2019 ICHE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE

MARCH 23, 2019FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SALEM, ILLINOIS

1200 WEST BOONE ST.

CREATING WORLD CHANGERS

Inside and Outside of the Home“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings.”

P R OV E R B S 2 2 : 2 9 ( N K J V )

CREATING WORLD CHANGERS Inside and Outside of the Home

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Most people believe the world is in dire straights. Suicide rates have climbed almost every year in the last two decades. America spends about $150 million in

direct medical costs from the fallout of depression. Many believe we are more politically, racially, and ideologically divided than ever before as a country. In times like this, where do we go for comfort and direction? God’s Word.

At different low points in Israel’s history, God always had the right people in the right place at the right time. Elijah stood up against King Ahab and slaughtered hundreds of Jezebel’s false priests. Gideon went from threshing grain in secret to leading an army of 300 men which destroyed a Midianite army that were like “locusts” throughout the land. David went from killing bears and lions to slaying giants and subsequent “tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). These biblical titans seem to come out of nowhere until their moments of greatness came. Where had they been hidden? How had they been trained?

The fact is, they were constantly be tutored and groomed for their future roles of greatness for years and years. They did not, however, receive their training in shiny tiled hallways of academia. Neither were their military skills sharpened at an elite training facility with the most recent technology. Instead, their life education was inside humble homes where fathers and mothers taught them that the fear of the Lord was paramount to all the other knowledge being touted by the world. It was within those four comforting walls that children were instructed in how

God’s blessing would make them the head and not the tail (Deut. 28:13). It was through learning how to tend their parents’ sheep on windswept hillsides that God taught their hands how to war (Psalms 18:34).

This same spirit and vision are still fueling godly homes centuries later, for it is in these same modest houses that homeschooling fathers and mothers are raising the next generation to serve the Lord their God. They are seeking to instill the same fear of the Lord that still serves as an endless reservoir of knowledge and wisdom which will enable their children to see past the superficiality and trappings of contemporary culture. They are preparing future leaders to stand before kings and in some cases stand up against kings by teaching them to excel in life skills that go so far past typical educational models. This is home discipleship. This is homeschooling at its best.

The 2019 ICHE Southern IL Conference is a one day, power-packed reminder of the faithfulness of God throughout six thousand years of Judeo-Christian history. It will serve as deep motivation to cry out to God to help our children bring glory and honor to Christ. A one day encounter with God can accomplish more in our the hearts of our children than months of mere study. Don’t miss this opportunity to be refreshed, encouraged, and challenged.

For the Glory of God…Your ICHE family

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DR. ROB RIENOWDr. Rob Rienow’s most important ministry is loving his wife Amy and partnering with her to lead their seven children to love God. He is the founder of Visionary Family Ministries (www.visionaryfam.com), a pastor, international conference speaker, and the author of several books including Visionary Parenting and Visionary Marriage. When

Rob is not fishing for men, he enjoys fishing for fish. The Rienow family lives in West Chicago, IL.

workshop speakers DREW HARRISON

Drew Harrison has traveled the country speaking and teaching Christian perspectives on worldview, apologetics, technology, and entertainment. He is a homeschool grad with a BA in Communications and has taught high school literature, philosophy, history, and apologetics in both home and private education environments. He travels—highlights

include New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef, reads—favorites include Dickens and Doyle, and has a random smattering of hobbies ranging from Ukulele to Drafting.

JEFF LEWIS Jeff Lewis lives in Sycamore, Illinois, with his wife, Melissa. They have five children: Mariah, Kathryn, Rebekah, Zachary, and Abigail. Shortly after the birth of their first child in 1993, the Lord introduced them to homeschooling through some Godly friends. By God’s grace they graduated all five of their children. Jeff earns his living as a

lawyer and also teaches law classes at Northern IL University in DeKalb. They joined the board of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) in 2006.

LEAH NIEMANLeah is a wife and mom of 2 homeschool graduates. She’s a popular speaker who encourages parents to walk with their kids through the world of social media and technology to raise a generation of digitally responsible young adults. You can find her eBooks - Apps All Parents Should Know, Let’s Get Social: A Straightforward Guide

for Kids on Social Media, and Connected: A Parent’s Guide to Snapchat, as well as tips on technology and social media at leahnieman.com.

