New ‘Dinosaurs for Kids’ from Ken Ham Wows Kids and Parents Alike

PETERSBURG, Ky., Nov. 18, 2009 – While there is no lack of colorfully illustrated books about dinosaurs for children, by and large these books talk about how many millions of years ago the dinosaurs lived, and how many billions of years old the Earth is. Many creationist parents have largely been stuck supplying these books for their dinosaur-loving children while cautioning them against the evolutionary teaching within.

Not any more, as Ken Ham, president and founder of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, has just released “Dinosaurs for Kids” through Master Books, with all the great illustrations those other books have, but written from a biblical worldview.

“As a parent, and now as a grandparent, I saw my children’s and grandchildren’s fascination with dinosaurs and their desire to read every book about dinosaurs they could get their hands on,” Ham said. “Inevitably, we were all disappointed by the teaching of millions and billions of years, the claim that dinosaurs evolved into birds, and the humanistic world view presented in them.

“I determined, as a writer of creationist and apologetics materials – for both adults and children – that I would help remedy the dinosaur book situation,” Ham continued. “I couldn’t be more pleased with how the book turned out.  Wonderfully and powerfully illustrated by Bill Looney, this book will not disappoint Christian parents and their children.”

“Dinosaurs for Kids” will help to fill a void of creation-based science books for elementary age children, which has been a contributing factor to young people leaving the church as they get older. Research commissioned by Answers in Genesis and conducted recently by America’s Research Group (ARG) showed that – by and large – children are “already gone” from church in their minds by junior high and high school, because Sunday school could not answer their hard questions about origins and the trustworthiness of Scriptures.

The results from this survey were published in the book “Already Gone,” co-written by Ken Ham and ARG Founder and President Britt Beemer.  The book has been selling steadily since its release in late May, with more than 90,000 copies in print, and has inspired influential churches and church leaders across the nation to re-think how they are conducting church and Sunday school.  Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Atlanta, has just written an endorsement of the book’s next edition; last month he had Ken Ham give a message based on the book at the church’s morning worship services.

The decay regarding young people often begins, Ham and Beemer discovered, with a lack of faith in the creation story of Genesis. Children tend to separate the “stories” of the Bible from the “hard facts” taught in almost all public schools about evolution and the age of the Earth. They look to their secular textbooks for answers, not the Bible.

Now, with the release of “Dinosaurs for Kids,” parents and teachers alike will have a new resource for helping children understand their beliefs about origins in a scientific context. These kids can once again embrace their love of dinosaurs, and their teachers and parents can encourage those discussions in a biblical context.

“Dinosaurs for Kids” includes full-color illustrations throughout, with an easy-to-understand timeline of dinosaurs’ true history from creation to the most recent discoveries—and convincing evidence that they did not die out 65 million years ago. It explains how the Flood affected the dinosaurs, when and where dinosaurs existed, how fossils like dinosaur skeletons are made, and why they are found all over the Earth. A recurring theme is the difference between biblical history (God’s revelation) and  assumptions by fallible secular scientists.

Recommended for ages 7-12, the 64-page, hard cover, 8 ½ by 11 book retails for $14.99. Published by Master Books, “Dinosaurs for Kids” is available at Christian bookstores everywhere, or online www.answersingenesis.org.

Photo of the Week

The photo below was taken at Northland International University in Wisconsin this past Thursday after I had finished 3 major sessions (over 5 hours of presentations) to students, faculty and public.

From left to right:  Dr. Bobby Wood, Chief Operating Officer:  Dan Wooster, AiG supporter, friend, and BJU Prof: Myself;  Dr. Matt Olson, President of the University.

The reason I chose this as the “photo of the week” is because it is so thrilling to me to see an academic institution so committed to the Word of God and taking  a stand on a literal creation, as all Christian universities should.

If you are researching creationist Christian universities (and there are very few), I encourage you to check out Northland International University.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying

Ken

With Charlie, he usually has his tail in the shape of a question mark! Kids will have fun as Charlie and Trike lead them through the Grand Canyon (and many other adventures to come in other books in the series).

