July Edition
July traditionally signals the beginning of summer vacations, travel, and family time. This year’s plans may get interrupted by higher food, gas, and travel costs. Regardless, I wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July!
This month’s focus is on Education. There is a war going on across our country about education, not only at the public-school level K-12 but at the highest levels of our universities and colleges. Our children are being taught philosophies and modern thought which is counter to our values as Christians and parents.
If you have not discovered a passion within the Seven Mountains of Influence and you have young children or young grandchildren, there is no higher calling then to advocate and give a voice to those who have no voice. I know of several who have pulled their children out of the public schools, and they are either home schooling or enrolling in private Christian education.
My siblings and I all attended public schools. My youngest sibling home schooled their children. I wish that I could have understood what was going on back in the 80’s and 90’s, and the contradictions they were receiving in the classroom, home, and church.
I commend those who are engaging in the process of being involved in their children’s education. For those in public education, engage in the PTA and the school boards. If possible, run for positions of influence on the school board, the city councils (like Laurie Sperry), and city government. Home school if you can.
I zoom interviewed Shawn Schrader, founder of The Engagement Academy. The link to that interview is included in the spotlight focus in the Education section.
Again, to all, a Happy Fourth of July!
Rolland
SPOTLIGHT
I want to introduce you to Shawn Schrader. He has an amazing vision in beginning an Academy after years of substitute teaching in the public school system. He has served in the U.S. Navy and introduces himself on his Facebook page as, “Works full time doing stuff for God!” That is a cool vision statement! Shawn is passionate about his relationship with God, and I am glad that God caused our paths to cross.
You can find Shawn on Facebook along with a page for The Engagement Academy.
Here are a couple of his posts:
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous, they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.”
– Samuel Adams
If you think that the battle for the minds of students is a new one, consider this. In 1922, the state of Oregon banned all private schools, leaving the government with the total monopoly of educating children. The fight for your children has been going on for a century and we are just now realizing the impact of this and starting to wake up.
If not for the Catholics who fought this all the way to the Supreme Court (Pierce vs. Society of Sisters) none of us would have a single education option. Please, fight the ideology that has sought secular humanism and has destroyed the public school system.
I encourage you to get acquainted with Shawn’s vision through our zoom interview.
Whether public, private or homeschool education, your participation and presence is required. Consider playing an active role in your children’s education.
EDUCATION:
Our educational systems are critical to our nation’s health and success. I want to begin with a quote by Vishal Mangalwadi, born and raised in India where he studied philosophy in secular universities and Hindu ashrams. After studying in Swiss L’Abri for six months, he returned to India to serve the rural poor through several creative projects. This frontline engagement with oppression and corruption sent him to jail, helped prevent the revival of widow-burning, and led to politically organizing peasants and lower-caste “untouchables.”
Here is a quote from his book, The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible created the Soul of Western Civilization:
“Why did my university in Allahabad have a church, but not a Hindu temple or a Muslim mosque? Because the university was invented and established by Christians. Neither colonialism nor commerce spread modern education around the world. Soldiers and merchants do not educate. Education was a Christian missionary enterprise. It was integral to Christian missions because modern education is a fruit of the Bible. The biblical Reformation, born in European universities, took education out of the cloister and spread it around the globe.”
It is biblical commission and Christian zeal to fulfill that commission which built, established, and promoted education. It is Mr. Mangalwadi’s position that the biblical ethic was first established in the founding of the universities and over the course of the years, they have lost their way and have been taken captive by humanist thought. More on this in following editions.
Summer Home Church picnics at Legion Park, Everett:
July 17th, August 21st, September 18th at 1pm.
Potluck venue so please bring a dish.
Contact Shawn Schrader with questions.
email: ShawnOSchrader@gmail.com
APOLOGIA: A Forum on Bible & Culture:
Sunday, July 17th – Westgate Chapel – Eric Metaxa
Suzy Grace Selin: Bodylife Imaging
Breast Thermography/Medical Thermography
https://www.bodylifeimaging.com/
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