Financial crisis strikes Southwestern Christian College

Financial crisis at Southwestern: Historically black Christian college seeks donations and prayers to ‘be able to survive’ (reporting from Terrell, Texas). Page 1 lead. TERRELL, Texas — Southwestern Christian College, a  historically black college associated with Churches of Christ, faces a financial crisis. The sudden loss of $500,000 a year in federal funding has exacerbated long-standing financial difficulties, top administrators told The Christian Chronicle. “This … Continue reading Financial crisis strikes Southwestern Christian College

Personal: Mother-in-law’s faith-filled life leaves a legacy

Mother-in-law’s faith-filled life leaves a legacy: ‘Our parents made sure our foundation of faith and family was ingrained in us, and I am so very thankful for that’ (column from Harrah, Okla.). HARRAH, Okla. — Bobby and Patricia Dillard raised their daughter, Tamie, on a strong foundation of Christian faith. I am blessed beyond measure that they did. My future wife — the mother of our three … Continue reading Personal: Mother-in-law’s faith-filled life leaves a legacy

Rich, in name and spirit, in rural Ohio

Rich, in name and spirit, in rural Ohio: Despite sacrifices, minister reaps a harvest of blessings with a 200-year-old congregation (reporting from Beallsville, Ohio). Page 1 lead. Third part of “Rural Redemption” series. BEALLSVILLE, Ohio — Just after 9 a.m. on a recent Sunday, the well-worn tires on Jeff Rich’s 2003 minivan crunch over a gravel road full of twists, hills and narrow lanes. Already … Continue reading Rich, in name and spirit, in rural Ohio

For a Nicaraguan church, a revival

For a Nicaraguan church, a revival: Once-struggling congregation finds new life through the work of native missionaries and their American supporters (reporting from Masaya, Nicaragua). Currents. MASAYA, Nicaragua — The front door of the Sacuanjoche Church of Christ swings open, and children — 260 of them — stream out of a cramped concrete building with a tin roof. The boys and girls sport freshly painted T-shirts … Continue reading For a Nicaraguan church, a revival

Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling

Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling (reporting from Los Angeles). Page 1. LOS ANGELES – Rex Brothers portrays himself as “just a normal dude.” Except that he’s standing in the visitors’ clubhouse at Dodger Stadium as he makes this claim — a few hours before pitching yet another scoreless inning for the Colorado Rockies. “People look at me as an … Continue reading Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling

Religious freedom in public schools

Yes, it’s constitutional to teach the Bible during the school day. First Place, Education Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. — Eight middle school students gather around a classroom table at the Holland Park Church of Christ. Teacher Becky Mays asks if anyone has a prayer request. “My grandma,” one student says. “My uncle,” another … Continue reading Religious freedom in public schools

After the tornado, Oklahoma church sings God’s praises

First Place (with Erik Tryggestad, Ted Parks and Murray Evans), In-Depth Reporting, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MOORE, Okla. — Tears. Hugs. Emotional recountings of survival and loss. In the wake of a disaster such as the May 20 tornado that devastated this Oklahoma City suburb, the casual hellos and handshakes of a typical Sunday give way to deeper, … Continue reading After the tornado, Oklahoma church sings God’s praises

Fertilizer plant explosion rocks Texas church

Explosion rocks Texas church: After a deadly blast at a fertilizer plant owned by a church elder, West Church of Christ members rely on faith, prayer and fellow Christians (reporting from West, Texas). Page 1 lead. WEST, Texas — The auditorium lights flickered. The glass doors flew open. West Church of Christ minister Ernie Albrecht was sharing Wednesday night devotional thoughts — focused on Ezekiel and the need … Continue reading Fertilizer plant explosion rocks Texas church

Share Jesus outside church walls, Christians urged at New England conference

Share Jesus outside the church walls, Christians urged (reporting from Manchester, Conn.). Page 1. MANCHESTER, Conn. – Roughly 750 miles south of here, the Queen City Church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C., started with eight Christians meeting in a house. On a recent Sunday, 225 people — many learning about Jesus for the first time — attended the church’s worship service at a downtown YMCA. “We are … Continue reading Share Jesus outside church walls, Christians urged at New England conference