An Important Update from OCEANetwork (2024)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Homeschool Families,

As this year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on God’s unwavering faithfulness and looking forward to the coming year. In that spirit, we offer the following update on the ministry of the Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network.

• Capitol Day 2024: This year, we hosted a smaller Capitol Day for the short legislative session, hosting a rally and reaching all 90 legislative offices with information about homeschooling. The visits sparked many uplifting conversations and shared the vision for homeschool freedom. Praise the Lord!
• Oregon Christian Home Education Conference: We were blessed to hold the conference once again in Albany, OR. The Exhibit Hall grew, and the Christ-centered sessions inspired attendees. We were also deeply thankful for the personal connections and real-life encouragement attendees received from each other, and for all who came together to make the conference a success!
• OCEANetwork Internship Program: Launched this year for independently homeschooled teens, our internship program equips young people with valuable skills while fostering a vision for homeschool freedom and family discipleship in the next generation.
• Protecting Homeschool Freedoms: Our Freedom Watch Team closely monitored legislative activity, sending out alerts when there were possible threats to homeschool freedoms in Oregon. We also worked to educate lawmakers and families about the risks of School Choice initiatives, and hosted a special session on this topic at the conference. (Learn more at bit.ly/OR-school-choice.)
• Spreading the Vision: OCEANetwork board members participated in events across Oregon, from Pendleton to Grants Pass, encouraging families and promoting Christ- centered education and homeschool freedom.
• Supporting Homeschool Families: We provided year-round support via email, social media, and phone, answering questions, praying with you, and sharing in the joy of God’s work in your families throughout the year.

While this is a difficult choice, we see it as a blessing, deepening our reliance on the Lord. He is faithful, and as we’ve sought His guidance, He has provided direction and exciting plans for the year ahead.

• Homeschool Freedom Bill: Our Freedom Watch Team is diligently working to submit a bill during the 2025 legislative session aimed at removing the current homeschool notification and testing requirements. (Learn more about our stance at oceanetwork.org/ no-testing.)
• Apple Pie Day: We are thrilled to announce that Apple Pie Day will be our main event in 2025! This gathering is a crucial opportunity for homeschool families to engage with lawmakers and promote homeschool freedom. Be sure to attend and invite other homeschool families and groups. With refreshed vision and a plan to expand this event, we are looking forward to what the Lord has in store!
• Volunteer Development: Of course, one of our main focuses in the coming year will also be to build and train a dedicated volunteer team. With more hands and hearts involved, we hope to bring the conference back in the future and expand our reach to more families across Oregon.

Your partnership in these efforts is crucial. Homeschool freedom, family discipleship, and the future of home education in Oregon are at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to standing firm in our advocacy for you and your family. We trust that God will provide for everything He has called us to accomplish!

With hearts full of hope and trust in Him,