One of the most remarkable events on cable television took place when hundreds of thousands of viewers watched as a Christian home school family with sixteen biological children raised their family, worked together, and managed a happy, orderly household to the glory of God. Entitled “Raising 16 Children,” this Discovery Health Channel documentary series soon became the number one special on the network. Letters began to pour in with questions and praises from men and women across the nation who were profoundly impacted by a Christian family on television that was not ashamed of their faith, and who deeply, passionately loved children. The response was so overwhelming that Discovery commissioned three other specials including “On the Road With Sixteen Children,” and “16 Children and Moving In!,” the later of which was broadcast on The Learning Channel.

God has richly blessed the Duggar family’s comittment to their faith in Christ, their joyful presentation of the blessing of trusting the Lord for the fruit of the womb, and the spirit of revival they have demonstrated in their approach to family life. The success of the television series attracted a great deal of national attention. The Duggar family has appeared on national television on The Today Show, CNN, the CBS Early Show, and many others, where they have shared their faith and their love for the Christian family. After the birth of their last child they did seven live broadcasts in front of their house in one day.

Now the family of six girls and ten boys travels to Texas to be featured speakers at the 2006 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Attendees will get a powerful look into the way a large Christian family works together as a team in a successful project of national impact, where the goal of the family is to bless the broader culture with a love for Christ. In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at a television documentary sensation, attendees will be able to interact and ask questions and gain insights concerning the successful management of a large family. This is a very special opportunity for filmmakers, home educators, and Christian parents.

Some Fascinating Background Facts on this Precious Family

• A former candidate for United States Senate, Mr. Duggar served two terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he was a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Back when the Duggars only had a few children and were living at a home on their car lot, Mr. Duggar was the victim of an armed robbery during which he was bound and gagged. The incident helps him keep things in perspective today. He likes to share: “I feel like I’m living on overtime.”

• Michelle has been pregnant for 126 months of her life.

• Average number of months between Duggar births is 18.

• The Duggars wash approximately 200 loads of laundry each month.

• Every Duggar child learns to play both violin and piano.

• The Duggars feed their entire brood for less than $2,000 per month.

• The only person in the Duggar family whose name doesn’t start with “J” is Mom — Michelle. The children’s names are Joshua, 17; John David, 15; Janna, 15; Jill, 14; Jessa, 12; Jinger, 11; Joseph, 10; Josiah, 9; Joy-Anna, 8; Jeremiah, 6; Jedidiah, 6; Jason, 5; James, 4; Justin, 2; Jackson Levi, 1; Johannah, the newborn.

• The Duggars first came to the attention of the media when their family went to vote in a state election. A photographer snapped a picture of them which was featured the next day in the New York Times. Soon after, Parent Magazine ran an article on the Duggars, and next the Discovery Channel contacted the Duggars, wanting to do a documentary. The Duggars agreed to do the show on the condition that they could openly discuss their Christian faith. Discovery agreed.

• They have also appeared on national and international TV shows including The Early Show, The Today Show, The View, Italian Public Television, KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), Discovery Home & Health (UK & Australia), Jimmy Kimmel Live, Fox News Network, CNN, MSNBC, and others. They have done numerous interviews with radio talk show hosts around the world as well as magazine and newspaper articles in China, India, New Zealand, Australia, France, and Germany.

• The children include two sets of fraternal twins.

• The Duggar family lives a debt-free lifestyle.

• They recently completed a 7,000 square foot house on 20 acres which had been in the works for three years and which was built debt free. As a result of the television show, several sponsors donated food and appliances for the new home, which features among other things a complete commercial kitchen (the items were purchased at auction for $11,000 and according to the Duggars were valued at over $100,000) and eight commercial washers and dryers.