesson, and solid illusion that is both simple, and pleasing to the eyes. You can make this into a larger (stage-size) illustration by making large loops, and instead of your fingers, you might ask a child (or adult) to hold their hands together, representing the same shape as is made by your fingers. Have fun, and drop me a note to let me know how you got along with this trick!

Stop by our On-Line Catalog, and pick up something new
with which to share the Gospel!

How can one be a Christian, and also an illusionist?
The answer may be found by clicking: What is Gospel Magic?

God's Got Your Number	Bag O' Plenty	Floating Fingers
Adverse Refraction	Vanishing Spots	Match This
A Perfect Match	Math Cramps	What is Your Priority?
Mobius Madness	Stay Tuned for More Tricks!	Stay Tuned for More Tricks!

figure 2	figure 3
Now, if you quickly reach up, and grab the "locked" loop (in the example, the white one) by just one of the segments (I show the one closest to the base of your thumb), and pull on it (figure 3), you will notice how the loops appear to exchange places. They DO exchange places! (See figure 4) You will do this several times as you follow the storyline.
figure 4	figure 5
Having made the "exchange" a number of times, you will then open your thumb and finger momentarily, so as to allow the dangling loop a way to be draped lightly over the thumb. (figure 5) Close your finger and thumb again as soon as this is done.
figure 6	figure 7