About the Speakers and Workshops

Kim Thomas - Mark Tripp - Elsworth and Michelle West - Joe White - Anna Wilinski - Donna Wilinski - Magic Bob and SuZie Zoerman

We are excited to bring you fabulous workshop leaders and Christian Ministry vendors from all corners of the United States, as well as our excellent local talent.  Look below for information about our speakers and the types of quality workshops you can expect from them.  Workshop details will be filled in as we receive them. Click on the link below to open the tentative workshop schedule.  You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file. - As of 4/8/10 - Please note:  This workshop list will be POSTED at the conference, but not PRINTED for each individual.  If you want your own copy, please print the workshop list at home and take it to the conference with you.  This list is accurate as of 4/8/10.

Speaker	Bio	Workshops
Jim Austin	Jim Austin, received a BA degree in Speech Communications and Drama from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. Jim has entertained for all types of audiences for over twenty-five years. Currently he resides in Chicago with his wife, Kris. http://www.jimages.org	Illusion and Comedy: Get Connected Want a better performer and audience rapport? Then get connected! Want to touch the audience's emotions so they can't forget you? Then get connected! Want your audience to remember you years after your performance without splitting your pants on stage to do it? Then get connected! Get connected is all about seeing great magic, making great connections, and being a performer with purpose. Get CONNECTED with great Gospel magic, ideas and strategies that you can use right away! What? Me? Evangelize? HELP! Looking for exciting and powerful effects to clearly communicate the gospel? Discover new, creative and relevent effects designed to reach out to today's hurting world. The message hasn't changed; the way we deliver the message- Better! Tricks, Tips and Tidbits Tricks, tips & tidbits to tantalize your throng & transition them to transforming truth! Need we say more! Lots of great magic you can use to motivate your audiences with the gospel! COME to this WORKSHOP See: Creative Tricks         Outstanding ways to Connect         Memorable moments that Entertain         Evangelize and Equip You- the         Gospel Entertainer! Just COME! No matter what you perform the "COME Workshop" will give you ideas YOU can USE right away!!!
Jill Bryan "Jillybean"	Jill Bryan is a master communicator and has shared the gospel since 1983 as Jillybean. With a heart for reaching the children of the world she has traveled to ten different countries partnering with mission organizations using ventriloquism and illusion to share God's love.	Through The Eyes of a Child: Jillybean will help you understand how to minister to all ages. With her little girl character that brings the child out in everybody you will see how to love and understand children more using all of the arts. Look Who's Talking:  Jillybean loves variety when it comes to entertainment. Many different characters speak for her and she loves seeing faces light up when the Alligator sings. This is ventriloquism 101.
Bill & Dottie Fix	Pastor Bill Fix is the Senior Pastor of Taylor Free Methodist Church and has been a Magician and Ventriloquist for more than 30 years. He has trained illusion teams that have performed for the International Convention and he traveled with his family extensively doing Family revivals, banquets, Vacation Bible Schools, church services, and FCM Conventions. He has performed and lectured at many regional conventions including Oklahoma, Fort Wayne, New York, Toronto and at International FCM Conventions in Winona Lake and Marion, Indiana. His workshop "Magical Object Lessons" will be ideal for pastors wanting to use illusion in a children's sermon, Jr. Church, or to illustrate a point in a sermon.	Dottie:  Basic Puppets Puppet Show Props
Tricky Ricky Henson	Tricky Ricky is based out of Jonesboro, Georgia.  He is a popular speaker at our conference, covering magic and ventriloquism.  Ricky has held crusades all over the United States and annually works with the Indians at Falls Creek Assembly in Davis, Oklahoma. http://www.trickyrickyhenson.com	Have Fun as a Clown While Presenting the Gospel How to Use Comedy to Bring the Gospel: Showing the latest tricks on the market that clowns can use for comedy or gospel.  A class you won't forget. Gospel Magic Like You Never Seen: Some old trickys with new ideas, some of the latest trickys that on the market. and the trick that I call "That's Impossible" It's wild and ????
