An excellent free lunch was enjoyed by all, and CMOTO staff at the well-stocked resource table were kept busy as guests took advantage of the high quality books and DVDs that were made available. CMOTO’s Creation Experience Museum in Strafford carries a large selection of books and DVDs related to the apologetics creation/evolution issue.

As knowledge of our existence has grown we have had many groups visit us from Christian schools and home school groups. We believe this will increase in 2012, and we are thankful for the opportunity to be one of the probably less than 25 creation museums and ministries in the USA. Our young visitors get to hear the “other side of the story” which they are unfortunately deprived of if they attend public education.

We live in an exciting time of scientific discovery that continues to reveal more and more evidence that is in harmony with the history of the Bible, and not in agreement with the scientifically unsubstantiated evolutionary idea. And to this end we now offer a LARGE SELECTION OF CREATION-EVOLUTION RESOURCES IN OUR BOOKSTORE. Please visit us if you live in this area or are passing through. As soon as we can we plan to have an online bookstore.

Come and visit us when you can. Bring a Sunday School class, small group, a youth group, or come with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you. RB

Yes, we have had some busy times this summer. The present CMOTO museum facility is not huge, and we can fairly comfortably host about 50 visitors at one time. On a day that we were expecting a tour group of about 40 persons—a home school co-op with young people and their parents—the leader called in the morning to tell us there would be about 70 coming! Well, with the help of the Lord we somehow managed and all went well.

We are praying for more dedicated Christian volunteers to be trained by us to give tours of the museum. We feel that giving personal tours is something that most people appreciate rather than just letting them wander around by themselves. Curtis and Sherry Baker have been such a great blessing to me by being willing to sacrifice of their time as volunteer tour guides between their personal business appointments. Are there any more dedicated volunteers out there?

What a privilege it has been to see approximately 1000 visitors pass through the museum since the beginning of this year. I think it is especially exciting to realize that probably 80% of these have been young people. Everyone who visits Creation Experience Museum is exposed to truths from the Word of God related to our exhibits. In other words, the museum ministry is a means God has provided us with to share and witness to Gospel truths starting with creation. Curtis, Sherry and I also continue to participate in outside ministry to churches, Christian schools, and other groups. In addition, the monthly free newsletter continues to encourage Christians, and our Monday through Friday “Creation Matters” radio broadcasts are aired through KWFC Radio from Springfield, Missouri (89.1 FM at 10:57 a.m.).

We look forward to giving you continuing updates of this ministry through this new Web site. We believe God will help us expand to a larger facility in Branson in the future. What has already been accomplished is only because of God’s ever-present help, and we continue to trust Him for the future of this ministry.

God bless you all, Rod Butterworth.

EASTER THOUGHTS

Last weekend Christians around the world celebrated Easter. Here at the CMOTO museum we have an area that portrays the birth, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When leading groups on a tour I usually tell them at this point, “We consider this the most important part of our museum.” Why would I say this? Because the resurrection of Christ from the dead is absolutely unique compared to all other faiths. Leaders of other religious faiths have all died and have been buried and remain in their tombs. Christ’s tomb was empty on the third day after His crucifixion because He truly is who He claimed to be–the Son of God who came to us in human flesh for the purpose of sacrificing himself to save us from our fallen sinful state.

What a privilege it is to share this great truth with our CMOTO visitors, and to ask them if they have believed and received the wonderful gift of forgiveness provided by Christ’s death on the cross. This is the bottom line of our ministry here at CMOTO. All the other museum exhibits we have on display are a means that God has given us to draw people in and proclaim to them the life-changing truths of a Creator who loves them. We have been open about six months and have had about 500 visitors. Thank you for those of you who pray for this ministry and who help us with our financial needs. RB

THE KEY IS HAVING AN OPEN MIND

It is only natural for people to want to be confident that what they believe about origins is the truth. Most people in America have been taught in public education that evolution is a fact beyond any reasonable doubt. Therefore it can come as a shock to them to hear something that indicates real scientific evidence for reasonable doubt about the evolutionary idea of origins over millions of years. Now our museum is in its fifth month for receiving visitors, and we have noticed varying reactions to the biblical and scientific information people are confronted with.

Many are thrilled with the CMOTO experience and tell us so with genuine enthusiasm and appreciation. They tell us that they are very glad of our existence, and one can tell from their comments that their faith in God our Creator and His Word has been strengthened and encouraged. However, some have made it known that they disagree with the message CMOTO gives. We are not surprised at this–in fact, we were expecting such to be our experience. The basic reason for this could be described as a clash of worldviews. As stated above, it is not a pleasant thing to hear that what you have been taught and believed, perhaps for many years, could be wrong. However, if people have an openness to finding out the real truth of a matter, and are willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads, there is hope for change.

