Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
Newsletter
Volume 16, Number 6
August 2006
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"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
While attending the NEA Representative Assembly in Orlando, Florida, a fellow Christian delegate ask me an excellent question: How is it possible for conservative delegates with strong Judeo-Christian beliefs and convictions support, through their vote, the ultra-liberal recommendations brought to the Representative Assembly?
As I considered a response, I reflected on God’s Word. I was drawn to the passage in I John, quoted above, where John encourages the believers by reminding them of who they are in Christ. Christians often underestimate the power that we have because of this--who we are in Christ. A relationship with our Lord allows His light to live in us and His love to be exemplified through us. His light and love are so powerful that they overcome the power of darkness. We have nothing to fear when we are in Christ.
Since returning from Orlando, I have also been reflecting on situations that occurred at the Representative Assembly. I find it interesting that some of the delegates began to openly express anger and bitterness towards Evangelical Christians at the assembly this year, in contrast to past years when liberals’ “heart attitudes” were known, but not so visible. At July’s Representative Assembly, many of the “extreme left” delegates appeared to find it difficult to even sit in the presence of those who had committed their lives to Christ. For the first time in my ten years of being a national delegate, however, I am able to see the ultra liberals in a different light. They are under conviction but spiritually uncommitted and unable to distinguish truth from darkness. Conversely, when we commit ourselves to the Lord, we become obedient and we allow the power of God within us to help us to stand firm on the principles and truth clearly outlined in the Word.
Think about what happens when this great principle of love that John talks about is put into effect. Whether we become union delegates with the intention of holding to the Word in spite of the liberal fury around us, or whether we leave the union in order to stand firm in our beliefs, we have the capability through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit of being His light and love in a darken world. And the consolation is in knowing that the final results are assured. The ultimate victory is His. We only need to remain faithful to what He has called each one of us to do.
And specifically for Teachers Saving Children®, it is through the faithfulness, obedience, and prayers of His people that His purpose for this ministry is being accomplished. Thank you!
In conclusion, I praise God for allowing me to be used through this ministry opportunity to save the lives of preborn children – His creation and masterpiece. It is only through His anointing upon my life that I am able to fulfill all the responsibilities as Executive Director. I want to publicly accept the position of Executive Director of Teachers Saving Children® Inc. – National for another year.
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While the liberal positions that NEA takes and their consistent endorsement of pro-abortion candidates can give us pause when considering whether to join these organizations, there are four compelling reasons why we should join. As teachers, we enjoy the salaries and benefits that have been negotiated by the local teacher’s association. The bargaining power of that organization is in direct proportion to the percentage of teachers in the district that are members. Since we have a Biblical obligation to provide materially for our families, we should join our local organizations in order to fully and fairly participate in the negotiations process. In districts that have not bargained a fair share fee as part of their negotiated agreement, it is impossible to join the local organization without joining the state and national organization as well, so joining NEA happens by default for many of us. The second reason for joining NEA is due to the positive impact that these organizations can have on the political process at the state and national level. While as Christians we would disagree with some (perhaps many) of the political goals of NEA, we certainly believe in the importance and proper funding of education. NEA is a powerful force for achieving this, and our membership helps give these organizations the influence they need to affect positive political change for education. The legal protection provided by NEA is another powerful reason for joining. Those of us who have been in education for any length of time have seen colleagues and fellow professionals put in extremely difficult positions legally by parents and administrators. The legal fees incurred by fighting a court battle or other legal situation could quickly deplete any savings that a teacher may have managed to squirrel away. The counsel provided by NEA is generally well versed in educational law, and therefore is the best protection we can obtain for the money. The last and I believe most compelling reason to join NEA is to further the cause of Christ within the organizations themselves. It is my belief that the liberal face of these organizations does not truly represent the teaching population. This, I believe, is partially due to the tendency of Christians to not join or become active in the organization. If we are to affect positive change in NEA, as I believe we must, it must be done from inside the organization. I have been attending OEA representative assemblies for several years now, and while I am frustrated at the slow progress that believers have been making, I have seen progress and I’m not yet ready to give up. If we purpose to work together, we can work to make NEA into organizations that have genuine concern for all children, including the unborn!
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As long as I have a choice I will not support the NEA. I cannot justify being a member of an organization that claims to be for children yet demonstrates over and over again that their bottom line is really all about power. I will not give my time and money to an organization that consistently supports abortion and the homosexual agenda. Nor do I care to be a part of a people who appear to care only about themselves instead of the children they are called to serve. I know, as a Christian, I am called to be salt and light in the world. I am not called however to be a part of the world. I do not feel the need to be a member of the NEA in order to change the NEA. I wonder what would happen if all Christian teachers, in unity, refused to “bow down” to the NEA agenda and withdrew membership and money. I wish we would truly become the Body and stand against this “Goliath”. Some may say the NEA is too powerful and we wouldn’t even make a dent. I would say our God is bigger than the NEA and with Him all things are possible. It is not easy taking a stand. Often when you do, you find you are standing alone. I know because I used to be an NEA member but withdrew my membership several years ago. I was uneasy at first about my decision until I remembered that I really wasn’t alone. God was with me. In talking with other Christian teachers it seems that fear is the main reason they remain members of the NEA. Mostly they are afraid to lose legal support. There are alternatives such as the Association of American Educators (AAE) and the Christian Educators Association International (CEAI). They not only offer legal support but many other benefits too. Contact information for these two alternatives is as follows: Association of American Educators (AAE) | |
Editor’s Note: Alan Fox lives in Marlboro Ohio with his wife and three daughters and is excited to be starting his 22nd year of teaching math at Perry High School in the fall. Pam Hall lives in Mason Ohio with her husband and has been teaching for 24 years. She is currently teaching for Princeton City Schools where she has taught for 20 years.
