Homeschooling gives me the chance to re-educate myself. Not only do I get to review all the math facts and grammar rules, but I get to relearn History. I get to read all these amazing biographies of amazing Christians from all over the world. I get to learn about history and science from a Christian perspective. In truth, it is amazing to me. I feel like an uneducated person. Why was I never introduced to the people I am being introduced to now through educating my children? Why were these books, like In His Steps, never on any of the reading lists I had for my College Bound English Classes?
The more I read, the more I find myself just plain frustrated. What is wrong with Christians here in America? Seriously, have we lost EVERYTHING that made us great? Have we lost our passion for JESUS? Have we been so indoctrinated by humanism and secular teaching that we have forgotten how to live by our beliefs? Do most of us even know what we believe?
It's easy to be a Christian in America. Maybe it is too easy, because we have been lulled into complacency and feel there is nothing to fight for. Most of the time we are too busy fighting amongst ourselves than to take a stand for Jesus. We've allowed for our Lord and Savior to be removed from all areas of our lives. The education of our children?... He's not there. He was removed years ago. Our entertainment? Jesus is only there when we search for Him. Most of the time, when you turn on the TV, you are not looking at anything even resembling Christ. Sometimes I wonder if He is even allowed in some of our churches?
Here's an idea. Why don't Christians stand up? How about, as one of our mission fields, we decide to open Christian schools around the country. I was impressed with the statistic that stated that, in colonial times, when the population of an area reached 50, an elementary school was opened. When the population reached 100, a high school was added. Seriously? Why can't our churches do the same thing? Open some schools, fellow Christians, and let's see to the needs of our children. Oh, I can hear the arguments starting already.
An education used to be respected only if that education was based on the Bible. Now, we think we have to have all the perks. We have to have all the extracurricular activities and elective classes. Our children get a broad spectrum education in most public schools, but according to standardized testing, these same American children can not compete internationally... even when the education is wrapped around preparing for these standardized tests.
I am a homeschooling mom. I believe in homeschooling. While I think homeschooling is possible in more situations that people think, I also know and understand that there are people that can't or shouldn't homeschool. Here is where having affordable Christian schools around would be beneficial. I see a sad lack of Christian schools where I live. There is one about 40 minutes away, and a few around an hour away. The starting tuition for the closest one is $8000 per year. To me, that seems ridiculous. If I can homeschool my child for a few hundred dollars or less each year, then I think a church school should be able to run for not much more than that. If Christians gave to these schools, like giving to a mission field, even children that can't afford tuition should be able to afford to attend.
According to the Barna group, two out of three kids will walk away from church when they finish High School. In 2002 the Southern Baptist Council on Family Life determined that 88 percent of teenagers who are involved in youth group throughout the four years of their high school, will walk away from the faith once they graduate from high school. However, the statistics I read state that 93% of homeschoolers stay in church and keep their faith after they graduate High School. Christian schools can and should be available for those where homeschooling isn't available. How can we complain that our children are taught a godless education in public schools, and then leave our children there?
I want to fight back, with my prayers and with my actions. My daughters are homeschooled. However, a lady I know has had a dream of opening a Christian school for many years. She is willing to raise funds and work for nearly nothing. She shouldn't have to do that. Christians should see the importance in what she wants because a Christian education is the only foundation that a child can take with him to heaven. What could happen if our children were educated in Christian schools instead of in the public school system.
First of all, if enough Christian parents pulled their children from the public school system, the much needed funds for those schools would not be there. The schools would either have to allow God into their schools or close. Sadly, many would close. Second, Children receiving a Christian education would have a foundation based on the Bible, God's Holy Word. How many pastors, missionaries, and christian leaders would emerge to reach this mission field not only in America, but in the world. Better yet, how many Christian business men and women, Christian lawyers, Christian doctors, Christian teachers, and Christian professionals would influence our society. The most profound to me is, how many future Christian moms and dads would have firm foundations for their own homes to raise up more and more children for Christ.
A Christian mother told me recently, "Public School was good enough for me, it'll have to be good enough for my daughter." I so wanted to argue with her. I wanted to ask her if she wanted her daughter to go through the same struggles that this mother has dealt and is dealing with. I wanted to ask her at what point does the public school become not good enough. What is the line they have to cross? We were discussing homeschooling, but I wondered if there was an affordable Christian school in the area, if that would have made a difference?
I am blessed to be able to educate my own children. I can ensure that the education my children receive is based on the Bible. I may join my friend in her quest to open a Christian school, even if my children continue to be educated at home. I can see that reaching children for Christ is a mission field. Allowing Christian education opportunities, in the form of schools or encouraging homeschooling, is a big way to influence this world for Christ.
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