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About Us
East Columbus Homeschool Organization (ECHO) is a CHRISTIAN nonprofit organization that grew out of one woman's desire for godly friends she could connect with as she courageously homeschooled her three daughters. In the process, the Lord led her to host a homeschooling small group in her home. From there, a hodge-podge homeschool community grew--being like minded in the belief that parent-led, home-based instruction, i.e., “homeschooling”, is a powerful and beneficial educational/discipleship tool—one that should be accessible and supported for all families, regardless of ethnic background or economic status.
Our Mission
Encourage and equip families to educate/disciple their children through homeschooling
At its core, ECHO exists to empower parents as primary educators, encouraging them to take active roles in their children's learning journey. Our mission is rooted in the belief that we are called to make disciples. We see that education IS discipleship! Therefore, as parents we have a unique opportunity to execute our commission beginning with our own children.
Whether families are seasoned homeschoolers or just beginning to explore alternatives to the modern education/discipleship system, ECHO’s mission is to come alongside them to provide Christ-centered resources and support so they can be successful.
(on education)
Our Beliefs
Parents are directed to teach their children. The content is specified—teach them about God and how to love Him.
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The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments I give you are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you wake up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
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Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
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Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Intelligence/Wisdom comes from God.
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For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverb 2:6)
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Great is our LORD…His understanding is infinite. (Psalm 147:5)
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Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!...Who has known the mind of the LORD?...From Him and through Him and for Him are all things made… (Romans 11:33-36)
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The [reverent] fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; and all who follow His precepts have good understanding…(Psalm 11:10)
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The [reverent] fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverb 9:10)
We should avoid placing our children under the instruction of those who do not love and honor God.
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Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly… (Psalm 1:1)
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A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)
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The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight… (I Corinthians 3:19)
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Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: …to keep oneself from being polluted/corrupted by the world. (James 1:27)
If we do this, our children will be successful—because success is correlated to and measured by one’s closeness with God.
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Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they won’t depart from it. (Proverb 22:6)
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Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [that you need] will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Our Team
ECHO runs on the heart and hard work of the people who show up for it every day. With a joyful heart, these families and community members offer their time and resources in service to THE LORD. Their generosity is the quiet engine behind everything we're able to offer.
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The Selvies
Michelle Smith
The Hamlins
The Coopers
The Greenlaws
The Slades