“For the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge” One hundred and thirty years ago today, in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Society was founded. With a thirty-three member board of, geographers, explorers, teachers, lawyers, cartographers, military officers, and financiers, they embarked on a mission to enlighten the world. These men with shared interest in scientific geographical, discovery, invention, change and mass communication wanted to bring the world of technology and news breaking explorations to the layman. The magazine struggled the first decade, as the technological articles were dry and lengthy, and appealed to only the scientific world. Thus the subscriptions were at a standstill at about 1000. With a change in leadership and direction, away from the more technical, to the more general, and the addition of photos, the circulation soared to 2 million. National Geographic was the first to print natural color photos of sky, sea and North and South poles.
Over the years this society has grown to one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational institute. Over 1400 grants have been awarded to people like Robert Peary, (he explored the North Pole), Richard Byrd, (he was the first to fly over the South Pole), Jacques Cousteau, (delve into the sea), and Jane Goodall, (observance of wild chimpanzees). It has brought us a close up view of civilizations from all over the world into our homes. The beauty and majesty of God’s handiwork, photographed and printed in vivid colors, has made this magazine the success it is today. At present it enjoys the readership of 9 million subscribers.
Why has this publication succeeded while others have gone by the way side? It has been a gathering of like-minded people. People who want to experience the world without leaving the comfort of their easy chair.
That is the same way of today’s Christians who want to experience salvation, from the comfort of their easy chairs. With no effort or discomfort on their part to secure their part in eternity. Something they can pick up and put down at their leisure, no muss no fuss. They will let other people go to all parts of the world and do the hard work of spreading the good news, of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of today’s Christians will spend more that the required ‘one hour each Sunday,’ for a clear conscious, reading the Word and sharing it with others, but they are becoming increasingly rare. We are in jeopardy of losing our right to worship freely, for nothing more than a lack of effort, interest and support. Will you be the one to answer the call? If you can’t go, then give, if you can’t give, pray. The community of like-minded people means successfully reaching the goal. ”And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
As parents we need to teach our children that we need to love the Lord with their heart, souls, and minds. Then love thy neighbor as thyself. These are hard lessons to teach, and the best way to do it is by example. It is what you would call ongoing education. Let’s all try to pass this course.
We as authors can only dream of the success that National Geographic has enjoyed for over a century. But it has come at a great cost, and hard work. So get out of your easy chair and sharpen those pencils, there is work for us yet to do!
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Psalms 139:7-12
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
Habakkuk 2:14