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‘Shabby chic’ French castle welcomes missionaries for rest and restoration

Ministry started by a grandmother combats burnout on the mission field. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PARIS — Sherry Pogue bought a castle to serve the Lord. It’s a small castle, the American Christian emphasizes. In 2016, Pogue and her late husband, Alan, acquired the 6,000-square-foot Château Claire Fontaine — with four levels and 12 bedrooms — to launch the Restored & Renewed Ministry. Château is the … Continue reading ‘Shabby chic’ French castle welcomes missionaries for rest and restoration

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In secular France, Christians work to bring new life to old monastery

Missionary characterizes $1.9 million purchase as ‘a miraculous act of God.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARSEILLE, France — At the northern edge of this seaside port city —  first settled by Greek sailors 2,600 years ago — stands the abandoned Betheline monastery. It’s just one of thousands of decaying religious structures scattered throughout France. In a society once dominated by Catholicism, people increasingly profess no faith affiliation at … Continue reading In secular France, Christians work to bring new life to old monastery

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Bonjour! How an Algerian immigrant couple found their calling in France

Khaled and Djedjiga Hassani see God at work in the renovation of a dilapidated former monastery. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARSEILLE, France — A stained-glass chapel — a symbol of institutional religion — anchors one end of the Betheline. At the other end, friends and strangers alike find a “house church.”  That’s how missionary Craig Young describes the informal welcoming presence of Khaled and … Continue reading Bonjour! How an Algerian immigrant couple found their calling in France

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144-year-old Idaho church survives and thrives

Pacific Northwest congregation celebrates its history while embracing renewed life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MIDVALE, Idaho — Sunflowers and knee-high yellow grass line U.S. Highway 95, the two-lane blacktop through this blink-and-miss-it farm town. Little green signs at each edge of Midvale —  known as Middle Valley until the post office adopted the shortened name in 1903 — give the population as 222. Amid … Continue reading 144-year-old Idaho church survives and thrives

🎬 ‘The Chosen’ films the Crucifixion: How it’ll be different from Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion’ 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — More than two decades ago, I covered the opening of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” movie for The Associated Press. I wrote … Continue reading 🎬 ‘The Chosen’ films the Crucifixion: How it’ll be different from Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion’ 🔌

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Oklahoma SPJ again honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to receive the Print Reporter of the Year award in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2025 annual contest. I earned this honor for the second year in a row and the third time in five years. In the 2025 contest, I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories I wrote for The Christian Chronicle: 1. “Culture warrior, MAGA … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ again honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

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We’ll take your questions now

Is this newspaper one-sided? Are some topics off limits? Inquiring readers want to know. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle As a journalist, I ask a lot of questions. For a change, I decided to answer a few. As The Christian Chronicle’s editor-in-chief, I often hear from readers curious about what we do. In this special Q&A, I offer a bit of insight: “How do you determine … Continue reading We’ll take your questions now

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📰 ‘Our job is not to cover up sin’: Reporter Jerry Mitchell on faith and journalism 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged PEARL, Miss. — Jerry Mitchell is a legendary investigative reporter — and a devoted Christian who characterizes his secular job as both a calling and a ministry. … Continue reading 📰 ‘Our job is not to cover up sin’: Reporter Jerry Mitchell on faith and journalism 🔌

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Mission: Evangelize Spanish America

Herald of Truth works to share Jesus with the fast-growing Hispanic population. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREEN BAY, Wis. — “Our God, He Is Alive.” “Existe un Dios.” On a recent Sunday, the Green Bay Church of Christ — just two-tenths of a mile off Packerland Drive — sang the unofficial anthem of Churches of Christ in both English and Spanish. A typical Lord’s Day at the church, … Continue reading Mission: Evangelize Spanish America