Dave Hill	Performing for 30 years (not counting his 8th grade talent contest in which he won 2nd place, blowing the audience away), Dave has gone from novice clown to full-time business owner, speaker, and notorious comedy performer. Some say he’s genius, others say he’s just sick. Dave’s motto: "If you can’t have fun, you might as well stay at home." Dave (aka The Almost Amazing Rex/Rex The Wonder Clown) has entertained audiences small & large for companies such as Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, Lennox China, 98 Lumber, RJ Reynolds, AT&T, Wal-Mart, etc. From intimate parties to company picnics to Grand Openings & banquet shows, Dave is in demand. A long time member of the Berkeley Civitan Clowns, Dave donates countless hours both to entertain & raise money for the mentally & developmentally disabled. He is instrumental in keeping fellow clowns abreast of the latest news in the clowning industry. http://balloonsandclowns.com/	Fun & Games with Balloons: Simple but exciting fun events & games with balloons.  No twisting skill required.  Great for VBS, Children's Events, or Birthday parties.   Object Lessons with Ease: Jesus used object lessons to teach people life lessons.  This class uses simple magic tricks and everyday objects to illustrate gospel truths.   Walk Around Magic: Simple, easy, & inexpensive magic tricks you can use to entertain small groups or when you are just walking around.
John Holmes	John is an award-winning, world-renowned balloon twister from Dallas, TX. John has been doing balloons since 1984. John hopes his last breath on earth is drawn in to blow up a balloon!	Whole Armor of God-Advanced Did you put your armor on today? Really? Why did you take it off last night? This class will teach you to create each and every piece of armor and supply Biblical truths for each. 5-5-5 5 Balloons or less - 5 minutes or so - 5 bucks or more, Please? Utilizing busking to support your balloon ministry.
Gary and Mary Luber	Gary Luber, from Oswego, IL is the Children's Church Director at Sanctuary Church in Batavia, IL. Gary and his wife Mary continue their ministry to kids, since 1984. He is Chairman of the Juggling Department for the International Conference of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians in Marion, IN. Mr. G is a member of the Christian Jugglers Association (CJA), the International Jugglers Association (IJA), the Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM) and the Up For Grabs Juggling Club in Aurora, IL. Mr. G has enjoyed writing articles for CJA and FCM publications in recent years. In 2003, Mr. G traveled internationally with a team to help rebuild a hurricane-destroyed church kid's camp on Abaco Island, Bahamas, and perform in local churches and schools on the island. In 2009 Gary traveled with a team to help build homes in Biloxi, Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina victims. Since 2008, Mr. G has taught students at 22 elementary schools in the Fox Valley area, in the western suburbs of Chicago.   www.mrgjuggler.com	Beginner Plate Spinning and a Few Nice Tricks – Mary Luber:  Bring a spinning plate and stick (or come to observe). You will enjoy Mary’s upbeat teaching style and encouragement to succeed. “Thea the Clown” has years of performing experience. Beginner 3 Balls and a Few Nice Tricks – Gary Luber: Bring 3 balls. If you are a beginner, you’ll walk out as a juggler. If you are a juggler, you’ll walk out doing a cool new trick. Beginner Clubs – Gary Luber: Bring 2 balls and 1 club (or come to observe). This class assumes you can juggle 3 balls already. See  how quickly you can start juggling a club, the easy way. Open Juggling – Gary and Mary Luber: Time for practice, fellowship and learning from other jugglers. Gary Luber will answer any questions and help you develop your growing juggling skills. Gary will also teach scarves for anyone who would like to learn to juggle scarves.
