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That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: Psalm 144:12 You may click on these photos to see them better.
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Graduates of Central Christian Academy, a school where the classroom is where ever we are! Lois and India were never in a classroom as students. Their becoming of school age coincided with the birth of Gospel Light Baptist Mission INDIA. Many families testify how they laboured in prayer to make the decision to home school. I did not; this decision was my best, if not only option if we were to serve the LORD as ambassadors and do it as a family. School had to be as mobile as we were. There was a time in my life that I would have thought such a thing as educating your own children would be illegal. Now, surely some would like this to be the case, but till now, our country enjoys a great many freedoms and the education of our children is one of them. I had a new friend that homeschooled in the early 1990's and she did not seem strange at all. Her name is Susie Rawle and she helped me in a very big way because her general life philosophy was much like my own. She encouraged me that teaching my children was something I could do and to make a long story much shorter, she remained faithful to me as I began, answering all the questions with such grace and clarity that it is clear that the Lord used her to help me in so many ways in my life. Fifteen years later I am amazed at how much my children know, despite our teaching frailties. My personal feeling about how one should homeschool is that it is a very personal thing. I will share my thought process here for our family. In keeping with our family philosophy, we try to keep it simple. Simplicity is often an overlooked quality, yet one that is spoken highly of throughout Scripture. We used ACE curriculum; it has a proven track record. When it is time for state-wide testing the children using this curriculum invariably do very well. This curriculum is very thorough, yet easy to apply and enforces Biblical values. I would never put together my own curriculum; a good, organized curriculum has been assembled by very knowledgeable educators that know how to put a complete and well-rounded program together. Writing a school curriculum is not even close to being my calling in life. In keeping it simple, I have chosen not to switch curriculums throughout their education. The support that I received through Central Christian Academy in Winter Park, FL. was invaluable. I am weak in record keeping; this was a major thing they did for me. They were only a phone call away when I needed advice. This work/ministry was started by Dr. William Miller, a man with a passion for Christ and a passion for education. He has spent his entire life in ministry, pastoring and educating. The school is led by my friend, Susie's husband, Leslie Rawle. Central Christian Academy is technically a private school, but the classrooms are in people's homes. This curriculum allowed me to maintain some level of sanity and be faithful to serve both my God and my family. As well as overseeing the administration of Central Christian Academy, the Millers and Rawles also make available all of the ACE curriculum books for those who do not need the assistance of the academy. They have an extensive website that I have linked to above. I shared a family quote above; we believe we should be educating our children for a lifetime of service, not to be mistaken with a second-rate education. Children of God should do their very best. Education is extremely important in the world we live in and we have endeavored to make sure that our children have a good and well-rounded education. Living as missionaries, they learn everyday. They would have a hard time getting around the new electronic games, but they could masterfully maneuver through just about any airport in the world! If you are considering educating your own children, be prepared for an incredible journey, imagining all the things that are part of any long journey. Hard sometimes, but likely you would never go back or do it over!
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Bible College Students now! Landmark Baptist College in Haines City, Florida. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16 It is Summer of 2010 as I write. Lois is a senior in college and India is finishing her freshman year. Anyone with children has to wonder, "where did the years go?" It is a wonderful thing to be able to say that the years were not frittered away, but spent with purpose. Landmark Baptist Church, in Haines City, Florida, has been faithful to our ministry since its birth. Through the years their friendship and investment spoke to our hearts. Getting to know the staff and some of the teachers told us that they had a parallel philosophy about education, its primary purpose being to prepare and better equip a person to serve God, while maintaining high expectations from the students. Our daughters entered college at Landmark Baptist College with strong convictions about the Bible, their faith, separation and relationships, and this college has only reinforced the foundations that the LORD helped them to establish throughout their childhood. Having values reinforced - and not undermined - helps turn young Christians into leaders and servants that God would be pleased to use. This is the desire and confidence of Lois and India's parents, and, we believe - of Lois and India. Their experience at Landmark has been a very positive one. Having grown up in service, the experience at Landmark is but a continuation. Although Landmark Baptist College is a small school, I have heard them say on more than one occasion that there is never a dull moment, that something is always happening. My husband and I are so thankful for this school's part in carrying on the standard we set - that education's purpose is to learn to serve God more fully in the capacity He has ordained for our life. As a mother I would heartily recommend that you consider Landmark prayerfully for your children; it is a place where they have not removed the ancient landmarks, but have continued in lifting them. In choosing a college where the LORD is exalted foremost, we believe God's provision and blessing can be best upon our daughters. I believe it is the desire of this school that God should get the glory, and not man.
Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Eph 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. |
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