Pressing On in Gospel-Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic

I’ve often thought that when things get tough, we’ll clearly see people’s true nature.

There’s nothing like a major problem (especially one that causes people to be fearful of the future) to bring to light those who truly want to guard against the sinful actions of the flesh and act according to God’s Word.

How many of us recognize, as the Apostle Paul did, that as Christians the “world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”?

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

Has the coronavirus brought out the best in you, or the worst? Perhaps both?

Has the coronavirus brought out the best in you, or the worst? Perhaps both? I want to share with you what I’ve observed concerning our supporters, staff, opponents, and others.

Scriptural Acounts: Fallible Heroes

But first, let me point out that God’s Word reminds us that as Christians, we have an ongoing battle between the best in us and the worst in us. It’s that struggle between the flesh and the spirit, as we read in Paul’s letter to the Romans:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15)

In his Word, God doesn’t hide the struggles that great people of God faced. Even the Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary of all time, had this struggle.

We read about Abraham, who is called a “friend of God” (James 2:23), and his willingness to sacrifice his own son in obedience to God. And yet, Abraham later succumbed to doubt concerning God’s promise that he would be a father of many nations. Abraham devised his own plan and had a child with his wife’s maid (which has caused strife ever since).

Then there’s Samson. He is exhibited to us as one having great faith, as recorded in Hebrews 11. He did great things for the Lord, yet Samson succumbed to the temptation of lust.

Or David: he is called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) and was the greatest king in Israel’s history, yet he committed the sin of adultery and had Bathsheba’s husband murdered.

Yes, we all must guard against our sin nature (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul reminds us that even those who trust in the Lord can succumb and let the worst come out.

The Hate of the World

Now during this coronavirus, I’ve seen those who hate God use this awful situation to attack the Christian faith and individual Christians. Actually, this is understandable because God’s Word describes anti-Christians this way, in John 8:44:

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

They are under the power of the evil one, and so it shouldn’t surprise us to see the worst come out in them.

Yes, they hate God. They are under the power of the evil one, and so it shouldn’t surprise us to see the worst come out in them. Those who fight Christianity are in the devil’s kingdom.

But the Fruit of the Spirit . . .

But what a contrast in reactions I’ve noticed between those who hate God compared to those who are AiG supporters and AiG staff. How blessed we’ve been to see godly people, committed to God’s Word, act in such amazing ways toward this ministry.

I have been so encouraged by this outpouring of support that I wanted to share with you some of the best that has been demonstrated by these Christians—people who love the Lord and have a heart for the proclamation of the truth of God’s Word and the gospel. That doesn’t mean they are all perfect, of course. But to me, they are illustrations of those described in this verse:

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (Romans 6:6)

First, here are just a few responses from our wonderful AiG staff. Keep in mind, some of them were temporarily laid off or have reduced salaries. Yes, hard decisions had to be made to help protect the AiG ministry during the coronavirus situation for the future:

As an employee, I was so very touched that we have prayers going forth for us about our being laid off and the financial burden we are going through each day! I could feel the compassion from leadership. Working for AiG has been the absolute best employment I have ever had! Working at the Ark and among Christian workers took my life and did a 360° turn!

We really appreciate the encouragement . . . We miss our Ark family and the daily fellowship! But we are so thankful that God is in control! We are trusting Him to carry us through! We are praying daily for the ministry and our leadership at Answers in Genesis as we go through this time. My husband and I felt God calling us to move from upstate New York to Kentucky last year to work at the Ark and to make a difference for Him. We absolutely love working at the Ark and for the ministry!

I just wanted to reach out and share with you the excitement I feel in how God is working in you, Ken, and others in leadership as we go through this time. I know excitement is not a word that is commonly used at such a time as this, but I cannot help but feel that God is going to do a mighty work in Answers in Genesis as a result of this time of pause.

Thank you so much for all you’re doing for the ministry. I am so thankful that the leadership is taking the steps that they are to keep AiG going. When I found out I was going to be laid-off, I told my manager that as soon as the museum opens back up, I would be delighted to come as a volunteer until my position reopens. The museum is my favorite place to be, and I can’t wait to serve there again.

I was told of my team’s lay-off at 11:45. I went down to where my staff was taking lunch to announce to them our situation. All 13 of my full time stayed to finish the job . . . we stopped for prayer and still some worked until the job was completed. In our department we emphasize that a good name is more important than riches. Guest services wanted to finish with heads high, honoring the good name of a Christ follower. I couldn’t be more proud of them! God is still on the throne. He knew this situation and yesterday’s lay off date before I accepted my AiG position in 2016. He knows when this will end. He will watch over those of us who are away.

Prayed for God’s protection and wisdom. We know this is difficult for the leadership. Here’s our contact info if there are any needs to be met. We can shop, prepare and deliver meals, and please call on us to be part of those who will listen and pray for anyone with a need.

WOW! What godly responses! And that’s just a sample from our staff. I’ve frequently told our employees that they are our greatest asset (along with you, our supporter).

Now, here are just a few excerpts from our supporters who have sacrificially given to us recently. And they wanted us to know how much they were praying for AiG right now:

I will never forget the first time I heard your message. It led to a huge debate in our family about trusting the Word of God. We truly discovered that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. That completely changed our lives and we have, since then, had a closer and closer walk with God throughout our lives. We have supported you since you first started and we have been grateful to do so. We continue to stand with you! – C.L., Myrtle Beach, SC

We had a glorious road trip planned this week, and today would have been our day at the Ark Encounter. Since we can't be there, we are sending on our admission and parking fees, just the same. Can't wait to be with you again. We are loving all the Facebook presentations! – C.P., Amherst, NH

The Lord has blessed us during this time. I have donated in the past asking for prayer from AiG and have never been let down. I am praying for AiG and all families affected. God is in control!– K.D., Miami, FL

God bless you. He has blessed me through your website, attractions (Creation Museum and Ark), magazine, speakers, and media resources . . . thank you Ken Ham and this ministry team for equipping this high school science teacher for decades. – M.P., Jonesborough, TN

I trust those wonderful comments greatly encouraged you.

The Task Continues

Lastly, I want to share with you what we have done to conduct ministry during the coronavirus. The staff remaining at AiG are working hard not only to maintain all the things the AiG ministry does to proclaim God’s Word and the gospel but also to come up with innovative ways of reaching people who have been shut in their homes.

We will come out of this difficult time even more effective and reach more people than we ever thought.

We have produced many more live video programs for kids and families. They are shown on my Facebook, our YouTube Channel, and Answers.tv. There’s no doubt this effort will forever change our priorities and the way we conduct outreach. We will come out of this difficult time even more effective and reach more people than we ever thought. Here are just a few responses:

We've been watching the Facebook livestreams whenever we can and want to do our part to keep our favorite ministry going during this difficult economic time. Our family loves AiG!!! – C.J., Brownsburg, IN

These Facebook Live programs are absolutely fantastic. See! God works everything out for our good! We live here “down under,” and have limited access to teachings like this. How wonderful that I can show my kids some new truths every day now. What a fantastic idea. Thank you! Thank you! – Dr. Y.M., Sydney, NSW, Australia

The Lord is so good to us. I‘m so thankful that our supporters and staff have shown us the best: they love the Lord and love his Word.

Your prayers and financial support are enabling AiG to continue its many vital outreaches—to impact millions of souls with the gospel during the current crisis.

Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, and ongoing partnership with us!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.