An Unexpected Restoration

November tenth saw us traveling to the east coast to enjoy some rejuvenation at Restoration Destination, a program put on by Bill Wines through Person to Person Ministries. We arrived at beautiful sunny North Myrtle Beach on an unusually warm day for late autumn. Other than a rainy day or so, the weather the entire week was pleasant and we were grateful.

  

Bill Wines had asked us to divide an hour session with Rick Mathena in presentation. Our family was to sing and he was to perform his wonderful sleight of hand tricks that he shares with the children each year. We were delighted to share the stage with “Tricky Ricky!”

We sang and played music for God's glory. Halfway through the hour, Mr. Mathena was to come and share his special style of magic. He had asked us to stay on stage as his assistants and we enthusiastically assented. The unexpected turn of events and situational dilemmas that ensued kept us all laughing until our ribs were in want of splitting!

As Rick presented one illusion, he asked Jonah to retrieve the horseshoe puzzle from his back pocket. Jonah respectfully set to work. At first, as he struggled to withdraw the item, I reasoned that it might be part of Mr. Mathena’s exhibition. Jonah continued to fiddle with the horseshoe which refused to dislodge itself from his pocket. . . To the extent that I pondered whether Rick’s pants might come off! We giggled and guffawed almost hysterically. The audience was almost rolling in the aisles! Oh, we laughed so hard!

Already chuckling, Rick fumbled his deck of cards and Samuel, as tall as he is, got down on all fours scrambling around the stage to pick them up! The irony of it all fixed a stitch in everyone's sides!

After an abundance of additional unintended comic relief, Mr. Mathena finished his performance and departed the stage. We composed ourselves and finished the hour praising the Lord in a variety of song and music.

Thinking back to the unanticipated evening’s events still results in a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. While the entire lineup of speakers indeed brought restorative messages to us, Rick, sharing the stage with us that night, did at least as much for our family. We have an exceptional place in our hearts for Mr. Rick Mathena. He will forever be our remarkable friend. Aside from presenting some excellent Restoration History, Rick never fails to thrill groups with his exceptional sleight of hand trickeries.

~Rhonda