"The National Education Association supports family planning, including the right to reproductive freedom.
The Association urges the government to give high priority to making available all methods of family planning to women and men unable to take advantage of private facilities.
The Association also urges the implementation of community-operated, school-based family planning clinics that will provide intensive counseling by trained personnel.” (1985, 1986).
NEA-HIN, the non-profit health affiliate of the NEA, provides health information to NEA members. In addition, it serves as the link between public school employees; local, state, and national health organizations; and government agencies. Since its inception, NEA-HIN has addressed numerous health issues that affect NEA members and students, including teen pregnancy.
A reason for sharing this information is that while the NEA states that its “Family Planning” Resolution is neutral, the book’s content is one example of how the union “supports” (or, rather, “discredits?”) abstinence in sex education programs. Here’s something to think about!
Since my (Connie’s) time to analyze the recommended book was limited, I asked two individuals, Robin Ross, Pennsylvania Affiliate Executive Director, and Patty Criss, former director of the Alliance Pregnancy Center, if they would review the book. Their critique follows:
The point communicated in this book is strong -- that young people are able to handle the mixed message of abstinence and condom use. In the chapter, The Role of Schools, one of the five strategies listed is “Offer contraceptive services (either in school or nearby) or make referrals for them.” Unfortunately, this strategy opens the door wide to Planned Parenthood staff who take the opportunity to speak at public schools and pass out condoms. Giving contraceptives to students accepts the desirable action of pre-marital sex and only encourages students to be more sexually active.
NEA urges the implementation of community-operated, school based family planning clinics. In the chapter, School-Based Health Services, an entire section is devoted to “Condom Availability Programs.” The benefits of condoms are stated, and the writers encourage schools to pass out condoms to their students. However, no statistics of crisis pregnancies resulting from condom failure are listed, nor are the statistics of condom users with STDs stated.
This resource book gives information about Laying the Groundwork in Schools & Districts. In this chapter, there is a section on “How to Prepare a Presentation for Policymakers”. NARAL Pro Choice America is listed for information on state and district policies. Even their website is noted. As pro-life people know well, the NARAL Pro Choice America organization advocates for unlimited abortion access.
Interspersed among all the emphasis on contraceptives, condoms, birth control, and other related topics, is only an occasional reference to abstinence. Conversely, as Patty shares about her contact with teenagers today, teenagers have a strong desire for the truth, but are too often misguided. Patty continues by saying that “Most teens are not looking for a sexual relationship. They are looking for intimacy; someone who likes them for who they are, without sexual involvement.” Research reported by the Journal for Adolescent Health Care states, “The strongest motivations for adolescent sexuality are the emotional and psychological needs to love and be loved…Often the physical enjoyment of sex is not an important motivation, particularly among young adolescents.” Patty likes to remind teens that if you think saying “No” is tough, just wait until you say “Yes!”
Rather than purchase resources published by NEA-HIN, consider publishers that provide abstinence-based programs with a solid base and excellent information for our students. Here are our suggested resources:
“Game Plan” by A.C. Green (Project Reality, PO Box 97, Golf IL 60029-0097; 847-729-3298; www.ProjectReality.org)
“Sex, Lies, & The Truth” by Focus on the Family (Colorado Spring, CO 80995; 1-800-A-FAMILY)
Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of MI, 4789 Section Road, Ottawa Lake MI 49267; mi2002tsc@accesstoledo.com.
Ohio: The 2006-2007 officers for the Ohio Affiliate State Chapter are as follows: Connie Bancroft, Executive Director; Gary Winney, Assistant Executive Director; Marianne O’Donnell, Secretary; David Kaiser, Treasurer. The next Ohio Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2006 in Columbus, OH.
Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Ohio, PO Box 125, Damascus OH 44619-0125; tsc-life@juno.com.
Pennsylvania: The 2006-2007 officers for the Pennsylvania Affiliate State Chapter are as follows: Robin Ross, Executive Director; Jeff Remington, Assistant Executive Director; Patty Yammrick, Secretary; Linda Burroughs, Treasurer. Robin Ross will be serving as the representative to the National Board of Trustees. The next Pennsylvania Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2006 in Union County, PA.
Teachers Saving Children® of PA Inc., PO Box 214, Pen Argyl PA 18072; tscofpa@epix.net.
Other State Affiliates: This past spring, the National Office contacted several individuals who had inquired about starting a state affiliate chapter. Though there has been interest, no one has yet officially made application to start the process in another specific state or region. Although the time for formal application may not occur until later, there is definite potential for either affiliate state or regional chapters to be formed. Right now the best strategy for beginning a state affiliate chapter is to first build a foundation through a solid membership base. As we continue to work with state leadership, we ask for your prayers and your patience. If you are interested in increasing the membership base and/or getting a Teachers Saving Children® Affiliate State or Regional Chapter started, please contact Teachers Saving Children® for further information.
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