‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

Former educators open up about the federal lawsuit they filed — and their desire for an apology. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Kenneth Pybus | The Christian Chronicle Until life as they knew it disintegrated — until their jobs disappeared — Midland Christian School meant everything to Jared Lee and Dana Ellis. Both grew up in the K-12 Christian school and devoted their educational careers to the West Texas … Continue reading ‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

‘How can we bless these churches?’

At a time of declining numbers, post-pandemic challenges and political polarization, a Nebraska conference touts hope for revival. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle YORK, Neb. — At 8:30 a.m. on a weekday, exuberant voices praising God filled the historic prayer chapel at York University. About 130 Christians from 13 states and Canada sang hymns such as “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus,” “It … Continue reading ‘How can we bless these churches?’

Trusting God in the fire

Christians in the Texas Panhandle lean on their faith after the largest wildfire in state history. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CANADIAN, Texas — Dead cattle. Burned homes. Scorched prairie. The largest wildfire in state history made a mess of this small ranching town in the Texas Panhandle, forcing the Canadian Church of Christ to delay its planned Missions Giving Sunday. “We’ve had to put it off because of … Continue reading Trusting God in the fire

‘God will provide’: Preacher loses house in Texas wildfire

‘You can replace things, but lives and souls — you can’t replace those,’ Shawn Davis says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CANADIAN, Texas — The sun came up on the Sunday morning after the fire. “More importantly, the Son arose,” said Shawn Davis, who snapped a  photograph of the orange rays lighting up the scorched prairie. “Hope prevails!” The 55-year-old oil field worker … Continue reading ‘God will provide’: Preacher loses house in Texas wildfire

‘It’s not the amount … it’s the heart’

Why did a Houston church give $50,000 to help Texas Panhandle wildfire victims — 600 miles away? Well, that’s an interesting story. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CANADIAN, Texas — Nearly 600 miles separate this small town in the Texas Panhandle from the vast metropolis of Houston in the southeast part of the Lone Star State. The 800 members of the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston … Continue reading ‘It’s not the amount … it’s the heart’

Church members’ homes destroyed in Texas Panhandle wildfire

At least a half-dozen families who attend Churches of Christ must rebuild after the largest blaze in Texas history. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Multiple members of Churches of Christ have lost homes in the Texas Panhandle wildfire, which has grown into the largest in state history. The blaze destroyed the residences of three families who attend the Canadian Church of Christ, about 100 miles northeast … Continue reading Church members’ homes destroyed in Texas Panhandle wildfire

Christians cheer the Chiefs, fight the violence

Mass shooting at Super Bowl victory rally highlights the challenge facing Kansas City. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Even before last week’s mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally, Branden Mims was focused on reducing violence in this city that mourned a record 182 homicides in 2023. Mims, the 35-year-old senior minister for the Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, leads a faith-based … Continue reading Christians cheer the Chiefs, fight the violence

A new Sunday night tradition

Tennessee church launches a small-group ministry ‘to grow our people and reach the community.’ It’s just one of many congregations trying a different approach. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DICKSON, Tenn. — An NFL game played on the TV as about a dozen people arrived at Chris and Libby McCurley’s house on a recent Sunday night. The casually attired guests chatted for a few … Continue reading A new Sunday night tradition

‘Momma, I can see Jesus’

Matt and Macy Collins launched the Magnolia Foundation to honor their daughter Hattie Jo, who died in a tornado.  By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Not long before the tornado that claimed her life, 4-year-old Hattie Jo Collins asked a question. The blond bundle of energy was riding in her family’s minivan with her mother, Macy, and baby sister, Lainey Mae, when she posed it. … Continue reading ‘Momma, I can see Jesus’