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‘Most severely injured’ OKC bombing survivor overcomes evil with good

On the terrorist attack’s 30th anniversary, Susan Walton praises God for showing ‘the goodness of people.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Thirty years have not healed all of Susan Walton’s wounds. Still, the Oklahoma City bombing survivor’s Christian faith remains strong. “God brought a lot of good,” Walton, 74, said of the aftermath of the April 19, 1995, attack on the Alfred P. Murrah … Continue reading ‘Most severely injured’ OKC bombing survivor overcomes evil with good

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‘A Day of Darkness, Years of Light’

Oklahoma City marks the 30th anniversary of 1995 federal building bombing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — “We Will Never Forget.” That message — scrawled on a police car, printed on a memorial program, vowed by politicians and ordinary people alike — became a mantra after the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history killed 168 people — including 19 children … Continue reading ‘A Day of Darkness, Years of Light’

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While mourning fire losses, California church helps neighbors and trusts God

Christians in the Los Angeles area keep the faith as they begin the long recovery process. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PASADENA, Calif. — The pain is still raw. The sobs are still hard to control. Nearly a month after wildfires broke out that killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area, Christians are still grappling with their losses. “The media have … Continue reading While mourning fire losses, California church helps neighbors and trusts God

James O. Maxwell’s ‘profound imprint’

Longtime preacher, educator and author influenced thousands in Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TERRELL, Texas —In 1957, a young man named James O. Maxwell enrolled at Southwestern Christian College, about 30 miles east of Dallas. Maxwell’s time at Southwestern — the only historically Black higher education institution associated with Churches of Christ — changed his life, and he became one of … Continue reading James O. Maxwell’s ‘profound imprint’

‘I want kids to know Christ’

Winterfest goes ‘Way Out West’ to launch its first youth conference outside the Bible Belt. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A small hotel ballroom. A few hundred teens. In sheer size, Winterfest Way Out West — a new teen event launched this past weekend — did not resemble the massive youth rallies that draw thousands in Texas and Tennessee each year. “In Fort … Continue reading ‘I want kids to know Christ’

Super Bowl champion baptized at 80

‘I hope the good Lord will take care of me,’ former New York Jets defensive tackle says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FARRIS, Okla. — Winning the Super Bowl couldn’t be any better than what Carl McAdams experienced this weekend. McAdams can attest to that. He played defensive tackle for the New York Jets when they upset the Baltimore Colts, 16-7, in Super Bowl III on Jan. … Continue reading Super Bowl champion baptized at 80

Holy imagination: Churches seek to reverse decline

Southern California seminars tackle ‘The Challenge of the Empty Church.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. — Spiritual earthquake, meet holy imagination. That’s one way to characterize the cultural and societal forces that brought together about 140 leaders representing 40-plus Churches of Christ on a recent weekend. From Orange County to the Inland Empire, ministers, elders and other concerned Christians flocked to back-to-back seminars … Continue reading Holy imagination: Churches seek to reverse decline

Mourning a tiny church’s closing

Although small in number, this Texas congregation’s legacy will live on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREENWOOD, Texas — After 128 years of faithful service to the Lord, the end came suddenly for the Greenwood Church of Christ.  I’d worship at the little country church a few times a year, arriving a half hour or so early with my parents, Bob and Judy Ross. Mom would … Continue reading Mourning a tiny church’s closing

Top 24 of 2024: Bobby Ross Jr.’s best stories of the year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell newsworthy stories. 2024 marked my 35th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. A major career highlight: In April, I was honored to receive the Religion News Association’s Supple Award for Feature Writing at its 75th anniversary convention in … Continue reading Top 24 of 2024: Bobby Ross Jr.’s best stories of the year