Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Last month I briefly mentioned how quickly things are changing and encouraged us to fight for and hold onto our unity in Christ Jesus. I want to expound on this unity a little bit by discussing the indispensable gift of community that we have been given by the Father. Then I want to share with you how this organization wants to be a part of the supporting community for your family.

Choosing to follow Christ comes with the promise of difficulties in life that you would otherwise never have known. (John 16:33) Yet those difficulties also come with the promise that Christ has overcome the world and that He will be faithful to lead us. (Matt 28:20) He has also given us the Holy Spirit to help teach us and guide us in all things. (John 14:26) These promises, along with the rest of scripture bring us comfort, courage, and endurance as we walk out our faith. I believe there is another particularly important component to walking out our Christian faith that seems to have lost value in too many believers’ lives. In Acts 2:42-47, the idea of community is introduced when Luke writes that they were devoting themselves to “fellowship.” This idea of community is defined throughout this passage saying we are together and have all things in common. They even began to minister to one another’s needs. Paul describes the mechanics of how community is supposed to work in Ephesians 4:11-16. He describes how we all have different gifts to be used to edify one another and that the proper working of each individual part causes the growth of all. Then again, in Colossians 1:9- 10, Paul says that he prays for believers to “be filled with knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” so that they may walk in a worthy manner that pleases God, “bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” How does all this apply to homeschool?

If you have chosen to homeschool, then you have in some way heard the call to family discipleship that rings out from scripture. This call can be intimidating and overwhelming for any parent, but especially if you are a first-generation believer or first-time homeschooler. You may have no example to follow or struggle to know where to begin. The good news is that the homeschool movement has been growing and cultivating over the past thirty years. There are many seasoned homeschoolers who have knowledge and experience to share with those just starting out. Much wisdom has been gained by the successes and failures of those who have gone before. Paul encouraged Timothy that the older should teach the younger and this should be happening in the Christian homeschool community as well. Martin Luther said “the greatest good in married life, that which makes all suffering and labor worthwhile, is that God grants offspring and commands that they be brought up to worship and serve him. In all the world this is the noblest and most precious work.” You have heard and answered the call to family discipleship, but you do not have to walk this path alone. The truth is that trying to walk this path alone is foolish when there is so much wisdom and encouragement to be gained in community.

As always, APACHE’s goal is to encourage you and your families toward discipleship and building Godly character. The APACHE board has spent the last year refocusing on how we can better serve the needs of the homeschool community. APACHE as an organization is changing from being just a Christian resource library and is growing into a Christian community that desires to walk with you as you learn how to practice family discipleship. This is how we want to serve you, by helping you carry your burdens and “fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) We can’t wait to share with you what else is changing…

James Cox
APACHE President