What a difference 24 hours can make. The chances of the Romeike family being allowed to stay in America in order to home school their children, instead of being deported back to Germany where they would face fines, persecution, and the loss of their kids, was very slim.

The most devastating blow came when the Supreme Court denied their petition to hear the case. With all legal roads exhausted it seemed inevitable that this beautiful family seeking asylum in America in order to educate their children in accordance with their religious convictions would be sent home to Germany.

The most recent news from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) however is astonishing! Michael Farris revealed that a shocking phone call from the Department of Homeland Security brought the news that the Romeike’s have been granted “indefinite deferred status.” That means they can legally stay in the United States as long as they want!

The case has taken many roads since it began in 2008 when the Romeike’s moved to Tennessee in order to pursue religious freedom in home schooling their children. They were then granted asylum in 2010 after which the Obama administration appealed that decision. From there the 6^th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals agreed that the Romeike’s did not deserve asylum and ordered the family deported. That is a critical fact because it reveals the true beliefs of the Obama administration regarding home schooling. Attorney General Eric Holder argued that home schooling was not a fundamental right and certainly did not fall within the parameters of religious freedom. This caused alarm among home school and religious freedom advocates across the nation.

HSLDA bean vigorously defending the Romeike’s as they simultaneously alerted the public to the family’s plight. There was an ongoing outpouring of support for the family as many home school families and other religious freedom advocates across the country joined HSLDA in supporting the family. HSLDA released this video about the family which helped in their public awareness campaign. (Video can be seen at the bottom of this article.)

After the Supreme Court refused to hear the case and it appeared all avenues of legal possibility were exhausted, some wondered whether Congress would step in to help the family. Michael Farris told the media that the HSLDA was working with members of Congress in an attempt to help the Romeike’s and other families that might find themselves in the same situation:

 “We will not give up and see this family returned to Germany where they will face certain persecution. Even now, we have been working with supportive members of Congress to introduce legislation that could help the Romeikes and others who flee persecution.”

It’s true that only an act of Congress would have been able to stop this family from being sent back to Germany. Or, an act of Someone greater than Congress. When Farris alerted the public about the stunning reversal that will now keep the Romeike’s here in America he gave credit to the people that didn’t give up fighting for the family, and God. He said:

“This is an incredible victory that can only be credited to our Almighty God. We also want to thank those of who spoke up on this issue–including that long ago White House petition. We believe that the public outcry made this possible while God delivered the victory. This is an amazing turnaround in 24 hours. Praise the Lord.”

This is indeed a victory that has no other explanation than the intervention of Almighty God thanks to the efforts and prayers of faithful people that believe in the right to raise children in accordance with parents’ religious convictions. I believe that unashamedly.

I am also just skeptical enough to wonder if the Obama administration prompted this decision in an effort to help vulnerable Democrats during the mid-term elections. It’s no secret that with all the abuses of power, cover-ups, and outright lawlessness the Obama administration has carried out recently that they needed something to distract people and give a glimmer of “hope.” As the administration postpones yet another provision within ObamaCare to affect a similar outcome, it is entirely possible that this decision too is to save face with Americans.

Regardless of the why’s or how’s the reality is that this family will be allowed to stay and continue home schooling their kids n accordance with their religious convictions. This is a legal and moral victory for those that believe in religious freedom and especially for the many home schooling families that dot this great land. Home schooling continues to rise at a rapid rate as the decline of public education continues and a victory like this is critical to our efforts.

I think Michael Farris summed it when he quoted this verse from Proverbs:

“Proverbs 21: 1 ‘The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord, He guides it wherever He pleases.’”

Regardless of how this victory was achieved it is important to remember that our God is sovereign and controls everything from the weather to those who rule the nations. God’s grace has been poured out on this family and all who support their right to educate their children in accordance with their beliefs rejoice. Few details are more important than these.