One of the Greatest Opportunities

Who would have ever thought that one of the biggest contributors to the popularity of homeschooling would be state governments? Some states are already closing down their public schools for the 2020-2021 school year while others are massaging their schedules and mandating masks. The result is a lot of confusion and justifiable concern on behalf of public-school parents. A nationwide survey of 1,000 parents commissioned by Varsity Tutors found nearly half (47 percent) are considering homeschooling during the 2020-2021 school year. (All On Georgia) In a typical year, only 3 percent of students are homeschooled. Support groups here in Illinois are reporting increased interest as numerous parents have already made their decision to home educate. This opportunity should challenge veteran homeschoolers to do all they can to help parents who are exiting the public school; after all, a high tide raises all ships.

How can we help? First, we must remember where our own journeys began years ago. Think of all the questions and concerns we had. Most of us public schooled at home with all our school desks and bulletin boards until we first heard the words home discipleship. For many, that vision started a whole new way of thinking and homeschooling our children, and that journey continues to this day. We want to humbly challenge Christian parents to seek God, understanding that He knows exactly what they need and when they need it.

We also want to look for opportunities to encourage new homeschoolers, even if they don’t do it just like us. Every homeschooling success story is a benefit for all other homeschoolers. Some parents are just planning on homeschooling for one year until the pandemic plays out. Others have a vision of going the entire educative route. Either way, we want them to know that God has equipped them to teach their child. They need to know this because of all the negative voices that are out there are telling them otherwise. One public administrator was reported to have said, “… parents need to leave the education of their children in the hands of the educational experts.” Really? A four-year degree and a piece of paper does not an expert of our children make. It is a matter of walking along side of them for eighteen or more years.

Finally, we need to pray. I realize this is always the rallying cry, but the scriptures clearly teach that prayer moves the heart of God to accomplish His predetermined will. We want to spend this month standing in the gap for the homeschool community across the state and the nation. We not only want to see a move from the public school to homeschooling, we want to see a move of God within the homeschool community itself.

Please join us on the second Tuesday of the month of August (or another day that better fits your schedule) as we pray for the following:

1. Pray that those who are considering homeschooling will count the cost and not simply react to the present reality of Covid-19. Pray they will develop a vision that honors God and suits their family purpose.
   • For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?–Luke 14:28
   • Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. –Proverbs 4:26
   • And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” –Joshua 24:15
     
2. Pray that new homeschoolers will experience little anxiety and learn to put their trust in God for everything … including their children’s education.
   • Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. –Proverbs 3:5,6
   • do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. –Phil. 4:6
     
3. Pray that the ICHE team will have the necessary time, energy, volunteers, veterans and resources to meet the needs of new homeschoolers, both practically and spiritually.
   • At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— –Col. 4:3
   • And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. –Phil. 4:19,20
     
4. Pray that new homeschoolers would hear the vision of home discipleship and be captivated by it.
   • All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. –Is. 54:13
   • He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,
     which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,⁶ that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, ⁷so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;–Psalms 78:5-7
     
5. Pray that the various homeschool groups and organizations will work well together to continue to protect homeschooling rights for which we have fought so hard. We must expect an increased level of resistance from the state as homeschooling numbers increase, and this will most likely manifest in new attempts at regulations.
   • Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! –Ecc. 4:9,10
   • And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. –Gen. 11:6
     
6. Pray that as prospective non-Christian homeschoolers visit our Facebook page, website and events that God will make them aware of their sin and their need of a Savior.
   • the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, –Eph. 1:18
   • Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” –Acts 16:30
     
7. Pray that God will place new homeschoolers in loving, encouraging support groups and coops.
   • You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. –Psalms 18:35
   • And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. –Acts 15:32
     
8. Pray that parents will have a real burden and commitment to teach their children solid character traits.
   • Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. –Phil 4:8,9
     
9. Pray for the children who will be staying home, some of whom will struggle for a bit, to have a good transition into homeschooling.
   • For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” –Matt. 11:30
   • Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),–Eph. 6:1,2
     
10. Pray that homeschooling parents will have the necessary motivation to develop the skills regarding transcripts, college prep classes, etc. so that their children will shine in post- high school education.