puppets &laquo; WordPress.com Tag Feed http://en.wordpress.com/tag/puppets/ Feed of posts on WordPress.com tagged "puppets" Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:54:46 +0000 http://en.wordpress.com/tags/ en <![CDATA[On wishes and puppets]]> http://judahm.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/on-wishes-and-puppets/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:38:34 +0000 judah http://judahm.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/on-wishes-and-puppets/

On Wednesday, one of my short-term wishes came true: I saw a puppet show on the metro. For real.

I should begin by telling you that last Saturday I was wandering around Paris aimlessly. Which may sound free and romantic, but honestly, it was just as it sounded: aimless. Anyway. I finally decided to go view a piece of the Berlin wall that has been given to Paris as a gift, so I got on the metro. As we (the people on the metro) were sitting there waiting to leave, another metro car headed in the other direction pulled up next to us and I noticed some curious activity through the windows. I stared for a minute or two and finally realized it was a puppet show…a real live puppet show! It’s not that I have a fascination with puppets, but I do have a fascination with: a) crazy people, b) random weirdness, c) tiny plastic animals. This puppet show satisfied at least two of the criteria and I was really sad to not be on that metro car. (You can imagine my sadness when, a few weeks ago, I was walking past the open door of a metro car on my way out of the station and realized I had missed a man who was giving some kind of dance show that involved a basket full of plastic baby dolls.)

Which brings us to Wednesday. I had spent the morning in a town just south of Paris called Montrouge and was returning to the city for my last class. The metro pulled into a station and a young man in his 20’s walked in and proceeded to hang up a tie-dyed curtain around the hand-poles. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Next came the Spanish music and two puppets appeared at the top of the curtain bobbing and singing along. It lasted about three minutes and then the young man walked around collecting coins for his efforts. People asking for money is such a common activity on the metro that not everyone is happy for these interruptions…but I was really happy to trade the centimes in my pocket for his three minutes of joyful distraction. When the days get lonely and monotonous, it’s random puppet shows and wishes unexpectedly granted that are most welcome.

(A young woman next to me took a short video and I asked her if she would email it to me, but as of yet, she hasn’t sent it. If it arrives, I’ll post it!)

]]> <![CDATA[This is just funny..]]> http://giveme10.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/this-is-just-funny/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:28:37 +0000 Amber 10 http://giveme10.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/this-is-just-funny/ <![CDATA[Lab Safety is Better with Singing - and, of course, Puppets]]> http://mlmlblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/lab-safety-is-better-with-singing-and-of-course-puppets/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:02:37 +0000 mlmlblog http://mlmlblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/lab-safety-is-better-with-singing-and-of-course-puppets/

Each week we’ll try to introduce you to some nifty resource for learning about science and the ocean, whether fundamental or just plain fun.   At MLML, our multi-talented students are puppetry and singing pros. Apparently theatre arts and science are not as uncommon a pairing as you might think  – enjoy the singing and puppetry exploits of students at UC Berkeley:

That bubbling incident in my undergrad organic chemistry class might have been avoided had my lab safety instructions been this fun…

]]> <![CDATA[Review: Nation]]> http://ayoungertheatre.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/review-nation/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:27:53 +0000 Jakeyo http://ayoungertheatre.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/review-nation/

Nation at the National Theatre

Is it all a load of fantasy?

There are two ways of looking at the production of Nation now showing at the National Theatre. First, you can see it as what it is being advertised as by the National … that of a “spectacular family show”, you can just take it as this, and forget all your pre-concieved ideas of what a good piece of theatre is about. Or you can see it with a critical eye, and look beyond the visual affects and see the chaos that lies beneath.

How does someone take a piece of fantasy and craft it in such a manner that it is relayed in a theatrical sense, without it coming across as sheer nonsense? The National Theatre has actually had quite a good track record for setting new heights in their work of fantasy adaptation, one look at the popular adaptation of the Phillip Pullmans series, ‘His Dark Materials’ that graced the stage and went on a long tour proves that it can be done – and well.

So what went wrong here?

After several days mulling over my thoughts; for this production is not an easy one to digest; it comes in waves of information, in visual delight and a complicated script – I have concluded that perhaps it lies with the actual adaptation of text. Mark Ravenhill, one of our clear playwrights of the 21st century, whose previous work I have applauded time and time again, was given this mammoth task. How do you adapt a Terry Pratchett fantasy novel into a National Theatre “spectacular family show”, or more basic than that, into a working playscript?

Idenity is a big theme in Nation

Ravenhill at times captures the essence of Pratchetts story, with strong notions of what identity is between two different worlds, that of the British Empire and a ‘Barbarian Island’. Of course this is one of the themes running through the play, sorry, I mean ’spectacle’… yet somehow Ravenhill just doesn’t fulfill the text in such a way that it translates well. It doesn’t bring the true magic of fantasy storytelling to the stage, instead… it brings something that for me, falls flat.

I think it’s safe to say that after the first half there are far too many questions that have been raised, and failed to be answered. Whilst I understand that plots are meant to be developed, it’s almost like Ravenhill has opened a can of worms and hasn’t quite caught them all yet to work into the story/plot.

Of course it’s not just Ravenhill’s writing that lets this show down – the musical interludes and songs are shocking. I’m sorry, but was there any need for the songs? They seemingly attempted to add a flare of musicality to the production, but failed to get anywhere with actors who clearly are not meant to be singers. It was such a shame that some of the ensemble singing wasn’t stronger, hell, there was a big enough cast for it to be!

One form of puppetry in Nation

The devices used in Nation are too extreme and too many, a revolving stage, puppetry, visual affects, projectors and exploding scenery to name but a few. Whilst I understand that part of translating this fantasy world comes across through the visual aspects, there seemed to be no limits on how far the direction was taken with the design. Melly Still the director of Nation really did let her imagination go wild with help from Mark Friend on set design, but has she not learnt to also know when the imagination runs away from logic?

Some of the visual material was fantastic, no denying that – especially that of the underwater video projections which were very stunning (a big thumbs up to Jon Driscoll and Gemma Carrington, projection designers on this). Equally the way that the boats were represented on large cloth material (although done countless times before), actually brought a fresh burst of creativity to the mix, but this alone can’t bring the performance from the depths of “EEK”.

Emily Taaffe and Gary Carr

The acting was good, but not amazing, with Emily Taaffe as the British castaway figure of Daphne and Gary Carr as Mau the Island new-born Chief leading the production for the best part. Although admittedly I couldn’t quite believe that Taaffe was meant to be playing a 14 year old girl.. I’m sorry but my imagination couldn’t fathom this idea. Other notable praise for ‘good’ acting goes to an ensemble of energetic characters of natives, puppeteers and fine men and women.

Still as director has worked as best she could in this complex plot and miss-matched songs, to create a visually striking performance, but anything beyond this it lacks. It really is a shame. So whilst the National Theatre promote this as ‘family spectacle’ and whilst I’m sure it is enjoyable for children – for those of us who are looking at the National Theatre and thinking you represent our nation’s theatre… might just be disappointed.

Nation runs in the Oliver Theatre and is booking until 28 March 2010, see the National Theatre website for methods of booking.

]]> <![CDATA[... My View From The Morning... so quiet!]]> http://itashiuchiwa.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/my-view-from-the-morning-so-quiet/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:31:40 +0000 itashiuchiwa http://itashiuchiwa.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/my-view-from-the-morning-so-quiet/

Lovely song…

]]> <![CDATA[Happy Thanksgiving from Vertical Kids Ministry]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-from-vertical-kids-ministry/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:11:51 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-from-vertical-kids-ministry/

 

 
Dear Earl,

It is that time of the year that reminds us to be thankful for all that God has blessed us with. For Kimberly and I, we are reminded all the time of how God blesses us! It is through friends and family just like you. As we look back over this year, we are reminded of big things and little things that some of you have periodically blessed us with.
 
Thank you for your love, prayers and support. In a ministry just like ours we rely totally on God and how He uses his people!
 
The last three weeks have been an example of just that. Below are some “God Things” that has happened.

God Things
 

Attendees of Super Conference

Attendees of the Super Conference in Philadelphia
To see more pictures of the conference then click on

A God Thing – Things that happen to us that we can clearly see that it is only God that can make something like this happen!
 
Last week, I attended the most incredible conference in Philadelphia, PA. The Eric Paul’s Super Conference for Amazingly Successful Magicians helped me in so many ways of understanding the marketing avenues that we can help our ministry to grow. From understanding the importance of building a web site that is Google friendly, to including blogging sites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and many other tools to drive people to our website. I learned quite a few new ways of marketing in my market. Even though I do not have much experience in this area, I am praying that God will bring my way someone who can make the web presence happen for our ministry.
 