Vicki Markey		Making your Classroom come Alive as Mrs. Claus
Randall Munson	Randall's talents as a magician, ventriloquist, and clown contribute to his ability to captivate audiences in many settings -- including MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Walt Disney World and The White House. He has made televised appearances internationally and has been featured on major network broadcasts. Randall has won 30 national and international entertainment awards, and his likeness has been displayed in the Clown Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institution. http://creativelyspeaking.com/index.html	Creative Ministry! How to increase the effectiveness of your ministry through God’s gift of creativity The Gospel message never changes. However, the methods we use to communicate that message must continuously change so we can clearly share God’s word to a constantly changing culture. As much as we want to come up with fresh, new ideas, we struggle to break out of our conventional thinking. Randall Munson’s Creative Ministry program will change all that. You will gain a fresh approach to ministry and a renewed confidence in the creative capabilities God has given you. A Time to Laugh! Serious Humor in Ministry One of God’s most delightful gifts to us is the gift of laughter. Of all God’s creations He created only one in His image and has uniquely blessed us with the sense of humor. Humor is more than just a frivolous distraction; it provides serious personal and physiological benefits to those who laugh. We need to recognize the value of laughter and take humor seriously. As we minister to His people, let’s share happiness, joy and healthy belly laughs. Loosen your collar, kick off your shoes, and enjoy yourself while Randall delivers this thought-provoking, laughter-evoking presentation about the importance of the humor in ministry. Prize Winning Parade Acts and Walkarounds How You Can Create Award-Winning Acts Learn the elements of walkarounds that maximize audience impact - the things that make an audience sit up, take notice, and burst out laughing. Lots of demonstrations of creative, audience-tested, award-winning acts. Super Prop Construction How You Can Build Every Prop You Ever Wanted Learn how to build your own props of any size. Here is a course where you will learn how to select the best materials and how to apply tools and techniques to construct super props that are lightweight, durable and eye-catching. Construction ideas will be explained for many materials including Styrofoam, polyurethane foam, foam plastic, papier-mâché, corrugated and sheet cardboard, foam core, piano wire, PVC pipe, polyethylene plastic, and fabric. Ventriloquism for Dummies And Those Who Have a Hand in Making Them Talk  In this class you will learn the main elements of ventriloquism. We will dispel some of the myths and share many of the insights into the art. If you are new to ventriloquism, you will discover that you really are able to do it yourself. If you are already a practicing vent (like doctors, we are all continuing our practice), you will find some new insights and tips to help improve your performances. Join in the fun and laugh as you learn to talk to yourself in a whole new way. Great Ideas! Tips of the Trade This is a circus-wagon-full of great ideas, helpful hints, and problem-prevention techniques that have been discovered through more than 30 years of professional performance experience. These class is packed full of clever secrets you won’t see in books or in any other lecture. These simple, powerful ideas can make your life as a performer much better and much easier!
Cathy Nicoletti		Food for Thought: How to use food in object lessons, snack themes and storytelling. Spiritual Lessons in Everyday: Items How to use everyday items as object lessons, themes and part of storytelling.
Ron and Ida O'Dell	We are a husband and wife team that is trying to help our Lord Jesus Christ spread the gospel wherever we go.  We try to go where the Lord calls us.  We have held programs in small to large Churches but quite often we are serving our Lord in outdoor settings.  Many campgrounds do not provide a Worship service for the campers.  We often provide programs at campgrounds that do not have a Church Service of their own.   http://www.thankfullpraise.com/	Ida: Showing the basics: Covering materials needed to start in the chalk art ministry Basic puppet movements:  tricks of the trade. Little things to bring your puppet alive. Beginning Puppets:  Starting a team from the beginning. What you need, where to find it, training. Ron:  Just getting started: The basics-Blowing, twisting one balloon creatures.
Diana Payne		Simple Balloon Flowers
Paul Ricksecker		Houdini’s Stand Up Magic Gospel object Stories to Encourage Decisions
Steve & Janet Raeburn	Revs. Steve and Janet Raeburn have been working in children/family ministry for over 15 years. They now are full time evangelists and travel all over the country with Big Blast Ministries. They use balloon sculptures, illusions, fun, and excitement to share the good news of Jesus. http://www.bigblastministries.com/
Joe & Brenda Ross	Joe and Brenda have been ministering for over 20 years at campgrounds, festivals, churches, senior centers, malls, fairgrounds, church camps and city streets.  They have also used their talents on the mission field in Mexico and North Carolina.  Their programs are a mix of comedy, magic and music for all ages. www.setfreeministry.us	Joe: Beginning Ropes, Advanced Ropes, Storytelling, Cheap Tricks You Can't Live Without Brenda: Sign Language to Music - Learn to use American Sign Language with music for a powerful presentation.  You will be able to sign a simple song by the end of the workshop. Face Painting in Ministry - this is an exciting new class, where Brenda, along with some of the other face painters, we be presenting some exciting new ways to incorporate face painting into your ministry.  If time allows, we will have a brainstorming session to see if we can come up with MORE new ideas!
Carrie Rostollan	Carrie Rostollan became interested in magic at a young age. Growing up in northern Wisconsin, she sought to turn her own personal disadvantage into an advantage. Television presented magical artists Doug Henning and David Copperfield; thus Carrie found her hobby. In four years of professional performance with her Proximity Illusions show, Carrie has some 80 events under her belt. Carrie is an active member of: • International Brotherhood of Magicians. 2008-2009 PRESIDENT of I.B.M. Ring 212, a.k.a. the Saginaw Mystics. • Fellowship of Christian Magicians	Performance Plus - Writing for Magic Having a strong trick and strong technique is not enough. A strong presentation is vital.
