A childhood dream
Kirk combines his life-long dream of doing magic with a desire to share his faith.
By: April Wynn
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Abracadabra. Alakasplit. Poof.
Although the concept of magic has often been used for evil, Jonathan Kirk, freshman Christian studies, has found a way to use it for the glory of God.
As a child, Kirk watched magic shows and dreamed of becoming a magician.
During commercial breaks, he would run to the kitchen and beg his mother for kitchen utensils to use for the "at home tricks."
When Kirk was 13-years-old, God called him into the ministry. At the time, Kirk said it was hard to understand God's calling.
He knew God wanted to use him, but he also knew how much he loved magic.
Over the years, God has shown Kirk how to incorporate his love for magic into his calling and he has created a ministry, known as Messiah's Magic Ministry.
"It's a God-given talent, not a God-given power. I do not claim to have any supernatural power," Kirk said. "It's a performance for the glory of God. I would have never expected it to be as big as it is."
Kirk has used his magic as an icebreaker for speaking to people about his faith.
Kirk said it is hard to just go up to someone and start sharing your faith, but his tricks allow him to converse with people and get to know them so that they will be more open to hear what he has to say.
One of the tricks he uses is making a small piece silk fabric disappear. As he is performing the trick he speaks of how Jesus was placed in the tomb after his crucifixion, placing the fabric in his palm is symbolic of this. Once the cloth has disappeared he speaks of how this is just like the Lord's resurrection.
Since starting his magic career Kirk has performed in front of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and as far away as Mississippi and Indiana.
"I'd like to do an international show one day or a Christian cruise line," Kirk said.
Kirk will perform at Tigerville Baptist Church, located on campus tonight at 7 pm.
This is a kick off service for Tigerville Baptist's student ministry, The Sea.
Kirk's show is entitled A Magical Night of Worship. There will be a 30-minute concert before the performance begins, and the show is free.
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