A Tribute to Larry Mahan — “Mr. SONshine”
By Karl Bastian
I lost a dear friend in ministry this week—Larry Mahan. To many, he was a Gospel Magician. But to those who really knew him, he was far more than that. Larry was a joyful innovator, a creative light, and a humble servant of Jesus who spent his life making ministry not only impactful, but irresistibly fun.
Affectionately known as Mr. SONshine, Larry lived up to his name. Wherever he went—whether a church, a school, or a Fellowship of Christian Magicians meeting—he brought the joy and warmth of Jesus. He wasn’t just shining; he was reflecting the “Light of the world” (John 8:12) with every trick, every laugh, every lesson, and every encounter.
Larry created simple, fun illusions that anyone could use to share the Good News with kids. He understood something essential: ministry to children doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be engaging, joyful, and Jesus-centered. His book, Shtick: The Art of Entertaining Children, remains one of the first resources I recommend to children’s pastors. When I first read it, I felt like I could’ve written it myself—not to rob him of the credit, but because I found in Larry a kindred spirit. His humor, his heart, and his winsome way of connecting with kids made me look up to him all the more.
And let me tell you—he was the best-looking Santa Claus you ever saw each December, and he wore that full beard proudly all year round! But even more striking than his jolly appearance was his gentle humility. For all his talent, Larry never needed the spotlight. And yet, every time he stepped into it, he redirected the glow to his Savior.
As Philippians 2:3–4 reminds us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves… not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Larry lived that verse. He embodied it. He didn’t perform for applause—he performed for a purpose. He left us a living example:
- To live with purpose.
- To hone our craft.
- To keep learning and inventing.
- And to share Jesus every day, in every way, through every door God opens.
Though he’s now basking in the full radiance of heaven—face to face with the One he loved to shine for—the world won’t be dimmer without him. Why? Because he left so much light behind. He lit up our hearts and our ministries. And now, it’s our turn.
If we can catch just a spark of what Larry carried, we can keep his SONshine beaming in our homes, our churches, and our communities. I’m in. I’ll be a SONshine beam. Will you?
As we continue to minister, may we echo Larry’s life with our own. “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Until we join him in that eternal light, may we keep shining for Jesus—like Larry showed us.
