Christian illusionists to perform at Hephzibah Baptist Church Sunday

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

Donnie Hatcher is quick to say that what he does is just for entertainment. But he also smiles and says it's magic. Hatcher and his wife, Renee, are Christian illusionists, and they have found an innovative way to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Hephzibah Baptist Church will host Truth and Illusion Ministry of Lake Charles, La., in a special service. The public is invited, and there is no admission charge.

"We will perform illusions and relate them to the Gospel," Donnie Hatcher said. "Our purpose is to show the love of Jesus through the art of illusion. Our show is entertaining for young people and adults. But Renee and I make sure that the children and young people understand that the illusions that we are do are just tricks." Everybody enjoys the mystery of a good trick, and Hatcher is not going to reveal how any of his tricks are performed. When asked "How'd you do that?," his standard reply is "very well."

His interest in magic tricks and illusions dates back 16 years. "When I was young, my uncle and I would trade magic tricks and perform for family and friends," Hatcher said. "I have always enjoyed magic tricks, and I've found that others enjoy them, too." Hatcher is the associate pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Dequincy, La. His Truth and Illusion Ministry performs at churches, nursing homes, summer camps and Upward Sports Nights.

"What we do is incorporate illustrative illusions that communicate the Gospel in a unique and fresh way," Hatcher said. The Rev. Don Hatcher, pastor of Hephzibah Baptist Church and Donnie's dad, said this unique and unconventional way of sharing the Gospel is another way to reach God's people. "Today, we use various methods to reach out because people respond in different ways," he said. "The art of illusion will interest some people, perhaps unchurched people and non-believers, and through it, they will be more open to the Gospel."

Donnie and Renee Hatcher will first entertain the Sunday night congregation with magic tricks. She is the "box jumper" and will be sawed in two and have swords thrust into her body. And those who come will leave with a different definition of levitation. "We're Christian illusionists and we will use the illusions to share about who God is and His purpose for us," Hatcher said. "We'll make sure that everyone understands that there is nothing supernatural about what we do. It's just magic tricks though which we share the love of Jesus Christ."