All posts tagged Prayer requests

The Genesis Project

by Alpha Omega Institute on April 19, 2012 in Stepaneks from the Front with No comments

 

AOI is starting a new Project called the Genesis Project.  We believe the project is greatly needed ,due to the fact that many people have questions and are extremely confused about Genesis.  Many churches do not even teach the truth about Genesis.

What does Genesis tell us about science?  If Darwin would have known the scientific information proclaimed in Genesis, he probably would not have made the mistakes he made about evolution on the Galapagos Islands.  Genesis predicted what Darwin would find on the Islands, 6,000 years before he was even born!  The finches do not show Darwinian evolution, but they do proclaim the greatness of God found in Genesis.

Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk who is known as the ‘Father of Modern Genetics’, but is he really the father of modern genetics, or  is there someone who lived thousands of years before him who also understood genetics?  Not only does Genesis reveal information about genetics, but also many other aspects of science.

We have been using this method for years, and are now working to get it in book and video formats.

I am currently teaching a small group from our church by going through my presentations on Genesis 1-3.  They are a select group who have shown specific interest in creation teaching.  It is a family event, as all ages listen together.  It has been a great time of informal, but deep study.  We have been able to address questions as they arise, and progress at whatever pace fits the group.

Some have expressed dismay that so many of our Christian colleges do not teach this information, and do not stress the importance of Genesis in regard to the Scripture as a whole.  It is good to see these families equipping themselves and their children with a foundation for their future.  We hope that this similar type of study can be duplicated all over the globe with the materials that we are producing through this project.

Please keep us in your prayers as we work to complete this in the near future. You can also help financially with donations of any amount to AOI.  Also, stay tuned for another blog, next week, giving the history of when and why God had me begin to look in this direction for teaching.

 

Rich Stepanek

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

The Ministry continues in India

by Alpha Omega Institute on April 3, 2012 in Stepaneks from the Front with No comments

Yogesh and Vinita

We are regularly receiving phone calls from a friend who was also my translator in India.   I stayed with this man, Yogesh, and his wife, Vinita, during my last trip to India in February.

He understands the importance of teaching the truth about Genesis so much, that he has decided to do some teaching himself.  On various weekends he will present Genesis teachings to groups at various churches.

It has been a blessing to see how God will use specific individuals to further the creation message in ways we would not expect.  It is also inspiring to understand that this man from India has very limited resources, but yet desires to share his knowledge with others at his own personal expense.

Let us be faithful to pray for those who are ministering in the face of great trials.

 

Richard Stepanek

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Multiplication of Ministry

by Alpha Omega Institute on March 27, 2012 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

His Productions

Over the years, AOI has had a chance to “train up” many individual with the foundations of Creation. Many of those individuals have used this knowledge to minister in their local churches and areas.

Some 18 years ago, when Marilyn, my daughters, and I first began with AOI, we met a family at one of our Creation Family Camps, and later at the church they were attending in Texas. They had a real desire to learn the puppet ministry, so they came to another of AOI’s family camps. While there, they not only received a lot of creation training, but we were able to work with them on an individual basis and teach them basic puppetry.

It has been such a blessing to see how their puppet ministry has grown over the years. They began as a family ministry, but expanded into a youth puppet ministry. Over the years they have worked with many youth, teaching them puppetry and presenting well done puppet shows at different venues all over the United States. Another part of their ministry is to disciple those youth.

If you are interested in having this team minister to your group, especially in the Texas area, contact them through their website.

Presently here at AOI, we are all prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom for our future … not our retirement, but the continuance of the ministry of AOI when we physically cannot keep on traveling around the country. Won’t you join us in prayer as we look for new venues and opportunities to continue sharing the Creation Message.

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

How Dare You Contradict Evolution?

by Alpha Omega Institute on March 14, 2012 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

David Coppedge

As I write, David Coppedge is in the midst of a courtroom battle regarding a discrimination lawsuit he has brought against his former employer, Jet Propulsion Labs. He had been employed at the lab for quite a few years and was an information technology specialist and system administrator on JPL’s international Cassini mission to Saturn. He was fired by the lab for supposed religious harassment after he filed suit to protect his free expression rights.

What was the nature of the harassment that the tax-funded JPL took issue with? According to David, his colleague had expressed interest in his viewpoints, so David loaned her some of his DVD’s on intelligent design.

