First Class Homeschool Ministries

I've been meaning to re-cap our involvement with First Class, but just haven't had the chance. Well, we recently had some HUGE news, so here is a whopping blog to share about our involvement ... Last winter when I was looking for a new job a friend at our church mentioned that a homeschooling co-op they were a part of were looking for help in the development area of ministry. Since my undergrad is specific to nonprofits they thought of me ... although this didn't help with my job search it did open up doors for Dominic and I to become involved in this fantastic ministry. You could say First Class Homeschool Ministries was founded when the St. John Family started homeschooling their oldest daughter, but it was officially recognized as a nonprofit organization about 5 years ago. Inspired by the need for community within the sometimes isolated homeschooling atmosphere, Jay and Heidi St. John set out to revolutionize homeschooling. By partnering with churches First Class' goal is to connect families with a resource where families can find practical and spiritual support in their commitment to homeschooling. The now 40 co-ops around the country meet on a weekly basis for "Friday School" where parents teach classes, friends are made, and parents are supported. During the week FCHM acts as a resource online and as advocates for homeschooling rights on the national circuit. Although neither Dominic or I were homeschooled we have found this ministry to be very influential and are excited to continue working with them. Homeschooling is merely the outcome of their ministry ... their core values of being evangelistic in nature, collaborative in style, generous in spirit, and exemplary in stewardship are exactly the type of values we want as a part of our family. (And for those that are wondering, no, we haven't 100% decided to homeschool our future children, but we are learning alot about the different education options. We have a pretty good spread of knowledge with my having been in private school, Dominic in public, and our experience with FCHM ... it's a huge decision and as we plan for our future family it has been helpful to get to know parents in each situation). So, on to the big news! Our involvement on FCHM's Leadership Team has allowed us to be a part of the inner workings of this ministry. We were very involved with the 2008 Dessert Fundraiser back in October and are preparing for an auction in November 2009. In the meantime FCHM has been pursuing a great opportunity for FREE OFFICE SPACE! (Currently FCHM is housed in an expanded bedroom in the St. John's basement). Here is the scoop straight from Heidi: Last October, we found out about a company in Vancouver that was setting up office space for small Christian ministries ~ all donated ~ and it was suggested that we apply for consideration of some of the offices. We began the process shortly thereafter, believing that if God wanted us there, He would complete the work on our behalf. After months of waiting and email correspondence with US Digital, we finally got approval for the final step - an interview with the US Digital Outreach Center Board of Directors. Our interview took place last Wednesday evening. We went with our friends and fellow Board members , the Kvalviks. It was a joy to talk about how First Class has grown over the past 9 months especially, and to look from a distance at what He is doing currently. God is so good! We are almost up to 40 FCHM co-ops around the United States now! On Thursday afternoon we received the call we were hoping for - an invitation to join the ministry center. What this means for FCHM is absolutely incredible:

• Free offices (rent free, and utility free) all a gift from US Digital
• 24/7 use of this amazing facility which includes conference and training rooms and a large kitchen/dining area
• Office desks
• Access to a copy machine (!!!)
• The chance to work alongside other Christian organizations for greater impact in the community and around the world
• A new resource room which will contain curriculum, books on homeschooling and a quiet place for homeschool parents to come for counseling and information (This fits with the mission statement of FCHM beautifully - and is an answer to over 9 years of praying.)
• Greater visibility for FCHM in the community

As you can see, we are absolutely in awe of what God has done. What a testimony to the goodness and provision of the Lord! He can, during one of the most trying times in US economic history, provide us with such a beautiful facility. It is an incredible thing for those watching. US Digital's example of using what God has given them to bless others is amazing. So, that's that. Our Leadership Retreat is this weekend at our brand new space at US Digital and we are SO EXCITED! There is also a clean-up day going on at our Pastor's house which Dominic is helping alot with since we're the ones moving in so if our work week couldn't be busy enough we have a packed weekend too AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO BE BUSY WITH ALL GOOD THINGS!