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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Duggars Going Down Under!

For all of our faithful readers who live in Australia and have been eager to meet the Duggars, the family is finally making a trip Down Under! We know that a few of you ran into Jinger and Jeremy on their honeymoon, but this time, they are participating in a public event.

Last January, Gil and Kelly Bates, along with daughter Carlin Bates, visited Australia, and in just a few weeks, the Duggars will follow suit.

Saturday, January 13th, 2018
Meet the Duggars in Australia
1pm-5pm
Kilsyth South Baptist Church
382-388 Liverpool Rd, Kisyth South, Victoria, Australia 

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and 14 of their children will share their thoughts on family life and homeschooling, followed by tea and fellowshipping. This is a public event.
RSVP by January 6th to info@iblp.org.au

The event will kick off the 2018 family conference, which runs from January 14th-17th in nearby Lilydale, Victoria. The Duggars will be guest speakers at the conference. Visit the IBLP website to register.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

93 comments:

  1. Who's sponsoring this? Is it being filmed? Which 14 kids?

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    1. Maybe Jana, John David, maybe Jinger, Josiah, and Jedidiah-Josie. that's just a guess though.

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    2. im guessing jana, john, Josiah, jed, jer, Jason , james, Justin, Jackson , johannah, Jennifer, tyler , Jordy and Josie are 14 kids plus the parents that's 16 people and maybe the family saved up for this trip or they are invited so no is really sponsoring this i don't think

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    3. The Duggars are not poor and do not need to save up. They are participating in a public event.

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  2. Oh I wish we could go to this! Tea and fellowshipping are my two favorite things!

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  3. Oh, how fun! I'd love to go to Australia some time.

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  4. Their views on homeschooling? It is one thing for Americans to promote homeschooling in their own country because of concerns with violence and education standards in their public schools. However, they cannot assume that the same conditions exist in public schools in other countries.

    Those in Australia are, of course, free to attend this event. However, Australia is not the Unites States.

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    1. There are homeschooling families in Australia who would appreciate their encouragement.

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    2. I'm sure the citizens of Australia are competent enough t
      to know what they are choosing
      I'm sure those who attend know the Dugger's and will enjoy listening to and seeing them.

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    3. Perhaps Australians invited them.

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    4. your kidding?right?

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    5. I totally agree Australia has an excellent school system, and does not have the gun problem the US has. From what I have read IBLP has been loosing a lot of members and money in Australia over recent years, this trip is no doubt to try and fix that problem with ths organisations most famous family.

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    6. Homeschooling isn't about sheltering our children from public school violence and poor education standards. It is the call of the Christian parent as laid out in scripture.

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    7. I am an Aussie and a I was a homeschooler ( adult kids now)....we have a huge homeschooling community here and our state laws are in place to support home education. A large percentage of the Christian curriculum available to us is sourced from the USA. Home education is a very international educational choice by many families.

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    8. Did you, before you rendered judgment towards the Duggars, consider the fact they were most likely INVITED to speak?

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    9. I am sure they were INVITED to Australia to talk about these specific things. Usually when someone is asked to be a speaker at an event they are asked to speak about certain things specifically. Australia must be interested in what they have to say about homeschooling. :)
      Rachel

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    10. Homeschooling is not just about what you're avoiding, it's also about how it can enrich your family's life. That's something that is universal.

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    11. They are just guest speakers, not the only speakers. I'm sure some Australians will speak too.
      People homeschool all over the world.

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    12. You do know attendance at this event is not mandated by the government, right?

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    13. 1:14 just because Australia doesn't have the SAME problems the US has doesn't mean they don't have their own problems. And at none of the homeschooling families I know do not do it because they're concerned their children are going to be killed by a tragic school shooting.

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    14. Homeschooling is a way of life. Whether Australia has poor schools or not doesn't matter. If people want to educate their own children and spend lots of time together that's great, and they can encourage other people if they are insterested. This is not an us versus them thing.

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  5. I'm still hopeful that the Duggars could come and visit MN someday, as I'm very keen on meeting them.
    Guess I'll have to wait and see what God's Plan is in the meantime.

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    1. James, you are such a faithful fan, always reminding folks of the goodness in the Duggar family. I hope you get to meet them sometime too.

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    2. I didn't know you were from MN, SuperJames! I used to live in the northern part of MN.

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    3. Anon. 7:55 - Thank you. There was a time when they gave me hope during my "growing up" phase in High School.

      Anon. 9:23 - Yep! Born and raised Minnesoooootan for the first nine years of my life, moved and lived in Ecuador for 10+ years, then recently moved back Home.

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    4. Now that you're home, you can find that modest, God-fearing woman you've been seeking.

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    5. Congratulations Super James on your recent move back home. I hope you are enjoying being back:-)

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    6. Anon. 3:23 - You know, I think I might have found her...3 to 4 years younger than I expected.

