Magician John Michael Hinton wowed the crowd Thursday evening at Youth for Christ Morris’ annual Gala of Hope at the Morris Multiplex.
From Rubik’s cubes breaking into Skittles, big hair jokes, lots of humourous ‘friend’ math, disappearing stools that volunteers had just sat on, small pieces of Scotch tape turning into one long strand, and the balancing a house of cards on a single point, the oldest adults to the youngest children were enthralled by the tricks and illusions.
“Will you be my friend?” was the question Hinton asked all those courageous enough to brave the stage, ensuring he ended the evening with a crowd full of new friends.
“I like small towns no one has heard of,” said Hinton, who flew in from Texas specifically for the event. “I love the opportunity to share the art of astonishment with people. Research shows what happens in us emotionally when we experience awe—a sunset, an incredible vista—our heart rate decreases, blood pressure lowers; we experience Creation. The emotion of awe allows us to be less focused on ourselves and more on others. We stand in awe of the Creator and love our neighbour as our self.”
Jack Wiebe, executive director of YFC Morris, and John Rempel, associate director of YFC Canada, spoke of the opportunities provided to the community through the drop-in centre and the importance of fundraising to support youth activities.
“YFC invites youth to initiate and recognize fun,” said Rempel. “It is seriously fun. We engage and equip youth to know and follow Jesus.
“How do we know we are being successful?” he asked. “Prayer. We vett, equip, and train volunteers to work with youth and last week had the largest group seen at our training sessions in Winnipeg. When we can rally around our youth, they can serve as themselves and they also teach us something.”
Volunteer Savannah Maendel, 21, shared the importance of working with youth.
“[Oak Bluff Colony] young people were introduced to children’s ministry a couple years ago and we returned with passion and fire to share the good news of Christ. A group of young woman host Girls Night, [among YFC activities], a Christ-centered evening of food, extended God talk, discussion, and discipleship.”
Evening attendee Jenny Heinrichs loves the opportunity to support youth through their challenging years.
“Getting youth through their adolescence is key,” Heinrichs observed. “YFC provides youth a solid foundation.”
Youth and volunteers from YFC served appetizers and dessert, along with tea and coffee. They also helped with seating, set-up and cleaning following the event. Forty-five local businesses sponsored the evening’s festivities.
“The Gala of Hope is a permanent feature and biggest fundraiser of the year for YFC,” shared Wiebe. “We have the opportunity to share with the community what happens at YFC. It is also a thank-you celebration.”
Although funds are still coming in for this year, last year’s banquet brought in approximately $68,000.
Hinton ended the evening with a simple invitation:
“Slow down with me. Take a moment to experience one more moment of awe. If we can stand in awe of our Creator, we will see moments of magic. We have to pause, to slow, for these moments are fleeting.”
Those interested in supporting YFC Morris can reach out to contribute@yfcmorris.com or call at 204-712-5884.