We at CMOTO realize the great and awesome opportunity that God has given us to expose all visitors, whether opposed or in agreement, to the truths of God’s Word by “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). The museum and the creation ministry we are involved in is a means that provides us with this opportunity. We realize that prayer is the foundation of any work of God, and we thank all of you who faithfully pray for this ministry. Come and visit us if you can, and spread the word as much as possible. God bless you, RB

CMOTO- A REAL MINISTRY

Creation Museum of the Ozarks has been open to visitors for only four months. Those of us who man the museum facility each week are finding it to be a great opportunity to share the truths of God’s Word. Every time the door opens and people come in we are able to share truths about God’s creation. We find ourselves in a witnessing situation that enables us to reach into the hearts of the young and old with the life-giving Word of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we have exhibits in the museum that draw people in and fascinate them, such as artifacts related to dinosaurs. But the museum and its contents that God has enabled us to put together are just a means to reach people with the truth. Those who come in are either strengthened in their faith if they are Christians, or gently challenged to consider the claims of our Creator and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if they are not yet in fellowship with Him. What a privilege it is to teach the young that real science supports and confirms the accuracy and historical record of the Bible. Just look at the faces of one group that visited the museum recently:

As the warmer weather begins to come we believe that God will use CMOTO to reach more and more people. We are humbled and grateful to be His servants. Thanks to those of you who faithfully support this ministry. God will reward you for your faithfulness.

A SPECIAL EVENT FOR PASTORS ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2011

We at CMOTO are so thankful for those who have accepted the call of God to be pastors. We are especially thankful for those who stand uncompromisingly upon the truths of the Word of God regarding the foundational truths of the first eleven chapters of Genesis.

If we are asked the question, “What is the purpose of a creation museum” our answer would be to reach people with the Gospel in order that they may be saved. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 the Apostle Paul writes, “I have become all things to all men, that I might BY ALL MEANS save some.” So we have found that highlighting the foundational truths of creation is a MEANS of getting the attention of people and bringing to them the Gospel. In addition to that, of course, it is exciting to see how God uses this ministry to strengthen the faith of Christians of all ages.

As a way of expressing our appreciation for pastors (especially those who have already invited us to minister in their churches), we are planning our second annual pastors’ luncheon and conference. This is a FREE LUNCHEON for pastors, their wives and ministerial associates. Along with a delicious meal there will be opportunity to speak with those directly involved with ministry through CMOTO, and then to sit back and listen to special ministry and speakers. Our keynote speaker this year is Carl Kerby. His presentations are dynamic and will definitely hold your attention.

If you are a pastor and not already signed up for our free monthly newsletter you can do so at the top of this sight. This way you can keep abreast of details regarding this luncheon and conference, which should cover the approximate time period from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. This event will be held at South Creek Church, 3145 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65807.

We would appreciate knowing in advance how many are coming to help us prepare for this event. Please click here to go to the conference registration form. God bless you all. RB

AN AWAITED CELEBRATION

On December 11, 2010 an inner-circle CMOTO group of 25 people gathered at the newly opened Creation Museum of the Ozarks facility in Strafford, Missouri.

This gathering was to celebrate not only the fact that we had been open to the public for three months since September 11, but that the bigger room (see above) was finally ready for occupancy. We are excited about this additional room because it now opens up the opportunity to have groups come to the museum. For example, Christian school groups can come on field trips, as well as home school groups, and Sunday School classes. With this extra space, groups can receive additional insturction in this room as well as watch DVD’s on creationism. Also, we envision evening meetings with speakers giving presentations on various aspects of creation.

While we consider the Strafford location a foretaste of bigger things to come in the future in the Branson area, it is presently providing opportunities for witnessing to the truth of God’s Word. As soon as people enter through the doorway of our location in Strafford it becomes a witnessing opportunity.

If you plan to come and visit us, especially as a group, it would be appreciated if you call first so that we know you are coming: 866-771-8783 or 417-736-3773. Our winter hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As you can see above, we have tried to make the surroundings colorful and interesting to young and old. There is more work to be done, and we would appreciate your prayers and support. One addition we need is padded metal folding chairs. If you should feel led to help us with this, they cost about $20.00 per chair.

This is a ministry of faith supported by donations. Thank you again from our hearts to all of you who have helped us thus far, and are continuing to help us. All of us at CMOTO trust that you will have a blessed Christmas season and a great New Year in the Lord.