      Anon. 5:09 - Thanks. Actually, the reason my family's back here is because of my dad's weak health issues. I heard that we may not be headed back to Ecuador for the foreseeable future anytime soon.

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    7. Are her initials "JD" by any chance, James?

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    8. Oh Super James, I guess I shouldn't have congratulated you on your move. I apologize, but I didn't know about your dad's health issues. I'm sorry to hear that. I will pray for you and your family.

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    9. Are we going to see a SuperJames and Duggar courtship announcement???

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    10. Anon. 6:02 - I wish. Actually, her initials are SK.

      Anon. 11:59 - It's okay. Thank you for your prayers.

      Anon. 10:56 - That might only happen in my dreams or in a parallel universe.

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  6. does TLC pay for this very expensive trip?

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    1. Well if they're filming them then obviously.

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    2. Who cares? Good for them!

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    3. Since TLC is no longer filming the Duggars than a trip outside of the US that is not about the Counting On show would likely not be paid for by TLC.

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    4. As long as you're not paying for it, why do you need to know?

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    5. How do you know that TLC is no longer filming the Duggars? They filmed Joe & Kendra's honeymoon...

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    6. Who pays for anything in your life? Nobody else's business!

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    7. Suffice to say, if the Duggars are speaking and doing a Meet & Greet, someone else is paying their way (transportation, room & board). That's the cost of business to engage a guest speaker.

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  7. I wish JB would speak more openly about why he and his family continues to support IBLP. There is much controversy surrounding the organization, I would think it would be helpful/interesting to hear why he stands by it.

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    1. I think it is because the IBLP props the Duggars up as their internal celebrities.

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    2. We can only conjecture as to why he stands by it. His friend Gil Bates is involved in it, as are other people he knows (and hires). But with all the news lately about "scandals," it's hard to figure why anyone would want to be involved with that organization.

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    3. I agree -- would love to hear. Disappointed that Gil is so high up in IBLP.

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    4. Not sure what this is but because of all the false news ...yes false news... be sure what you are hearing is actually true.

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    5. Too many similar reports and too many documents to make this be false news.

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    6. 5:22 PM -- You can read IBLP materials online for yourself. That's where I got my own recent info. Plus some relatives of mine started to get involved years ago - maybe the 70s or so -- and pulled back because they felt it was not 100% Biblical.

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  8. I wish you would come to Maine!! Been a fan forever. God Bless and have a fun safe trip.

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  9. Wouldn't it be great if someone recorded it and made it available for all of us to hear. :) I would live it!!
    -Rachel

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  10. I live in CA, but this makes me want to fly right to Australia! Love me some Duggars! and I miss seeing all of you on my tv weekly. Have a wonderful time! Sharon

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    1. I live close to Sacramento. I believe they were here in July along with David and Priscilla and the Bates?
      I had my in-laws visiting and I was soooo bummed I couldn't make it!

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  11. I wouldnt be surprised if it was recorded. But not widely distributed. Id imagine it will be the unmarried kids, plus Jb and Michelle and grandma Duggar. Looking forward to it.

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    1. I will also say, i suspect they would be staying at the IBLP headquarters. Plenty of room for them there. The head of IBLP Australia will probably show them around as well. Iblp is trying to redeem their reputation and distance themselves from Bill Gothard. But it is a hard thing to do.

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  12. I am surprised that they would travel abroad when Joy is expecting hopefully back before baby arrives

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    1. They are going in January, Joy is due the first part of March.... pretty sure they will be back.

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  13. Looks like JB lightened his hair color.

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  14. Oh I hope they film it for a special!

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  15. I am curious if this is being funded and recorded by TLC. If so, we can expect some more Duggar shows....

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  16. Really wish I could go! Love Jim Bob and Michell- the more the grown children seem to go in directions that I do not agree with the more I miss the true convictions and walk of Jim Bob and Michell. This trip would be great for a television show but TLC is too busy discriminating against Christians and anyone that does not follow the beliefs of the LGBT and Liberal agendas. Still praying that Jim Bob and Michelle will have another show on a better network.

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  17. 6 of their 19 kids are married, and that leaves 13 of Jim Bob and Michelle's kids still at home. They also have Tyler, so that makes 14. I hope they have fun and that they avoid the poisonous snakes and spiders.

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    1. I'm Australian, you ralely have go deal with poisonous animals.. Why do Americans make Australia sound so dangerous? Were in less danger than you americans and your lax gun laws.

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    2. You're painting all Americans with a broad stroke, based on something that one person said. You don't even know if the person who made the statement is American.

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    3. Anon 8:16 Actually the areas in America with the strictest gun laws experience the most murders and robberies and far out way those same type of crimes in more lax gun law areas. What you must have heard was once again our liberal media outlets once again spinning facts to fit their liberal agenda.

