Home schooling was first developed in the United States for the purpose of allowing parents to be the primary influence in the lives of their children. They understood that education is discipleship and the children of any school outside the home are discipled first, by their peers; second, by their teachers; and third, by their books. The pioneers of schooling at home desired to disciple their children in the ways of God, intentionally, deliberately, and personally.
Today, families are choosing home education for a whole host of different reasons and many of them have little to do with training their children to make an impact on the world.
This weekend we had a very special opportunity to go to the Illinois State Home Education Conference. Jana, Jill, and Jinger Duggar were staying with us and were willing to take some time to stand at our book tables and encourage the many families who are searching for direction. Since we knew they were coming a few days before the conference, they sent out an e-mail two days before the conference letting people know that the girls would share a little workshop on Six Key Relationships in the Life of Any Girl. The convention hosts graciously gave us a classroom with 110 seating capacity. By the time the girls began sharing over 200 people had made their way into the room before we had to turn people away.
A second meeting was set up following lunch. This session was almost just as packed. Finally, a 500 seat auditorium was arranged for the evening. God truly worked through them to encourage many young ladies, mothers and families. What a blessing it was to fellowship with so many precious families as they embark on the rewarding but difficult journey of home education.