AMY RIENOW Amy’s first ministry is loving her husband and nurturing faith in their seven children. She and Rob founded and lead Visionary Family Ministries, a ministry created to equip parents, encourage couples, and help families live for Christ. She is the author of several books including Visionary Marriage, Five Reasons for

Spiritual Apathy in Teens, and Shine: Embracing God’s Heart for You. Amy attended University of Illinois, followed by Wheaton College Graduate School where she earned her MA in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor. Amy has her hands full as a mom, partnering with Rob, and serving in the women’s and worship ministries at church.

LISSY RIENOWLissy Rienow is 19 years old. With one older brother and five younger siblings she has a passion for helping teens live for Christ at home. Family relationships are hard and we all need biblical encouragement! She is a student at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Serving with Visionary Family Ministries, she speaks at

youth and family ministry events around the country and writes Bible studies for teens. She has impacted students through ministry events in Scotland, France, Singapore, and Bolivia.

KIRK AND JOELY SMITHKirk and his wife, Joely, have homeschooled their eleven children over the past two decades. Kirk pastored in Albion, IL, for almost 25 years before accepting a position with Illinois Christian Home Educators as Executive Director in 2013. Joely was a first grade teacher until the birth of their first child

and has since dedicated herself to the teaching of her children.

keynote speaker

keynotesROB RIENOW

YOUR FAMILY AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD God wants to use your family relationships to make a difference in the world for Christ. Through all of our struggles and

challenges, God wants to build His Kingdom in and through our homes.

THREE TROJAN HORSES SENT AGAINST YOUR KIDSThe spiritual forces of evil do not want your children to follow Jesus. Often they use “Trojan horses,” or cleverly disguised attacks, to destroy the faith of your children. As parents, God calls us to do all in our power to prevent our children from being “taken captive” by the hollow and deceptive philosophies of the world.

PARENTING THROUGH SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE We love to see our children succeed, whether it be in their school work, sports, or music. But what about when our kids are struggling spiritually? How can we respond when they seem to have little or no interest in spiritual things? This message will encourage you to make your relationship with your child your top priority, toward the mission of helping them follow Jesus.

“ God has not sent us out across a tightrope! Yes, the path is narrow, but on both sides of the path is a solid handrail, driven down deep into the rock. What has God given to us that we might not rebel against Him? He has given us His sufficient Word. What has God given us that we might not become legalists and elevate our words above His? He has given us His sufficient word.”

—Rob Rienow

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workshopsDREW HARRISONSTORIES AND IDEAS • “I have always thought life first as a story and if life is a story, there must be a story teller.” ~G. K. ChestertonStories build societies. From The Iliad to The Avengers and from To Kill a Mockingbird to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the stories that we read, watch, and listen to change the way we think, live, and act. We will be learning the literary tools of interpreting stories, in scripture and beyond.

STORIES AND BEAUTY • “There is much to hope from the flowers.” ~Sir Arthur Conan DoyleBeauty is all around us. In nature, art, speech, and thought. What is beauty, and why should we, as Christians, care about it? We will be learning the tools for appreciating stories, seeing God’s hand in everything.

STORIES AND CONVERSATION • “Knowledge can’t be pushed into a brain, it can only be pulled in.” ~Chris AndersonEverything is a story. There is the obvious examples of books and movies, but even political debates, evangelism, and the latest advances in technology are driven by stories. We will learn to unpack those stories, find their applications, and use them in conversation, both with other Christians and in evangelistic contexts.

JEFF LEWISHOMESCHOOLING 101: HELP, I’VE DECIDED TO HOMESCHOOL • After making the decision to homeschool, getting started is the next big step. This workshop will lay a biblical foundation and vision for homeschooling, review the law in Illinois for education at home, and discuss practical ways to get started and choose curriculum. Learn how to homeschool! Bring your questions, get answers, and start your homeschool journey!

LEAH NIEMANFINDING AND STAYING TRUE TO THE HOMESCHOOL PATH INTENDED FOR YOUR FAMILY! • We’re called to homeschool. We watch our children learn. We research curriculum and set forward with the perfect plan for our family. But, it’s so hard to stay confident as a homeschool mom in the midst of so much homeschool information. We read magazines, blogs, and hear a wealth of information from others on the perfect educational method or curriculum. It’s hard not to compare. Join Leah as she shares how to take off the yoke of burden we place on ourselves. And, stay true to our calling as a homeschool moms, listening to what’s right for our family.

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GETTING OUR GAME ON: A FAMILY APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY • Our kids are growing up in a digital world. And although kids can use technology almost effortlessly, they still need parents to help them understand how to use that technology wisely. Parents have an incredible opportunity to raise a generation of kids who are healthy, happy, well-adjusted digital citizens. We just need to understand what’s at stake and have a plan for technology in our homes. Join Leah for this session and map out your family plan for technology.

