October 14, 2008
Introducing the New Apologia
By: Davis Carman
Hello! My name is Davis Carman and I'm the new owner of Apologia Educational Ministries. In the enclosed article, I will share much more of our Apologia story with you. Right now, in the first paragraph of this first e-newsletter, I want to take the opportunity to affirm my commitment to Apologia's mission of helping homeschoolers learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.
At Apologia, our goal is to provide information, curricula, and materials that are helpful to you, whether you are a veteran homeschool family who has used Apologia products for years or a novice just entering the homeschool world. I also want any message we give to affirm, encourage, challenge, and inspire you to live this homeschool adventure of a lifetime to the fullest by focusing on Jesus Christ and the truth found in His Word.
My wife, Rachael, and I often tell our seven children that no message (whether written or spoken) can truly encourage or inspire unless it contains some truth direct from God's Word. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify us by your Word. Your Word is truth.”
The entire journey for our family to purchase Apologia is a testimony to God's promise and faithfulness. As I share highlights of the story with you, I hope you will join me in celebrating God's glorious goodness and steadfastness.
In short, as I worked to get a business loan with which to purchase the company, my first application was rejected (both verbally and in writing) for religious ineligibility. You see, the Apologia science curricula are written from a biblical worldview. Our textbooks explain the wonders of God's creation with the understanding that God designed and created it all. This didn't set well with the enemy and his allies in at least one lending institution. After a twenty-two month roller coaster ride featuring unemployment and legal battles for religious freedom, God brought us successfully to the end of this journey. It was a battle worth fighting. I'm thrilled to announce that the purchase was completed in June of this year.
Some things at Apologia will remain the same. Dr. Jay Wile will stay on to do what he does best – teach, speak, and write on creation science. This is the core of Apologia to date. The Indiana offices will also stay in place with our friendly and highly competent staff.
The changes you will start to observe include a whole new line of practical and inspirational books and resources. Zan Tyler has joined the Apologia team as acquisitions editor to help in this new venture. She is a veteran homeschool mom who was instrumental in making homeschooling legal in South Carolina. She has three grown children who are all homeschool graduates. Her editorial background includes years at Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, Lifeway.com, and B&H Publishing Group. She is the author of Seven Tools for Cultivating your Child's Potential which you can now get from Apologia. (Click here to view more information)
I am so excited to announce that we already have several well known and popular homeschool authors signed up to write books for us that will be available in 2009. These include the following:
- Debra Bell's 10th anniversary edition of the Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling;
- Debra Bell's brand new Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens (Including Everything You Need to Know About College Admissions and Scholarships);
- Sally and Clay Clarkson's classic Educating the Wholehearted Child;
- Sally Clarkson's Seasons of a Mother's Heart; and
- Sarah Clarkson's Reading for the Heart;
Finally, Apologia will add SoundBites from Heaven - What God Wants Us to Hear When We Talk to Our Kids to our list of book offerings. This book is authored by my wife, Rachael, who teaches our seven children. SoundBites from Heaven is also a resource of Focus on the Family. (Click here to view more information).
Another addition to the Apologia lineup includes the ApologiaLive™ conferences for homeschool moms. The first one will take place February 27-28, 2009 at the Westin hotel next to the Baltimore Washington airport. We have an awesome worship team and a great line up of speakers including Rachael, Zan, Deb Bell, Sally Clarkson, and Elizabeth Smith. This is going to be an exciting, spiritually refreshing event like no other - specifically designed for homeschool moms. You won't want to miss it. You can register now at www.apologia.com/live.
As I wrap this up, you are probably asking, “Who are Davis and Rachael Carman?” Let me help with a brief biography. We have been happily married for twenty-one years. We have seven children (four boys and three girls) ranging in age from four to seventeen. Our oldest will graduate from the Carman Family Homeschool this next May. He was actually in public school for two weeks before we started our homeschool journey. Rachael and I have told others the story of how God brought us to the homeschool decision in our talk entitled “Me? Homeschool?” We look forward to sharing our entire testimony as we have opportunity in the future. In addition, we are in our seventh year as members of the North Carolinians for Home Education board of directors (www.nche.com). This is the state homeschool organization in North Carolina where I am currently serving as administrative vice-president. You can find out more about our family by visiting the Apologia Family page.
Let me invite you to visit our Web site at www.apologia.com and the “news” section (news) where you'll find articles explaining more of our story. Please pass this email on to your friends and invite them to join ApologiaWorld™, enabling them to receive future e-newsletters. People can sign up by clicking here: (Newsletter Signup).
As time goes on, you can expect to hear encouraging, inspiring, and helpful messages from many of the people in the Apologia family, including myself, Rachael, Dr. Jay Wile, Zan Tyler, Debra Bell, and others.
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” We want every message we present to you to be consistent with the company name - Apologia. Our mission is to help you learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.
Together with you, I'm living by faith in Jesus Christ and enjoying the homeschool adventure of a lifetime.
In His Grace,
Davis Carman
President / Owner
www.apologia.com