On this episode of 20Twenty, we spoke with Dan Flynn, Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Foster, new Managing Director, of Answers in Genesis. They shared a leadership update with us, as well as some details about a new ministry being started by Martyn Iles. Even though Martyn has moved on from AIG, the heart of the mission remains the same.
“Martyn has been in a senior leadership role for a couple of years in the US,” says Dan, “and very supportive of Ken Ham. Martyn has also been our managing director here in Australia. The exciting news today is that Martin is going to launch a new ministry. So Ken has blessed him and encouraged him in that and very much released him to this new opportunity.”
Dan is confident that both ministries will work well together and be a blessing as they continue sharing the Gospel. He also talked about the amazing journey of Answers in Genesis, which was started by Ken Ham. Ken began as a schoolteacher with a passion for creation, and that passion led him to build the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, a massive life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky, USA.
The Heart of the Mission
Dan remembers visiting the Ark and being amazed by its massive size, about as long as two football fields. He explains that the exhibits inside show scientific and archaeological evidence that supports the Bible. “There’s so many exhibits that establish the truth of God’s Word,” says Dan. “The deeper you dig, the more you see the truth of the Gospel.”
Mike Foster also joined the conversation, talking about his recent appointment as the new Managing Director of Answers in Genesis in Australia. AIG impacted his life from a young age, and he discovered Ken Ham’s materials as a teenager. “It really convinced me of the truthfulness of God’s Word,” he says. Mike remembers debating his science teacher about evolution in Year 10, saying, “I just could see all the flaws in it because of the resources that had given me such confidence in God’s Word.”
Mike believes there is an ongoing attack on the foundation of God’s Word, especially Genesis, saying Satan has worked hard to undermine it. “There’s been a concerted attack on Genesis,” says Mike. “And Ken Ham identified this many, many years ago. He has been fighting the fight.”
While Martyn’s departure is a significant change for AIG, Mike believes that the heart of the mission remains strong. He explains that AIG’s four key pillars will continue to be the foundation moving forward.. “Very simply,” says Mike, “it’s to equip believers, spread the Gospel, disciple young people and make an impact in Christian education, particularly homeschooling.”
Blending Biblical Teachings with Today’s Culture
Dan and Mike both believe in the importance of blending Biblical teachings with today’s cultural challenges. AIG provides believers with resources like videos, books, and online training to help them engage in discussions about evolution and other important issues. The truths found in Genesis are everlasting because they are the foundation of God’s universe.
“The Word of God stands forever as the one thing we can absolutely rely upon. Every other foundation will crumble. We know people who build their life on God’s Word will stand. Everything else is is temporary.”
Listen to Dan and Mike’s full interview below:
