By Melinda Davis, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY - Campbellsville University will host David Garrard, an illusionist who is minister to children at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, for chapel Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. in Ransdell Chapel.  The public is invited to attend this event.

Garrard is in his 32nd year as minister to children at St. Matthews Baptist Church. He's served as an illusionist 40 years, after having become interested in the business when he was 12 years old.

Garrard was the Campbellsville University Homecoming Banquet guest speaker in 2008. He has appeared at last year's Thunder Over Louisville and on ESPN 2 and KET.

Garrard will also be performing at Campbellsville Elementary at 1:15 p.m. on Feb. 25 and at Living Grace Church at 6:30 p.m.

Garrard said, “The most amazing thing to me about God's love is how God showed His love by sending His son, Jesus, into the world.  Jesus, in turn, showed His love by giving His life for me and you so that we could have forgiveness for our sins, a meaningful and purposeful life here and now, and a place in heaven when life on earth ends.”

Garrard has lived in Louisville since 1975. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two grown children, Claire and Tyler.

Chapel is designed to provide opportunities for corporate worship and exposure through a variety of informative speakers and presentations.

All chapel events are open to the public free of charge.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2009 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.