The Lord has been good to the ministry of the Institute for Creation Research.
Through the years, ICR has experienced periods of great joy, as well as periods of great sorrow and need. But through it all, we have seen countless evidences of God's provisional hand as we stood firm in the defense of His truth. Space limitations do not allow me to share specific testimonies, but time and again the Lord's promise to "supply all your need" (Philippians 4:19) has been fulfilled in the most unexpected and remarkable of ways. Even with all the planning, strategizing, and effort we put into our work, the marvelous provisions we have seen could only have come from our great Creator. Truly, the prophet Isaiah said it best when he wrote, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8-9)!
One might suppose we would be used to this by now. And yet, He continues to surprise us.
For the first time in our history, the Institute for Creation Research has received formal approval to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) on a national level. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 individual campaigns participating to help raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charities and non-profit organizations each year. And through the CFC annual fundraising program, federal employees and military personnel are given the opportunity to donate to qualified charities via payroll deduction.
All charities that apply for acceptance to the CFC must submit to an extensive review of financial and governance practices by an independent agent. Christian Charities USA was chosen to conduct our review, and it concluded by certifying our application and awarding ICR the "Independent Charities Seal of Excellence" for meeting the highest standards of public accountability and program cost effectiveness. Less than 0.2 percent of the estimated 1 million charities operating in the United States today have been awarded this Seal--an honor we can only attribute to our mighty Lord!
Pledges made by federal civilian, postal, and military donors during the CFC campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support the eligible non-profit organizations of their choice. Please note that funds collected through the CFC program represent donations from individuals, and are not government funding. ICR receives absolutely no government support--we would not accept any if offered, and this will not change because of our acceptance into the CFC.
ICR's name will appear in the 2008 listing of the "National/International Organizations" section that is published in each local CFC campaign brochure. Those of you who serve our country can now also defend the authority of Scripture through scientific research and education--with one easy pen stroke. If you believe in the work of ICR, please prayerfully consider designating the Institute for Creation Research (CFC #23095) when making your pledge this fall. We promise it will be put to careful and prayerful use within our ministry.
*Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations.
Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2008. My Thoughts, My Ways…and the Combined Federal Campaign. Acts & Facts. 37 (8): 17.