TECH SKILLS FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE • We are in the information age. Research is literally at our fingertips. But, do we know what to do with all that information once we have it? Can we use current presentation methods? Do we know how to collaborate with others using mediums commonly used by colleges and businesses? Are we using our smart phones for productivity? Or are our phones a constant distraction to us during our day? Join Leah as she shares platforms and apps that will help you succeed in college and life!

AMY RIENOWRAISING PEOPLE NOT PRODUCTS • As homeschool moms, we have lots of goals for our kids - academic, social, athletic, and much more. The more goals we meet, the better we feel. But what if God has a different set of priorities? What if God is more concerned with who we are, rather than simply what we do? Amy will encourage you with a vision for raising a person not a product!

THE NOT-SO-PERFECT MOM • Do you feel that you are continually falling short? Are guilt and discouragement common in your mind and heart? It may be that perfectionism and comparison are robbing you and your family of the joy and contentment that God has for you. Amy will encourage you to catch a fresh vision of God’s love for you so that you can share that same love with your family.

THE EARLY YEARS - BUILDING RELATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS • A child’s early years are vital for their relational and spiritual health. In this workshop, Amy will share some essential biblical principles, and practical approaches to nurturing the heart and character of your child right from the start!

LISSY RIENOWLIVING FOR CHRIST AT HOME - FOR TEENS (PART 1) • Being a teenager is not easy. Relationships at home, with parents, siblings, and extended family can be incredibly challenging. In this two part workshop, Lissy will encourage teens to pursue four essential virtues in their family relationships - honor, love, honesty, and service.

LIVING FOR CHRIST AT HOME - FOR TEENS (PART 2) • Being a teenager is not easy. Relationships at home, with parents, sibling, and extended family can be incredibly challenging. In this two part workshop, Lissy will encourage teens to pursue four essential virtues in their family relationships - honor, love, honesty, and service.

THROUGH THE EYES OF YOUR TEEN • Today’s teens are navigating a world very different from the world in which we were raised. It takes intentionality and hard work to truly understand our teen’s thinking and perspectives. In this workshop, Lissy Rienow will share the ups and downs of her journey through the teen years, Scriptures that made a big impact in her home, and the fascinating results of dozens of interviews she has done with teens around the world

JOELY SMITHHEALTHY MAMA / HAPPY MAMA • The best way for a mother to glorify God and enjoy Him forever is to find God’s grace in the balance between the spiritual, emotional, and physical life. Come listen to this well-rounded approach to becoming a healthy Mama and therefore a happy Mama.

BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD • Many women are choosing to ignore the cultural melodies of feminism, liberation, and gender equality language as they believe God’s principles of womanhood exalt the beauty of femininity to its fullest height. What does biblical womanhood look like in the 21st century?

KIRK SMITHFUEL FOR THE HOMESCHOOLING JOURNEY: JOY! • Homeschooling without joy is like rowing a boat against a strong current … little headway is made and everyone gets worn out. Learn how to foster a spirit of joy and encouragement in your home.

I’D TAKE DIAPERS ANY DAY • As physically exhausting as those early parental years are, most parents find them far less draining than the subsequent seasons of maturation. How can we transition our children through the various stages of life and gracefully release them into the world to make a difference for Jesus Christ?

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TIME SPEAKER TITLE ROOM

8:30-9:00 Registration Lobby 9:00-10:15 Rob Rienow Your Family and Kingdom Sanctuary

10:30-11:15 Nieman Staying True to Path SanctuaryA. Rienow Raising People not Products 202 UpstairsL. Rienow Living For Christ at Home (1) Library (102)Harrison Stories and Ideas Room 124Lewis Homeschooling 101 Room 108

11:25-12:35 Rob Rienow Three Trojan Horses Sanctuary

12:35-1:30 Lunch Gymnasium1:35-2:30 Nieman Family Approach to Technology Sanctuary

A. Rienow The Not-So-Perfect Mom 202 UpstairsJ. Smith Healthy Mama Happy Mama 204 UpstairsL. Rienow Living For Christ at Home (2) Library (102)Harrison Stories and Beauty Room 124K. Smith Fuel for Journey: JOY! Room 108

2:45-3:45 Nieman Tech Skills for College and Life SanctuaryA. Rienow The Early Years 202 UpstairsJoely Smith Biblical Womanhood 204 UpstairsHarrison Stories and Conversations Room 124L. Rienow Through The Eyes of Teen Library (102)K. Smith I’d Take Diapers Any Day Room 108

3:45-4:15 Fellowship Time and Vendor Hall Shopping Gymnasium4:20-5:20 Rob Rienow Parenting Through Struggle Sanctuary

5:30 Conference Ends

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schedule

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important conference informationTWO REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

Go to the secure www.iche.org and click on the ICHE Southern IL Conference button and follow instructions to register.

