Dutch creationist Johan Huibers unveiled his replica of Noah’s Ark over the weekend, marking the first time anyone has seen the massive ship in roughly 4,000 years. Huibers, as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible, did most of the work with his hands. Construction first began in May 2005.

Referencing old biblical measurements, Johan’s ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide –two-thirds the length of a football field with the height of a three-story house. The ark is filled with life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals.

Although Johan’s replica is massive, Noah’s Ark as depicted in the Bible is five times bigger. Genesis says Noah kept seven pairs of most domesticated animals and one breeding pair of all other creatures, plus his wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law together on the boat for almost a year while the world was deluged.

Huibers says that he hopes his ark will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where churchgoing has decreased largely over the last 50 years. I hope Huibers accomplishes this goal and more, as Christianity has been suffering around the world, particularly in European countries and the United States.