LARNED — Chalk artist and Bible teacher Randy Davis gives churchgoers a new meaning to the phrase “drawing closer.” Davis is this year’s featured speaker at the Larned Church of the Nazarene’s springtime revival. He’s not the “traditional” type of speaker for events like this, sponsors said, adding Davis brings something new and exciting to audiences.
Not a preacher or a pastor, he is a “former layman” whose work has grown into a full-time, nationwide ministry. Davis’ unusual visual method involves an overhead projector and big screen, as he conveys Biblical principles and how they apply to modern-day life. Accompanied by appropriate background music, he draws an illustration of his message. When completed, colored lights and special black-light effects reveal a surprise — a previously drawn “hidden picture.”
“Drawing Closer Ministries” was founded in 1987, and it has grown rapidly. The ministry “is designed to support, strengthen and encourage local churches and pastors around the nation,” states Davis. He has had hundreds of requests from all across the nation, and many from foreign countries. His base is his home office in his garage in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he pre-draws his black-light drawings. He transports them and his equipment to event sites, and has traveled extensively across 25 states. His wife, a vocalist, travels with him when she can and shares her music while he draws.
The drawing, itself, is only about a third of his presentation, explains Davis. “Some have said the teaching is the ‘meat and potatoes’ and ‘the drawing is the gravy.’” At first, people are intrigued by the chalk drawing and the concept of the hidden picture that emerges at the end. But by the second or third service, he says people become more consumed with what is being taught. “That is the whole purpose of the ministry. If all I did was draw pictures to hear some ‘oohs and ahhs,’ I would have quit many years ago.”
“We are so excited about bringing this unusual ministry to the people of Larned – and the surrounding communities,” states Nazarene Pastor Leroy Lyon. “We invite everyone to come and join us to see just what Randy has to offer.”
Evening services will continue Sunday through Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the 27th, everyone is invited to enjoy a free, family-style meal at the church beginning at 5:30 p.m. Davis’ concluding service will follow at 6:30 p.m. All services are free, but a freewill offering will be taken. For more information, call Lyon at 620-804-1551 or Kay Stack at 970-308-5183.