The PBS Evolution Special
by Dave Nutting

Many of you have seen the recent PBS TV special on Evolution. Meant to be a real “sell job” for evolution, the advanced publicity labeled it very “persuasive.” As I write this, I am teaching creation to a group of students from Jackson Hole Bible College. Last week we viewed and discussed the TV special in class during the time it was being aired so that these students would be able to evaluate the “best” and most current material the evolutionists are presenting. Most of their scientific “proofs” have been answered by creationists a long time before this program. However, to those not exposed to creation teaching, the program could have much the same effect on students’ faith as the jets flying into the trade center towers. Since it is targeted to be used in the public schools for years to come, the ripples will reach broadly.

The most pointed attack on the public had nothing to do with science, however. The philosophical attack, blatant in parts and subtle in others, was the real “terrorist” attack. The approach utilized the same tactics that the evolutionary humanists have been using for a long time. It constantly implied that the battle for evolution is strictly a battle between science and religion. Those promoting creation were portrayed as religious zealots who were hiding the evidence while those who were promoting evolution were the real objective thinkers. I believe the producers purposely left out throughout the entire program that creationists are very much scientists too and many became creationists because of the scientific evidence. Also noticeably lacking was any mention of the many evolutionary scientists in recent years who are now publicly challenging the prevailing evolutionary dogma and even the very evidence they were presenting. For some of the problems with the program scientifically, such as the totally false argument about the imperfection of the eye proving evolution, DNA studies, as well as other very misleading statements, we would encourage you to get the facts by visiting Ken Ham’s website: www.AnswersInGenesis.org.

Since some of the program seemed dedicated to discredit creationists, I am surprised they still used so many outdated arguments that they certainly had to be aware of if they read any creationist literature at all. Could it be, they don’t care if they are presenting bad science in an attempt to push their own religious philosophy of humanistic atheism? That is my conclusion.

Out Thanksgiving
by the AOI Staff

You will notice that this section of Think & Believe is very different. Instead of reading all sorts of technical scientific stuff, you get to hear the personal glimpses from those who make up Alpha Omega Institute. They will tell you what has excited them in this ministry and has given them cause to be thankful for what the Lord has been doing.

As I write this, two interns are with me on a creation class and field study that I am teaching to students from Jackson Hole Bible College. We are headed to some very important creation geology sites—Mt. St. Helens, Yellowstone, and the Scablands of Eastern Washington. It is great to see their enthusiasm!

It really encouraged me this year when all of our speaking teams were minstering in different locations at the same time! It is encouraging to see the message going forth with all of our speaking teams ministering in different settings at the same time! That is the type of multiplication we have been aiming for!

We are thankful how God has provided such quality staff to spread the creation message. Mary Jo & I have had a very intensive schedule this year. We were gone from the office most of June through September. But, PTL! While we were gone, our office staff very capably held down the fort without us! That has really tickled my toes to see the ministry moving forward with us on the road!

We are also thankful for all of you who make it possible for our staff to spread the message and equip others to do the same.
— Dave and Mary Jo Nutting

When Marilyn and I joined AOI in January, 1994 ,we were a family ministry and used our own kids to help teach other kids. Mandy was then 13 and Robin was 9 years old. Not only did our girls help with puppets, they performed skits to teach Creation. In one skit Mandy played Noah and Robin was Mrs. Noah. We even stuffed them into zebra and rabbit costumes! They would help set up equipment and tear it down. They helped with crafts, songs, recreation, potty runs and crowd control. They led many kids to the Lord. They were involved with every part of the ministry. As we traveled around the country they endured strange foods, strange beds, late nights, early mornings and long roads. Being home schooled, they truly were “Road” scholars. They heard the same seminars, and table conversations over and over and over....Now they have both left all that behind to pursue their own ministries. Mandy was married in May and is now a pastor’s wife. Robin will graduate this fall and is studying sign language as a deaf ministry. Our girls have truly blessed us. Now as we travel, the nest will be empty.....But I still have the zebra and rabbit costume and am anxiously waiting the day we can fill them with grandkids!!
— Lanny & Marilyn Johnson


I have been at Alpha Omega now for just over a year...and I am still here. Even though my internship is technically finished, I have committed to stay on with AOI for at least another year. I will continue to work in the office helping to keep things running. Over this past year I have enjoyed working with the AOI staff and have been blessed to work in an environment where I know that my skills are not only needed but, more importantly, appreciated.