God blessed in so many ways before and during the conference. First, as many of you know, I have wanted to and needed to attend a conference like this but the ministry has not been able to afford it. However, Eric Paul himself invested in me by giving me a scholarship to attend. Watch this short video of what Eric said about our ministry by clicking on this YouTube link. I then needed to raise around $500 for the expenses. By the time I left, God brought in $450 from His people who wants to help our ministry grow! I also wanted to try to book a show in the area for the Wednesday night before the conference. Well, God did that also. I ministered at Bethany Wesleyan Church in Cherryville, PA. There were 15 kids who received Christ that night!
 
Another God thing that happened before the conference is that I wanted to find a roommate to help cut the price. A few days before the conference, I received an email from a magician from Arkansas stating that he wanted a roommate. Again God moved, not only by providing a roommate but a Christian roommate.
 
The first night of the conference, we went around the room sharing what we specialize in. When it was my turn, I shared with everyone about our ministry and that we not only change the lives of kids like most of the others but I help change lives for all eternity. The rest of the conference, I had many of the Christian magicians approach me saying that they have been wanting to get into gospel magic and asked me how I do it.
 
While at the conference, I met many influential people in the magic and marketing world. One magician gave me two recordings he produced on birthday magic and preschool magic worth $50 because he wants to help us out.
 
Another magician I met is the founder of a brand new kid and family entertainment conference called Kapital Kidvention that is occurring at the end of January. As I talked with Louis Meyer, I shared with him that my mom has wanted to learn face painting. I told him that my mom and I are planning to come to the conference but we have to raise the $125 plus expenses to come. I shared with him that my mom has been selling hot dogs at a flea market to raise her money. He said that we needed to hurry because the conference is just about sold out. At the end of the conference, I went to him and asked him to save us a spot because I will be going home to try to get the funds raised to attend. He said, “Earl, I am a Believer also and the Lord laid on my heart last night to allow your mom and you to attend for free!”. I could not believe everything that God had done that weekend and what He is about to do with our ministry. I went to the restroom and just burst into tears because of the overwhelming “God Things” that happened.

Earl with the Seiberts and Uncle Ernie On the way back home, I was blessed to stay with fellow magician friends whom Kimberly and I met at Kidabra Convention about 5 years ago. Lavern (The Puppet Man)and Kathy Seibert from East Berlin, PA opened their home up and welcomed me in. As a fellow magician Lavern has pledged this past year to tithe to our ministry from what he makes doing shows. Check out this endorsement that Lavern vidoe taped for me. Click on Lavern and Uncle Ernie to see what he says.
 
Those of you who gave so that I could attend this conference had no idea what God was about to do but you believed in our ministry and what we are doing. Your donations have multiplied and will multiply in the weeks and months to come because of this conference.

Washington DC
 

This past weekend, we were blessed to travel to Leesburg, VA to minister at Destiny Church. They celebrated 10 years of being in ministry and we were honored to be a part of their celebration. Part of our show included many birthday tricks including baking a birthday cake magically as seen in the picture.
 
God blessed and we saw 17 kids receive Christ! One kid that came up was our son Chase. Knowing that he has in the past come forward to receive Christ, we asked him why he came forward during the invitation. He said, “Because I had been sinning in the hotel room by not listening to what you and Mom told me to do and I wanted to ask Jesus to forgive me!” I just love it!
 
The pastor Greg Wigfield said, “I have been hearing many great reports about how exciting you were in the children’s service and how much of an impact you had on the kids. We looked at many children evangelists to bring in. However, you guys were the only ones we felt was a perfect match for our celebration!”
 
After the service, we loaded everything up and headed to Washington DC. This was the first time the boys had been there. We only had about 3 hours to look around before we needed to head home.
 
They wanted to see Rexy from A Night At The RexyMuseum movie. We took them to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History first. One of the first things they saw was the bones of a T-rex (Rexy). Chase was excited. Most of our time was spent in that museum and then we hurried over to the Museum of Air and Space. We were only able to be in there 30 minutes before they closed the doors. This made us only want to come back and spend a couple of days seeing the sites.
 
The only thing that Rian knew about Washington DC was that the Lincoln Memorial was there. All he talked about all day was that he wanted to see it. Therefore, on the drive out, we drove by the Lincoln Memorial. I dropped Kimberly and Rian off so they could see it and as Chase slept in the van, I drove around until Kimberly and Rian were done taking pictures. After finally finding my way back close to the Lincoln Memorial, I picked them up and headed back home to Lynchburg relishing the great weekend my family had together. 
 
Rian and Chase in DC
 
Rian with Lincoln

Myrtle Beach S.C. Kids Crusade
 

The first of November, Kimberly and I traveled to Myrtle Beach S.C. to minister to the kids during Grand Strand Baptist Church’s “Jubilee By The Sea”.
 
We did our Battle Protection Crusade which centers around The Full Armor of God.
 
We had a great time, met a lot of wonderful people, got to see some of our Ground Zero friends and ministered to a “slew” of kids. When the Crusade was complete, we wound up seeing 18 kids come forward to receive Jesus.
 
To see more pictures beside the ones on the side bar then go to Myrtle Beach Kids Crusade Pictures.

Thank you all for your prayers and support this year. It has been tough at times, much like everyone else these days but God is good and He moves in amazing ways! This year so far we have seen 457 receive Christ through Vertical Kids Ministry!!!
 
Serving Him,
 

Earl, Kimberly, Rian and Chase Long
Vertical Kids Ministry
 Long Family Fall
The Silly Long Family

Earl, Kimberly, Rian and Chase 
Rian and Chase baking
Rian and Chase Baking 
cousins in the fall 
The Cousins in the Mountains 
Museum
 At the Museum of Natural History in DC
Bones
  At the Museum of Natural History in DC
Band
 The Band in Myrtle Beach Kids Crusade
Lemon Face
The Band in Myrtle Beach Kids Crusade
 
Hi. What’s your name?
The Super Sleuth
 

 

Vertical Kids Ministry

Earl and Kimberly Long
PO BOX 4632
Lynchburg, VA 24502
 
 
434-237-2339 Office/Home
434-534-4225 Mobile

Make a Donation

If you would like to donate to the ministry of Vertical Kids Ministry then please push the button above.
 

Vertical Kids Ministry is 501c3 non profit ministry. Any donations that you give are 100% tax deductable. If you would like to support Vertical Kids Minisry then please click on the button above and it will take you to a place where you can either donatate by credit card or by PayPal.
Vertical Kids Ministry | 5945 Hines Circle | Lynchburg | VA | 24502

]]> <![CDATA[The Real Magical Meaning of Christmas]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/the-real-magical-meaning-of-christmas/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:55:29 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/the-real-magical-meaning-of-christmas/

 

 

Are you looking for entertainment or an outreach event for your Sunday School class, kid’s ministries, Awanas, church wide Christmas parties or personal parties at your home. We are here to help. Call us for more details. 

 434-237-2339
If you are not the one that books events, will you pass this on to the person in your church who can.    Thanks. 

Christmas Poster
 
This is a 1 – 1 ½ hour show that features a delightful use of tubes, boxes, cards, ropes, chains, balloon twisting, puppets and Christmas music to incorporate fun magical stories about Santa Clause, the North Pole, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa’s Elves. As the show continues, using lots of audience participation and humor, we will find The Real Magical Meaning of Christmas as Earl shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the dazzling effects of magic and illusion. Near the end of the show an invitation will be given for anyone to find the Real meaning of Christmas in their lives. The spectacular evening will end with Earl magically creating snow right in front of everyone’s eyes.
There is only a 3-4 week time period to book a Christmas Show. This is my favorite show of the year. I hope you will be able to experience it and use it to reach your kids, teens, church family and your neighborhood.
 
Call 434-237-2339 to book your event today. 

Sincerely,
Earl Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

5945 Hines Circle
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-237-2339 Office

434-534-4225 Mobile 
Join Our Mailing List!
 

 
Vertical Kids Ministry | 5945 Hines Circle | Lynchburg | VA | 24502

]]> <![CDATA[Traveling with Vertical Kids Ministry]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/traveling-with-vertical-kids-ministry/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:47:25 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/traveling-with-vertical-kids-ministry/

 

 
 

 

Our Mission: To help kids grow up in Christ by using creative arts including magic shows, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets.
 
Our Vision: To reach as many kids and families for Christ as possible.
Dear partners in ministry,       

 

 
October 2009

One of the great things that I like about being an evangelist is the travel. However, sometimes when we are on the road a lot, one of the things I dislike is the travel.
 
