By Nate Marshall, Director of 4.12 Leadership Training Program
Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to go with a group of 34 4.12 Leadership Training students to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Biblical Worldview formation is a big part of the students’ development in this program.
Upon entering the Creation Museum (which we visited our first full day in Kentucky), a highlight for us as leaders was seeing the students’ awe and enthusiasm. Before we even entered the main museum, the students were exclaiming over and stopping to view every little side feature along the entry hallway. Their enthusiasm to learn continued throughout the entire trip.
During our day at the Ark Encounter, we noticed signs that Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham would be speaking that night after things wound down. This was something we were not aware of and did not fit with our plans. Much to our surprise, the students immediately said that staying to listen to Ken Ham was an amazing opportunity and that they would gladly give up our previous plans for the evening.
Our students were in the front two rows for Ken Ham’s lecture that night. Some had a chance to interact with him before we spoke. He began his lecture with a shout-out to the 40 teenagers from Pennsylvania there to develop their biblical worldview so they could impact the culture. He also stayed quite late so any of our students who wanted to could interact with him.
Trips like this are formative and foundational for students as they are able to engage and process the truth of God’s Word.
One student, Jamie* has already taken initiative to start a book group with all students who purchased the same book during the trip (most of the students purchased resources to continue their studies). Jamie talked about the possibility during the weekend and has followed through on the idea by promoting the book group with the students that attended the trip.
The unmeasurable results are harder to detail, but we can assure you of this: helping these students develop their biblical worldview will not only help them remain strong in their own faith in the years to come, but equip them to help others. These are the results anticipated for the years, decades and generations to come. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
*Name has been changed*
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