Homeschooling Family Grated Delay of Deportation, Value in Ministry to Women & a Christian Response to Tragedy

A homeschooling Tennessee family facing imminent deportation back to their home country of Germany was granted a year-long delay by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials last Wednesday (Oct. 11).

Uwe and Hannelore Romeike originally moved their family to the United States 15 years ago in order to homeschool their children, as doing so is illegal in Germany. After years of legal battles, the Romeikes, who live in Morristown and are members of First Baptist Church of Morristown, were granted “indefinite deferred action status” by the U.S. government in 2014.

The family had since been legally operating under this designation, until they were told they had four weeks to secure passports for deportation back to Germany during a routine check-in at their local ICE office in early September. According to the family’s legal counsel, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), this change in plans came with no warning or apparent explanation.
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Ministry leaders and women churchgoers believe ministry to women is working in their congregations, but both feel there’s room for improvement.

A Lifeway Research Study reveals among women who attend church once a month or more, 96 percent say their church values women, including 80 percent who agree strongly. Fewer, however, believe their church invests in and equips women or say they have a place where they enjoy serving in their congregation. While 90 percent agree their church invests in and equips women, 63 percent strongly agree. Additionally, 84 percent of women churchgoers have somewhere they enjoy serving in their church, with 59 percent who strongly agree.

Two-thirds of the women surveyed said they were involved in some type of class or small group at their church in addition to the weekly worship service.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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In a First Person piece on Baptist Press, Jeff Iorg acknowledges it is complicated to deal with global terrorism. However, he offers four things believers can do.

First, demand legitimate governing authorities contain and annihilate terrorists, their leaders, the organizations they create and the communities that shelter them.

Second, help people impacted by terror attacks and the governmental response to punish perpetrators.

Third, send Christian workers to the front lines to share the Good News of Jesus with people from every nationalist and religious group in the Middle East. Whatever support they need, we need to deliver it right now.

Fourth, pray for the rapid expansion of the Gospel throughout the Middle East.

You can read the full piece and learn more about our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.