ASI Newsletter May 2005
1) Noah’s Ark Tour You have only until the end of May to get funds in for the upcoming Noah’s Ark tour. The itinerary is on the website, we are going to be adding a couple of things as well. The cost from Istanbul is $1,500.00(US). It is an experience of a lifetime.
2) Noah’s Ark Uncovered Speaking of Noah’s Ark, just recently released is Henri Nissen’s wonderful book on the site. This volume explores the vast history associated with the story, it introduces you to all the players and scenarios that developed over the centuries. It is a must read for those seriously interested in the story. It can be purchased through the shopping cart.
3) Creation Science Boot Camp Our attendance at the first Creation Science Bootcamp in Pensacola was quite a success. There were numerous booths set up, and some dynamite speakers to challenge the thousands that attended. Anchor Stone provided a couple of giveaways for the program one of which was a showcase wall display of a sample of Brimstone (sulphur ball), and a piece of petrified wood from Noah’s Ark. We handed out well over 1,000 discovery news papers and talked non-stop with those stopping by our booth. Even now we have follow-up contacts coming in. It also provided an opportunity for the US Anchor Stone team to come together for a single event, as all four of our new board members were present, it was a real blessing. We look forward to the next such event, and you’re invited!
4) Four new board members for ASI In numbers there is wisdom, we are told. Considering the nature of what God is doing with the discoveries, we must be constently led by the Spirit of God. In an effort to better accomplish those goals, we invited 4 committed and talented individuals to serve on the ASI board, and they accepted. We will be providing a bio and highlighting each one in future newsletters. And praise God for their willingness to serve!
5) Director’s Corner A new addition to the newsletter will be The Directors Corner. This section will include (but not be limited to) a question and answer section, the Biblical significance of the discoveries, plus special features. Look for it in the near future and, hey, be a part of it with your questions!
6) Tribute to Bill Fry Due to alot of technical and logistical problems, we haven’t had a chance to get the newsletter out until now. You can go to the web newsletter, as our tribute is fairly lengthy (and this is just part one).
Most folks by now have heard about the death of Bill Fry, the president of ASI for almost 7 years. His passing was very unexpected and quite shocking, particularly since he was attending a health retreat. He had been at the facility for over 2 weeks and according to our phone conversations, was making good progress. Bill was diagnosed with heart problems just a few months prior and he was taking what he thought were the proper steps to remedy the situation.
I noticed when we were in Turkey last year that he was having some difficulty getting around. Knowing that he wanted to stay in the field for some time yet, I encouraged him to get it checked out. He knew his health was a consideration. Unfortunately, he must have pressed himself too hard and on the 9th of March he suffered a massive heart attack on his way to the hospital. He will be sorely missed! His dedication and commitment to the work of promoting the discoveries was second to none. His daily activities revolved constantly around the discoveries. The question he constantly asked was, How can we do a better job in getting this material to the world? Bill was most certainly the right man, at the right time for the job.
God tapped him on the shoulder a number of years ago, and led him to take the leadership role just when things became to uncertain with Wyatt’s organization after Ron’s death. Bill believed with his whole heart in keeping alive Ron’s vision and perspective, realizing that the new WAR (which he called NWAR) had veered off course and was moving in a direction contrary to Ron’s principles. Bill was committed to supporting and working together with the other groups promoting Ron’s research as far as possible. He knew that he was on the front lines, so to speak, involved in a supernatural warfare. I am so sad to see my friend gone, but equally as glad that he is at rest.
In thinking back over the last year I can see how providential it was for Bill and I to spend 3 weeks together in Israel and Turkey last May/June. We took the opportunity to discuss several aspects of the work, the work that God had led so marvelously in accomplishing. Bill expressed his gratefulness in having had the opportunity to play a part in something so significant. He felt honored to be a part of this work, and humbled to be used to share it with the world.
Since Bill’s passing some have expressed their hope that Anchor Stone would continue. Let me emphasize that though Bill was an effective leader, he realized God had called him to be a steward of the work, not an owner of it. Bill passed away, but Anchor Stone continues. The work is bigger than any one individual or organization, in fact it is bigger and more significant than all of us put together. The critical issue is what God is doing here. Only as we get out of the way and allow Him to work through us will we truly be effective for His cause. God hasn’t (and never will) called anyone to ownership, we are simply stewards. The temptation is present for self to rise up, thirsting for recognition or praise. It’s worth remembering that it all belongs to God and His name alone is to be glorified. Let our prayer be for wisdom, to know His voice and faithfully follow. By God’s enabling grace Anchor Stone will press on.
Bill frequently expressed appreciation for those who worked behind the scenes. It was Rose who became involved with web design, making the suggestion of putting the discoveries on the web, that gave us our start as a group. We liked the idea, so Bill presented it to the Wyatts, who approved the project and made the newsletters and materials available. So Anchor Stone was born, and more than one million people have visited this site since! In time the requests for seminars and materials grew to the place where we needed someone at the helm full time. Bill gave up a fairly lucrative income as an engineer to take up the work as leader of ASI.
Often he worked day and night to get new materials available to reach more people. He fielded questions, comments, and criticism, answered letters and phone calls at all hours of the day. For a time, we had a guestbook on the site for visitors to sign. Hundreds of messages were left, and many of those messages were touching words of thanks, as lives were changed forever by the things they read here. When he got discouraged, Bill would go to the website and read the guestbook comments and say, "This is what we’re about; this is why we’re here."
The Anchor Stone team was a small one: Bill Fry, Rose and I, and Bill and Anna James, Bill’s longtime friends, who took on the responsibility for processing orders. Then the Lord added a contingent of folks overseas to be part of the team, adding to the effectiveness of the organization. God always seems to provide the right person at the right time. Bill was thrilled to be a part of this extended team, he was excited about what God is doing.
Just before his death, Bill called to brainstorm about some new ideas for ASI. He said we should be praying that the Lord would bring new people into the work, to help us develop new ideas and creative ways to introduce the world to these discoveries. The night he passed away, Bill was preparing to give a presentation on the discoveries to the staff members at the health retreat where he was staying. So even as his life was about to close, this work was uppermost in his mind.
Part II of our tribute will attempt to answer the inevitable question of WHY? Why was Bill so passionate about the work?
Jerry