ETBU grad shares faith through illusions

Posted: 3/17/06

ETBU grad shares faith through illusions

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

MARSHALL—When Christian illusionist Drew Worsham makes someone float in the air, performs card tricks or causes objects to disappear, his illusions generate a sense of anticipation. And after capturing the audience’s attention, Worsham shares a powerful message.

“Every performance is an opportunity to use the gifts God has given me, and I am passionate about using these gifts to further his kingdom,” Worsham said. “I am privileged each time I step on a stage—whether that is in a church, on a college campus, a coffee shop or a sidewalk in the middle of a busy downtown.

“I perform and entertain for one reason—to build relationships and earn my right to share what Christ has done in my life. People are the reason for this ministry; illusions are simply the tool that opens the door for me to share.”

While growing up in Nacogdoches, Worsham’s interest in illusions began at an early age. “When I was 6 years old, I found a Magic with Mickey Mouse book and began making quarters disappear and pencils stick to my hand,” he recalled. “I would watch David Copperfield and any other specials on television with my family and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I also quickly learned that while performing illusions, it was easy to captivate an audience.

“I grew up in an amazing Christian family, and … I’ve always had a lot of support throughout my life. My family encouraged me toward my dreams and taught me at an early age that Jesus died to become my Savior.”

Later, Worsham discovered how he could use illusions to glorify God. While performing illusions at children’s birthday parties, he would close the show by telling the audience that God loved them. A youth minister who attended one of those parties asked Worsham to perform for a church event.

As word spread about Worsham’s talents, he received many invitations to perform at other church events. During his freshman year at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Worsham met Christian illusionist Brock Gill, who became his mentor and helped him establish his ministry.

While at ETBU, Worsham joined Bel Air Baptist Church in Marshall.

Since graduating in May 2005, Worsham has juggled a busy schedule performing at church events around the country, including children’s ministry events, youth camps, retreats, Disciple Now weekends, conferences, Upward sports award nights and other evangelistic outreach events.

Last summer, Worsham and musician Josh Martin—also from ETBU—teamed up with North American Mission Board’s Power Plant ministry, a camp designed to engage students in church planting and evangelism.

“There is nothing really magical about me,” Worsham said. “I never thought that I would be in this position. I was that kid at youth camp who watched the worship bands and the speakers and thought that they had the coolest jobs. They had the responsibility of sharing with a room full of waiting youth that Christ loved them.

“It’s proving to be a harder calling than I thought at a younger age. I love what I get to do, and I am thankful that God is using me in this season. I have no idea what is in store for the future. … The one thing I do know is that God is leading, and I’m trying my best to keep up.”