Personal Milestone | The Institute for Creation Research

 
Personal Milestone

January 1st marked something of a personal milestone for me, the 10th Anniversary of my installation as President of ICR. They have been significant years, so please allow me this opportunity to reflect.

My father started ICR in 1970 on a shoestring. Actually, he was the only employee, and he divided his time between his duties of Academic Vice-President at Christian Heritage College (now San Diego Christian College) and his creation activities. Soon others came alongside. I started work at ICR/CHC in 1973, primarily involved in expeditions to Mt. Ararat in search of Noah's Ark and also worked as a college recruiter. I left in 1975 to return to graduate school for my Ph.D. and subsequently served in a faculty position at the University of Oklahoma and returned fulltime at ICR in 1984.

To some, it was a given that I would eventually assume the presidency, but I knew enough about the position to have some trepidation. I really enjoyed research, teaching, and speaking but didn't particularly anticipate or desire the administrative duties. My prayer at the time was that I would be of such value to ICR that when the time came for a transition, the Board would consider me. In 1995, the offer was extended, and with mixed emotions, I accepted.

Looking back, I am convinced it was the Lord's will, and I am thankful. Surrounded by a dedicated and unified staff, much has been accomplished. The graduate faculty has grown significantly, research results have been stunning, the overall creation movement (which in many ways looks to ICR for leadership) is quite robust, lives are being changed, and the Creator is being glorified. Everyone here (especially me) recognizes the blessings of being in the Lord's work and making an eternal impact.

These 10 years have seen growth in almost every area of ICR. My favorite area is that of research. Not only does ICR dedicate a significant portion of its budget to scholarly research, but it now has in place a vibrant model for attacking major problems. We can expect future research gains which will rival the success of the RATE research.

One more true blessing. My father, my predecessor in the position, is still quite active in the ministry. It is a true joy to even know such a man as Henry Morris, but our relationship has grown from father/son to employer/employee to that of colleagues, and now, dear friends. He has shared his heart with me, passing on his vision, giving me direction for the task ahead. The plaque on his office wall "Perhaps Today" adequately reflects his expectant attitude regarding his Christian life, the work of ICR, and the Lord's return. With the solid foundation he has laid, the future for ICR looks bright. Through the decades he has been faithful in little things, and now the harvest has arrived.

Thank you, Dad, for your wisdom and counsel. Thank you, supporters of ICR, for your prayers and support. Thanks also to my colleagues at ICR; together we share the burdens and blessings. And thank you, Lord, for counting me worthy of the ministry.

Cite this article: John D. Morris, Ph.D. 2006. Personal Milestone. Acts & Facts. 35 (1).

The Latest
CREATION PODCAST
America's Oldest National Park - Exploring the Unique Features...
America is home to stunning forests, mountains, monuments, and other wondrous features. The unique beauty of many of these locations have prompted...

NEWS
Binary Star Pair Detected Near Supermassive Black Hole
Astronomers have detected a likely binary star pair, designated as D9, orbiting the supermassive black hole Sag A* at the center of our Milky Way galaxy.1,2...

NEWS
The Jaw Drops an Evolutionary Explanation
The lepidosaurs are a large and diverse group of land vertebrates that include the snakes and lizards. There are almost 12,000 species of these animals....

NEWS
''Super-Puff'' Exoplanets: Evidence of Youth?
Astronomers have inferred the presence of a fourth exoplanet in the Kepler-51 star system.1,2 They made the discovery when the third exoplanet...

NEWS
A Fresh Start
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit...

NEWS
January 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind." (Isaiah 65:17 NKJV) ICR...

NEWS
All Things New
"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: Neptune
by Renée Dusseau and Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover...

ACTS & FACTS
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Testimony to the Receding Flood
by Tim Clarey, Ph.D., and Mike Mueller, M.S.* Nestled next to Medora, North Dakota, and 45 miles east of Glendive, Montana, Theodore Roosevelt National...

ACTS & FACTS
A Great Year of Development! 2024 Year in Review
The Institute for Creation Research had another outstanding year advancing creation science in 2024! We’ll use this opening issue of Acts &...