Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris:
This week author and retired homeschool mom Sherrie Payne is talking with me about teaching world history and geography. Sherrie, on our last program, you talked about how world history serves as a warning and lesson for our future. How does studying other cultures equip us for present opportunities?

Sherrie Payne:
That’s a fun one. The second big reason for studying world history can be found in the words of Jesus when He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” We usually think this refers to becoming a missionary—and it does to some extent, but we must remember that we are all to be a witness, and we don’t have to go overseas to obey Jesus’ command.

For example, for us in the U.S. today it seems like God is sending the very world to our doorstep. In the U.S. there’s a large number of immigrants. It used to be that the majority of immigrants could be found on the West Coast, the southern border states with Mexico, and in many large cities. But many can be found in local colleges and universities in our own communities.

By having an understanding of world history, there’s a great opportunity for our kids to learn of other cultures and actually be an influence or a witness for Christ in the lives of these international students. If we are to do that, it’s critical that we understand the culture of those we’re trying to minister to. With that understanding, we’ll be better prepared to share the Gospel when we encounter that person.

Mike:
Thanks so much, Sherrie! That’s really exciting how you’ve helped homeschoolers to engage the world at their doorstep. I’m Mike Farris.