Preregistration ends at midnight on March 18th.

COST:Cost for pre-registration is $25 per adult, $40 for per married couple.Young Adults: ICHE is looking forward to the next generation of home educators. Children who are still living at home may come for an additional $10 each. Families who have multiple children have a maximum out of pocket of $60. Preregistration ends at midnight on March 16th after which walk-in registration will apply.

WALK-IN REGISTRATION

Cost for walk-in registration is $35 per adult $60 per couple, $10 per child living at home, and family max at $80.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Name Badges will not be mailed but will be available when you check in. That’s one less thing to have to worry about bringing!

Nursing Infants: Nursing infants (15 months & under) may come free with their parents. Strollers are permitted, but we ask that you park them in such a way that will not cause traffic flow problems. In sessions, please, be respectful of other attendees by taking your child out if he or she starts to make disruptive noises—even happy ones.

Children: Children of all ages are invited to come to this family conference. We have full assurance that each child will be well-behaved so other attendees can gain as much as possible from each session.

Non-homeschooling Pastors and Non-homeschooling Grandparents Attend Free!! We encourage pastors (and their wives) and grandparents who are not home educating their children or grandchildren themselves to attend this conference for FREE. We desire for pastors and grandparents to understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Add their names to your registration. The pastor’s or grandparent’s name should be listed clearly on the registration form of the attending person who is sponsoring the pastor/grandparent, so a name badge can be custom made for them.

The ICHE Book Table: Especially for new beginners, those with questions, single parents, and those who have become weary. We have a special place for you. Come to the ICHE booth in the vendor hall and sit down and ask tried and true veteran homeschoolers of various backgrounds those questions you’ve always wanted to ask but were afraid to ask. Receive prayer, encouragement, and guidance. Tackle the tough issues or solve the simple ones. No concern is too big or too small. Also, get your hands on resources that have been especially hand-picked by the ICHE leadership to insure you are getting a Biblically based vision of home discipleship from the start.

Food: Concessions will be available throughout the day in the Christian Life Center, furnished by TeenPact. Sack lunches will be available for purchase. Lunch time will give each one the privilege to fellowship with like-minded believers. You may bring your own food but we request it be kept in the Christian Life Center area or outside, weather permitting.

DIRECTIONS: First Christian Church of Salem, IL • 1200 W. Boone St., Salem, IL 62881

Coming from the North, South or East: Go to Route 50 (Main St.) and go west approximately 10 blocks from town square to CVS which is located on the north side of the road. Turn Right (North) onto North IL St. Go to first stop sign which is Boone St. and turn left. Church is 1/2 block on right.

Coming from west (I 57): Turn east onto Route 50 (Main St.) go approximately 1 mile to CVS located on north side of road. Turn left onto North IL St. Go to first stop sign which is Boone St. and turn left. Church is 1/2 block on right.

Accommodations: Please make your own arrangements.

Holiday Inn Express of Salem: (618) 740-0913 - 102 Holiday Lane, Salem, IL 62881 A special rate of $94.00 + tax has been arranged with the Holiday Inn Express of Salem. When calling, mention the ICHE Conference for the special rate. This rate is good until February 20, 2019.

Super 8 of Salem: (618) 548-5882 - 118 Woods Ln, Salem, IL 62881

Please do not call the First Christian Church. They are not able to answer questions about the conference. Call ICHE at 618-302-7810 or send an email to ksmith@iche.org

2 0 2 0 I C H E S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S C O N F E R E N C E

March 21, 2020 Salem First Christian Church

Salem, IL

Under Divine Construction Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

P s a l m s 1 2 7 : 1

2019 Events

January 26 ........................ Men at Work, Carol Stream

February 23 ...................... Marriage Conference, Wheaton

March 23 ........................... Southern IL Conference, Salem

April 9 ............................... Legislative Days, Springfield

May 30-June 2 ................. ICHE Family Conference, Bourbonnais

August 24 ......................... Southern IL Family Day, Bone Gap

September 5-8 ................. Family Camp, East Troy, WI

October 17-20 .................. Father/Son Camp, Oakland

November 2 ...................... Young Adult Conference, Carol Stream