I have grown to love each and every individual at AOI. They have become like a second family to me. In fact, I don’t think that I would have been able to stand being this far away from my own family if it were not for the wonderful people here. I have been truly blessed. I thank God, not often enough, I’m sure, for my family back home in Texas and for my new found family in Grand Junction.
— Rachel Painter

I’m the newest member of AOI. I work in the office and hopefully have helped ease the burden on the speaking staff.

I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Gary, for thirty-six years and have 2 children, 3 grand children, and a great son-in-law. Since I became a born again Christian 5 years ago, I have gone through many seasons of joy and sorrow. God has been with me all the way with supportive family and friends to pray for and support me. God has also given me a hunger in my heart to spend one-on-one time with Him in Bible reading and prayer.

My prayer for Alpha Omega is that God will expand our boundaries to reach more people for Salvation in Jesus Christ and to use me for His glory. I pray that all of you, our faithful supporters, will grow closer to God and His will for your life. Have a wonderful holiday season.
— Gail Tompkins

Lately, we have sensed more deeply, the tremendous privilege of being with AOI. We are very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and financial support!

Our culture has a way of avoiding the Truth. Truth in daily life; Truth in what the Bible really says; Truth in all areas. Our hope is to equip you with solid, Biblical and scientific teaching that will encourage and strengthen your faith. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is the final answer where science is lacking.

We pray that believers in Christ everywhere would more intimately know the Bible and live that out in their everyday, “marketplace” lives. Many people are now open to hearing the Truth. We pray that you will feel compelled to share the glorious message of Creation and the love of our Creator with all in your world of influence.
— Dan & Andrea Korow

After nearly 3 years I still can’t believe I get to be the Graphic Artist here at AOI, and that my family can be part of the overall ministry. My children are learning about creation and experiencing ministry in some really fun ways. They love to go fossil hunting, study stars, and get to know their Creator by examining clouds, learning about magnets, or studying the wings of a butterfly.

I wish adults could be as perceptive. Why is it that the “formative” years give way to spiritual hardening of the arteries? In the Creation/Evolution debate, there seems to be a recurring theme: It’s not the evidence that is the problem but the mind-set with which we approach that evidence. More often than not, questions we encounter are not about scientific data but about man’s philosophical ideas about that data. There is something intoxicating about figuring out the world on our own. I pray that we can resist that temptation and embrace God’s Word and His world with the same faith as our children.

My wife Carolyn and I thank you for your continued support and pray God’s richest blessings on you this holiday season.
— Mark & Carolyn Sonmor

A few years ago our family memorized Psalm 1. This Psalm speaks of the blessings of a man who delights in the Lord and in His Word, but rejects the counsel and ways of the ungodly. He is like a tree, planted by rivers of water and brings forth fruit in its season. I reflect back to when I was an unbeliever walking in the ‘counsel of the ungodly’ and conforming to their philosophies. The direction our family was taking in the areas of life-style and education were leading us away from God and toward humanistic values. Then in 1990 I became a believer but I was still locked into the evolutionary philosophy, because of my ignorance of creation.

In the spring of 1992 I was blessed by the teaching of Dave and Mary Jo Nutting. This was another great turning point in my life. I rejected evolution and its destructive philosophy and clung to the truths of the Bible. Now my desire is for God to permeate every area of my life. God’s ways work! There are blessings for those who follow him. I have known the blessings of God in my love for my wife — a wonderful helpmeet — and my children. Our two oldest are in Bible college desiring to become missionaries, and our two youngest are a great joy as they grow in the Lord. We are thankful for Godly friends, people like you who pray and encourage us, and in my work, teaching others the truth of God’s Word. I would like to encourage you to take a few moments this week and read, or better yet memorize Psalm 1 and allow God to “bless” you with His Word.
— Rich & Sue Stepanek

When Dave Nutting asked me to assist AOI with its bookkeeping needs, I saw it as an opportunity to help the ministry. If I could take care of the details, then Dave and Mary Jo and the other speakers would be able to spend more of their time doing what they do best. Although I have my own accounting business, I consider it a privilege to assist them with as much as I am able. The time I have been with AOI has been a real pleasure.
— Glenn Pearson