Alma Schoenheide	Professionally I am Lilly Picadilly the Clown. I face paint, twist, and perform simple magic and am the children's night entertainer at Texas Roadhouse in Westland.  I know ASL and also teach Spanish to children aged 3 to 6 for a company named Bilingual Fun.  At home, I homeschool my 4 children - not because I am a better teacher, but because I want to keep them for the Lord.  I school them through an academy in Novi, where I also teach Elementary, Jr. High, and Jr. High Yr II Spanish to the students there. In Church, I have been singing and teaching children since 1987. I am currently the head of the Girl's and Nursery department department as well as the pre-school teacher for the mid-week service.  My home church for 21 years was Full Gospel Temple in Westland Mi, but for the past two years I have been a member of Stewart Road Church of God in Monroe Michigan.	How to reach the pre-schooler for Christ: Using puppets, visuals, musical instruments and much repetition to teach the pre-school child that Jesus loves and listens to them, while preparing them for older more challenging classes in their future. Laying the foundation of faith in a child's soul: All young children - even the toddler - must learn to recognize the name and image of Jesus - as much as he/she does the familiar faces at home.  There is no reason that the name and face of Jesus should not be a very familiar sound and image to young ones, and toddlers. Just as the foundation of a house must be built well, so should the foundation of a child's soul not be neglected.  With consistent teaching, a solid foundation of faith can be laid in their little hearts.    Clowning for Fun and Ministry Birthday party clowning
Gail Smith	I am married and the mother of three wonderful boys.  When I was a brand new Christian, I was asked to teach a Sunday School class of Second Graders.  I quickly realized that this was going to be more challenging than first expected, because this group of Second Graders attended a Christian school and knew more about the Bible than I did!  I had a lot to learn!  I slowly developed a passion for Children Ministry and have been involved and teaching for almost 25 years.  I love sharing things I have learned on this journey!	Presenting Parables with Passion:  Taking a look at the Parables Jesus taught to describe the Kingdom of God using a hands on way approach.  Simple ideas you can use and adapt to your ministry.  Class participation a must! M&M's (Messages in Minutes):  Using a wide variety of object lessons to convey Biblical truths.  How to incorporate using the 5 senses, (touch, taste, sound, sight, smell) to reach everyone's learning style.  Easy to adapt to your ministry!  Class participation a must!
Scott Smith	"Thin Air Creations" is the creative genius of Scott Smith, Jr. of Taylor, MI. He was stricken with a birth defect affecting his left leg and walks & stands with a cane. During middle school, while his classmates were signing up for athletics, he signed up for a balloon sculpture class and showed a natural ability & talent. He worked his first company performance during 8th grade and realized the business potential of his new hobby. Nearly a decade into his career, Scott Smith Jr. is still perfecting his craft. He turned his balloon hobby into a great business and then God turned his hobby into ministry opportunities. He is a member of Michigan Twisters Group and The Fellowship of Christian Magicians Inc.. He spends hours learning new techniques with his professional peers. He is constantly pushing his creativity to new levels!	Balloons and Hospitality Host
Cody Thomas	Cody runs the Balloon department at his mothers' business 'Kim’s Fun Faces'. Now being almost 20 years old Cody has been twisting for more than 3 years advancing quickly through skill levels. His unrelenting fascination with more advanced balloon art keeps him motivated and eager to learn. He has attended countless classes and is always willing to share what he learned with anyone as eager to learn as he is. Cody is a perfectionist which makes him very picky on the quality of his balloon sculptures	Basic Balloon Weaving-learn how to do a flat weave and ideas on how to use it. Basic Balloon Weaving part two-a more complicated weave opens the door to larger creations.