Special Early-Bird Discount for Our National Conference—Ends This Month

Our national family apologetics conference “Defending the Faith” may be in July, but it’s not too soon to start planning for this family vacation. In fact, we are offering a “Super Early Bird Discount” if you sign up this month—more on that later.

Why not make a summer vacation that counts? Make special memories with your family while equipping them to defend a biblical worldview at this conference!

I will be joining many Bible teachers (e.g., Dr. Voddie Baucham—a wonderful Bible instructor—plus great talks by Dr. Herb Samforth, Bill Jack, Henry Smith, et al.) near the beautiful Smoky Mountains on July 19 – 22. This conference will offer something for everyone—new this year will be sessions especially for women and a track geared toward teens. And we’ll have worship music led by pianist and singer John Elliott, and down-home music by our own Buddy Davis.

We have also worked with some of the finest hotels in the area to provide a variety of lodging options at special discounted rates.

While in the area, you can also take advantage of some of the finest family fun the region has to offer. When you book through us, you can save $20 off each adult ticket to Dollywood (a Smoky Mountain theme park for the whole family). You can also attend the excellent musical drama The Miracle—on the life of our Savior. Tickets for The Miracle can also be purchased when you register with us and save 20%!

As we approach the colder weather, make plans now for your summer getaway. Register before November 30 and save 30% off registration.

Visit www.defendingthefaith2010.com for complete details and to register.

Answers for Darwin Conference in Tennessee

Today and Monday I will be speaking in Tennessee at Faith Baptist Church, Bartlett (near Memphis).  You can find out the details from the calendar on AiG’s website.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying

Ken

Make sure you visit the Creation Museum in December to see these lights, and also check out the dates for the Live Nativity program from the Creation Museum website—this will be spectacular.

Trophy Shown to AiG Staff

I wrote a few days ago that the Creation Museum won some special awards last week for its advertising. At our staff meeting on Tuesday morning, Jason Goff from our marketing department showed the staff the trophy the museum had won for Best of Show—out of over 200 entries—for our museum’s billboard campaign. This was awarded at the Kentucky Tourism Council’s dinner last week in Louisville.

The photo shows Jason in front of our staff, with a sampling of the striking dinosaur-themed billboards on the screen behind him.

Also, the museum won some other awards that evening: our TV ads featuring both our planetarium and the Noah’s Ark exhibits (which were awarded first place) and our Souvenir Guide received first place in the Visitor’s Guide category. Each entry is judged on creativity and how well it relates to its audience.

Congratulations are due our marketing consultants, Joseph David Advertising, for their promotional campaign to draw even more visitors to the museum. By the way, we are close to 900,000 total museum visitors—in less than two years.

Bible Bee in D.C.

Roger Patterson of our staff and his family are attending (and participating) at the National Bible Bee in Washington, D.C., this week. In September, over 17,000 contestants all over the country participated in local qualifying contests—the top 100 contestants in each of three age categories were invited to participate in the national contest.

Situated only a block and a half from the White House, the competition—held at a hotel—is seeing God’s Word elevated as the contestants recite passages and answer questions about six books of the Bible. After two oral rounds and a written test, the top 20 in each age group will continue to the semifinals this morning and then the top seven will advance to the final round this afternoon. That event will be webcast live.

You can find out more about this God-honoring event at www.biblebee.org. (Roger tells me that the Bible Bee is held in memory of Shelby Kennedy and in honor of her passion for God’s Word.) In the photos, you can see some of the sponsor booths and other shots taken by Roger, including a photo of the White House at night.

Devotion

Much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers

(Rev 8:3–4) And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

We focus not on the feebleness of our prayers, but on what the Lord Jesus Christ does with our prayers to make them effective.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

The museum took Best of Show honors out of over 200 entries for our billboard campaign designed by Joseph David Advertising. Television ads featuring our planetarium and Noah’s Ark exhibits were awarded first place, and the Souvenir Guide received first place in the Visitor’s Guide category.

