According to Merriam-Webster, a decades old word puzzle is again making the rounds on the web. Wayne Dobson produced several years ago the "Startling" effect (sold through Loomis Magic) where this same wonderful puzzle is incorporated into a card prediction routine.

From the minds of the Gospel comedy magic duo Oz and Wilde (used by permission here) comes a terrific routine that can be used for this puzzle. All you need is 9 slips of paper or alphabet cards that can display a letter which will work for close-up, small group, or in a Sunday School class setting. Large size cards should be used for a stage setting along with an appropriate easel for display.

The basic effect: See it performed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx8LyeEzut4

Gospel patter (and you'll need to practice the phrasing placing special emphasis on certain words to make it flow together): I would like to share with you an AMAZING word puzzle today. The English language has at least one nine-letter word that remains a common English word as each of its letters is removed WITHOUT rearranging the word order (display the letter cards in order). That word is S-T-A-R-T-L-I-N-G. Would you like to see this puzzle played out?

"STARTLING" (remove the letter L, slide the cards closer back together to form the new word) isn't it how anyone "STARTING" (point to each letter of the new word) with logically defined rules of science could EVER chose to believe (remove the letter T, slide the remaining cards together to form the new word), after "STARING" at the world around them, when (remove the letter A) it is crystal clear that everything obviously seems to "STRING" (add emphasis on each newly formed word) together pointing to a wonderful and intelligent Designer, (remove the letter R) and instead select the atheistic conman's "STING" known as evolution! (Remove the letter T) The world should "SING" at the obvious reality of an incredible Creator, yet it seems happy (remove the letter G) choosing the "SIN" (remove the letter S) that has gotten "IN" our world. But (remove the letter N), there is a clear choice for you and "I" to make today.

(At this point in the routine, you can share the Gospel or your own testimony. You could emphasize that all of us are sinners and we need of a Savior. We cannot save ourselves and will be judged by a perfect and Holy God. Each of need to make a choice whether to accept God's free gift of salvation through the sacrifice of His son Jesus on the cross to die for our sins, or we can choose to ignore it and live our lives without eternal hope. Quote Romans 6:23. Note the last three words of the puzzle, the SIN is IN I, it is not the fault of our parents, our teachers, our society, but is from the sin in our own hearts that we need redemption).

Then the word puzzle can be "rebuilt", using the same letter cards: "I" (display the I card) can choose to make a difference (add N card) "IN" this world and not let (add the "S" card, add the remaining letters as you go along) "SIN" keep me from choosing to "SING" praises to God. I will not feel the "STING" of sin for some later day. I'm not letting the world "STRING" me along with its lies. Now if you were to be "STARING" in the Book of Life, you will find my name there with all the other believers "STARTING" back at the beginning of time! And to me the idea of not accepting Jesus as one's Lord and Savior, is simply... STARTLING!

Thanks Oz and Wilde for this fine routine.