A Visit with Andrew Pudewa

We are pleased to share Andrew Pudewa's thoughts on home education and parenting. Mr. Pudewa is one of the keynote speakers for the 25th Annual Family Life and Discipleship Conference being held June 25-27, 2009 at the Veteran's Memorial Hall in Columbus, Ohio.

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Can you please tell us when you first began to have a heart to share what you have learned with other parents? How did you first begin?
I began teaching writing seminars for homeschooling families in 1995, and speaking at conventions in 1997. As my experience increased, and as the Lord brought more things to my attention, I was able to share insights beyond just the teaching of English composition. I went full time with IEW in 1999, and from then the opportunities have been constantly expanding. In addition to participating in conferences in dozens of US states, I’ve been invited to Canada, New Zealand, and Kenya to share ideas and experiences with home educating parents there as well. It’s so exciting for me to see homeschooling expanding here and around the world.
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What has been the biggest blessing in your parenting?
That’s a tough question as there’ve been so many things to be grateful for! That my children have grown up with faith and love of the Lord would be probably top of the list, but from a practical perspective, I feel that having a relatively large family has not only given my children more opportunity to learn to love and serve one another, it has given my wife and me the chance to do things differently, establish different priorities with the younger ones, based on experience with the older ones. I kind of think that every parent should have lots of children, because then you have a better chance of doing more things right by the time the youngest is grown.
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What has been the biggest struggle in your parenting?
Probably consistency. As my work and mission have necessitated frequent travel, the burden of my absence has made it hard for us to establish and maintain regular patterns of study, family life, schedule and ritual. I suspect we share this foible with other parents, but I am always in awe and even slightly envious of families who appear so organized and consistent.
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What is your favorite Bible verse/passage/book that strengthens and encourages you?
Anything that has to do with the unconditional love which our Father in heaven has for us, as it reminds me of the absolute necessity of our having unconditional love for our children and each other. Jesus telling Peter that he must forgive “seventy times seven” is a critical thing to reflect on frequently, and imbue into the culture of a family. Like many of the commands of Christ, it often seems unattainable, but His grace is sufficient, if we strive to imitate Him. Also, in both parenting and business, I must remember to trust entirely in him, and “be not anxious.” Lastly, I am very clear that the love my wife and I have for each other is the foundation for a successful and harmonious home, and that I am called to love her “as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her.” Again, a hard thing to do perfectly, but we strive for it.
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What is your favorite workshop to teach and why?
That’s a hard choice. Although I love to share the technical aspects of teaching writing, I know that the big picture is so important, and so many people have thanked me for the ideas presented in the Rebuilding Your Education Paradigm: Teaching for “Freedomship”. That talk changes a bit each time I do it, and I’m always excited to see how the Holy Spirit works to better organize and electrify these truths within my mind and heart. I also love giving “The Profound Influence of Music on Life” since my original career was as a violin teacher, and a part of my heart is always with music education, and I’m still very committed to helping parents understand both the values and dangers of music.
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What do you hope to impart to the families attending CHEO's 25th Annual Family Life and Discipleship Conference?

Well, I have a great love of words, language, literature, and I believe that it is absolutely imperative that we raise up a generation of wise and virtuous Christians who will not only know the truth, but be prepared to communicate that truth in a world that so desperately needs it. While we hope and pray that our children will be prepared to bring to the world the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Gospel message in their actions and lives, many will also be called to use the English language to teach and lead, and I hope to share things I have learned—both foundational and practical—with other parents who share that vision.

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Read more about Mr. Pudewa's ministry and writing curriculum at http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/.