One of this issue's featured articles is devoted to ICR's accomplishments of the last year, and it is always a bit breathtaking to see the scope and depth of ICR ministry activities. Knowing how small our staff is in comparison to the work that is produced, I for one can only marvel at God's mighty hand on our ministry, and humbly thank our supporters for honoring the Lord through their labor alongside us.
God's past provision to ICR through the financial help of our supporters is not an insignificant thing. ICR, like virtually every other church and Christian ministry, experienced a decrease in overall support as we endured the past global recession. Yet during this time, the Lord continued to present us with new opportunities to proclaim His truth. So while many ministries were suffering, we felt compelled to follow the Lord's leading by increasing our outreach programs and hiring new staff, trusting in Him to provide through His people.
This, of course, is antithetical to common business sense. When times get tough, a reduction in programs is expected in order to weather the downturn. But while there are certainly "business" aspects to our organization, ICR is, first and foremost, a ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. And as His ministry, we must follow His clear leading and step out on faith--regardless of whether or not current donation levels make good business sense.
This is not to say that ICR is frivolous with its resources. On the contrary, ICR diligently holds itself to principles of biblical stewardship by not going into debt or spending what we do not have. And as a testament to God's grace and provision, ICR has finished "in the black" (as my grandfather liked to say) every year we have been in operation.
Yet, this is where God's people play a vital part in ensuring the continuation of our unique and crucial ministry. ICR has been blessed with many fellow laborers who, by sharing some of their resources, will equally share in the everlasting rewards of "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). In a very real sense, this small band of faithful donors are truly partners with us, and we look forward to a time of great rejoicing with them when the Lord finally reveals the eternal impact our efforts have had for the cause of Christ.
Many of our readership, however, have not yet financially supported our work with a portion of what God has given them. We realize there are those who are unable to help, and as part of our ministry we joyfully provide our material as long as the Lord enables. But the bulk of this quiet majority, for one reason or another, simply have chosen not to participate.
For those in this silent multitude, please remember that ICR exists to proclaim the truth of our Creator expressed in His perfect Word. Using scientific research as the basis to uncover and communicate the wondrous evidence of His matchless creation, ICR is uniquely positioned to counter the evils of evolutionary thought that keep many from a saving knowledge of our Lord. You will not find another ministry that does what ICR does, and does it as well as ICR can. Much more could be accomplished if more saints took up the battle cry and partnered with us to reach the world for Christ.
So consider this a spiritual challenge from your fellow warriors on the battlefront. God's blessing awaits.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2010. The Silent Multitude. Acts & Facts. 39 (1): 21.
