Homeschooling as a Family Ministry

A native of Seattle, Vida Oliphant Sneed is the youngest of the five girls born to parents Clarence A. Oliphant and La Verna D. Jones Oliphant, both originally from Iowa. While growing up, Vida discovered these two truths: we all are created with a particular “bent” and our life’s assignment is to learn how to submit that “bent” to the Master’s hand.  Based on Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Vida did submit and began her life-rewarding homeschool journey.

Vida graduated from high school at age 16 and attended the University of Washington for two years before transferring to University of Southern California where she graduated with a BA in English. She returned to Seattle to marry the love of her life, Steve Sneed and God blessed them with six children.

Vida received her Elementary Education Teaching Certificate and taught in the Seattle Public Schools for a very short time. The Lord redirected her course to homeschooling her then three children. This was a life-changing, will-bending journey of faith that culminated in 19 years of homeschooling all six children while providing care for other children the Lord sent along the way. Vida says, “For 19 years I quit every morning telling the Lord I can’t do this. It’s too hard for me. And He responded, ‘You’re right you can’t. Let me do it through you.’ And He did.”

Vida and Steve have four grandchildren and in their spare time spend quality time with family, travel, and are very active in their church and community. She currently serves as Co-Assistant Superintendent of the Christian Education Ministry at First A.M.E. Church in Seattle, Washington.