Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
“…Magic is capable of creating moments of wonder that inspire and move people into a place of transformation. It’s about using this world, where seemingly anything is possible, to offer a new perspective, to get people to see the possibilities around them and wonder out loud, ‘What if?’”
Dexter, Missouri- Harris III, who is a member of Catalys’s pretigous and highly-respected Young Influencers List, will be performing at the First Baptist Church tonight at 6:30 p.m. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students (18 and under). Kids (6 and under) will get in FREE! This will be great entertainment for families!
Harris “the Third” has spent the majority of his young life dazzling audiences. His performances have been featured on thousands of stages throughout the United States, and his magic-with-a message has captured the spotlight in over 15 countries on 5 continents. He has performed in Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Middle East, to the exclusive, members-only club of Manhattan’s Soho House, Harris’ illusions have captivated spectators in an unusually wide variety of venues.
Harris, who is only in his twenties, has been called upon by Elvis Presley Enterprises to create custom presentations for Graceland, asked to deliver creative messages at fundraising events at venues like the Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, and has been hired to entertain and inspire the staffs and leadership of organizations like North Point Community Church, Focus on the Family, and the Southern Baptist Executive Committee.
Since the age of eleven, Harris immersed himself in performance art. Enlisting the help of Mr. McMichael, (an illusionist he first saw perform in the unlikely venue of a small country church), Harris spent hours, every day, rehearsing. Like a diligent athlete, he practiced the rudiments of prestidigitation and explored the science of misdirection. He polished his presentation and shined up his showmanship until this once disillusioned boy mastered the Art of Illusion, itself.
The instructions Harris received from the mentor he first saw perform “in church”, opened his eyes; but not to the magical or the mystical, but rather to matters that truly matter – the spiritual.
“…Every moment of misdirection I create on stage has a purpose; every illusion is intentionally tied together to enlighten, to inspire others to see the deception around them, to learn the truth about lies…and discover their own purpose.”
His knack for communicating “the evident of things unseen,” often opens the eyes of his audience more than his visual misdirection. And that art of story telling has opened new doors of opportunity for Harris as a respected communicator to conjure up words of inspiration at concerts, in seminars, and in his latest book, Senseless. Harris has also created his DVD, Harris III – Master Illusionist. The production combines live performances of illusions with an artistic film short.
The story’s lessons raise the curtain on the perils of Pride, the dangers of Deception, and the transforming magic of finding one’s true purpose.
Harris III is fulfilling his purpose. Through his misdirection, he is revealing the everyday deceptions that detour us from the Truth. And with a masterful sleight of hand he is opening eyes, ears, and hearts to the wonders around us…to matters that truly matter.
What others have to say about Harris:
“I am a fan of anyone who can entertain and genuinely minister at the same time. That’s why I’m a fan of Harris, III. I have seen him in various settings, large and small, and have been completely amazed by his talent. Most impressive, however, is his unique presentation of the Gospel. Harris uses magic as a vehicle to communicate his message in a way that is as unique and memorable as anything I have ever seen. He is a true talent and his style and presentation is universal. It’s hard to imagine a setting where it wouldn’t be both entertaining and impacting. In a day and age where people have almost limitless choices for entertainment – I can honestly recommend Harris as one of the best choices you could make. His message is eternal.”
-Chaz Corzine, Manager for Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Frank Peretti and Others
“Illusion followed by revelation. The true beauty in Harris’ show is found in the enlightenment of Truth. Harris and Kate use their gifts to illuminate the deception of this world, and lead people into the person of Truth, Jesus Christ. The show is mesmerizing and entertaining, while the message is clear and inspirational. As their pastor, I have watched Harris and Kate discovering Truth more deeply at every turn in their journey. They are contributing to the Kingdom of God in an incredible way.”
-Jamie George, Pastor, Journey Ecclessia, Franklin, TN
For more information about Harris the third, visit his website: www.HarrisIII.com
Written by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - One of the Boy Scouts’ biggest food drives will be taking place this weekend! The local Boy Scout troop recently distributed bags onto the porches of people in the area last Saturday. They will be picking the canned food donations this weekend. The Scouting for Food drive was created almost thirty years ago and Boy Scouts across America will be participating in this largest single-day food drive.
Our local Boy Scouts will be donating all of the canned food collected to the Stoddard County Mission. If you did not receive a bag or you misplaced the bag you were given, any bag will work. The only food donations that will be accepted are nonperishable items that remain sealed and unopened.
Our Boy Scout Troop thanks you for your support!
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes know all to well how important deodorant can be especially after a game. For those who are less fortunate it might be a choice between purchasing a $3.00 stick of deodorant or $4.00 gallon of milk. A choice no one in America should have to make.
The students decided to help out the Stoddard County Gospel Mission and began collecting items to create Hygiene Kits. They collected enough items to fill 50 zip lock bags full of much needed items for the Mission.
Kim Slaving, Director of the SCGM stated, "I am pleased these students did this for us and we greatly appreciate all their efforts."
The Mission serves the Stoddard County community not only with non-perishable foods, but with coats, shoes, hygiene items and more. On the day this reporter was there to take a photo they were giving away one coat per person who came through their doors. What an amazing job they do!
Support the Stoddard County Gospel Mission by donating what you can when you can and remember there are many right here in our own neighborhood that could use your help. Some are too proud to ask, others may take advantage, but that's not for us to decide. We just need to give and be thankful for what we have and help those who are less fortunate.
Shown in the photo are Tyler Stevenson, football player and president of FCA, Kendra Stevenson along with employees of the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. Thank you Fellowship of Christian Athletes for all that you do.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Officials from Dexter Schools visited Poplar Bluff R-1 on Friday, November 1st to research the 1:1 Initiative for possible implementation in their District.
The previous week, a Clearwater school technology official visited with Poplar Bluff's technology team to learn about the digital transformation, which began at the Junior High this school year. Next year, the High School students will each be issued a MacBook Air at Poplar Bluff.
Show in the photo are Dexter's Assistant Superintendent Corey Mouser holding a laptop to feel the weight of the device while his colleagues listen in on the discussion. Also picture are Dexter Technology Assistant James Sneed, Poplar Bluff Network Manager Daniel Eubank and Media Center Director Jim Thomas and Steven Sparlin.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri - Not only did the 2nd grade students at Southwest Elementary color Poppy flowers in art class, but they held a Coin Drive.
Sgt. William J. Nelson of the 1221st Transportation Company in Dexter, who also served 13 months in Iraq, came and spoke to the students about his career in the military and the different organizations that could benefit from a fundraiser.
The students decided on a "Coin Drive". For just one week, the children were encouraged to bring coins to school as part of a special contest. As an incentive, the winning classroom would decide the organization that would receive the money raised by the entire 2nd grade and they would also be awarded a special party.
The total amount raised included 20,005 pennies, 4,999 nickels, 1,800 dimes, 404 quarters, 4 half dollars, a bobby pin, 6 screws, a few nails, a couple of Chucky Cheese tokens and some casino tokens for a grand total of $734.00!
Mrs. LeeAnn Nelson's classroom raised the most money with a total of $213.00. Mrs. Nelson's class chose Gobbler's Ridge Farm owned by Tom Love. This is a 125 acre area known to be the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility which can accommodate disabled veterans to hunt, bird watch or just view nature at no cost through a cooperative effort with the American Legion Post #59.
Mr. Love was available to accept the check and was pleasantly surprised! His dream has become reality and the community has been extremely gracious! A big thank you to all of the 2nd graders who helped raise money for the Disable Veterans Wildlife Facility. It went to a great cause!
