"I never heard this sort of thing before! I didn't know the Bible had answers to all of these issues! And I'm a Christian!"

The man who spoke to me this way was actually the pastor of a church in Japan. He attended one of our public sessions on Creation (see Ministry Report), and, evidently, he was amazed to learn that the Biblical account of origins can easily stand against the continued onslaught of evolutionary theory. He was obviously a well educated man, having had seminary training, and he had ministered in the church for many years. And yet, the look on his face when he came up to me after the session indicated a new freedom and relief as an intellectual (and spiritual) burden he had borne for many years now appeared to be lifting.

His response, though perhaps more memorable to me because of his forthright expression, was nevertheless typical of the responses of many I witnessed while on the tour in Japan. In fact, it reminded me of the many conferences and seminars that I've been privileged to participate in either as a speaker or administrator. As attendees are confronted with and respond to the truth of God's Word (in all areas, not just Origins), the results are almost always the same: a renewed sense of freedom.

Why do I say, "renewed"? Many people experience a great sense of liberation when first responding to the Gospel message. Testimonies abound which document the process by which people's burdens of sin and guilt are lifted at Calvary as the victory won on the cross is applied to them.

Unfortunately, this experience of freedom at conversion is often eclipsed by the constant battles being waged by the enemy in, and for, our minds.

We are told for instance that our faith is without foundation, outdated, and intellectually untenable. The Bible is claimed to be unreliable, full of myths, and therefore scientifically and historically inaccurate. It seems that our society continuously tries to influence us to deny, at least in part, our Christian beliefs, in the name of "tolerance". When these assaults are added to the internal pressures of temptation, doubt, fear, and the like, it becomes easy for us to once again succumb to life's burdens.

If we were to be totally honest, however, all these issues are really secondary. The primary cause of this mental and spiritual burden is when we replace the truth of the Word of God with man's ideas of reality. Somewhere in our thinking, we are compromising, ignoring, denying, or simply not believing the clear doctrines taught in the word of God.

Please don't misunderstand me. We may maintain our adherence to the basics of the Christian faith. We may even be actively involved in service for the Lord. But we are still in bondage, our minds made heavy by the conflict between Divine truth and human reasoning or opinion.

Is it possible to experience freedom again? Absolutely, for Jesus tells us in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". And how is it that we "know the truth"?. The answer is in the previous verse, which says, "If you abide in my Word, you are my disciples indeed.". This is not a passive acceptance of the Word, or a "blind faith". To "abide" here, or to "continue" as the King James puts it, means to actively anchor or commit yourself to that Word.

Thus, to state it simply, our experience of freedom is directly related to our commitment to the truth. We must acknowledge that God, not man, is the final authority on matters of faith and practice. It is not enough to simply study the Word of God. We must also surrender to it as the Truth.

This was the experience of the pastor in Japan - and it can be ours too.

Therefore, as we begin a new year, let us all with renewed vigor commit ourselves to "abiding" in the Word of God, letting it control our thinking. This alone is our source of true, everlasting liberty.

In His Service,
Stephen Tecklenberg,
President

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Congratulations Are In Order!

ENM wishes to express it's heartfelt congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hoesch on their marriage December 17. Bill, a geologist at the Institute for Creation Research, was the featured speaker during the seminar tours ENM has recently administered for ICR. Steve Tecklenberg was invited to be a part of the wedding party, and several of the young men who worked with us were in attendance.

We also want to congratulate Rob and Amber McBride, who were married on December 23. Amber (Lacey) was a part of the 1996 Mission To Moscow, one of the many stepping stones in the formulation of ENM.

May God richly bless both of these couples in their new lives together.

On another note, our own John Seilback, a founding member of the Board of Directors, graduated from K-9 handling school on December 16, having been transferred to that unit within the Sheriff's Department. He and his dog Ranger make a great team, and we pray God's wisdom, strength, and protection for them as they work to keep our communities safe.

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Ministry Report

Mission To Japan - Last November, Steve Tecklenberg was invited to speak at the annual Mino Mission Bible Conference, in Yokkaichi, followed by a tour of several churches or public facilities in Ogaki, Kobe, Tokushima, and Osaka. Twenty-seven sessions were held in eight different locations in three weeks overall.

Many people, especially students, responded with gratitude and joy that now they had answers to give to those who criticize their faith in Creation. In addition, we know of several non-believers who expressed that they were at least thinking very seriously about the things that were shared.

It was a joy to work with the believers in Japan, and we look forward to more occasions in the future, in God's will.

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Board News

Mr. Eric Stamper, who has faithfully served with us for many years (even before ENM was officially incorporated), has informed us that he believes he should step down from his position on the board to pursue other matters. We will miss him very much, and pray God's abundant blessings upon him, his family, and his ministry (Homeschool Support Ministries).

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God Works In Wonderful Ways...

The Board of ENM has been praying for many months that God would provide someone to join the ministry with its increasing work load. Little did we know that right within our own ranks He was already preparing the answer.

Having participated in several of our international outreaches, and serving as the vice president and now also as the treasurer of the Board of Directors, Tony Rupp has been sensing an increasing desire and calling to work with us on a more full-time basis.

After much specific prayer on the matter, the Board unanimously voted January 4 to hire Tony on as staff of this ministry.

Tony has a deep love for the Lord and for His people, with a great desire to spread the Word of Truth throughout the world. We welcome him with enthusiasm and anticipation at what God is going to accomplish in and through him in his association with us.