Mark your calendar and make plans to pray with us Friday, November 3, 2023 for this year's National Homeschool Day of Prayer!

PLEASE JOIN US AND OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS WE:

• Give thanks for the freedom we have to homeschool our children,
• Pray for homeschooling families in your own nation and around the world,
• Pray for upcoming elections and the impact they may have on homeschooling,
• Pray for your state’s homeschool organization and its leaders.
• Pray for your elected officials to recognize that the education of children is the responsibility of the parents, not that of the nation,
• Pray for your own family—your homeschooling journey and the Lord’s guidance as you take that journey, your relationships with one another, your own children and their futures, as well as seeking ways your family can minister to others,
• Rejoice in God’s mercy and His faithfulness in all things.

A Surrendered Homeschool

Do you struggle with fears and insecurities in your homeschool? Do you fret about your child's education or future?
 
Homeschooling is important work! As parents, we face many decisions about curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and the unique needs of each of our children. It can feel overwhelming. Yet, God, the Creator of our children and the giver of all good gifts, calls and equips us to homeschool. He invites us to steward this responsibility by surrendering our fears, anxieties, and children at the foot of the cross. At the cross we exchange fear for the perfect peace that comes through the finished work of Jesus.



It is easy to become distracted by the world's standards and systems of achievement. We can take comfort that God has good plans for each of our children. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

Hannah demonstrated a heart posture of surrender - "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Our best plans for our children pale in comparison with God's plans for them. The safest place for them is in the perfect will of God. We only need to seek Him for direction. "Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this." Psalm 37:3-5

We have freedom in Christ to homeschool with joy!

Ann Troast 
Founder of Four Square Community
& Creator of Without Doors Curriculum

Find Ann's Bible Study Resources HERE

Day at the Dome (DATD)!

We. had. an. amazing. day!

Thank you to our POWERFUL Keynote speaker & friend, Amy J. Hawkins!
God continued to bless us with all the Senators, Representatives, and Legislatures that came out to speak and support our Homeschool freedoms. 
We were able to come together to celebrate our homeschooling journey, learn about Michigan's rich history, and embrace the precious freedoms we hold dear. Don't miss this next year! It is a place for our homeschooling community to stand strong and show Michigan that freedom is a gift worth treasuring.

The right to homeschool here in Michigan was earned by homeschooling families like yours, spending their time getting to know their legislators and vice versa. In order for these rights to continue, our generation must continue doing what the pioneers of home education did: build bridges with our legislators. This is, perhaps, the most important generation to take up that cause.
Save the date for next year! 

Find Next Year's Date HERE

Building Bridges and Defending Freedom

We have put together a list of ideas for you and your family, in order to help connect with your local legislators. By doing so, you will build bridges and tear down barriers. You will help create a positive relationship between the homeschool community and our legislature. If you make the time, you will earn their confidence and be given the opportunity to converse with them about issues that are important to you, despite their political persuasion. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Figure out who represents you in Lansing.
a. State Representative CLICK HERE
b. State Senator Locator CLIK HERE

2. Write a letter introducing yourself and your family. In the letter thank them for all their hard work and service to the people of Michigan. Tell them you are praying for them and ask if they have any specific prayer requests. If they share a request, be sure to follow up with a ‘Thinking of You Note’ and see how they are doing.

3. Visit them in their local district office or in Lansing. Many legislators set aside certain times in their districts to meet with their constituents, that’s you. Many of these are labeled as “coffee hours.” Attend these coffee hour breaks and engage in a respectful conversation with them. Let them get to know you.

4. Send cards of encouragement throughout the year. The beginning of their term, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all great opportunities to thank them for their service.

5. Invite them to homeschooling events in your area. Picnics, programs, graduations, concerts, etc. Let your local legislator SEE the opportunities homeschool families have.

6. Consider volunteering in their office or on their campaign. If they share your values, offer your time to help. Homeschoolers can assist with mailings, phone calls, placing yard signs, distributing literature door-to-door, marching in local parades, etc.

God has blessed the homeschoolers in Michigan because of the relationship-building that has gone on for many years between homeschooling families and our legislators. For decades, there have been firewalls in both the House and Senate Education Committees, men and women who have stood strong for our homeschooling freedoms, because they know us and trust us. This is no longer the case. In all things, we must acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty. Proverbs 21:1 “The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes.” Our state is in God's hands. Let’s build bridges, not barriers with those the Lord has placed in our government. Then trust him to do the rest as he wills.

God bless your homeschool family as you continue to trust Him in all you do.
-Your MiCHN Legislative Team

MiCHN remains opposed to any and all government funding for homeschooling.

Today, our Vice President, Israel Wayne will be representing MiCHN at a panel discussion in Grand Rapids on school choice hosted by Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP). MiCHN was invited as a guest to help make people aware of home education as an education option in our state. Israel's participation in the event is to help bring a greater awareness to homeschooling and should not in any way be seen as MiCHN supporting or endorsing the views of any other panelists or hosting organizations regarding their thoughts about government-funding options for homeschoolers. MiCHN is resolute on this issue and has not changed in any way regarding their commitment to support only privately-funded options for home education in Michigan.

One of the most pressing issues in many states right now is the issue of “School Choice.”
Israel has written an amazing blog HERE, to break down the points that are vital for us to consider.

What's happening at MICHN