RICHMOND – “Gifted.” “Multi-talented.” “Fun.” “Entertaining.” “Faithfilled.”

These are some of the words that describe a performance by Brent Vernon and his sidekick Sam.

Both will perform free in the Richmond United Methodist Church sanctuary at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

Vernon said he will do a little singing, work with Sam a little and sing a little more. He has written numerous songs reflecting faith and the joy of God’s work.

YOUTHFUL CREATIVITY Early on, Vernon developed a love for the creative arts. “That’s been a joy,” he said. “I was doodling and drawing as a kid.” He also displayed a talent for playing the piano and developed skills as a ventriloquist

Vernon said he does not remember asking for a puppet. His parents, who worked with children, traveled some and helped churches with Bible schools, needed something to keep their children entertained.

“My parents were always looking for ways to include my sister and me,” he said.

One Christmas, when Vernon was about 8, his parents gave him a “little Charlie McCarthy puppet” named Will for a gift. He taught himself the art of ventriloquism.

“I just really picked it up,” he said. “We would use it in church settings for the kids.”

Will clicked with the kids as well as the adults, and the act was born – mixing well with Vernon’s music.

SINGER/SONGWRITER In high school, Vernon became interested in sharing his faith through music. He put together a vocal group he called Vision, writing and arranging music to sing at church and school functions.

In 11th grade, Vision recorded an album, “Anywhere.” The album’s success led do three more albums. Vision went on the road, performing more than 200 concerts a year from the mid-to-late 1990s.

“When I first started doing music full time, the other members of the group – during a music tour – said, ‘Why don’t you bring your little puppet friend?’ ”

Vernon integrated ventriloquism into the act and Will became an immediate hit.

“It went over so well, that there was no going back,” he said. Before long, Will retired and Sam took over. Sam and Vernon are now partners, performing at numerous venues around the country.

“I still find it kind of funny,” Vernon said. “I was the reluctant ventriloquist. It was something that was handed to me and I just said, ‘OK, then.’ ”

After Vision disbanded, Vernon continued to perform with Sam and to record solo albums.

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR Vernon also continues to draw. In 2010, he said he decided to produce a childrens book.

“There was a great response to it,” he said. “It’s such a joy.” He produces a new book about every 18 months: concept, writing and illustrations.

“It’s just a blast,” Vernon said. “It’s gone hand in hand with the music and ventriloquism.”

His first children’s book, “Neckless, the Audrey Amaka Story,” is about a little giraffe born without a neck. In the story, Audrey learns “to use whatever is in our hands – our time, talents and resources – in good and selfless ways,” Vernon said.

STILL GOING STRONG

In June, Vernon will celebrate 25 years of entertaining full time. He plans to record songs for the occasion, including “Whatever is in my hands, Lord, please multiply it to your glory.”

Vernon lives in Florida a beach town. He looks after his parents, who help market his materials.

“We get along famously,” he said.

Vernon said he has followed the path God set before him from youth.

“I really have found a lot of joy in using the unique talents that God has given me,” he said. “I believe God has wired us all uniquely. And just showing up and using those talents that are beyond ourselves … it can be a joyful thing.”

For more information about Vernon, visit his website at brentvernon.com.