Expressing an intelligent design opinion is not exactly what I would think harassment would look like. This is especially true in the context of the project he was involved in. The NASA probe was looking for evidences in our solar system for an evolutionary origin of life.  Apparently for those committed to evolution, however, anything questioning evolution is construed as religious harassment since it must be challenging their religious beliefs.

Keep in mind, the coworker did not have to ask David’s opinion on the subject of intelligent design, and she did not have to take the DVD’s that she expressed a desire to view, since they were not forcefully placed in her hand.

I am certainly praying about the outcome of this case as it has a lot to do with the issue of free speech. I will keep you posted.

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Up, Up, and Far Away

by Alpha Omega Institute on January 20, 2012 in Stepaneks from the Front with No comments

While waiting for my flight to Houston, I decided to write a quick note from the Grand Junction Airport.

The Nances, Sue, and Me

Mark Sonmor, AOI’s graphic artist, is finishing the final details on some PowerPoint slides that I will need for teaching on this trip. He will be sending them by email upon completion. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done.

I will meet Allen and Molly Nance, friends of AOI as well as friends of India, in Houston and we will travel together to India.

Some Old Friends

The Nances will be in India for about two weeks and I will be there for three.  I’m planning to meet some old friends and making some new ones.  Of the many things planned for the trip, one of the activities Allen, Molly, and I will be doing together is visiting various mercy homes (orphanages).  I will also be teaching at a pastors’ conference this year, as well as the usual stops.

Please pray that the teaching will go well and God would open their hearts and minds to the teachings we bring. Also pray that He would watch over all of us as we minister to these beautiful people of God.  I will send updates as internet access allows.

 

Rich Stepanek

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Our Hope in Jesus

by Alpha Omega Institute on December 15, 2011 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

A few summers ago, we met a missionary couple who have established a school in Gambia (a country in West Africa). Gambia is predominately Muslim in faith. I just want to share a few excerpts from their recent newsletter: 

“Each year as Christmas arrives we are given the opportunity to remember why Jesus came to earth. All people had no hope and were separated from God by sin, yet, the prophets of old predicted a day when the Messiah would come. Unable to fix our own mess, we needed someone, a Savior, who would be able to restore our relationship with God.”

“Last year we spent our first Christmas in Gambia ministering in a Muslim culture. We had the opportunity to experience the emptiness of a Christmas season without Jesus.  Just like back then when people did not recognize His coming, Gambians went about their business, still not knowing that a Savior had been born, still not mentioning the name of Jesus……but how can they believe unless they first hear?”

“The Bible tells us that ‘In His name the nations will put their hope.’ (Matthew 12:21)  We pray that the nation of Gambia will put their hope in Him!  We pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Savior of the world to many more!”

“Because of Jesus we have hope. We have hope for the future, that we will be redeemed; hope for the present, that we are not alone. Hope that our failures are not greater than God’s love. Jesus came to bring us hope, not just for the future, but for today. Rather than trusting in ourselves, let us put our hope in Him.” 

As I read this couples newsletter, my heart went out to the people of Gambia and the need for them to hear the Gospel. At the same time, my prayers go out to the people of the United States … our people have the same urgent need … to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So many Americans are experiencing ” the emptiness of a Christmas season without Jesus.” The hope in Jesus is what Christmas is all about.

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Gunslingers?

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 22, 2011 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

Remember those famous movies of the old west? The main villain and his gang have been terrorizing the town. Nobody stands up to them out of fear. Then along comes the guy in the (frequently) white cowboy hat, who either singlehandedly cleans up the whole mess or motivates the town’s people to collectively stand with him.

Creation ministry on the college campus is kind of like that. A huge difference is that we don’t come in with our white cowboy hat, we aren’t riding on a white horse, and we really can’t clean up the whole mess!  Sometimes, it seems a good share of the audience is in the villain’s camp and we feel like trying to call in the Texas Rangers.

Frequently, though, it boils down to a few of the chief atheist “gunslingers” trying  to “gun” us down with their arguments about some picky detail that might appear to support evolution (that is, if they pull their hat down far enough over their eyes).

