Winona Lake - Marilyn Quayle touted the importance of Christian education in a modern America during a speech Saturday night before a fund-raising anniversary dinner for Lakeland Christian Academy.

The wife of former vice president Dan Quayle exalted the benefits offered by schools such as LCA, a 25-year institution currently seeking to construct a new campus for its burgeoning enrollment.

Along with speaking briefly about LCA and its efforts, Quayle gave a wide-ranging speech focusing on a faith, family and freedom theme before about 175 supporters of LCA at Westminster.

"There's only one way to build a better future for all of us. And that's with God's help one family at a time. You here tonight are doing that," Quayle said.

"Your generosity in this campaign is going to make a huge difference in the community and for the lives of all the young people you touch throughout their own lives."

She repeatedly criticized government's outlook on religion while pointing out religion's role in the founding of the nation.

"Government is making it more difficult for the faithful to participate in finding a solution to social problems we face today," she said. "It's like asking the doctor to make you well, but not allowing him to talk about good health habits."

Too often, Christians don't object to government obstacles, she said.

"Building Christian schools and Christian ministries is a small step toward breaking that silence. Remember: if we don't teach our children values, somebody else will."

She mentioned her husband on several occasions in their fight for family values, an issue she noted was mocked during the 1992 campaign and then "embraced after the election by the very people who heaped ridicule on Dan before."

She said families need to teach their children more about responsibility, integrity, honesty, morality, hard work, courage, faith and charity - characteristics that fall under the umbrella of "family values."

"If we don't do our job nobody else - least of all the government - is going to do it for us," she said.

She also took a delicate swing at President Clinton and his struggle with values that has led to the current impeachment effort.

"Some of the members of the new generation still don't understand that there are true rights and wrongs - and that lying - whether to the general public or to a grand jury -Êis wrong," Quayle said, drawing a strong round of applause.

Quayle also alluded to her husband's future political aspirations while at the same time thanking people for their prayers during their four-year stint alongside President Bush.

"Dan says our next two years are going to be extremely busy and we'll need a great deal of prayer support from all of our friends - in addition to a great deal of political support," she said, an obvious hint that Dan Quayle would seek a presidential election run in 2000.

Quayle's visit comes at a crucial time in LCA's history.

The school recently purchased property on CR 250E and broke ground Friday for the first phase of construction.

Although the school has donations and commitments of about $500,000, the school needs about $3.5 million to complete the extensive project.

The dinner also included music and testimonials from students and a business about the benefits of LCA.

For more information about donating to the building fund, call 267-7265. [[In-content Ad]]