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    4. 8:16 -- we have our own snakes and spiders here in the U.S. As to gun laws, our right to bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Every country should be so blessed as to have a constitution like ours. God bless America!

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  18. In reply to the question which 14 children are coming with Jim bob and Michelle down under ? - I would think it would be their 13 unmarried children and their nieces son (who they currently have custody of due to Michelle's sister being too ill to take on the young man.) The announcement doesn't say if Grandma is coming or not.
    In answer to the question why do the Duggar's continue to support the institute of basic life principles (IBLP) ? - likely because it has worked for them as a family on the whole.

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  19. Thats just around the corner from me......I think I'll pop in 😀😀😀

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  20. Oh I so wish we could come but we're in Brisbane ! COME TO BRISBANE

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  21. omg I would love to meet them to bad im in Perth that week for a wedding maybe next time I hope they have a wonderful time here

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  22. It saddens me to see that they are still involved with IBLP. Or that IBLP is still functioning.

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  23. I don't live in Australia but, I will be wishing I was there!

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  24. Also, they should come Texas more often!

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  25. SIXTEEN people w. travel expenses and R & B while there - big bucks for sure.
    Hopefully they will be greeted with open arms and not too many BOOS from "haters" - that would be terrible for the little (innocent) members of the family

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  26. Approx $2000 per flight for 16 people... $32000!?! Goodness, imagine what that sort of money could do for those who really need it.

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    1. Yikes that is a lot of money. You are right, that would help a lot of people.

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    2. They are Hollywood celebrities.

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    3. Derick could take down his self-charity page, for starters.

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    4. 7:03-they are not Hollywood celebrities. They are a reality TV family. Quite a difference.

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    5. Well someone better tell Jill and Derick they are Hollywood celebrities because Derick is begging for 10 grand online. Lol guess they didn't get the memo.

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    6. Are any of those Duggar boys licensed to fly their planes internationally?

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    7. Interesting as that is exactly what Judas said in John 12:3-5. It really isn't your business how they spend their money or even if they have a lot of money. Good for them!

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    8. To those saying they are Hollywood celebrities, believe it or not there are a LOT of people around the world who have no idea of who the Duggars are. Im in the UK and only one person I work with knew who they were and had seen the show a couple of times. Their show has made them rich and famous (Some might say infamous) but on a small scale outside the US, hardly Hollywood celebrities.

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    9. They could have paid for Derick's missionary training expenses so that he wouldn't have to solicit donations on another GoFundMe account.

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    10. I am sure this trip has been planned for a long time. Flights are cheaper when you can book them far in advance. They may be able to get some kind of discounts too for having such a large group, and I am sure they have a lot of frequent flier miles. I would never just assume they are paying $2000 a ticket, but whatever they are paying is their business.

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  27. And those of us not in Victoria we wont get to see them. as the fare and accommodation is out of reach for those who cannot afford to travel.

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    1. You maybe able to camp at the centre. You would only have the flight expenses. However, if you fly, it is not so easy to bring a tent with you! There is accomodation available but it will get booked out quick I would think.

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    2. The conference is not as big as one in America, only about maybe 40 families. Accommodation doesn't book out

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  28. wow I live in Kilsyth South. I love the Duggars but I wont be able to go as I will be on holidays :(

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    1. I live just around the corner but will also be away 😣. Maybe we can suggest some local "attractions" for The Duggars to visit while they are here 😄

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  29. I’m a pastor in Lak Macquarie. You are always welcome here :)

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  30. Make sure you bring summer cloths because it will most likely be hot. Unless it is going to be like last year which was cold for some of us who come from hotter parts of the country.

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  31. I am a friend of the Bates Family and i came on here to see the post as i was linked to it via the family as it listed early the dates of the events before the Duggar website listed them and they wanted me to attend.

    I saw a few comments here talking about how TLC or the conference are paying for the trip.. I want to set the record STRAIGHT.

    The Duggar children are PAYING THEIR OWN WAY! TLC is not paying for them. The IBLP conference is paying the way of Jim Bob and Michelle as they are being brought here to speak at the conference in Australia and New Zealand. This also happened for Gil and Kelly Bates last year.

    The Duggar children are using the money they have earned over the years to pay their own way! I can't remember which children i was told were going, but they are not being given a free holiday overseas.

    Potentially there may be filming, but it won't be of the actual conference. Conferences can't be filmed, other events they attend or activities they do might be filmed. I don't know if TLC film crew are going, whether an Australian film would be hired instead to film for TLC or if the Duggars themselves would film on their phones and cameras and that footage be used on the show. No footage is guaranteed, The Bates family did not film anything in Australia or New Zealand for the show Bringing up Bates.

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