New Year, New Opportunities
Every new year brings with it reasons to reflect on the year that just passed by and to look ahead to the coming year. As 2009 dawned, I was too busy with youth events and the move to do either one of these. Now that I have some spare moments, I have given these things some thought.

Last year was an exciting year for me. In May, I accepted a new ministry position as an Associate Pastor. Although I miss teaching high school, I have thoroughly enjoyed this new position. In June, my first book was published by Master Books. Old-Earth Creationism on Trial: The Verdict is In has been well-received and I have received numerous positive reviews. I was blessed with the wonderful opportunities to speak at numerous churches and a few conferences. Finally, in December, I published one of my papers as a 68 page booklet entitled God Means What He Says: A Biblical Critique of the Framework Hypothesis.

As I look ahead to the rest of 2009, I am excited for what God may have in store for me and for Midwest Apologetics. Next month, I have the opportunity to travel to Hartford, CT to participate in a debate/forum on the proper interpretation of Genesis 1. I have already been invited to speak at two conferences and a couple of churches. Also, my next book, God and Cancer, was recently sent to the publisher and should be out this spring.

I am also finishing up the rough draft to the third book in a youth fiction trilogy. We are especially excited about this series. It has been a lot of fun to work on and the Manga illustrations are incredible – thanks to our amazing artist (see www.christianmanga.com for more of her work). The books will cover many of the most important issues facing young people and the Church today. The solutions to these crucial questions are woven into an exciting, humorous, and action-packed adventure. We will be releasing more details in the near future and hope to publish the first two books this year.

As I learned in 2006 with my leukemia diagnosis, God’s plans are often different than my own plans. Although I hope to see all these things come to pass, something very different may actually occur. Whatever happens in 2009, I know that God will still be in control and that He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28).