The awards presentation was held October 27 during an evening gala at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference. Traverse Awards are presented annually for the best work in advertising and marketing among Kentucky tourism businesses and marketing organizations. This year, a panel of out-of-state experts in tourism marketing judged 210 entries from across the state. Each entry is judged on creativity and how well it relates to its audience.

The Kentucky Tourism Council is a Frankfort-based state association that represents every segment of Kentucky’s tourism industry. The almost-600-member organization offers continuing education programs, provides legislative advocacy for Kentucky’s travel industry, and works in governmental relations. Here are two photos taken at the awards evening:

AiG’s Vince Garmon and Jason Goff (on the left), with Tom Caradonio, president of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, on the right

Vince and Jason with Kay Berggren, president/CEO of the Kentucky Tourism Council

The winning billboards are here:

Congratulations to all those involved and especially to our marketing consultants Joseph David Advertising.

Yesterday, the AiG staff gathered in the Special Effects Theatre for our annual staff photograph. Here is one of the photos taken of the staff:

Devotion

O that there were

(Deuteronomy 5:28–29) The LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

We know that it is easy to speak words of promised loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ, but the challenge is to have a heart that lines up with our words.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

I wanted to write and let you know that last Saturday we visited the Creation Museum. It was a wonderful experience. We knew that it would be good, but it was even better than we expected.

We were traveling from New York back to Little Rock and came through Cincinnati just to see the Creation Museum. We had a group of high school juniors and seniors with us, and we were on a tight schedule to try to arrive home before midnight. We had our two youngest sons with us. Kirk is 11 and Kyle is 10. We decided to see as much as we could in the short amount of time that we had.

One of the first things that we did was see the video presentation on The Last Adam. It was excellent and we enjoyed it very much. As we left the room, Kyle turned to me and said, “Dad, am I saved?” I reassured him that he was. He had prayed to receive Christ when he was four years old and it seemed real at the time.

We went out into the area outside of the theater and looked at the minerals on the wall. At this point Kyle said to me, “Dad, I’m not saved.” We sat and talked for a few minutes, and I really came to believe that when he was younger he may not have understood what it was to be a Christian.

My wife was nearby, and I told her what Kyle was saying to me. We all had a seat on a bench in the museum, and in a simple child-like way Kyle asked Jesus to be Lord of his life. As we were traveling back and they were sleeping my wife told me that she felt like Kyle had been struggling with the issue of salvation for some time.

I write to you, thanking you for the Creation Museum. We took others there thinking it would change their lives, and there is no doubt that it did, but our greatest reward is that through Kyle being saved at your museum, his life and ours have been changed forever!

Museum Marketing—with a Difference

One of our supporters from North Carolina is so enthusiastic about Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum that he even built and installed a sign in his yard showing the museum’s website. He also has a plate on the front of his truck showing AnswersinGenesis.org and the Creation Museum:

Equipping and Challenging

AiG speakers are on the road each week equipping and challenging people; for instance, Dr. Tommy Mitchell was the speaker for a two-day Answers in Genesis conference at South County Bible Church in St. Louis last weekend. Many people at the conference told how they’d been encouraged by the ministry of Answers in Genesis, and many more got their questions answered. A missionary family from Brazil told Tommy that they had even developed a creation curriculum in Portuguese based on many of our AiG publications.

The talk “Were There Dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark?” drew a capacity crowd of 400 homeschoolers and their parents. In addition to homeschoolers, there were two local Christian schools that brought students to the Monday morning meeting and the lively question and answer time. We praise God for the opportunity of reaching so many young people. We pray that they will be better equipped to stand boldly for God’s Word.

Devotion

Everyone

(Psalm 87:7) all my springs are in you.

When our hopes on earth fail, we turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and tell Him that all our springs of happiness, security, peace, and fulfillment are in Him.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

Long-time supporters Dr. Steve and Ruth Carter have been “creationist evangelists” for many years in southern Pennsylvania, where Dr. Carter gave many creation talks—especially for young people. They both saw the power of the creation/gospel message to change hearts and minds (one of our ministry’s best friends became an on-fire Christian after hearing Steve speak on creation in the ‘90s).