Kim Thomas	Decorative painter and Tole Art Instructor for several years, Kim’s Love for face painting has taken over. She started Kim’s Fun Faces, a successful Entertainment business offering fantasy face painting, Airbrush Tattoos and Balloon Sculptures. Serving mid-Michigan for 5 years and still going strong. Kim has taken classes and worked with many of the top face and body painters in the field, and has attended 2007, 2008,2009  Face and Body Art Convention in Orlando Florida where she won second place in the face painting category 2009. Also placed in face painting competition at the Bodyssey Convention in Toronto in 2009. She is always looking for opportunities to share, learn and work with others with the same interest. Get inspired- tired of doing the same princess or spider man face? Get tips and ideas using props, client’s shirt, hats, and magazines, for face painting inspirations. www.kimsfunfaces.com	Flower power Learn a variety of easy fast flowers. From a simple flower painted on the shoulder  to a colorful arrangement on the face, you will discover how to make a beautiful face painted flower garden grow.   Glitter tattoos Great for pool parties, teen and adult events, festivals and fairs and outdoor events in the hot summer months. Glitter tattoos are a great addition to your face painting business.
Mark Tripp	For over 40 years, Mark Tripp has been a professional and award winning entertainer.  Mark has been an Actor, Author, Singer, Magician, Mentalist, Escape Artist, Comedian, Director, Producer, and Science Teacher!  He performed two world tours for the US Army Special Services Branch; was the Burger King for Mark Wilson, worked with Don Herbert on his "Mr. Wizard" show, and much more.  Currently Mark is working on both science and magic projects for Gospel Performers.  He is a regular on the FCM's Podcast, and part of "Oz and Wilde's" "FX4 Christ" Ministry.  His lectures and performances have been a great success at the Midwest FCM Conference as well as the International FCM convention.  Mark will be sharing both science and magic tricks and stunts with us as well as his "Bloom where you are planted, remembering Karrell Fox" lecture.   http://www.sciencemagician.com/
Elsworth & Michelle West	Elsworth and Michele have been happily married for 78 years.  They love to have fun.  Their squeakers on the t-shirts are nearly worn out!	Round Balloons
Joe White		Balloons
Anna Wilinski	Anna is one of our most popular face painting instructors.  www.jestparty.com	College Course: Get up and paint. During this course you will practice painting techniques while I assist you. Bring a list of designs or techniques you need help with and I will use what I have learned from experience to improve you painting skills. Please bring your kit, or you can purchase a starter kits for $12. There will be some materials to use during the class if you need them. 2 Minute Masks Create impact quickly with minimal brush strokes and strong bursts of color! Way easier designs than cheekart, with a lot more pizazz! Tropical Paradise Face painting with sunsets, dolphins, hibiscuses palm trees and other tropical themes! Hands on Sponging and Brush Stroke Class Practice and improve your techniques so you can have smooth sponged bases and flowing clean brushwork. Bring what you have, materials will be provided to those who need it. Rainbow Cakes and Pots Cheek art goes wild with the help of rainbow pots and cakes in your kit. Learn how to use them to maximize you time and designs.
Donna Wilinski	Since 1989, Donna Wilinski , "MT Pockets the Clown" has been a Christian hometown clown from Kalamazoo, MI. She Was a founder of Circle of Smiles, a school- based clown Ministry for 5 years. A registered nurse, she has spent many hours applying her clowning skills in a thoughtful, spiritual and therapeutic way in various health care settings. Armed with a canjo, coins, silks and silly props, as well as balloons and face paints, she loves hometown clowning at parades, Parties and corporate events. For the last 5 years, she has lead the COAI based Alley 44 clown care unit based in Southwest Michigan. This group entertains monthly at various senior residences and nursing homes in the Kalamazoo area. 5 years ago, She founded and still directs a nine week "Be a Real Clown" course taught through Kalamazoo Community Ed. that graduates 6-10 First of May Clowns each year. She has presented classes in music , make-up and health care clowning for her Alley, the FCM and at the Clowning with Care Convention in Woodstock Ontario.	Entertaining Elders:  Senior residence performing, and Care visits
Magic Bob and SuZie Zoerman	http://www.magicbob.org/ As a Christian Magician and Escape artist, Magic Bob's primary goal is to present the Gospel in a light, non-threatening manner, using illusion to clearly illustrate Christian truths and the reality of Jesus Christ. As an accomplished performance chalk artist, frequently performing solo at Mother-Daughter banquets, women's groups, Christian schools, etc., SuZie adds a devotional highlight to enhance an entertaining program of Magic Bob's Christian illusions.	Magic Bob: Gospel Close up Magic Escape Magic SuZie:  Chalking on Sheets Bob & SuZie:  Packs Small Plays Big-taking your show on the road for a mission trip Using Chalk and Magic Simultaneously to present the Gospel