Wanted: loving Christian houseparents

Children’s homes across the nation adapt as pandemic deepens staffing concerns. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MOUNT DORA, Fla. — In their 29 years of marriage, Troy and Rebecca Allen have devoted themselves to caring for children. Through birth, adoption and foster care, they’ve raised — or helped raise — more than 40 boys and girls. They’ve spent the past six years as houseparents … Continue reading Wanted: loving Christian houseparents

Saving souls in Sin City

Las Vegas’ inaugural Lads to Leaders convention brings together Christian youths and adults. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — When Tyler Yeager, a fourth-grade teacher in northern Arizona, told colleagues he was going to Las Vegas for the weekend, they voiced surprise. His friends know he’s a Christian and active with the High Country Church of Christ in Show Low, Ariz. But … Continue reading Saving souls in Sin City

For the eighth time, Associated Church Press recognizes Christian Chronicle as best newspaper

In all, the international publication for Churches of Christ earned nine awards for work published in 2021. For the eighth time since 2009, the Associated Church Press has recognized The Christian Chronicle with its first-place Best in Class award for newspapers. The top prize in the annual “Best of the Church Press” contest was presented in an online ceremony Thursday night. “Nice, professional-looking front pages with clear and powerful headlines,” a … Continue reading For the eighth time, Associated Church Press recognizes Christian Chronicle as best newspaper

Editorial: Christian journalism means truth-seeking

Sometimes the truth is positive and inspiring. Sometimes the truth is negative and concerning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Jerry Mitchell is a Christian and a journalist. To some readers in a hyperpartisan age, that description may sound like an oxymoron. But Mitchell is a devoted follower of Christ. He’s a 1982 graduate of Harding University, a Christian university in Searcy, Ark. He’s … Continue reading Editorial: Christian journalism means truth-seeking

Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

‘It is a humbling honor and immeasurable gift they have given us to share their lives right now,’ minister says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The Afghan refugee’s words trailed off. He spoke in a whisper. Finally, he lowered his head and fought back tears. “I’m sorry,” he said, apologizing for losing control of his emotions. “No,” I replied. “We’re honored … Continue reading Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Lori Windham teaches children’s Bible classes and argues cases in the nation’s highest courts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAIRFAX, Va. — As the Fairfax Church of Christ stood to sing on a recent Sunday, Lori Windham stepped forward to interpret the hymn for deaf members. Windham, a 42-year-old wife, mother and attorney, learned American Sign Language so she could help with the suburban Washington, D.C., congregation’s … Continue reading She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper

In all, the Chronicle earned 14 awards in the annual contest. From Staff Reports | The Christian Chronicle COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Christian Chronicle earned top honors this week in the annual journalism contest sponsored by the Evangelical Press Association. The Chronicle claimed first place for best print newspaper — one of 14 overall awards received by the Oklahoma-based international publication for members of Churches of Christ. “Solid, in-depth writing,” … Continue reading Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper

‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Snow-capped mountains rise behind the Anchorage Church of Christ as the sun sets after 9 p.m. on a chilly April night. The peaks reflect the beauty of Alaska’s largest city, where an estimated 1,500 moose share the natural surroundings with nearly 300,000 human residents. Inside the church building this past weekend, Robert Kuenning, longtime minister for the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla, north … Continue reading ‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated

A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues

From a special project on churches closing to in-depth coverage of war in Ukraine, Christian Chronicle journalists excel. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BETHESDA, Md. — The sun hasn’t risen yet as I type this. It’s still early at the Washington, D.C.-area hotel where I’m staying. I’m attending the annual meeting of the Religion News Association. Because of the pandemic, it’s the professional organization’s first in-person conference in 2½ years. I … Continue reading A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues