A Place to Train the Next Generation

How encouraging it was to see the firm conviction of these pastors and church leaders. They again traveled over 15 hours to have a biblical worldview training time together with their youth—again! Yes, 2017 was the first time they did this, just one year after the Ark Encounter opened to the public on July 7, 2016.

Today, in 2024, these brothers continue to invest with great wisdom in passing on biblical convictions to the next generation. These biblical truths, they say passionately, not only allow them to know our living God but also shield them against current ideologies. I had time to talk with pastors and leaders about their work and how they believe no effort and prayer should be spared in preparing young people in apologetics. They want the young people to be able to give a biblical answer about their hope in Christ to all who ask for it (1 Peter 3:15) with humility and meekness.

We are so grateful for the honor and privilege of supporting the local church—we do not take these opportunities lightly.

Although we are generally more visible as expositors, many in our ministry are committed to the same thing. They all serve Christ and faithfully express it in serving the church and reaching the lost. Our International Outreach Ministry Coordination Supervisor is an example of that. Maria del Pilar Pierce took care of so many details with great diligence—she was at 1,000% (one thousand percent), as we say in my country (Chile).

It was an intense two days. Of course, training the next generation requires loving them and serving them systematically by teaching them the truths of the Lord’s Word. Wednesday was a full day at the museum; it was like walking through the pages of the Bible. There was a lot of content and a lot of clear and didactic learning, but it was also entertaining. They participated in our 4D cinema and the planetarium. They were also impressed by the exhibition on the sanctity of life (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made), The 7 C’s of History, Borderland, and many other world-class exhibits.

But that was not all! On Thursday, we continued the trip at the Ark Encounter.

On this occasion (and taking advantage of the fact that I was in Kentucky), I was able to accompany them and explain each section of the Ark step-by-step. Three groups of 40 people (at three separate times) were exposed to the biblical truth of the global flood and the gospel.

It wasn’t all teaching—we also had time to share and laugh. We had lunch together at Emzara’s Buffet, a huge (award-winning) two-story themed restaurant offering a variety of delicious main courses, salads, and desserts. It was a great time!

While some visited other areas of the park, such as the zoo and our virtual reality experience, I explained to the group walking with me that the Ark is a visible reminder of the judgment and mercy of our Lord and the truth of his Word. I encouraged them to stand on the authority of God’s Word and not to forget the Lord. Surely, this huge Ark is much more than a world-class tourist attraction—it is a monument to the truth of God’s Word and a reminder that, just as there was a global judgment on wickedness in the past, another judgment will come: the final judgment. It was also a reminder that God, in his grace and mercy, has provided a way of salvation. Just as all those onboard the Ark had to pass through the one door to be saved, so we have to pass through the one Door, Jesus Christ, to be saved (John 10:9).

I think it is good to ask ourselves where else young people will learn (with such impact) how observational science confirms what the Bible teaches. Where else will they be encouraged to think about the gospel within the context of a historical and scientifically verifiable book? Where will they better understand that the Bible is not a legend but the true story of everything—their own story? Where will they be able to connect the relationship of science and biblical truth in such a didactic and content-driven way?

At Answers in Genesis, we want to be a tool for local churches to train the next generation. Many written and audio-visual resources are available. But without a doubt, visiting the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in person leaves a firm impression in the hearts of believers and even non-believers. We want to always serve, honor, and respect the local church, which is the visible manifestation of the church—the bride of Christ—of which we are a part.

Visit us, and let us serve you and help you lay a foundation on the authority of God’s eternal Word. Don’t forget, this is a place to train the next generation.

If you are planning a retreat or church camp at any time or would like a tour and a talk in Spanish during your stay, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to serve you during your visit.