When Dr. Carter retired, he wanted to use this passion for apologetics to advance AiG’s biblical message. A year ago, they volunteered at the museum and on the grounds for several days, and then in early August, he and Ruth (she grew up on the mission field in Africa and eventually became a registered nurse) started here as volunteers alongside dozens of other AiG volunteers–Steve and Ruth matching up the skills of the volunteers with the many tasks here. They spoke to our staff Tuesday morning about their new ministry with us. See the two photos.

To find out how you can volunteer at Answers in Genesis and the museum (many aspects of the Creation Museum, by the way, were performed using volunteer help), go to this web page. It’s so great to have Ruth and Steve with us! By the way, you will love not only volunteering at AiG and the Creation Museum, but fellowshipping with this special couple.

A Spectacle to Behold

We do read numerous, extremely positive reports about the Creation Museum in both the secular and Christian press. Here is one from this week:

Creation Museum was a spectacle to behold

Nebo News
By Debbie Daugherty, Nebo Correspondent Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 4:09 PM CDT

Greetings once again from the west end of the county. Well, we made it back from Cincinnati. We had a great time, even though it rained on us all the way there and back. The Creation Museum is a must see. It is a state-of-the-art masterpiece. Plan on staying all day, at least, to see all of the exhibits. We also went to the aquarium . . . .

By the way, this is a reminder that there are some other great things to do in our Cincinnati area, so you can plan to visit the Creation Museum and spend your vacation time in this area. For example, my personal recommendations would include the following:

1. Visit the Creation Museum (near the Cincinnati Airport)—allow at least one full day, but many people prefer two days.
2. Visit the Newport Aquarium (a morning or afternoon), which is also here in Northern Kentucky yet very close to Cincinnati.
3. Visit the excellent Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (near Dayton and just one hour from the Museum—and it’s FREE)—it is the largest such in the world. I like it far better than the Smithsonian. You can learn history—the history of flight, World War 1, and World War 2—the space age, walk through Air Force One (the plane that carried the body of President Kennedy from Dallas to Washington, DC in 1963), etc.
4. The Cincinnati Zoo (a bit of evolution/millions of years here and there—but once you’ve been to the Creation Museum, you can cope with that!)—one of the leading zoos in the USA.
5. One of the largest amusement parks in America is King’s Island, which is north of Cincinnati (about a 45-minute drive north from our museum).
6. In downtown Cincinnati, there is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (about 20 minutes from us).
7. Regionally, we can point you to the world’s largest cave system (so far discovered): Mammoth Caves. It’s about three hours south of our museum. Just make sure you read this article first, though, before you go.

Visit the Creation Museum website for more information on area attractions and day trips.

Devotion

Those that did cleave

(Deuteronomy 4:4) But you that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

As cleavers one day in Heaven, it will be said to us as it was to those Israelites that we as those who have cleaved to the Lord Jesus Christ are all alive this day.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

The artwork in this book is absolutely spectacular.

Based on the 7 C’s we are using in our Creation Museum, I came up with seven ages for dinosaurs—all starting with the letter F: Formed, Fearless, Fallen, Flood, Faded, Found, Fiction. Of course, we live in what could be called the Age of Fiction, where kids are taught a certain fiction about dinosaurs—fiction such as millions of years and dinosaurs dying out before people.

This dinosaur book also does something else secular books don’t do—it teaches kids (and big kids—adults!) about what/how evolutionists believe and compares their ideas to biblical history. Those who read the book will be taught the true history of the world and how the Bible explains dinosaurs. This book is biblical-authority based, apologetics in orientation, and gospel in thrust. Everyone who reads the book will hear the gospel.

The book is also filled with lots of facts about the different dinosaurs, fossils, and so on. It could even be used to supplement a science course in school, homeschool, etc..

You can see some full-page spreads and order this brand new, spectacular book from the AiG online store.

