A Message From Our Founders

I love Paul’s heart toward young Timothy in his letters. Timothy would have understood the military tone in Paul’s use of the word “progress” here. Paul knew what was likely ahead for Timothy, so he was encouraging him to become an advancing force for the gospel. In doing so, he also encouraged him to keep learning so he could grow in biblical understanding and knowledge. Why?  Because aside from Timothy’s personal growth, Paul wanted his progress toward becoming more like Christ to be evident to all who saw his life.

Here at Firmly Planted, we want the same thing—and as I write this update for you, my heart is full. Jay and I want to tell you about the progress that’s happening here in Vancouver. God’s grace over this ministry is evident. Everywhere we turn, we see God’s fingerprints. 

We have experienced explosive growth in the last two years—and I mean this in the best sense of the word!  With over 600 families in attendance, we are fulfilling our mission of helping parents to come alongside their children, training them to be an advancing force for truth and the gospel and reaching a generation that desperately needs the hope we have in Christ.

You may have heard we are now in our new facility. Every day that Jay and I arrive at Firmly Planted we are just in awe of what the Lord has done. We’re filling up every square inch of the new building—with close to 200 learning opportunities, a theater program, automotive, chess club and more. 

We’ve hosted three conferences this spring — a marriage conference, a women’s Bible conference, and a conference for youth which focused on training them to respond biblically to questions of sexuality and identity.

After six months of waiting, we have also moved into the west side of the building (yes, we’re calling it the “West Wing) —where our ceramics program and other “hands-on” programs will be based. Right now, the northwest side of the building is blank warehouse space, and with your help and prayers, we plan to turn it into a gymnasium that will also double as event space.  

Of course, the spiritual opposition has been fierce—and we covet your prayers as we fight these battles using the weapons God has given us in His Word.  Washington State has just passed a law that will require public schools to teach LQBT “history,” further solidifying the state’s stance that it has the right to teach these things to children. As the education system continues to injure the hearts and minds of our youth, Firmly Planted Family stands in support of parents and in defense of the Truth found in God’s Word. We truly are a lighthouse in these times. 

On behalf of over 800 children who are taking advantage of the opportunities to grow and learn in the Christ-centered environment at Firmly Planted, I want to say thank you for your continued financial support and prayers.

God is using you—and it is evident with every passing day at the Homeschool Resource Center. We can’t wait to share more in the months to come. If you haven’t already seen the interview that was played for the 700 club, you can check it out here.

We love you and thank God for you!

Because of Christ and for the Next Generation,
Heidi and Jay St. John
Chairman of the Board and Executive Director