December 24, 2013
Senior Pastor Lawrence, along with the cast and crew, rehearsing into the wee hours of Christmas Eve
It was the eve of Christmas, but instead of being surrounded by family and friends with presents and Christmas goodies, Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina Khong were deep in rehearsals even till the wee hours of the morning for their final performance in New Taipei City.
Intense preparations were necessary as it was the first time the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla was putting on a large-scale illusion performance in an outdoor arena, where their every move was in clear view of the audience. What’s more, the crew faced severe space constraints in the storage of the massive props backstage, which resulted in the props being assembled and kept 300-metres away from the performance venue. Aside from the technical coordination in moving the props efficiently during the performance, such a performance also tested the adaptability and skills of the cast, crew and the stars of the show – Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla.
Large crowd gathers in the public square on Christmas Eve in wait of the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla
By God’s grace, the weather on the night of the second and final performance was much better than the first. Although it was still drizzling, to catch a last sight of the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla’s spectacular illusions, a significantly larger crowd came and gathered in the public square anxiously awaiting the entrance of Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla.
Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla makes a magnificent appearance
It was later told that their performance was going to be streamed ‘live’ on a programme in Taipei. Although Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla were no stranger to live television and adept in their craft, the pressure of putting on a flawless show was on their shoulders. And the show began…
Senior Pastor Lawrence confidently manages the thrilling 'Fire Spiker' illusion
Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla in the midst of performing the crowd-favourite 'The Eclipse'
Without disappointing the effort the cast and crew put in to perfect every single aspect and adapt to the stage, Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla exhibited a dazzling and mesmerising world-class illusion performance, most fitting of their title as leading Asian magicians in the Arts and Entertainment scene!
Crowds entranced and absorbed by the spectacular illusions performed before their very eyes
The crowds were enchanted and thrilled by the mind-blowing illusions. “I was caught by surprise when Priscilla appeared magically inches away from me. Up till now, I cannot figure out how she managed to disappear onstage and reappear just behind me. I guess that’s why they call it magic!” recalled Liu Qiao, a teacher from the Hebei province of China.
To capture the moment, many pulled out their cameras or mobile phones and started snapping away. One of whom was Zheng Rui Jun, a resident of New Taipei City. Weeks ago, when Christmas Magic was showing at the National Taiwan University Sports Centre in Taipei, she travelled to Taipei just to see the performance of Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla. Now that the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla was right in her hometown, she joyously said, “Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla’s magic performance is truly great. Each time I see their illusions, I never stop being amazed!”
Senior Pastor Lawrence, Priscilla and the cast joyously receives the crowd's applause with a curtain call
On a cold and rainy Christmas Eve, Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina’s hearts were warmed by the enthusiastic cheers and applause of the audience. As always, it is all for the glory of the Lord and the fulfilling of His purpose. In the words of Senior Pastor Nina, “We pray that through these performances, hearts were moved and lives will be changed.”
December 23, 2013
Crowds waiting with umbrellas under the rain just to see the performance of the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla
What sort of magic show is worth waiting with umbrellas under the rain in the cold? For the people of New Taipei City, it would be a world-class performance presented by the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla. Not long after Christmas Magic performed at the National Taiwan University Sports Centre, both Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina Khong, Priscilla and the Gateway Entertainment team were warmly invited back to Taiwan to celebrate and perform at a Christmas extravaganza called "Christmasland in New Taipei City" organised by the government of New Taipei City.
Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla makes their debut
Eyed for their aptitude at remarkably and flawlessly combining an illusion spectacle with the message of the Gospel, Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla were invited by New Taipei City Church, a committee made up of churches in New Taipei City, to perform on 23 & 24 December 2013. Although mindful of the adjustments that had to be made to accommodate an outdoor-based illusion performance, Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina, Priscilla and the Gateway Entertainment team were not daunted and took it on courageously and in faith, despite the cold and chill!
Crowds entranced and actively discussing the illusions of Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla
To the people of New Taipei City, being able to watch Elite Diamond Merlin Award magicians, Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla, a renowned illusionist duo in the Arts and Entertainment scene, perform before their eyes was worth waiting in the cold 15-degree celsius temperature on a wet Monday night. In comparison to the chilly weather, Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina were touched by the warmth of the audience. Although it rained day and night, the crowd never disappointed. Many pulled out their umbrellas and waited patiently for the Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla to make their debut.
Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla peforming 'The Ecllipse'
Priscilla (in the box) in the midst of performing the death-defying 'Fire Spiker'
Intended as a grand finale to the day's performances, which include song performances by a Christmas singer and Hakka choir, as well as an accapella band, Senior Pastor Lawrence and Priscilla whipped out breath-taking crowd favourites like ‘The Eclipse’. When Priscilla made her magical entrance, gasps were heard throughout the audience who were infinitely amazed and wowed. Many even tried to get a clearer look by moving closer to the stage. The illusions proceeded and the audience held their breath in anticipation of what was coming up next. As expected, Senior Pastor Lawrence never disappoints – drawing applause as he performed his signature trick, the ‘Fire Spiker’! An uncontrollable "wow" was even heard from a young boy who got himself a seat in the front row.
Through the Magic of Lawrence and Priscilla, many in New Taipei City were given the opportunity to experience the message of Faith, Hope and Love this Christmas. Praise God!
Snapshots
Senior Pastor Lawrence rehearsing his signature trick, the 'Fire Spiker'
Senior Pastors Lawrence and Nina filming a video greeting for the FCBC family from the performance ground
Priscilla exhibits grace while emerging unscathed after the 'Fire Spiker'