A couple of weekends ago was one of the times I really liked. We traveled to Fredericksburg, VA to minister to the kids of Fredericksburg Wesleyan Church as the church celebrated their 15 year anniversary. We were able to meet up with old friends and see some of the kids we met this summer when we ministered at the Shenandoah Wesleyan Power Rally this summer.
 
Rian and Chase had the opportunity to perform with us on Sunday morning for the first 15 minutes of the show. Both of them are getting better and better in their presentations. I am very proud of them. After the service and a great lunch, our family hit the Civil War battlefields. Rian and Chase had a great time as most boys do when it comes to cannons, trenches and battlefields. Rian is very intrigued with the history of the United States. As we walked, Rian would stop and read most of the markers and then run and climb on a cannon. When we went into the museum’s store both of the boys wanted one of the small metal cannons. Now at home they are battling each other with those cannons. Boys will be boys.
   
God has amazed me all year how He is using Vertical Kids Ministry. At the beginning of the year I had set a goal of seeing 350 receive Christ. Which until this year, we have never reached that goal – close but not attained. I am proud to report to you that God has saved 403 kids, teenagers and adults through Vertical Kids Ministry so far this year. Your prayers and support is at work. Thank you so much!

 

Ministry results over the past 8 years:
2007 – 333 kids and teens received Christ. We ministered 53 times.
2008 – 344 kids and teens received Christ. We ministered 78 times.
2009 – So far this year we have seen 403 kids and teens received Christ. And have ministered 79 times.
2001 – 2009 – In the last 8 years we have seen a total of 1724 kids and teens receive Christ!
 
August and September were relatively slow. We were only able to do 3 church events and a couple of private events. As a ministry my vision has been to work mostly doing evangelistic shows. However, with the economy and donations being down, we have been led to look at other options so we can support the ministry. I believe this may get our information out to a different audience than whom we have been reaching.
 
Earl has been doing a lot of marketing and putting together new shows and posters. He is venturing out and has written a few shows to be done in the preschool and day care settings as well as a Halloween Safety Show for the public libraries. We have a handful of these booked right now. You can go to our website and click on the link to take you to the day care site to see some of the shows.
 
Kimberly started another part time job to help have some finances come into the house. As well as working a couple of days at her family’s Christian bookstore, she is working at a childrens store called Mother Goose.
 
Rian is playing tackle football for Heritage Pioneers 7 & 8 year olds.  He is one of the best players on the team. He loves putting on the pads and hitting the other guys hard. Chase loves going to his practices because there is a big play ground there. Both boys are doing great in school. In fact Rian was just awarded Honor Role! Rian is in the 3rd grade and Chase is in Kindergarten at Sandusky Elementary. 
  
 
*Non Profit Status Report

Praise the Lord! We have been approved. Vertical Kids Ministry is officially a non profit ministry! It has been a long haul but it has finally happened. Thank you for your support and prayers as we have gone through this endeavor. 
 

We still need your help!
As you know donations have been down. The outreaches that we are planning in the future do require for us to have more support coming in so that we can concentrate on these. They include reaching into underprivileged neighborhoods to teach them creative arts and sharing Christ with them (ie. Magic Camps).  We also would like to do missions and take the ministry over seas. Another dream is to be able to offer our shows to more smaller churches who cannot afford our regular fees. Please pray with us as we talk to more people about our ministry.
 
Thank you for your support and prayers; you are a vital part of this ministry. Also, remember to keep sending your donations to VKM and now make the check out to Vertical Kids Ministry. Send it to our VKM address at PO Box 4632 Lynchburg, VA 24502. Now, we have the capability for you to donate through our website or below either using PayPal or your credit card.  You can just click the button below.


Donate to Vertical Kids Ministry now by clicking here.

 

 

Here is our schedule of what is coming up.

October and November are starting to look a little busier with bookings. Here are the shows for the next two months.

 

  • Sandy Bottom Christian Church   

 Madison Heights, VA         October 25, 2009

Trunk or Treat – Close Up and Balloon Twisting

 
  • Sandusky Elementary School  

 Lynchburg, VA             October 27, 2009

Educational Library Show- Spooky Goofy Magic Show

 
  • Halifax County Library     

 South Boston, VA         October 29, 2009

Educational Library Show – Spooky Goofy Magic Show

 
  • Lakewood Baptist Church    

Evington, VA           October 31, 2009

Fall Festival

  •  Grand Strand Baptist Church 

Myrtle Beach, SC         Nov. 4 – 8, 2009

Kid’s Crusade

 
  • Family Life Services         

 Lynchburg, VA          November 21, 2008

4th  Annual Adoption Ice Skate Party – Balloon Twisting and Close Up Magic

  • Destiny Church      

Leesburg, VA      November 22, 2009

Children’s Service for 15 Year Celebration

Thank You for your prayers and support.

 

 

Serving Him,

Earl and Kimberly Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

We have new cell phone numbers
Earl 434-534-4225
Kimberly 434-534-4227 

Prayer Requests

  • We need a financial accountantant that will help us to understand our needs as a non profit ministry.
  • Our upcoming  travels for ministry
  • That we get many more bookings for this Fall and Winter.
  • As we design and produce more shows that they will help build God’s Kingdom.
  • For our protection against evil
  • That our service as servants of God be in His grace and not under our own strength
  • For our purity
  • For more opportunities to share the Gospel through VKM 
  • For more financial support to meet our daily needs

Our Address:

5945 Hines Circle

Lynchburg, VA 24502 
434-237-2339 (Home #)
 

 
Vertical Kids Ministry | 5945 Hines Circle | Lynchburg | VA | 24502

]]> <![CDATA[388 Have received Christ!]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/388-have-received-christ/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:27:46 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/388-have-received-christ/

 

 
 

Yes – 388 have received Christ so far this year!

  
 Our Mission: To help kids grow up in Christ by using creative arts including magic shows, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets.
 
Our Vision: To reach as many kids and families for Christ as possible.
Dear partners in ministry,       
 
 
August 2009
 Although I know God is going to do something amazing at each show, camp or kid’s crusade, it still blows me away when He reveals himself. We started our summer tour on June 7 and was on the road all of June and July except for one week in July. We finished up our last week of camps last week at Grace Bible Camp in Goshen, VA.  I had a goal of wanting to see 350 people receive Christ this year. Well God has blown me away again, because so far we have seen 388 first time decisions to ask Jesus to come into their lives!
 
To see some of our pictures for the summer you can go to Pictures of summer and Grace Bible Camp Pictures and Battle Protection Pictures. At the Grace Bible Camp pictures you will see Rian and Chase helping us in the ministry. It is fun having our boys help us and lead in music.
 
Now, we are headed to Pigeon Forge for a week of learning more about ministering and entertaining children and families. We are attending the KIDabra convention from Tuesday till Saturday night. Go to www.Kidabra.com to see what all we will be doing. I will be attending an entertainer’s marketing seminars for the first two days. Then Kimberly and I will be learning new tricks, new stories, how to perform better and to see what else is out there.
 
Graciously, I sit here reflecting over the past two months of ministry and am pleased to report that God has moved on the lives of so many. We have seen 177 receive Christ! This included 2 adults at Liberty Wesleyan Church in Summerfield, NC. After talking with the pastor, he said that the couple had just recently started coming to church.
 
At Liberty Wesleyan Church another God thing had occurred. During that Sunday morning worship, I had asked for a volunteer. I shared that I needed someone who did not care what I did to them. Most of the kids raised their hand; however one boy’s smile caught my attention. I brought him on stage. He was going to be the magician for this trick. As we went through the routine, I noticed that the boy’s left hand was not working properly. We continued with the trick and he wound up being the “hero”.
 
After the show when we were packing up, the boy’s uncle came up and thanked us for picking him. I then asked him about his hand. His uncle said that last October, Jamey at the age of 8 had a stroke. His whole left side was paralyzed. The doctors said that he would probably never walk again. Well God had a better plan, not only was he walking and moving but he was able to hold the cards and do everything needed for the trick. The only way we knew something was different was because of that one hand that seemed just a little off. God not only blessed him that day by allowing him to be picked, but he blessed us by learning about his miracle from God.
 
God continued to bless us that week at the FCA Boys 1 Camp as we met little Eli. Eli was a 9 year old down – syndrome blessing. Not only did Eli attach himself to me but I was attached to his great love, his big smile and great attitude. Eli loved the puppets and always asked me, “Where da puppeets?” And most of the time I would tell him that they were asleep. Eli was a very smart boy who participated in everything we did even at times when he was not supposed to be on stage helping out. 
 