Another Challenging Devotion

AiG board member Dan Chin (from Chicago) gave the staff a challenging devotion yesterday. I praise the Lord for the godly board members He brought to be in authority over AiG. Listen to the talk:

here

Devotion

Take His outstretched arm

(Isaiah 27:5) Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.

The lost say that it is too difficult to come to God and be saved from sins, but the Lord Jesus Christ says to take His outstretched arm and let Him pull them up to God.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

Obama to gay group: ‘Still laws to change, hearts to open’

. . . President Obama delivered a rousing speech Saturday night to the nation’s largest gay rights group, praising the gay community for making strides in equal rights. . . .

Human Rights Campaign issued a statement praising the speech, saying it was a “historic night when we felt the full embrace and commitment of the president of the United States. It’s simply unprecedented.”

The president said he backed the rights of gay couples, saying they should have the “same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.” He said he has urged Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act.

This past June from the White House website we read:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.”

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator, Savior, the Truth, the Way, and the WORD in Matthew 19: 4–5 states:

“Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’?”

“That One Talk Answered about 50 of My Questions”

Hill-n-Dale Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, hosted Dr. Tommy Mitchell last weekend. Those in attendance were very excited about the message of Answers in Genesis. Tommy reports that in his conversations with people during the breaks he repeatedly heard things like, “I never thought about that before” or “We Christians really can have answers!”

Dr. Mitchell said that the most enthusiastic response came after his presentation about the importance of understanding that there was no animal death before Adam’s sin. A very happy lady ran up to Dr. Mitchell and said, “That one talk answered about 50 of my questions! Answers in Genesis is terrific!”

During the day on Monday, a homeschool conference was held. There was a packed auditorium for all five sessions. Tommy shared about dinosaurs, outer space, natural selection, and the age of the earth. He indicated that it was one of the best homeschool conferences he was ever a part of. We thank all those at Hill-n-Dale who worked so hard to hold such a life-changing conference! Here are two photos from the event:

You can request Dr. Tommy Mitchell to speak in your church/area through the new AiG outreach website.

Devotion

In the line

(Isaiah 23:9) The LORD of hosts has purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

The world says you should be proud of yourself, but God sets a proud person in the line to have pride be stained and be humbled, therefore, we seek humility

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

Answers in Genesis and our marketing consultants JDA (Joseph David Advertising) are thrilled to announce that our new Outreach Division website went live yesterday. AiG has been working hard with JDA to totally upgrade our Outreach site so we can more effectively reach churches/people with the creation/gospel message using our dynamic speakers.

I believe we have some of the best-qualified and gifted speakers on biblical creation in the world. I encourage you to go to the new site and find your way around—and also consider having an AiG conference in your area. Here is the link to the new site (which of course can also be linked to directly from the Answers in Genesis website):

http://www.answersingenesis.org/outreach/

More on “Ardi”

Many of you will recall the recent hype over a fossil called “Ardi,” supposedly in the lineage leading from ape-like creatures to man. Recently, AiG’s Dr. David Menton was interviewed on Moody Radio about Ardi. You can listen to the interview at this link:

http://moodyradiopaulbutler.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/ardipithecus-ramidus/

Also, if you haven’t read the article on Ardi on AiG’s website, then go to:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/10/03/news-to-note-10032009

Devotion

Then Understood I Their End

(Psalm 73:17–18) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely you did set them in slippery places: thou cast them down into destruction.

To understand and believe that hell awaits the lost is to change to be a gospel declarer in order to keep them from hell and bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

You can find out more information about the spectacular live nativity at the Creation Museum website.

Atlanta This Weekend

This Sunday, I will be speaking at the two morning services and a special evening session at First Baptist Church of Atlanta (pastored by Dr. Charles Stanley). For details, go to the AiG website.

Devotion

When he looks upon it, shall live

(Numbers 21:8) And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks upon it, shall live.

If a person is not willing to admit his sin and that the Lord Jesus Christ was made sin so he could be saved, then he becomes part and parcel of his sin and dies in it.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken