After a year away because of the pandemic, history major returns to campus. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MALIBU, Calif. — My 21-year-old daughter, Kendall, and I are driving through a dark tunnel on a twisty canyon road when a perfect dad joke hits me. At just the right moment, as the sun beams up ahead, I try out my bit of humor. … Continue reading As daughter graduates, just one request
Russell A. Pointer Sr. thanks God for Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction but says the struggle goes on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS — To Russell A. Pointer Sr., feeding hungry neighbors is biblical. So, too, is fighting for justice. The 56-year-old preacher might not be a household name in this Midwestern city of 435,000. But to prominent leaders from Minnesota Gov. Tim … Continue reading In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice
‘Why are you even talking about it?’ some Christians ask in the year after George Floyd’s killing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WOODBURY, Minn. — A year ago, George Floyd’s killing sparked outrage around the world. At the Woodbury Church of Christ, a predominantly White congregation about 20 miles east of Minneapolis, the Black man’s death under a police officer’s knee provoked difficult conversations. Some church … Continue reading A tragic death, a tough dialogue
After ex-officer’s conviction in George Floyd’s killing, Jerry Taylor reflects on police reform, spiritual activism and peacemaking. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle As former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all counts in George Floyd’s killing, millions of Americans watched on live television. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian University in Texas, was not … Continue reading ‘I prayed that God’s justice … would prevail’
My 2020 stories on topics such as the Oklahoma City bombing anniversary, racial justice protests and faith-based disaster relief have earned recognition in three regional and national journalism contests. • • • Great Plains Journalism Awards, an eight-state regional contest sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club Finalist, Great Plains Writer of the Year, for a portfolio of stories for The Oklahoman, The Associated Press and … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr.’s bombing, racial justice, tornado stories honored for outstanding journalism
Heart transplant recipient Josh Oakley ‘wanted to be better because he understood his second chance.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The news hit me like a fastball to the gut. “With overwhelming sadness, we need to share that the Lord called Josh home today,” Krista Prindle, one of Josh Oakley’s five older sisters, wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your continued prayers for our … Continue reading ‘Life-saving miracle’ gave Kansas church member five extra years
For some Christians, moving during the COVID-19 pandemic complicates hunt for church home. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle James and Candice Wiser’s church family in Southern California shed tears this past summer as the couple and their two young daughters prepared to move to West Texas. The Camarillo Church of Christ, about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles, organized a socially distanced going-away party in … Continue reading Visiting vs. virtual
‘It’s a great relief to see so many friends and family becoming more protected. We’ve had enough sickness and loss.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Celebrate. People need hope.” My friend David Duncan texted me that advice when I told him I was struggling to write this column. Related: An unfathomable toll A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to make sure I acknowledge the … Continue reading After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
After its cancellation last year, California’s Springfest returns to the calendar — but not without challenges. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Normally, organizing a youth rally would be no big deal. Adam England would choose a theme. Pick a speaker. Invite area churches. But the details become much more complicated in a pandemic. Since 1987, Springfest has drawn California teens to the Westside Church of Christ in Bakersfield … Continue reading A youth rally in a pandemic? It’s not as simple as requiring masks and distancing
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 