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In 1988 I became acquainted with the late Ron Wyatt and the discoveries he was then making and presenting. After 20 years of personal research, investigation and subsequent presenting, I decided to take this anniversary opportunity to share some of what I have learned. However, in starting this effort I did not realize how hard it would be to attempt to choose from and compress all I have witnessed over the years. So, while it would be impossible here to relay it all, like presenting discovery information, I'll just sow the seed. Facts Visible physical evidence of the discoveries, with the lone exception of the Ark of the Covenant in its inner chamber location, is proven to exist as presented. The evidence can be observed in every form of media and by actual pilgrimage. An ever-increasing amount of evidence from research and investigation by academic sources continues to corroborate the discoveries. Examples include the discovery of Mesha-Naxuan, Noah's first city, close to the remains of Noah's Ark, submersible video of an undersea debris field at the location of the Red Sea Crossing site across the Gulf of Aqaba and the Roman-period authenticity of the lead shafted iron stake used to seal the Garden Tomb. An early video of Ron and his sons at work in the Garden Tomb area dig for the Ark of the Covenant has also recently surfaced after 25 years. Some authorities are willing to suppress and even hide evidence surrounding the discoveries. Examples include the fence and exclusivity around the Mount Sinai area by the Saudi government and the denial of metal detection survey results in spite of visible video evidence to the contrary by a national laboratory geologist shown performing the survey being denied. Counter-evidence submitted by supposed "experts" continue to be debunked as fraud. Examples include the "experts" quick acceptance of hoaxes and fraudulent claims such as Jammal's hoax, and the off angled photo promoting a number of similar formations, around the Ararat minor mountain, to look like the Durupinar site that has now been exposed. (See: Durupinar Aerial View) Discoveries critics are quickly willing to use sources that they would not normally align with. Examples include the continued promotion of the author debunked Russian aviator Roskovitsky story, first published in 1940 in the L.A. based "New Eden" magazine, and the critical "tentmaker" website promoting universalism. The very existence of a universalist website, promoting all are saved whether they want to be or not, is a mystery. Their only purpose can be to teach against the judgments of God, man's free will (whosoever) and Jesus' own words "that not all who say Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven." The warning signs the discoveries represent would certainly be anathema to them. Every web-posted critic I have found uses tentmaker as a source. Purveyors of competing or alternative sites have increasingly adapted results and research from the discoveries. Examples include the 20.6 inch cubit now proposed by all knowledgeable ark hunters, the nautical shape of Noah's ark and the qualifying of the Gulf of Aqaba as the Red Sea of the exodus crossing. To date, only the narrative of the King James Version of the Bible is 100% accurately aligned with all evidence in location, descriptions and scientific criteria. In every other English language version key narrative points are changed in interpretation and meaning. This is also confirmed in the codices and lexicons used for the King James and the other versions. The KJV text fully supports the evidence of literal judgments and miraculous intervention from a sovereign and all-powerful God. Observations The majority of today's religious authorities, when shown the evidence, are fearful or not interested. One reason is they are not familiar enough with the actual Biblical narrative. Speaking to the religious leaders "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) They should be the first and most anxious to recognize. Having embraced private interpretations and traditions of men many are unable to discern how the discoveries fit the true narrative. Knowing the power of God they should be first to acknowledge the miraculous. Instead, they cannot discern what God has presented for witness and encouragement or the times for which they are provided. Others are fearful of acknowledging information outside of their teaching or control. Their personal kingdoms rely on projecting themselves as the sole proprietors of God. They abuse faith by hiding reason. "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks." (Acts 18:4) Authoritarianism also takes the form of educational accreditation. "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:" (Matt 12:38-39) Their demand was that he submit His proof to their authority based on their credentials. It's interesting that what Jesus gave them was a Biblical event evidence of God's judgment and miraculous delivery. Jesus was also a fulfillment of scripture they should have recognized, but did not. Too often, it is the same today. About ten years ago I took discovery information to a well-known prophecy preacher in town. He relayed to me a false report about Ron he had heard, rejected the information and stated that I should only listen to those with the proper credentials behind their names. More recently his ministry promoted and presented "The Exodus Revealed" video at a meeting. I attended but just didn't have the heart to remind him it was the same information I had offered to him years before. Diverting attention away from the evidence of the discoveries is a key tool of the enemy. By pointing to and diverting the attention onto Ron Wyatt, calling him a fraud, huckster and other demeaning names they hoped to divert attention and personal investigation away from the evidence available. Their most insidious name calling has been reserved for those continuing the research as "followers of Ron Wyatt." This description is used to project that all who research and present discovery information as simple-minded and cultish. It fooled many for a time but Ron has since gone to be with the Lord and stated on his death bed, "now they'll have to deal with the evidence." That evidence has now become overwhelming and still continues to grow. The great thing is the discoveries as the battle are the Lord's! "He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise." (Job 5:12) While it has been painful to watch the pitiful antics by the enemy to turn attention away in witness, media and education, the Lord continues to expose them and is faithful in His Word and promises to His own. "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Psalms 25:14) Conclusions When I started looking into these discoveries twenty years ago I was intrigued by the initial possibilities but was rightly unsure of ever seeing real proof of their authenticity. I had heard many speakers on these subjects come and go with their stories of expedition and adventure and the objects of their quest always seemed to be just out of reach. Offerings would be asked for to carry on their important work. After first speaking with Ron and beginning my investigation into the facts, I had no way of knowing at that time that I would ever become involved beyond the interest I had in the Bible. A room full of books, pictures, artifacts and materials later, I can say without reserve, I know they are proven. Based on the multiple witness of the seen, I can also deduce that the unseen information on the Ark of the Covenant to be true as well. This is my personal opinion because the Lord requires two or more witnesses to confirm and I believe that is the reason Ron was provided multiple discoveries. While the Ark of the Covenant is still unproven beyond the shadow of a doubt, the placement presented, fulfillment of scripture, surrounding evidence and witness it presents convinces me the Lord has a special purpose and timing for it's total presentation and I'm excited in anticipation of when and how that will take place. "Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deut 32:3-4) May God richly bless and increase you in faith and wisdom, Val Smith www.ThroneofGod.com P.S. I think it's interesting that 20 years later I would find myself working in a building designed to represent Noah's Ark!  |
