Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

Bobby Ross Jr. is an award-winning journalist who has reported from all 50 states and 20 countries.
Christian Chronicle

Family mission trips on the rise

Family mission trips on the rise (reporting from Logan, Utah): An Oklahoma group’s 1,200-mile journey to Utah exemplifies a growing trend of Christian parents introducing children to mission work. LOGAN, Utah — Asked what excited her about going on a mission trip to Utah, 5-year-old Lainey Foster smiled. “I might go swimming today or every day that I’m here,” the blond-haired cutie replied. “So that’s really good.” … Continue reading Family mission trips on the rise

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Christian Chronicle

Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S.

Part of a special package tied to the abductions of 270 girls in Nigeria. Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S. (reporting from Dallas): Across the nation, individuals and ministries associated with Churches of Christ bring hope and freedom to victims.  DALLAS — Think of Katie Pedigo as a modern-day abolitionist. A Church of Christ preacher’s daughter who grew up to become an attorney, Pedigo wages a daily battle … Continue reading Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S.

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

From modern-day slave to slave for Christ

Part of a special package tied to the abductions of 270 girls in Nigeria. From modern-day slave to slave for Christ: Chong Kim escaped captivity and became a crusader against human trafficking.  Chong Kim had a secret. She was pregnant, but that wasn’t her secret. Everybody knew about the baby. Her unborn daughter was what brought her to a Christian maternity home in West Texas. She had worked … Continue reading From modern-day slave to slave for Christ

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Religion Unplugged

June 2014: GetReligion

Building religion IQ in reporters? We say, ‘Amen!’ Published June 3. Church to boycott Redskins? Not enough to fill a stadium. Published June 5. We don’t need no religion education, or do we? Published June 5. United (for now) Methodists and the same-sex debate. Published June 8. #SBC14: Race, sex and Muslims make Baptist headlines. Published June 10. Ghosts after Seattle Pacific shooting? Not in … Continue reading June 2014: GetReligion

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Christian Chronicle

In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship

In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship (reporting from Taunton, Mass.): The New England Lectureship brings together Christians in the state with the lowest ratio of members of Churches of Christ.  TAUNTON, Mass. — As Maurice Davis points out, Massachusetts — one of the nation’s least religious states — is a mission field. In fact, none of the 50 states has a lower ratio of members of … Continue reading In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship

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Christian Chronicle

Five ideas to improve Sunday night

Five ideas to improve Sunday night “I don’t like Sunday night services,” said a minister friend, whose congregation draws 250 for morning worship but only 100 for the evening assembly. “Our Sunday night attendance is plummeting,” a different preacher said. “We go from 130 in the morning to 30 at night.” In many — but certainly not all — Churches of Christ, the Sunday night … Continue reading Five ideas to improve Sunday night

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Religion News Service

Stripping away the stigma: Ministries help women escape sex industry

Stripping away the stigma (reporting from Colleyville, Texas): Christian ministries help women escape sex industry. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service COLLEYVILLE, Texas (RNS) — The smoke, the loud music and the smell of perfumes trigger uncomfortable memories for Polly Wright. But Wright ignores those reminders of her past as she and a troupe of women make their way to the strip club’s … Continue reading Stripping away the stigma: Ministries help women escape sex industry

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Washington Post

Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

This story appeared in The Washington Post and in media outlets across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion News Service COLLEYVILLE, Texas — The smoke, the loud music and the smell of perfumes trigger uncomfortable memories for Polly Wright. But Wright ignores those reminders of her past as she and a troupe of women make their way to the strip club’s dressing room … Continue reading Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

50 years of Northern exposure

50 years of Northern exposure (reporting from Wasilla, Alaska): Alaska lectureship celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ. Third Place, Leisure Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WASILLA, Alaska — This state known for its natural beauty, midnight sun and independent spirit boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, 100,000 black bears and, oh, about 2,500 … Continue reading 50 years of Northern exposure

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