God in the rubble: Houses, lives lost in Texas twisters

‘This world is not our home,’ says family that lost house in Texas twister. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROWLETT, Texas — Rain poured on Mike Patterson. The Texas church member stood by the cozy fireplace where he used to glance out the window and enjoy God’s creation. Now, crumbled bricks, broken glass and sticky yellow insulation surrounded him as he stared … Continue reading God in the rubble: Houses, lives lost in Texas twisters

Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — during 2015

Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — during 2015: These Christians and congregations demonstrated faith, hope and love. I am blessed. As chief correspondent for The Christian Chronicle, I am privileged to tell the stories of Christians living out their faith — often under difficult circumstances. Over the last decade, my travels with the Chronicle have taken me to 48 states (I’ll make … Continue reading Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — during 2015

From daughter to caretaker

Role reversal draws one woman closer to her parents — and to God.  First Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The little girl tugged at her father’s leg. “Don’t go, Daddy,” she begged. “Don’t go.” Jack Zorn — known to generations in Churches of Christ as “The Man in the Red Jacket” who founded … Continue reading From daughter to caretaker

San Bernardino massacre puts focus on Muslims

Jihadist theology vs. mainstream Islam debated.  Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Anger. That was minister and elder Royce Bell’s first reaction when a friend called to tell him her son, Robert Adams, had died in the terrorist attack on county employees enjoying a holiday celebration. In all, … Continue reading San Bernardino massacre puts focus on Muslims

Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court

Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court (reporting from Rome, Ga.): In a death-row murder case, all the potential black jurors — including Eddie Hood — were excluded.  ROME, Ga. — Eddie Hood chuckles when discussing his newfound celebrity status. Hood, 75, serves as an elder for the 125-member Callahan Street Church of Christ in this northwest Georgia city of … Continue reading Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court

‘He’s with me, and he’s fighting’

‘He’s with me, and he’s fighting’ (reporting from Atlanta): Brain-injury victim’s wife and parents pray for healing, while trusting in God’s will.  ATLANTA — Raindrops tap the roof of Hayley Waldron’s temporary home in an Atlanta suburb. It is Day 87, she realizes as she opens her eyes. Nearly three months have passed since tragedy interrupted the 22-year-old’s life and that of her 23-year-old husband, … Continue reading ‘He’s with me, and he’s fighting’

Beside Stillwater: Campus ministry helps Oklahoma State heal

Beside Stillwater (reporting from Stillwater, Okla.): Campus ministry helps Oklahoma State heal. STILLWATER, Okla. — Campus minister Matt Mills heard the sirens, but he had no idea of the extent of the tragedy. On football Saturdays in this college town, the Church of Christ University Center at Oklahoma State University organizes a pregame tailgate party. Students involved with the “UC at OK State” enjoy burgers … Continue reading Beside Stillwater: Campus ministry helps Oklahoma State heal

God, guns and keeping Christians safe

Pistols in the pews make some feel more secure, but others are leery. Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle At many Churches of Christ across the nation, Christians bring more than their swords — as some refer to their Bibles — to Sunday worship. An untold number also carry concealed handguns into … Continue reading God, guns and keeping Christians safe

The long road from Baghdad

The long road from Baghdad (reporting from Dearborn, Mich.): Wissam Al-Aethawi endeavors to take the Gospel to the epicenter of Arab life in America.  DEARBORN, Mich. — In the heart of this Detroit suburb, Muslim women who wear hijabs to cover their heads abound. Signs for Middle Eastern restaurants, halal meat markets and even national chain stores such as Walgreens appear in Arabic and English. … Continue reading The long road from Baghdad