Greetings from the IAHE Board, Spring 2012
It is with great joy and excitement that we bring you this spring edition of The Informer. We have gathered for you a collection of articles and stories that we believe will encourage your hearts and quicken your spirits. Read onto sneak a peek at what this issue holds . . .
Throughout the Bible, but most especially in the Old Testament, the direct involvement of God in the lives of ordinary people is recounted through stories. The stories introduce us to people whom God used, often in spite of themselves. They also serve as an historical record of how God conveys His blessings both to them and to their future generations. Yet, these Biblical records are all too often read simply as children’s literature rather than as a revelation of profound truths: truths which reveal God’s character and interaction with His creation as well as His ability to use the ordinary for His extraordinary purposes.
Hebrews 11, the ‘Hall of Faith’ chapter, suggests that stories of the faithful are worthy of our study; and we believe that the list given is an encouragement to us not only to read but also to analyze these life stories for our benefit. Likewise, we pray that the “Where are They Now?” short stories written by Indiana home educated students and parents will also be used for your benefit: to encourage and strengthen your resolve to not be weary in well doing as you press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We also pray that these stories would serve as a fresh breeze to fill your sails as you continue the journey of teaching your own children the truths of God’s Word as well as academic and social skills.
Timothy Palla’s article, written from a father’s perspective, makes the case that the ‘Reward is Worth the Pain’ as he explains his reasons and determination to stay the course based on Biblical precedent and a focus on higher standards – God’s.
Nancy Carter asks “Am I Really Supposed to Be Homeschooling?” referencing Bible stories that present God using unlikely people to accomplish His will. She asks us to consider the truth that God often ‘equips the called rather than calling the equipped’ for His work. She speaks from a mother’s heart concerning our anticipated affirmation from God as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding.
We trust that the article “Unlock Your Child’s Learning Strengths” will provide some keys to help you discover practical tips and fresh alternatives to assist you as you teach each child.
This issue is packed with encouragement! But, please don’t stop reading at the end of the articles, there is more. A foundational mission of the IAHE is to be an advocate to protect your freedom to home school. Please take the time to read the Indiana Legislative Bill overviews that might have impacted our home educational and/or parental rights freedoms this past session. The freedoms we enjoy in Indiana are constantly under attack and each session brings new challenges.
We, as the Board, were privileged to plan and direct the 2012 IAHE Convention this past March 30-31. We were blessed to hear positive feedback from many of you who gleaned from Godly teachers the very truths you told us you needed to hear. The Board was thrilled that we could invite you to a facility dedicated to God’s work. The atmosphere and peaceful spirit permeating the event was surely a testimony of the Holy Spirit at work. Included is a recap of the convention and tribute to the students who invested their time and energies to participate in our annual Art and Essay Contest. The entries were all thoughtfully presented and well done; hopefully you were able view the projects on display in the exhibit hall.
We are interested in your thoughts! Please communicate any needs or concerns regarding the convention, The Informer, or our legislative efforts through our website as the IAHE Board continues our efforts to Equip, Serve, and Minister to Indiana home educators. Thank you for your prayers and support. You are a great encouragement to us.