Also during this camp, we met two brothers whose Grandfather had brought them from Atlanta to attend the camp with him: Mikiel is 11 years old and his younger brother Chris is 6. They were from a broken home, and the grandfather wanted them to get the influence from this great Christian camp. Well, both boys came to know the Lord that week. Mr. Brown, the grandfather wrote the date of their salvation in their new FCA Bible and then he had Kimberly and me write an encouragement in their Bibles.
 
The next week we ministered in Roanoke, VA at the Parkway House of Prayer. Wow, the Holy Spirit moved in incredible ways. From Tuesday through Sunday morning we ministered to several hundred kids and adults. There were 77 kids that received Christ that week and 41 of them were visitors to the church. Special outreach events really do work!
 

There are a couple of stories that stand out that happened that week. One lady had been bringing a girl to the church’s kid’s club and VBS’s for 5 years, and finally the girl received Christ. Another girl who was brought by one of the church ladies received Christ. Pam wanted to make sure that the girl understood what she did that night. So on the way taking her back home she asked her. The little 8 year old girl said, “Yes, I got saved! And Miss Pam, no one has ever asked me to ask Jesus to come into my life until Pastor Earl asked me tonight.” This girl actually comes from a church going family.
 
The next week, we went back to the Black Mt. camp and this time ministering at the FCA Coaches Camp. This week, we met a young 5 year old that was an inspiration to all of us. His name is Jay. Jay was born with 3 vertebrae missing in his lower back causing him to have no use of his legs.  But that did not stop him, by using his arms he was able to glide across the floor and take part in everything that we did including the dancing, singing with motions, skits, learning the magic tricks, balloon twisting and juggling. It was great to see the joy in Jay’s face as he showed us all that there are no disabilities if you don’t allow it. Jay was one of the 25 kids who received Christ into their lives that week!
 
Will you continue giving your sacrificial donation to help Vertical Kids Ministry reach more and more kids and families?
We still need your help!
 
As of July, we have lost $1400 in monthly support. This economy recession has hit you and it has hit us also. This $1400 is basically a little more than our mortgage payment. This does get scary for our family. However, we know who is in charge of everything and somehow God keeps providing in different ways. As you read below you will see some ways that He has blessed our ministry. If you can help out with extra finances or as a one time gift then we would be so grateful. 
 
Report on the new Trailer!
As I shared last month about the opportunity of getting a trailer, there were a few of you who graciously gave to our ministry to help specifically for the trailer. There is good news and bad news. First the bad news: The used trailer I was getting from the “friend” actually fell through. We were devastated. We had a lot of equipment that we needed to carry this summer for our camps and crusades.
 
However, the good news is we had a donor who found out about the trailer falling through and they donated the rest of the money that we were unable to come up with to by a brand new 5X8 trailer that even has a warranty!  The Lord really blessed us by using his people to help reach others. We are now pulling that trailer behind our mini-van as we travel to the different paces this summer!
 
*Non Profit Status Report
We mailed off our 501 (c) 3 paperwork. Through donations and us selling some things, we have come up with the $750 fee we need. Starting in August, your tax deductable donations need to be made out to Vertical Kids Ministry and not Brentwood.
 
Thank you for your support and prayers; you are a vital part of this ministry. Also, remember to keep sending your donations to VKM and now make the check out to Vertical Kids Ministry. Send it to our VKM address at PO Box 4632 Lynchburg, VA 24502. Now, we have the capability for you to donate through our website or below either using PayPal or your credit card.  You can just click the button below.
 

Donate to Vertical Kids Ministry now by clicking here.

 
Here is our schedule of what is coming up.

 

  • KIDabra Convention           Pigeon Forge, TN                     August 12 – 15, 2009
    Kid and Family Entertainers Convention
     
  • Magic Birthday Party        Forest, VA                               August 22, 2009
     
  • Timberlake UMC      Lynchburg, VA                                    September 13, 2009

    Kid’s Sunday School Kick Off

     
  • Sandy Bottom Christian Church                                Madison Heights, VA              October 25, 2009

    Trunk or Treat – Close Up and Balloon Twisting

     
  • Grand Strand Baptist Church                                     Myrtle Beach, SC              Nov. 4 – 8, 2009

    Kid’s Crusade

Thank You for your prayers and support.

 

Serving Him,

Earl and Kimberly Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

We have new cell phone numbers
Earl 434-534-4225
Kimberly 434-534-4227 

Prayer Requests

  • Our upcoming  travels to Pigeon Forge.
  • That we get many more bookings for this Fall.
  • That we stand in God’s armor
  • For our protection against evil
  • That our service as servants of God be in His grace and not under our own strength
  • For our purity
  • For more opportunities to share the Gospel through VKM 
  • For more financial support to meet our daily needs

Our Address:

5945 Hines Circle

Lynchburg, VA 24502 
434-237-2339 (Home #)
 
Vertical Kids Ministry | 5945 Hines Circle | Lynchburg | VA | 24502

]]> <![CDATA[Summer reports of the Battle Protection for Vertical Kids Ministry]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/summer-reportsof-the-battle-protection-for-vertical-kids-ministry/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:07:22 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/summer-reportsof-the-battle-protection-for-vertical-kids-ministry/
 
 

Updates and prayer requests
 

 
 Our Mission: To help kids grow up in Christ by using creative arts including magic shows, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets.
 
Our Vision: To reach as many kids and families for Christ as possible.
Dear partners in ministry,       

 
 

June 2009
Little David stood with wonderment in his eyes as he stood on stage at Sandy Bottom Christian Church. Kimberly stood beside him quoting Ephesians 6:10 – 11. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. “
 
She then proceeded to twist the green balloon into shape and place it around the waist of David. Kimberly proclaimed, “Now you have the Belt of Truth on. This is important because it holds every part of the Spiritual Armor together.” Piece by piece, Kimberly twisted and shaped the balloons into a part of the Full Armor of God. She placed them on David and explained the purpose of each one to the audience.
 
As the armor was placed on David, we had no idea what he had experienced in his life the last few days. After the show, we had a couple of people reveal his story to us. They said, “We sure are glad that you picked little David to help on stage. You see his grandmother just passed away and his family just flew here from Germany to bury her. The memorial service was held right before your show.”
 
Kimberly and I are always amazed how God works in every show. We never know whose life we are going to touch. We never know what has just happened that day, the day before or what they have gone through during the week. But God knows. And God is the one that places us in that church, at that camp or that school so that we can minister to that one child or to that one adult. We never know who we pick to come on stage as a volunteer and how it may change that child’s life forever. God ordains it all.
 
We are just obedient to what God has called our family to do. That is to evangelize the world with God’s great news. God has blessed us by showing us how we can best reach the kids and families of this generation. Whole heartedly, we creatively share the gospel by using magic, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets to get across the loving, saving grace of Jesus.
 
Another David story is found in 2 Samuel 23. We find a list of David’s 30 mighty men. These are David’s friends, family, and people who believed in his mission and his God. They were mighty warriors who put on their armor and were willing to protect David and carry forth God’s Kingdom even unto death. In this scripture you will find a list of accomplishments and victories that these men helped David to triumph over.
 
Over the past 7 ½ years that we have been called to evangelize through Vertical Kids Ministry, you have stood by us in your prayers and financial support. God has brought about a great victory over these years. Their have been over 1500 people receive the Lord for the first time and we have ministered to and touch the lives of so many more thousands. You have been our “mighty men” through the years. Now, more than ever, we need for you to keep the armor on and continue being those “mighty men” for us.
 
Among these stories there is one found in verses 13-17. We find three of these men who will do anything for David because they believe in his calling and mission.  One day during harvest, the Three parted from the thirty and joined David at the Cave of Adullam. A squad of Philistines had set up camp in the Valley of Rephaim. While David was holed up in the Cave, the Philistines had their base camp in Bethlehem. David had a sudden craving and said, “Would I ever like a drink of water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three penetrated the Philistine lines, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But David wouldn’t drink it; he poured it out as an offering to God, saying, “There is no way, God, that I’ll drink this! This isn’t mere water, it’s their life-blood-they risked their very lives to bring it!” So David refused to drink it.
 
What a great uplifting that he received from his men who supported him. We look forward to your encouragement each month as you give sacrificially because you believe in our mission, our purpose and what God has called us to do. You see God moving through our ministry and you are excited to be a part of it. Just like David, we take your offerings and your sacrifices and we pour it out before the Lord so that we can help build God’s Kingdom one child at a time.
 
Will you continue giving your sacrificial donation to help Vertical Kids Ministry reach more and more kids and families? Maybe you have not been able to give in a while or maybe you have never given, would you pray to see if God wants you to bless this ministry with a portion of your earnings?
 
