No doubt many of you, like me, have been earnestly looking for the return of the Lord Jesus. Recent national and world events have only increased my longing for Christ’s return to bring sweet relief from the tribulations of this fallen world. And while the promise of Christ’s second coming is assured—perhaps today might even be that day—it is far too easy to grow weary, even despondent, while we wait for His glorious appearing.
In times like these, we do well to remember Christ’s admonition to “occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Rather than hunkering down and waiting idly for Christ’s return, He has called us to stay busy using whatever abilities and opportunities we have to sow, water, and reap in fruitful service to Him. Then “blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke 12:43). With that mindset, there is still much work left to do!
The Institute for Creation Research, now in our 43rd year of service, is thankful for God’s many blessings upon our ministry. Through it all, His providential hand has unmistakably guided our steps, supplied our needs, and enabled our ministry to plan for the future. As a new year begins, ICR has identified several needs we could really use your help with. We invite you to “occupy” with us, in prayer and with your gifts of support, as we work toward that day when He returns.
- Campus Expansion: The Lord has blessed ICR with three buildings situated on a seven-acre campus—all purchased completely debt-free over several years as God provided through His people. As part of a long-range plan, ICR was thankful to complete a partial conversion of one building into a much-needed warehouse, expanding our storage capacity from 2,000 to 12,000 square feet! Lord willing, we hope to do much more one day as the Lord provides the financial resources. Please prayerfully consider how you could partner with us.
- Video Series: ICR receives more seminar requests each year than we are able to fulfill. This is particularly true of small churches, Christian schools, and college and homeschool groups who are hungry to learn the scientific evidence that supports Scripture. To fill this need, ICR has embarked on a major project to design a series of high-quality science-oriented videos to teach in situations where ICR can’t. We want to do this right, so ICR is consulting with a creative media group to design the video series. As you can imagine, the production costs are substantial, but we believe the ministry outreach will be profound. Please help if you are able.
- Book Projects: 2012 was a banner year for new books from ICR, and 2013 looks to be equally robust. ICR’s staff is currently working on major books we hope to release soon. Apart from the time and effort required by our authors and editorial staff, ICR’s biggest need is the significant upfront costs associated with printing quality books. ICR welcomes your help to bring these wonderful new resources to fruition.
As you make your plans for the coming year, please consider joining with ICR in meeting these ministry needs. It won’t be long before Christ returns. May we all be found in the midst of fruitful service at the moment of “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2013. Occupy Till He Comes. Acts & Facts. 42 (1): 21.
