Let your light shine – December 2017

Don Steinhorst, a member of St. John’s, Fox Lake, had never been out of the state of Wisconsin. But after watching the “Answers in Genesis” series for years, he was compelled to visit the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Ky.  

Steinhorst saw all the riches that God provided him and wanted to share his experience with others. Having no children of his own, he offered to pay for any of the children in his congregation, ranging from nine-years-old to eighth grade, to join him on his journey to the life-sized replica of Noah’s ark.  

“The Bible says store up your treasures in heaven, so I store them in the right direction,” Steinhorst says. “You can’t take your wealth with you.” 

A total of 52 children and adults signed up to make the bus trip. Donna Schmitz, the kindergarten teacher at St. John’s, helped Steinhorst plan the itinerary. On their way to the Ark Encounter, the group went to the Newark aquarium and the Creation Museum, learning more about the wonders of God’s creation.  

In the Ark Encounter, they explored the three decks, which depict the biblical history of Noah. The 510-foot-long structure also features real animals and special exhibits. The congregation then had the unique opportunity to spend the night in the ark.  

One sixth-grade boy on the trip says, “I was amazed at the size. We always think big, but it is huge.”  

Steinhorst says his favorite part of the trip was seeing how excited the kids were. 

Before heading back to Wisconsin, the group visited the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

Although the bus ride was long, members of the congregation took this opportunity to grow in fellowship. “I knew I’d have fun on this trip, but I had way more fun than I thought I would,” says one seventh-grade boy. “Besides just seeing all of the places, it was fun to be with so many of my friends and grown-ups from church. I loved the bus ride.”  

After returning home, the children wrote a special thank-you card to Steinhorst.  

“I never could have done this with without Mr. Steinhorst giving us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says an eighth-grade girl. “It was a true gift.” 

Gabriella Moline 

Author: Gabriella Moline  
Volume 104, Number 12
Issue: December 2017

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