ICR's ministry has always been multifaceted, taking the message of both Biblical and scientific creationism to all ages, educational levels, and stations in life. For example, Dr. Gish has debated leading evolutionists on university campuses as well as spoken in church worship services. He has written hard-hitting books on technical science as well as children's books on dinosaurs. God has remarkably blessed this multiplex of thrusts allowing us to see a full-fledged revival of interest in creation. None of these thrusts are optional, but some are more difficult than others.
As I have pointed out in previous President's Columns, our "Back to Genesis" seminars not only teach information the attendees may not know, they mostly teach how to think about information that is already known. We enjoy seeing "the lights go on" in high school students and college professors alike as the Christian/creationist worldview is communicated. Individuals from all walks of life and training have responded.
Sometimes (although not often enough) key leaders in business or science or government are reached. Usually these hard-working men and women are far too busy to critically examine their worldview. The pressures of the here and now outweigh eternal considerations—but some do respond, and we desire to reach more of these key people who influence so many others.
With that in mind, let me introduce you to my 90-year-old friend, Whitman Daniels, a wonderfully winsome man who has all the intellect and drive needed to live life fully in the here-and-now. Raised in a family that early gave him familiarity with the finer things in life, and educated at Dartmouth College, he was well equipped for the success that came his way. Although he never doubted the reality of God, his scientifically uniformitarian worldview had made reason and the human intellect dominating factors. For his first 61 years that is how it was; he was devoted to the good things in this life—and to some of the bad. Thankfully, his story doesn't end there.
In God's providence, Mr. Daniels' grown son came to know the Lord, and through his wise and tactful witness, Mr. Daniels responded to God's gift of salvation, made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Himself the Creator.
But what about evolution? He had never had reason to doubt it, nor really considered its implications, but now he knew it couldn't be true. In witnessing to his peers, he realized that evolution was a major stumbling block to many. As he searched for answers, he found ICR and began to use Biblical science to reach many "successful" but empty souls.
Recently he approached us with an offer to "tithe" his estate to ICR, endowing a program designed to reach key leaders in business, education, science, government, and religion. The income from this endowment would be used to fund programs specifically targeting influential people.
Together we have formulated a plan to host "leaders' retreats" and home meetings and to advertise our materials and meetings in publications typically read by executives and professionals. We are convinced that there is no end to the potential ministry to these influential but very "needy" individuals.
The interest earned by Mr. Daniels' endowment will not initially be extensive. It will increase after his death, but we are fully committed to this vision and intend to move ahead (with his personal participation as long as he is able). He considers his gift to be merely "seed money," which will grow as others, including the beneficiaries, likewise catch the vision.
If this is a vision you share, perhaps you would consider adding to this endowment. Or, if you would like help in reaching your influential peers, maybe we can work together. Already several of the ICR Board are moving to implement one or more of these programs. I am convinced that attention to this focus, in addition to the others already in place, may bear much fruit in the days ahead, as God blesses.
Let me ask that each of ICR's friends pray for this endeavor and the other ministries of ICR as well. Remember that conversion to creation is secondary. Eternal souls are at stake.
* Dr. Morris is President of ICR.