A New Ministry Equipment
A wonderful opportunity has just surfaced. Our ministry has needed a trailer to haul our ministry equipment around as we travel up and down the east coast. For 7 ½ years we have traveled packing our mini van from top to bottom and from side to side with our equipment, luggage and kids. For 2 years, we have earnestly prayed about this and a couple of times have been given the hopes of receiving a free trailer. However, things fell through and we did not receive one. A friend has shared with me that he will sell me his 5×8 two year old enclosed Leonard trailer for $1000. This is regularly $2200. He has used it in ministry and wants it to continue to be used in ministry. We also need $250 to buy and install the towing hitch on our mini van. We have raised $200 already, will you give extra to help us get this much needed ministry equipment?
 
Non Profit Status Report
We have finished all of our 501 (c) (3) paper work and ready to send it in to ask the government for our non profit status. However, there is a $750 fee that is required for us to pay when we send it in. We have raised $350 of it and still need another $400. Will you help with this?  Our church is still helping out by allowing you to donate through them for tax write offs through August.
 
Summer Camps are starting June 7
As we prepare for our summer ministry travels to camps and churches, please remember us in prayer. We will be traveling most of June and July. So far this year, we have seen 212 kids receive Christ. We are eager to see what He does this summer and the rest of the year.
 
Thank you for your support and prayers, you are a vital part of this ministry. Also, remember to keep sending your donations to VKM but make the check out to our church Brentwood who is providing for your tax deduction. Send it to our VKM address listed on the first page.

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
Here is our schedule so far.
 

  •  Liberty Wesleyan Church                Summerfield, NC             June 7, 2009 Morning Worship
  • FCA Boy’s Sports Camp 1                           Black Mountain, NC   June 8 – 11, 2009         Kid’s Camp for Coaches and Staff Kids
  • Parkway House of Prayer           Roanoke, VA    June 16-19, 21       Kid’s Crusade
  • FCA Coaches Sports Camp                         Black Mountain, NC     June 22 – 25, 2009 Kid’s Camp for Coaches Kids
  • South Carolina Kid’s Camp                         Table Rock, SC           July 5, 2009

    Afterglow Show

  • FCA Boy’s Sports Camp 2                         Black Mountain, NC         July 6-9, 2009       Kid’s Camp for Coaches and Staff Kids
  • Shenandoah Wesleyan District Power Rally   Roanoke, VA                July 12-14, 2009 Children’s Crusade
  • Grace Bible Camp       Goshen, VA                    July 26 – Aug. 1, 2009            Kid’s Camp
     

 

Thank You for your prayers and support.

 

 
Earl Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

 

Serving Him,

Prayer Requests
 
  • Our upcoming summer travels
  • That we get many more bookings for this summer and Fall events.
  • That we stand in God’s armor
  • For our protection against evil
  • That our service as servants of God be in His grace and not under our own strength
  • For our purity
  • For more opportunities to share the Gospel through VKM 
  • For more financial support to meet our daily needs

 

Our Address:

5945 Hines Circle

Lynchburg, VA 24502 
434-237-2339 (Home #)
423-502-7426 (Cell)
 

 
 
]]> <![CDATA[Vertical Kids Ministry update for February 2009]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/vertical-kids-ministry-update-for-february-2009/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:58:00 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/vertical-kids-ministry-update-for-february-2009/

 

 
 

Shows Are Finally Being Booked!

  

After a very slow Christmas and January of not having many ministry show opportunities that were paid and not having a great month or two of donations, we are finally seeing the Light.

 
We were able to see God move in amazing ways in January. We were able to do chapel at Thomas Road Baptist Church’s Christian school named Liberty Christian School. We saw 28 kids receive Christ! Then at Living Word Baptist Church in Lynchburg, we did a show for their Awana’s group and saw 10 kids receive Christ.
 
The past two to three weeks, we have seen God open the doors for many shows and camps up coming and this summer. We need to fill in around the dates we have now. Please pray with us that we can get at least 3 more weeks worth of camps, kid’s crusades or Vacation Bible Schools booked this summer. 

 
Here is our schedule so far.

  • Highland Heights Baptist Church         Lynchburg, VA                                    February 22, 2009  Kid’s Church
  • New Life Christian Stores                    Lynchburg, VA                                    February 24, 2009

    VBS Workshop Magic Showcase

  • Private Show                                        Laurens, SC       February 28, 2009         Magic Show
  • CenterPoint Wesleyan Church                    Laurens, SC     March 1, 2009                Morning Worship
  • First Baptist Church                             Suffolk, VA             March 5, 2009          Upward Basketball Awards Program
  • Penn Jersey Wesleyan C.L.A.M. for Kids    Allentown, PA         March 7, 2009                  Kid’s Convention
  • The Gospel Chapel   Walnut Port, PA        March 8, 2009    Kid’s Church
  • Chick-Fil-A Family Night                    Lynchburg, VA         March 10, 2009         Close Up Magic and Balloon Twisting
  • First Baptist Church                                 North Myrtle Beach, SC    March 15, 2009  Upward Basketball Awards Program
  • Calvary Baptist Church   Concord, VA       March 29, 2009    Awana Celebration
  • FCA Boy’s Sports Camp 1                           Black Mountain, NC   June 8 – 11, 2009         Kid’s Camp for Coaches and Staff Kids
  • FCA Coaches Sports Camp                         Black Mountain, NC     June 22 – 25, 2009 Kid’s Camp for Coaches Kids
  • FCA Boy’s Sports Camp 2                         Black Mountain, NC         July 6-9, 2009       Kid’s Camp for Coaches and Staff Kids
  • Shenandoah Wesleyan District Power Rally   Roanoke, VA                July 12-14, 2009 Children’s Crusade
  • Grace Bible Camp       Goshen, VA                    July 26 – Aug. 1, 2009            Kid’s Camp
     

Thank You for your prayers and support.

 

Serving Him,

Earl Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

Prayer Requests

  • Our upcoming travels
  • That we get many more bookings for this summer
  • That we stand in God’s armor
  • For our protection against evil
  • That our service as servants of God be in His grace and not under our own strength
  • For our purity
  • For more opportunities to share the Gospel through VKM 
  • For more financial support to meet our daily needs

Our Address:

5945 Hines Circle

Lynchburg, VA 24502 
434-237-2339 (Home #)
 
]]> <![CDATA[2008 Christmas Greetings from Vertical Kids Ministry]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/2008-christmas-greetings-from-vertical-kids-ministry/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:09:33 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/2008-christmas-greetings-from-vertical-kids-ministry/
 
 
 
December/2008
In This Issue
A Great Summer and Fall Ministry
Rian Headlines in This Years Christmas Show
Adventures of Rian and Chase
Join Our Mailing List
The Long Report Newsletter

 We want to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We trust and pray that you are doing well.

 

 
 
This year, as the presidental canadites pushed, is a year for change. In our family this has been true. We have had some major changes in our lives as we closed one chapter in our lives and started another one.

 

 
As many of you know, I have been in ministry for the past 20 years in different roles serving Christ. We have ministered to several hundreds of thousands of people and have seen several thousand come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior.  We have been blessed that God has used our family in such a manor.
 
Of course some of the big changes that has happened in our lives this year has been the opportunity to go full time as children and family evangelists/entertainers. For the past 7 years, we have ministered through Vertical Kids Ministry part time while we were full time missionaries with Ground Zero.
 
As we have been praying, at the first of the year God moved on us that it was time to put our faith to the test again and to step out of the boat and trust Him with another big move. So this summer, we did just that. We resigned from Ground Zero, moved from Johnson City, TN after being there for 6 years, and moved back to Lynchburg VA, and started full time with VKM! To see a more detailed story of this go to The Complete Story and scroll down the page until you see our last Long Update!
This has been a great change! 

 

What a Great Summer and Fall of Ministry 

The summer started off and ended strong. This summer was one of the best summers in the 7 year history of Vertical Kids Ministry. Now that we are full time, we were able to travel many miles through Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina doing 4 week-long kid’s camps, 2 kid’s crusades and 3 VBS events.

 

 
In July, we were on the road for 4 weeks straight except for having to come back home for a few days when Kimberly’s grandfather passed away. After celebrating his life here on earth and now rejoicing in his heavenly home, we were back on the road sharing Christ’s love to many hundreds of kids. We saw 206 first time salvations during the 3 summer months. We were really blessed to see God work this summer.
 
When September and October hit, we were blessed to minister in 4 churches at their fall festival or family carnivals. In 2 of the churches, we were able to do our Creative Ministry Workshop to train the church on how to do their own magic, balloon twisting, puppet and juggling ministry. We traveled to South West Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee during those months. Go to Fall VKM Pictures to see some of those pictures in slide show.
 
