(Fossil Record, continued from page 7)

that the teacher, and the textbook, have provided. But the student can put an asterisk by his answer, and another one at the bottom of the page where he has written the following comment: "I know this is the answer the book provides, and the answer you want us to give. But it is not right, and I do not believe it." The student has answered the question "correctly," so it cannot be counted as wrong by the teacher. Yet the student has let the teacher know--he knows better!

In the end, the student has acted in a proper manner toward the teacher, and likely has gained the teacher's respect. He very likely will have gained the respect of many of his classmates as well. And he has stood firmly on his belief in creation, without compromising his principles. In the instances where I have seen this approach employed, not only has the teacher been impressed, but word soon spreads about how the student handled the situation in such a mature fashion, and provides the student with the opportunity to explain to classmates why he acted as he did. In the end, it can make for a wonderful opportunity to teach others about creation as well.       BT

(Prison Report, continued from page 3)

As we walked through the yard, we passed right through the middle of hundreds of hardened criminals. There were no guards down there. The inmates had no shackels or restrains on and some of them were even armed with miscelaneous recreational equipment. I was so nervous that the folder I held in my hand almost slipped out. Larry pointed to a certain section of the yard and declared, “That area is called Blood Alley, because of the gang that hangs out there. We won’t go through there today.” I suppose that I should have been reassured that we would not be crossing into the valley of the shadow of death, but somehow his comment only quadrupled my anxiety level.

Then, when we reached the middle of the yard, Larry stopped. I couldn’t believe it! He stopped! Just as I began debating with myself whether to remain calm or bolt for the security gate, Larry began telling me about some of the history behind the various buildings surrounding the yard. He then pointed out, in a very calm and intentional tone that was audible to anyone

within thirty yards, the various watch positions surrounding the yard manned with armed guards. I relaxed a little and we then proceeded on our way through the yard, out the security gate, and back through the maze of buildings that we traversed on our way in.

Later that evening, in the security and comfort of my home, I began to mentally process all the things that had happened during the day. I thought about the work that Larry did and the way he interacted with the prisoners. I remembered my own conversations with the inmates and the times that I interacted with them as well. I remembered the experience in the yard and only then did it begin to dawn on me what had really happened there.

Even though I was intent on being sure that I did not make eye contact with any of the inmates, it did not escape my attention how many times an inmate stopped what he was doing to say “hello” to Larry. He greeted them with smiles and asked about their families, commented on the skill of an artists drawing, and enjoyed the sound of a quartet of musicians. He shook their hands and returned their greetings.

In a place full of men who had little regard for others and no regard for the law, Larry walked without fear. Most of the inmates despised the guards and felt contempt for the system that kept them confined night and day. But, they respected Larry and showed him the greatest courtesy that men in such positions are willing to give. As I reflected back on the day, no doubt I was safer in the presense of this gentle man of God than I would have been even if an armed guard had escorted me through the prison.

I believe the reason that Larry is able to move among these men without fear can be most understood from the lips of the inmates themselves. As I listened to their comments about Larry I found that they respected him, because he gave them kindness, dignity, and respect. They lived in a world of fear and violence and Larry brought them hope and peace through Christ. It is no wonder that he continues to be extremely effective, baptizing new converts almost weekly.

Yes, these men deserve the incarceration in which they curently live. Nevertheless, their souls are precious to God, and I have learned their hearts can be changed by the power of the Gospel. May we ever have the courage to bring the message to them.             TP