Christian lllusionist to perform at church

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Christian illusionist and comedian Greg Davidson will be in town Nov. 3, 4 and 5 to wow audiences with sleight of hand illusions and straight talk at the First Baptist Church. Bill Cox, pastor stressed that the entertainment is open to the public and admission is free.

"These special programs are provided free of charge, with no tickets required," Cox said. "We want to invite everyone of every faith -- and of no faith -- to come and be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this great world-class entertainer."

Cox said the "magic" performed is really just sleight-of-hand and is not un-Christian.

"What Mr. Davidson does is not supernatural magic which the Bible warns against, but feats of sleight-of-hand and illusion, presented in a super entertaining way," Cox said. "He will follow each entertainment program with a message of inspiration and spiritual challenge."

Davidson, a native of Ontario, Canada, now makes his home in Atlanta, Ga., where he is an active member of his church. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and a member of the National Speakers Association. He has traveled all over the world with his mix of magical illusion, music, multi-media and message.

Each of Davidson's performances will be different. Friday, at 7 p.m., he will present a two-hour demonstration of mental magic and will speak on "ESP, the Occult and New Age ... Today." Although there is nothing in the program inappropriate, small children might not understand it.

"There is nothing in this presentation that will frighten children; however, the first program is a little over the heads of little ones," Cox said.

Davidson will put on "The Family Magic Show" at 7 p.m., Saturday, a 90-minute program for the entire family, along with a brief inspirational message.

Sunday morning, at both the 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. worship services and the evening service at 7 p.m., Davidson will speak and will use magic to illustrate his talks. Sunday evening, "someone important" will be transformed into a bunny.

For more information call the First Baptist Church at (417) 667-6036.