Keynote Speakers

James and Stacy McDonald will be joining us as our keynote speakers at the 2007 Summer Conference and Bookfair. James and Stacy are parents of ten children ranging in age from one to twenty-three years old. James is the pastor of Providence Church in Peoria, Illinois. James and Stacy will be delivering an enriching talk about the impact of homeschooling on the spiritual temperature of the family. Find out how reforming our families can promote reformation in the Church today. With sincerity and humor James and Stacy McDonald will share testimony of their own family’s journey through “family reformation.”

James and Stacy will hold several sessions during the conference. Following is the schedule of their talks and a brief synopsis of each.

Friday, August 17, 2007

10 a.m.

In public school, it is the student who drops out. In homeschool it is often the parents. Those of us in the trenches know that homeschooling is not always easy. Join James as he explores the reasons why families choose to homeschool and the reasons why some give up. This is a must for frustrated parents - or those wishing to support other homeschooling families.

1 p.m.

The media tries to convince us that joyful and content keepers at home are just good liars. They can’t imagine how any woman could be content serving her family in the home without pursuing a career or indulging in secret wickedness. Join Stacy as she guides ladies toward passionate housewifery and where to turn when they are desperate.

2:10 p.m.

Since the dawn of time God’s hand has been writing the story of history. We often fail to see it, but He has been directing the steps of mankind since the beginning. In 50 minutes, James McDonald takes you on an exciting ride through the past, revealing how God has worked, often behind the scenes, to build His church and His people.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Noon

Why are over 88 percent of children from Christian homes leaving the faith? Pastor James McDonald shares the reasons, and offers a solution to stem this destructive trend. Family integrated worship gives Christian families hope to see the baton of faith passed on the next generation - and beyond!

2:10 p.m.

The world’s daughters are deceived; they are embarrassed and ashamed of virginity and make every effort to look as far from that image as possible. Feminine softness and beauty have been replaced by tight, faded jeans; revealing t-shirts; and other forms of sensual presentations. Should daughters of the King parrot the speech, mimic the carriage, or replicate the fashion statements of daughters of the world? You and your daughters are invited to join Stacy McDonald, mother of seven fair maidens as she investigates the lost art of biblical femininity, sexual purity, and virtuous maidenhood—a fairy tale experience.

We will also be offering a special program for parents and families of special needs children. Join Tom and Sherry Bushnell, parents of 10, three with special needs, as they share tips and advice, along with God's wisdom how to equip your special needs student for life. The Bushnell's are founders of the special needs children ministry, NAATHAN.

Tom Bushnell will address parents with special needs children. Come out and learn how to teach God's special children and learn about the ministry of CHASK.

Friday, August 17, 2007

3:10 p.m.

Homeschooling a special needs child takes great patience and love. It can be challenging, yet a rewarding and uplifting experience. Tom will share his experiences as a homeschool father to 12, three with special needs. Come learn strategies and techniques you can use to instruct your child that will give them an opportunity to grow and learn.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

10:00 a.m.

Homeschooling a special needs child takes great patience and love. It can be challenging, yet a rewarding and uplifting experience. Tom will share his experiences as a homeschool father to 12, three with special needs. Come learn strategies and techniques you can use to instruct your child that will give them an opportunity to grow and learn.

3:10 p.m.

Finding out that our daily grind is just that…a real grind, can leave us exhausted. Lacking in vision, what do we do when we have lost the umph we need to press on? Listen while Tom shares what to do with burn-out. Having found out where our weaknesses are, now what do we do with them? How can we inspire our children and spouse to keep on, not becoming weary of well doing, especially when we ourselves are feeling like throwing in the towel. Tom shares inspiration, stories and some great tips to avoid losing steam.