As November rolled around, things seemed to slow down a little for the ministry. We ministered at 2 events during November. The first was a trip to North Mamkato, MN (the fartherest I have been West). This church flew Kimberly and me in to help celebrate their new church building. What a celebration it was. In the 2 services we ministered in, we saw 29 kids receive Christ.
 
The children’s director wrote and shared the following with us,
Thank you for such a wonderful program you provided for our children while we celebrated the Dedication of our new building.  You had to travel far and accommodate to our scheduled events.  Thanks for your flexibility! 
Our kids are still talking about the show on Sunday, they had such a great time.  Our church is praising God for the 29 kids who received Christ, and for the seeds planted among the other 100.  Your show is entertaining, with a great message of hope and salvation.
 
You have blessed us immensely, may God continue to use you two to glorify and honor Him in such a creative way!
We already know of a local ministry interested in scheduling something with you from the experience their child had, and we look forward to having you here again.
Carrie Miller
Director of Children’s Ministry
Cross View Covenant Church
N. Mankato, MN
 
We were also able to minister in November at Family Life Services annual ice skating event in Lynchburg, VA by entertaining the kids and families with balloon twisting and close up magic. This is the organization that we adopted Rian through 8 years ago.
 
December started our Christmas shows. However, this year we had a hard time getting bookings. Churches were saying that because of the economic resession that they were cutting back. Usually we would have 4 or 5 Christmas shows to do. We wound up doing two shows at churches and one at Rian’s school.
 
For the year we did 76 shows and saw 344 receive Christ!

 

Rian headlines in this years Christmas Magic Show!

This year Rian has been more interested in doing some magic shows with us. Therefor, when I started putting this years Christmas show together, I looked for ways of having Rian do some of the magic. It turns out that I had him participating in the first 15 minutes of the show.
 
He appears from an empty box and then continues doing several of his own tricks. We were so proud of him. One of the shows we did was at Rian’s school. He was a hit. After the show, he had several of the kids give him high fives, one kid asking him to come over and spend the night at his house (so Rian could show him how he did his tricks) and one girl asked Rian for his autograph. Rian then whispered to his mom and asked her, “What is an autograph?”

 

The Adventures of Rian and Chase

Rian and Chase have grown a lot this year. Rian will be 8 on December 28th and Chase turns 5 on Februaury 8th.

 
 To see more pictures of the boys go to a slide show of The Adventures of Rian and Chase.

 

Here is a picture collage of before Christmas events. They consist of Chase and a little buddie he met at the adoption Christmas Party, Bob and Lois Williams(Rian’s foster parents who had him before we adopted him), Rian at one of our shows, Chase with Rudolph balloon hat and “glasses” on his nose, and Chase putting the angel on the tree.
 

 

 

 

They have experienced quite a bit in 2008. They have moved to a new home, changed schools, got to go to two summer camps with us, go to go to Disney World for vacation, and now get to see their cousins all the time.

 
Rian has helped us out with the ministry some this year by participating in a few shows this summer, helping to lead worship at the two camps he attended, and is a big part of our Christmas show. Rian enjoys listening and dancing to music in his room. He loves Star Wars, playing football and baseball, riding his bike and playing video games. He and Chase both love their new house and their big hilly back yard.
 
Chase loves getting out some of my magic tricks and performing them. We have let him do a couple of things in two shows this year. As he gets older, he is going to be a great asset to the show. Chase loves to play by himself and with his brother. He is so creative when he plays or tells stories. He loves being in the same preschool class with two of his cousins. Chase loves to climb and jump on everything.

 

 
Pictures and Video of the Family and Ministry
 

We have several sites that we have set up on the internet for you to keep up with our ministry and family. Some are updated more than others.
 
The one that is updated the most is our FaceBook page. This is a free site that for you to view it you have to have a FaceBook account and be friends with us. It is easy to set up. I am able to keep up with family and friends that I have not seen in years. I am even connecting with friends from High school that I have not seen in 20+ years. Kimberly and I both have a FaceBook account. Please go on, set you up a free account, and search for us to be your friend. You can also put my email in the search. It is earl@get-connected.org. The site is www.facebook.com .
 
 Another site is The Long Family Updates. This is a site that we upload pictures to so that all may be able to see. Click on the link above to see those pics.
 
Another site that will have some videos is my YouTube account.
 
To see some pictures of our ministry you can also go to our Children’s Ministry Connect Page. This is a great place to connect with other children’s workers across the country. It also a great place for me to advertise our ministry.

 

Thank You, Thank You
We want to thank each of you who have been supporting us, praying for us, booking us at your churches and telling others of our ministry. We can not continue this ministry without you. All of this has happened because of your part in the ministry. You have been a part of every one of the 344 kids and teens that received Christ for the first time this year.
 
We still need your support and prayers for 2009. Some of the plans that we have this year while we continue traveling and doing camps, VBS, Church events and festivals are:
  1. We want to do magic day camps around Lynchburg to reach out to some of the underprivileged kids. The plans are to teach them how to do magic, juggling, balloon twisting while we share Christ with them.
  2. Also, we would like to be able to minister to some of the smaller churches who may not be able to afford our regular show fees.
  3. We also would like to do mission work and take the ministry over seas.

Our Mission: To help kids grow up in Christ by using creative arts including magic shows, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets.
 
Our Vision: To reach as many kids and families for Christ as possible.

 If you would like to support our ministry financially to help us minister this year as full time evangelists and would like to give something before the end of the year, then please fill out the form below and have it post marked before the end of the year.
 
Ground Zero is still collecting our tax deductible donations through the end of this year. At the beginning of the new year our local church will accept the donations as we finish our 501c3 non-profit status filing. After the first of the year, the checks will be made out to Brentwood Church and will be mailed to our address at 5945 Hines Circle Lynchburg, Va 24502. We will keep record of the giving and then Brentwood will deposit the money for us to allow you to continue to receive your tax deduction.
 
**Please bear with us as we continue through these transitions.**
 
Some financial needs that you may be able to help us with:
  1. We need $750 for the fees required to file for the non-profit status with the IRS.
  2. We are in need of help to pay doctor bills for Rian and Chase that total $900. These fees were acquired due to the fact that we only have catastrophic insurance and do not have doctor insurance for the boys. (Still part of the transition and move to Lynchburg)
  3. January and February are the toughest months financially for our ministry. We need extra help during these months.
 
 Thank you,
 
Earl and Kimberly Long
434-237-2339 Home
434-534-4225 Cell 

Vertical Kids Ministry

PO Box 4632
Lynchburg, VA 24502 

 
Yes we want to Help!

 

 

Yes!  I/we would like to support Earl and Kimberly to help them reach kids and teens for Christ as they minister.  I/we understand that Earl and Kimberly raise their financial support and ministry expenses to be evangelists and feel God calling us to partner with them:
                                                                                       Donation:
Name: ___________________________                        $25 monthly ______
Address:  ________________________                         $50 monthly ______
    ______________________________                         $100 monthly  _____ 
Phone:  _________________________                         A monthly gift of:  $ ______      
Email:   _________________________                         An annual gift of: $  ______      

Gifts are tax deductible!  Make checks payable to Vertical Kids Ministry. 

Mail to Vertical Kids Ministry PO BOX 4632 Lynchburg, VA 24502

 
Vertical Kids Ministry | PO Box 4632 | Lynchburg | VA | 24502
]]> <![CDATA[Pictures of Vertical Kids Ministry in action at a Fall Festival]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/pictures-of-vertical-kids-ministry-in-action-at-a-fall-festival/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:26:54 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/pictures-of-vertical-kids-ministry-in-action-at-a-fall-festival/

 

 
 

New Pictures from Sunday’s Show

 
 We traveled to Johnson City, TN this past weekend and ministered at Colonial Heights Christian Church at their Fall Festival on Sunday where 16 kids received Christ! Thanks for praying for our travels and ministry. 

 
We had a friend of ours, Haley Wherry, take pictures for us. Go to http://www.cmconnect.org/photo/photo/slideshow?albumId=2099194:Album:165224  to see all of the pictures. Hope you enjoy seeing our ministry

 

 

 

Go to the last page to see pictures of the kids receiving Christ.

 
Having fun balloon twisting.

 

 Check out these faces when I do a trick.

check out the faces

 Some of the balloon art of Kimberly’s

 Let’s do a trick with Rabbits

 Praying with the 16 kids who came forward.

 

Thank You for your prayers and support.

