ICR has entered a very dynamic stage of its ministry. It's a wonderful time, but full of crowded schedules and exploring new territory.
One of the transitions regards the homegoing of my father, ICR's founder, Dr. Henry Morris. He stepped down from the active presidency in 1996, but had maintained a productive writing schedule until his death early this year. His fertile pen continued up to the very last as he completed a short book summarizing creation evidences and evolution's impact while on his deathbed. (We are finalizing the manuscript and will make it available soon.) He was not only my father and good friend, he was also my mentor on many matters, and I often regret not being able to simply walk down the hall and access his wisdom.
As well documented on these pages, ICR's research efforts have begun to snowball into major discoveries in several areas.
The stunning success of the RATE initiative on radioisotope dating foreshadows even greater advances in the FAST (on the great Flood and geology) and GENE (on human genetics) projects. All of these projects are facilitated by the new super computer "Epiphany." Already several articles are being prepared for the standard scientific journals. A new day has arrived in creation research and understanding.
Each of the ICR scientists could be fully involved in productive speaking, but we try to guard their time, focusing it in areas where they can have the most impact. Only a few trained and credentialed scientists can do the basic research, while many can digest the information and pass it on to others.
My own speaking and travel schedules have continued to increase over the years, even as my administrative duties swelled with ICR's staff and research. Recognizing that administration was not my strength, the ICR Board asked ICR Astrogeophysics Chairman, Dr. Larry Vardiman, to accept the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) at ICR, handling day-to-day administration, especially while I'm on the road. This new arrangement has been a true blessing.
Unfortunately, Dr. Vardiman's new administrative duties, coupled with his role of "shepherding" the RATE research team lessened his own research output. After two years defining this new role he has asked to return to research and scholarly efforts. Thus, the Board has contracted with long-time ICR associate Dr. Ed Miller to continue the COO role on a contract basis for the foreseeable future. Dr. Miller's specialty is in education administration and research coordination. His presence here will make all of ICR more productive.
My father frequently told a story about the early days of ICR, when he and Duane Gish were the only two contributing scientists. Asked how it was going, he would answer, "It's like being on a train racing down a steep hill with no brakes. All you do is `hang on'." It seems we have topped the next hill, so hang on.
To the larger ICR family I ask for your prayers and support. The days ahead promise a wild but productive ride. "All aboard!"
