When this ministry was launched ten years ago this summer, I could not predict what would come of it. Such predictions seemed irrelevant, for though I take seriously my responsibility to provide for my family, I knew I could do no better for Kathy and Joel, my only child at the time, than to follow God’s lead. And I knew Kathy felt as certain as I did about the Lord’s direction for us.
Today I’m glad I didn’t bother with predictions. I would have been wrong on just about every count. My vision was simply to use my scientific training and personal experience to break down the false barriers and expose the real barriers keeping people from entrusting their lives to Jesus Christ. That remains my vision. It hasn’t changed.
I’m still amazed at the response, both positive and negative. I never guessed how many Christians would refuse to hear me or read my books (this is changing, I might add) and how many seekers and skeptics would willingly listen and read (this is not changing, thank God). And I’m sure I’ll find even more surprises in the next ten years.
Perhaps the biggest and best surprise thus far has been the rapidly increasing rate of faith-relevant scientific discoveries. I thought there might be a lull or at best a slow but steady increase after the 1980’s surge that sparked RTB’s start, but I had no idea I’d be inundated with them. If I had ten scientists working alongside me, we’d all be swamped trying to get the word out.
What a fantastic problem! What an unprecedented opportunity! Please pray that I won’t become discouraged or impatient or inclined to overwork as I await the addition of these other scientists to RTB’s staff.
Thanks for standing with me, some of you for all ten years of this ministry’s existence, some for only the last ten days or weeks since you found out we’re here. Ten years from now I hope we’ll still be standing together. May we find ourselves then not just older but more mature in our relationship with the Lord and with others. One thing I can predict with certainty: We’ll stand in even greater awe of His power and love, goodness and grace than we do today.
Sincerely,
Hugh Ross
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