 

Serving Him,

Earl Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

Prayer Requests

  • Our travels this weekend to Minnesota to minister
  • That we stand in God’s armor
  • For our protection against evil
  • That our service as servants of God be in His grace and not under our own strength
  • For our purity
  • For more opportunities to share the Gospel through VKM 
  • For more financial support to meet our daily needs

Our Address:

5945 Hines Circle

Lynchburg, VA 24502 
434-237-2339 (New Home #)
 
Vertical Kids Ministry | 5945 Hines Circle | Lynchburg | VA | 24502

]]> <![CDATA[Vertical Kids Ministry Going Full Time as Evangelist / Entertainers]]> http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/vertical-kids-ministry-going-full-time-as-evangelist-entertainers/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:07:05 +0000 verticalkids http://verticalkids.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/vertical-kids-ministry-going-full-time-as-evangelist-entertainers/
 

The Long Report

 
 

The Long’s are going Full Time with their

 

 

 
After 7 years of working with Ground Zero, God has made it clear that it is time for a new and exciting chapter in our lives. Here are some results over the past 7 years with both ministries:
Ground Zero
  • Ministered to 120,378 people
  • Had 5584 decisions for Christ
  • 1496 first time salvations
  • Well over 100 events
Vertical Kids Ministry
  • Ministered to countless kids and teenagers
  • Had 1044 first time salvations for Christ so far
  • Have performed over 200 shows
  • Traveled many thousands of miles
  • Went through 2 transmissions and many repairs and tires on our mini-van
  • Have performed shows up and down the East Coast and in the Bahamas and in over 100 venues including schools, churches, camps, civic auditoriums and on cruise ships.
  • We have performed in venues with Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Superchic[k], Big Daddy Weave, Shane and Shane, Skillet, Bebo Norman, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, Sanctus Real, Grits, Ricky Skaggs, Starfield and Aaron Shust.

About a month and a half ago, I was spending a lot of time praying and contemplating where I am spiritually, how I am taking care of my family and our future ministry with Ground Zero, Vertical Kids Ministry and for whatever God has planned for our future.

I am reaching a milestone in my life this year. I will be turning 40 on August 16th. As I have been praying, I have been thinking about where my passion is right now and where we will be 20 years down the line. The more I prayed about it, I was realizing that everything was leaning toward Vertical Kids Ministry.
 
With Vertical Kids, I can see my family in the future ministering together doing magic, puppets, juggling and balloon twisting to reach people for Christ. This past year, God started laying on my heart the desires to do some short term missions overseas by taking our ministry to reach out to kids in other lands. God has given me the gifts and passion as an evangelist to share the gospel to as many people as possible. By concentrating full time on VKM, we will be able to do this.
 
Another big decision was what location do we base our ministry. As we pondered over this, the thoughts of where would my family be the happiest kept overbearing my mind. Even though we have made some great and close friends in Johnson City and love the area, we don’t feel like this is where we need to be. Because most of Kimberly’s family lives in Lynchburg, VA, we thought it would be great for us to be around family, have Rian and Chase grow up around their cousins who are about the same ages as them and to be around some good friends that we left 6 years ago when we moved to Johnson City from Lynchburg.
 
God has already been working toward our move in many ways!
  • Chase was accepted into the same preschool as his other two cousins – Alex and Jessalyn
  • Last weekend, when we were in Lynchburg looking at homes and doing a show in Danville, VA, our home sold in Johnson City without us even putting it on the market.
  • All of our ministry partners that I have talked with have agreed to continue supporting us financially as we move toward evangelism with Vertical Kids Ministry. (Yes we still need your prayers and financial support as we will now be on the road a whole lot more.)
We are suppose to be closing on our house in JC on June 27. We need your prayers that the appraisal and termite inspection will go well. Also we need prayer on finding a home in Lynchburg. We will need financial help on our move in the areas of truck rental, gas, any storage, utility hook ups and start up cost for Vertical Kids Ministry(office supplies, office space rental, copier, advertising costs, mailings, insurance, etc.).
 
Until we transition everything, Ground Zero has graciously agreed to continue to manage any of our support through the end of August. At that time, I will direct you in where support should be sent. Until then, please continue to send your support to Ground Zero on our behalf.
 
Thank you so much for your prayers and support over the past 7 years as we have ministered with both Ground Zero and Vertical Kids Ministry. Below you will be able to see some things God has done so far this year in both ministries.

Upcoming Events for Vertical Kids Ministry

Victory Christian Fellowship               Lynchburg, VA           May 18, 2008

         Church Worship Service

Trinity Arts Center                         Johnson City, TN          June 1-6, 2008

Arts Day Camp – Training in Creative Ministry

Indian Springs Baptist Church             Kingsport, TN           June 6, 2008

Ending Celebration for VBS

First Presbyterian Church                     Mt. Dora, Fl.           June 16 – 19, 2008

4 Day Kid’s Crusade

Fellowship of Christian Magician’s Convention    Marion, IN  July 14-18, 2008

Grace Bible Camp                               Goshen, VA                July 20 – 26, 2008

Kid’s Camp

NC West District Wesleyan Church     High Point, NC      July 27-Aug. 2, 2008

Kid’s Camp

 
As of May 2008, we are full time evangelists/entertainers to kid and family audiences. As Vertical Kids Ministry our mission is to help kids grow up in Christ through Christian entertainment using magic shows, juggling, balloon twisting and puppets. 
 

 
 

Vertical Kids Ministry Encounters Many Changed Lives In 2008!

Besides the ministry on the cruise,The month of March started our

Vertical Kids Ministry year of performing. (If you did not see the report on that, go to http://www.xanga.com/gznet36 to see pictures and the fun we had.)

 
So far this year, we have already seen 67 kids and teenagers receive Christ at our shows. Below are a couple of stories from some of our shows.

 

Libby Stole The Show!

On March 3, we did a magic show at Boys to Men in Johnson City, TN. It was an after school program with kids mostly from Fairmont Elementary School. We had a wonderful entertaining night especially with a little 2nd grade girl named Libby. She was chosen to do a trick with me that included flowers disappearing and then she magically making them reappear by trying several different comedy magic wands (one that broke on her, one that turned into a snake, one that kept stretching and getting real big and then real small, and one of the wands started attacking me). By the end of the trick, Libby with the help of the audience shouting out the magic words was able to make the flowers reappear!

The best part of the show came near the end when 5 girls came forward to receive Christ into their lives!

Upward Basketball Magic Show

The following Friday night, we were invited to perform at Trinity Baptist Church in Jonesborough, TN on March 7. It was for their Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony. In the past, there had been so many that attended that the director decided to have 2 shows. The first show consisted of K-2nd graders and their parents, grandparents and friends. The second consisted of 3rd graders and up.

What a great night! We were able to minister and perform to over 800 people. When we gave the invitation, we had 24 kids and teens receive Christ! One of those was “Jimmy” a 16 year old basketball player. After the ceremony, Jimmy went up to his coach and shared with him that he did not go forward during the invitation but he wanted to receive this Christ that Earl talked about. His coach prayed with him right then to receive Christ!

After the show, instead of giving the players trophies, they all received Upward Basketballs. Many of the students came up and had Kimberly and me sign their basketballs.

“Earl and Kimberly did an amazing job at our Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony. Out of the 7 years we have done Upward, they are one of our top performers. Their message was very relevant to our crowd of over 800 people attending. Out of the 24 that came to know Christ that night, one of them was a 16 year old boy that I coached this year.” Michael Bates – Trinity Baptist Church – Jonesborough, TN

 
Our Easter Show Revealed A Great Report
 

 

The Saturday before Easter at New Journey Fellowship in Kingsport, TN, we did a show for a new church plant. After performing our Easter show where we told the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection through magic, puppets and balloon twisting, I had a mother approach me with her two kids. She said, “

Two years ago you came to our church. When you gave the gospel invitation my then 6 year old twins went forward. I thought at first they may have thought they were volunteering for a magic trick. But since that day, I realize that they made a real commitment to accept Christ and they have been growing ever since. My kids’ salvation started with the message you brought during your show. Thank you very much! ” – Debbie
 
What a great feeling I had knowing that what we are doing is having an affect on kids lives for years to come.

 

Little Julie Begs US Not To Leave
 
Last weekend we did a show in Danville, VA at Blessed Hope Baptist Church. After the show, where 22 kids received Christ, one of those little girls named Julie came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Please, I don’t want you to leave.” It just broke my heart.
 

God is working and moving on kids lives through Vertical Kids Ministry. Will you pray for us and the many kids that we come in contact with? We never know how much of an impact we will have on a child for the rest of their lives! 

You can check out more details and see our promo video and a sampling of the show online at our website www.VerticalKids.com

More pictures and video can be seen at www.myspace.com/verticalkids

We have also started a Vertical Kids blog at
www.verticalkids.wordpress.com . Here I will be trying to update regularly what is going on with VKM shows and events.
   
