Ralph and Linda Christian made the decision to homeschool their children early in their marriage. Both felt strongly about their responsibility to provide their children with a solid biblical foundation. As the years have passed, both Ralph and Linda have witnessed the blessings of teaching their children. Today, they homeschool their two sons and two daughters, ages 3 to 11, in Yellow Springs, West Virginia. The Christian family's homeschooling experience has been quite different from that of most other families.
Ralph has been suffering from a terminal illness that continues to wear away at his energy and his ability to work outside of the home. Ralph's illness has placed added financial strain on the family, but God has been faithful to provide for them. Through the ministry of other homeschool families and their giving to the Members Helping Members Fund, the Christian family has been able to receive encouragement and support from the Home School Legal Defense Association.
When Linda Christian began to think about homeschooling, she remembers visiting the local library in her hometown in New Jersey. Reading through books written by other homeschool moms, Linda learned from their insight and experience. She drew from their ideas on how to create her own homeschool program and teaching style. A recurring theme in many of the books was the importance of HSLDA to the homeschooling movement and individual families. One of the first words of advice given by homeschool moms was to join HSLDA for legal support and protection. After joining the organization in 1998, Ralph and Linda came to realize that HSLDA provided much more than legal assistance. While it is a source of tremendous confidence and reassurance to Linda that they have an attorney, she also appreciates the information and educational value of HSLDA's publications. Over the years, Linda says that as a result of HSLDA's Court Report she has become a more informed citizen as well as an enthusiast for original historical documents. "I saw what was happening to families who were homeschooling. I decided it was important to educate ourselves about our rights as Americas. I wanted to learn more about my rights as an American citizen, and what I could do to protect those rights. We studied the Founders, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights."
Due to Ralph's deteriorating health and the financial strain it caused, the family was unable to renew their membership. It wasn't until some time later in 2000 while in the process of relocating that Linda called HSLDA to inquire about certain homeschool laws. She explained their situation, their appreciation for HSLDA, and their desire to one day join again. The HSLDA membership coordinator told her that scholarships were available, and encouraged her to apply for one. To the Christians' joy, their scholarship request was granted. "The years have become increasingly harder, but this [scholarship] is a great, great blessing," says Linda.
Linda is excited about the funds available at the Home School Foundation. "These funds are so fantastic, staying with true religion and 'taking care of widows and orphans.' It's true religion, the gospel of Jesus." Linda realizes the importance of the ministry HSLDA maintains, and looks forward to being able to assist others like her family one day. "I would encourage anyone to give so that others can benefit from their ability to give. The people who are able to give are really able to minister. They have ministered to us."