Although the “close-minded gang” may not be swayed, a seed is planted! Also, the Christian students on the campus are like the town’s people who are relieved to have someone come alongside of them. The important thing for you to remember is that we at AOI need you, our readers, to help us do that. So, if at all possible, please make AOI one of your special giving options and pray that many others will do the same.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Inner City Chicago

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 15, 2011 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

“These high school students are tough inner city kids. You just don’t know how they will respond.” It was a good warning that I received before speaking at a school in the inner city of Chicago the last few days. Many of the guys were much bigger than me, but fortunately, they responded well to the Creation vs. Evolution message I brought.

The first day, I spoke to various classes at this school on Blind Chance or Intelligent Design for 5 periods and then gave a session on geology and the Flood during another period. I am really glad my voice held out! (This was important as I was also needing a voice for a few hours that evening with some additional individuals in an informal setting).

The next day, was an all school gathering at a school where I had previously spoken about the battle for the mind coupled with asking the right questions when presented with “proofs” of evolution. The administration and I were glad that a large number of the high school students were really enthusiastic about the presentation.

We frequently hear that a group of students won’t sit still long enough for a program.  In some cases, we are told that the kids are too young and can’t sit for more than 20 minutes. All the speakers at AOI find that is not the case. Of course it helps that we use a huge number of high quality illustrations and pray a lot, too! However, I think hunger is the key! The students appear to be hungry for the truth and soak it up! Keep praying for open, hungry-for-the-truth minds!

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

Another Appointed Meeting!

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 11, 2011 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

Recently, I was sitting on an airplane waiting for takeoff.  A woman came in at the last minute. She was just allowed the empty seat as a standby passenger. When she sat down I heard her say, “Thank Jesus I got a seat.” I told her she certainly was thanking the right person! That opened up some conversation.

As the flight progressed, she found out that I was on a speaking trip to teach creation.  Then she said she had been talking to her grandson who used to attend a church. She said her grandson was telling her about what he had learned in school – especially evolution. She had told her grandson that she believes the Bible and it says that God created everything, it didn’t evolve.  His response was, “Oh, Grandma, how can I believe the Bible when evolution is a fact?” After learning evolution, he totally dismissed the Bible and what his church taught.

I gave her my card with our website. She plans to give that to her grandson. Hopefully, he will go there and find out why evolution just doesn’t work and that there is strong evidence for creation.

Her final words to me were, “I hope your presentations go really well, the young people need to hear that.”

Yes, for sure — young people certainly need to hear this message. Unfortunately, the conversation she had with her grandson is certainly one that is happening across this country. False “proofs” of evolution are being taught, which are shaking the faith of way to many youth and adults both here and abroad. That is why we continue to travel and speak across the country! People need to hear!

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

The Lure of the World

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 8, 2011 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

Why is the lure of this world stronger than the lure of God????

As I sat down with my cup of coffee and prepared to do my daily Bible study, my eyes fell to this week’s newspaper ads.  It shocked me when I realized the lure of knowing what was on sale this week was stronger than the desire to get into God’s word.  I know how very GOOD our God is and have experienced the thrill of God’s blessing on my life many times!  I know God wants only the best for me.

So why did a piece of newsprint have a greater attraction than that of opening Gods word? Why do Christians make such poor choices with their free time these days?  How has football, couponing, Christmas, cleaning house, etc. become more important to us than making time for God?

His game plan for our lives is far more exciting than watching any football game. Trusting Him for His provision is far more important than saving money on products we buy (even if they are free).  Christmas is only about Christ if you put Christ above gift giving, singing carols and eating Christmas dinner.  Having a clean house will mean nothing to your children or husband if they have to spend eternity in hell… take care of Christ’s work and the house will still be there in a few hours to clean.  I KNOW ALL THAT! So why is the distraction and lure still there?

I love this quote from Beth Moore: “I have discovered that if Satan can’t get to me with destruction, he will try to get to me with distraction.” (Beth Moore, Believing God, Life Way Press, ISBN 0-6330-9667-9)

Ok, you are being distracted … what can you do about it?  Psalm 1:2 – “… his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”  If you will read his word and talk to Him, He tells us in His word that your love of the things of this world will diminish.  Psalm 119:47 – “I delight in your commands because I love them.” Read God’s word and pray BEFORE doing anything of this world and He will bless you!  Psalm 37:4 - ”Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

 

Marilyn Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing. Thanks for your partnership.

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