 


Pledge 2 Purity was also a great event in February.  We had Justin Lookadoo as the speaker and The Afters in concert. Over 1800 students attended.  590 of them signed Pledges to Purity.  52 students accepted Christ as their Savior!

Ground Zero has had some great ministry during the first part of the year. One of the events we started last semester was called Impact Worship. This is

a quality youth worship experience that brings community youth together for praise, prayer and a biblical message. We have had between 8 – 10 churches participate each time.

 

 
We have a group of area youth workers, known as the Impact Team, that has worked with Ground Zero to provide this community wide worship experience for area teenagers.
  
Here are a couple of emails we received from some that attended the Impact Worships.
 
Just wanted to let you know we had an amazing time last night.  The youth we brought came away excited and encourage.  I’m not sure who enjoyed it more the adults or the kids.  Thank you again for inviting us to worship as a unified body of believers.  We will definately spread the word and let as many people as we can know of the awesome opportunity.  Thank you again.  Jessicca Frye
 
This is Jr. Martin from Pinecrest Baptist just letting you know that we were truly blessed last night during Impact Worship. I could feel God’s presence there. I feel many young people could be reached through this. The young people that came with us really enjoyed themselves. We have one that is possibly not saved and he was asking when the next one was.
 

Winter Jam was a huge success in January.  Over 5,600 people attended!  427 people made decisions for Christ, including 137 first time professions of faith!

  
  

Another event that we hosted was the Casting Crowns concert where we saw a sell out crowd of 3900. Earlier that day we had Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, come and speak to the students of Impact 121 campus club at Science Hill High School. He shared from his childhood, along with his testimony of how he wrote the song “As Far As The East Is From The West”. Mark is an avid comic book collector, so Haley and I took him around to some comic book stores around Johnson City.

 
 



 

 

The Bristol Races – Chase’s First Race

 

Rian playing for the Red Sox

 

Rian starting playing instructional baseball this year. They are pitched to by a pitching machine and are learning the basic principles of how to throw, field and bat correctly. Earl is helping coach Rian’s team as well as playing softball with the church league.

 

Rian has been doing very well. He is the best hitter on the team so far. The past 3 games he has gone 8 for 9 hitting. His fielding and throwing is improving greatly.

 
 
Earl and Kimberly Long
Vertical Kids Ministry

 
 
 
 

 

 

In His service,

 
 

In March Rian and Chase had Spring Break. First we traveled to Lynchburg, Va. for a week. We were able to meet with and see a number of our friends and family.

 
We left on Friday to come back home. Kimberly’s Aunt Barbara, Uncle Ken and cousin Leah followed us back home. I kept trying to lose them but they kept keeping up with us. Just Kidding. They came down to go to the Bristol Motor Speedway with us on Saturday to watch the Sharpie 300 Race.
 
What an adventure on Saturday. We decided Chase was old enough now to attend a race. We got there at 9:30 AM to attend an event put on by Raceway Ministries. Then around 12:00 PM, we walked around checking out all of the racing merchandise and racing booths. Around 1:00 PM, we started up the hill to go into the speedway when lightning and thunder broke out. And within 5 minutes, the rain was “a coming down”. It stayed like that for about 1 1/2 hours while we stayed under the stands trying to stay dry. At about 2:30 PM it stopped raining. They dried off the track and started the race! We were having a great time until about 168 laps into the race and it started raining again. They eventually called the race and we left to stand in the rain for about an hour waiting to catch a bus to take us back to our van. I can’t wait until the August race! Here are some pictures of our adventure.
 

 
 

Yes!  I/we would like to support Earl and Kimberly to help them reach kids and teens for Christ as they minister through Vertical Kids Ministry.  I/we understand that Earl and Kimberly raise their financial support and ministry expenses to be evangelists and feel God calling us to partner with them:
                                                                                       Donation:
Name:                                                                                 $25 monthly Address:                                                                             $50 monthly
                                                                                             $100 monthly   
Phone:                                                                                A monthly gift of:  $       
Email:                                                                                  An annual gift of: $        

 
Gifts are tax deductible!  Make checks payable to Vertical Kids Ministry.

Mail to Vertical Kids Ministry PO Box 4632 Lynchburg, VA 24502

 

or you can give online by going to www.verticalkids.com

 
 

 

 

  

]]> <![CDATA[New Website for Children's Parties: PuppetPartyMagic.com!]]> http://frankiemalachi.com/2009/11/26/new-website-for-childrens-parties-puppetpartymagic-com/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:29:42 +0000 admin http://frankiemalachi.com/2009/11/26/new-website-for-childrens-parties-puppetpartymagic-com/


We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new party puppet show website, Puppet Party Magic! Just point your browsers to puppetpartymagic.com to take a look at some of our special offerings for birthday parties, children’s shows, and cozy family get-togethers!

You can look forward to puppet shows that are specially catered for young folks and smaller venues. These programmes will feature an exciting combination of unique string puppets, puppets, magic and side-splitting humour that will make your party come alive!

For more bookings or more information, visit puppetpartymagic.com! If you have any thoughts, suggestions for improvements, or queries, just drop us an email at info@puppetpartymagic.com. Do us a favor and link us on your blog/website and let your friends know!

]]> <![CDATA[The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody]]> http://thefagcasanova.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/the-muppets-bohemian-rhapsody/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:59:50 +0000 Gareth Aveyard http://thefagcasanova.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/the-muppets-bohemian-rhapsody/

 

]]> <![CDATA[Muppets Singing Bohemian Rhapsody]]> http://reactorfire.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/muppets-singing-bohemian-rhapsody/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:10:52 +0000 AGP http://reactorfire.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/muppets-singing-bohemian-rhapsody/

The Muppets performing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in glorious 1080p. I love it!

[via BoingBoing]

]]> <![CDATA[Muppet Bohemian Rhapsody]]> http://eviluncle.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/muppet-bohemian-rhapsody/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:10:07 +0000 theeviluncle http://eviluncle.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/muppet-bohemian-rhapsody/

Awesomeness

]]> <![CDATA[He's just a poor boy from a poor family]]> http://dearbloginheaven.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/hes-just-a-poor-boy-from-a-poor-family/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:14:37 +0000 Afrika http://dearbloginheaven.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/hes-just-a-poor-boy-from-a-poor-family/

 

I’m fucking obsessed with this. What’s not to love? Puppets? Fucks my shit up. Queen? Freddie Mercury was from Zanzibar, thus awesome.

Hence, I love the Muppets. And Sesame Street, which will be the only TV show my children will be allowed to watch until they’re old enough to understand 30 Rock.

They can also watch Muppet Babies if they ask politely.

]]> <![CDATA[D.I.Y. Baby]]> http://inconvenientbody.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/d-i-y-baby/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:53:34 +0000 inconvenientbody http://inconvenientbody.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/d-i-y-baby/ <![CDATA[State Secrets Privilege: The Puppets & Puppet Masters]]> http://norcaltruth.org/2009/11/24/state-secrets-privilege-the-puppets-puppet-masters/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:42:10 +0000 srsean1968 http://norcaltruth.org/2009/11/24/state-secrets-privilege-the-puppets-puppet-masters/ <![CDATA[Puppet Ruler]]> http://ahighfidelity.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/puppet-ruler/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:58:30 +0000 A High Fidelity http://ahighfidelity.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/puppet-ruler/

I keep on thinking how it would be to rule the world.  In my mind, I have it envisioned as if the world was my puppet.  I’d be sitting indian style in the middle of space and just have all these strings on my fingers and I’d be controlling everything.

I would be a pretty bad ruler.  I never know what to do with my hands, so I can’t even imagine how I would handle it with strings attached to them.

That makes me think of that Nsync music video.  Yeah, you know.  You know.

]]> <![CDATA[State Secrets Privilege: The Puppets & Puppet Masters]]> http://dprogram.net/2009/11/23/state-secrets-privilege-the-puppets-puppet-masters/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:02:07 +0000 srsean1968 http://dprogram.net/2009/11/23/state-secrets-privilege-the-puppets-puppet-masters/ <![CDATA[Cultdom - 'Who Pulls the Strings' Promo]]> http://cultdom.com/2009/11/23/cultdom-who-pulls-the-strings-promo/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:17:40 +0000 iandave http://cultdom.com/2009/11/23/cultdom-who-pulls-the-strings-promo/

Sunday 29th Nov at 3PM EST on Talkshoe ID 54821 The Cultdom Collective Podcast ‘Who Pulls The Strings’ talks about TV puppet shows like Thunderbirds & Stringray.

]]>