I got this in my e-mail today regarding Bai MacFarland’s upcoming divorce. Prayers are requested for Bai and her children. If you are in or near NE Ohio your presence is also welcome.
Dear homeschooling community of northeastern Ohio,
I’d like to invite you and the members of your homeschool support group to consider lending your support to an abandoned homeschooling mother in a tragic situation and at the same time have a chance to see our justice (we hope) system at work.
Dr. Brian Ray, the renowned homeschooling researcher, is scheduled to testify at a hearing on behalf of my sister, Marie (Bai) Macfarlane, in her desire to continue to homeschool her four boys, over the objections of the court ordered psychologist and her abandoning husband. She has lost custody of her children over her wish to continue homeschooling, and her ability to regain custody may depend on the outcome of this hearing. This case is particularly unusual because her husband, in the past, had been a vocal and somewhat prominent and public advocate of homeschooling.
WHAT:
Observe the expert testimony of Dr. Brian Ray in a hearing in support of an abandoned mother’s wishes to continue to homeschool her children.WHEN:
Dr. Brian Ray is expected to testify all day Wednesday, May 18th, starting at 9:00 a.m.WHO:
This divorce hearing, as all divorce hearings, is open to the public (18 and over) to observe.WHY:
The presence of other homeschoolers in the courtroom could:
1) be a great boost to my sister personally on this incredibly difficult and critical day
2) serve as a representation of the homeschooling community, portraying our normalcy, our dignity, and our supportiveness to our fellow homeschoolers
3) serve as an amplication of the voice in favor of the still countercultural choice of homeschooling to the officials and psychologist present
4) be a presence of watchful eyes to increase the likelihood of more careful and fair judgements
5) offer prayer support for God’s love, mercy, and justice to prevailWHERE:
Cuyahoga County Courthouse
One W. Lakeside Ave.
(216) 443-8800
Judge Karner’s Court room in on 3rd floor, SE corner of building
Building is on Lakeside, at the north end of Ontario street.PARKING:
-There is parking to the left (W) of courthouse
-Park for $2 at a lot W of courthouse, on West 3rd, going a little north, just under the bridge and to the left. You’ll have to look at a map. It’s a little walk but big parking lot.RULES:
– Observers must be 18 or over.
– Observers need to sit or stand behind the railing in the back of the courtroom and remain quiet.
– Observers need to advise the bailiff, Lucy DeLeon, of their name; the bailiff is responsible for security. It would be good, too, to tell the bailiff that you are there as a homeschooler observing the proceedings and in support of Mrs. Macfarlane.
– If observers come during trial, they are to walk in double doors in back of room and wait just inside the doors for the bailiff to come ask you who you are.
– Observers are not allowed to talk to the parties or to witnesses during breaks.Whether or not you are able to attend, your prayers for this family in crisis would be greatly appreciated. Please especially pray that these four young boys will be returned to the primary custody and care of their loving mother, or to aim even higher, that if God in his infinite mercy wills to restore this broken marriage, that there would be a miraculous healing.
Thank you for your consideration of this e-mail, and in advance for your prayers and support of my sister and her family,
Mary Wagner
A fellow homeschoolerp.s. Feel free to pass this message on to any homeschoolers who you think may want to be present or who would be willing to pray.
Macfarlane
divorce
marriage
homeschooling
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