It didn't take long for me to see that something was wrong. A quick walk to the back of our cargo trailer, revealing the sawn and pried open latch, told me instantly that there had indeed been a break in and that the missing equipment had been stolen overnight.

Events such as this, which took place on the recent Creation Presentations tour in September, naturally have an absorbing effect on one's mind. I'm grateful that the Lord met us in it, and actually gave us great joy and peace even as we were discovering our loss. However, it was still the subject of many thoughts and questions for quite some time, some of which I'd like to share with you now.

To begin with, the equipment really was not ours at all. We belong to the Lord, and thus whatever belongs to us obviously must belong to Him. And if we truly believe what the Word teaches us about the Lord and His character, then we must also see that no one can really steal from God.

To "steal from", in this context, implies that the victim was either lacking in knowledge of or power to stop the crime. Neither of these thoughts can rightly be applied to our God. He didn't wake up on September 17 to be surprised by the broken lock on our trailer door. Whoever it was who committed the act didn't and couldn't overcome God's power of protection of what belongs to Him. Thus, I had to conclude that God permitted them to take the equipment.

So far so good, but the remaining question is, "Why?" - the question often asked, but unfortunately rarely answered to our complete satisfaction when we consider evil or tragic events, especially affecting God's own people. There are, however, some general concepts which can at least help us put such events into perspective.

First of all, God is interested in severing our ties to things. Too often, we come to value possessions (or even people) above the Lord. We think that they will give us the satisfaction, security, or even sufficiency to meet life's challenges that only the Lord Himself can truly give us. But when the Lord reminds us of this by allowing those things to be taken away, He's not doing so to leave us empty, but rather because He wants to fill that void with Himself.

Secondly, God can be glorified if we have a right response to negative circumstances. If life was always easy, it would be a simple thing to have and display a restful, joyful and peaceful attitude. But what testimony would there be in that? Even non-believers can do that. However, if, in times of loss, we call upon and receive from the Lord grace to exhibit genuine peace and contentment, the world (both seen and unseen) will observe something unnatural, indeed "supernatural", and He in turn will receive great glory from that.

Lastly, the Lord wants to develop perseverance in us. The devil cannot stop us from doing God's work, but he can attempt to get us to stop ourselves. And though we might wish that God would prevent such attempts, He often does not. He is in the process of sanctifying His people, and developing their character. He knows that times of difficulty alone can set the stage for our growth in perseverance and trust in Him.

Perhaps you've been robbed of something lately - literally, or figuratively. You feel a sense of loss, anger, confusion and discouragement. Well, take heart! Cast yourself on the Lord, and let Him fill the void. Seek the glory of the Lord by asking Him to give you a right response to the difficulty. And as you do, trust that the Lord is using the struggle to build your spiritual strength and character.

And remember - though the enemy may rage, threatening to steal, kill, and destroy, no one can really steal from God. He lets devils and people take His "things" from His people because He sees the potential of a greater blessing. He is never taken by surprise, nor is He ever defeated by a foe. Indeed, times of challenge are permitted by Him for His glory and for our good. Thus, we can rest, knowing that we are safe and secure in Him.

In His Service,

Stephen Tecklenberg,
President

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Ministry Report

Creation Presentations Tour - During the month of September, ENM was privileged to once again work with our friends from the Institute for Creation Research helping in the administration of this regional outreach ministry. Traveling almost exclusively in the state of New York, we were privileged to conduct about 25 sessions in local churches and schools, presenting the audiences with evidence for the truthfulness of Genesis.

Besides the theft of equipment, as referred to in the lead article, during this particular tour we experienced an incredible number of obstacles and challenges, including (among others) vehicle malfunction and even severe illness. But through it all, God met us and enabled us to keep moving forward.

We were also encouraged by an extraordinary number of blessings. The Lord permitted us to enjoy tremendous fellowship with many pastors and church members along the way which really refreshed our spirits. And we were also thankful for a number of special opportunities to minister directly with individuals who came to us expressing a deep need for God to touch their lives.

Steve was joined again this year by Tim Morgan, a veteran of this particular program having served with us in years past. As usual he did an excellent job helping with the many practical aspects of the ministry. Together, Steve and Tim worked with Bill and Alicia Hoesch, the ICR representatives, providing them the administrative support that is necessary for an endeavor such as this.

Our prayers continue to be that God would use the Word that was delivered to speak to and challenge the hearers to faith.

Mission To Ireland - Steve was privileged to spend October 10 - 21 in Athlone, Ireland, ministering with Dominic Montgomery and his family in their church and community.

In addition to speaking at the church on several occasions, the Lord gave a number of opportunities to speak in local schools. It was so encouraging to work with the students, many of whom showed genuine interest in what was being presented. Several asked very good questions as well, and when one class had to end in the middle of the answer the majority of the students requested and were given permission to stay later to continue the discussion. Responses such as this enhance the joy we have in being in God's service.

As always, though, the opportunity to fellowship with the local church in Athlone was a wonderful blessing, and we pray that God will continue to manifest Himself to that body of believers as they seek to be a light in that dark area of the world.

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Thankful For God's Provision

ENM is pleased to announce the engagement of Steve's father (and fellow board member of ENM), Dr. Paul Tecklenberg, to Miss. Hilda Gaston of Greenville, SC.

After the passing to glory of Paul's first wife and Steve's Mom, Dianne, the Lord began to impress on Paul that He would sometime bring a new "help meet". Paul and Hilda (a staff member at the Evangelical Institute) have known each other for many years in a casual way. Over the past year, the Lord has confirmed that she is the one to take that special place in the Tecklenberg household and has knitted their hearts together in a wonderful way.