Category: Christian Chronicle

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From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023

By Bobby Ross Jr. I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell interesting stories. 2023 marked my 34th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. This year, I was blessed to report from a dozen states and four countries, including Cuba and Mexico. My stories from Australia and Vanuatu will publish early next year. Related: … Continue reading From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023

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Christian Chronicle

For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing

Caring hearts welcome Ukrainian family to America with food, furniture and friendship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle It’s a Christmas miracle. In an incredible set of circumstances, God made a wonderful thing happen for a Ukrainian refugee family this busy holiday week. “This is how God works, whether we realize it or not,” said my good friend David Duncan, minister for the Memorial Church of … Continue reading For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing

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Christian Chronicle

‘We who are many are one body’

A trip around the world provides a reminder of the global nature of communion. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PORT VILA, Vanuatu — I forgot what day it was. I was tired — exhausted, actually — when I landed thousands of miles from home after roughly 30 hours of travel. I had ventured around the globe to report on a mission effort, yet I had … Continue reading ‘We who are many are one body’

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Christian Chronicle

One of America’s oldest Churches of Christ celebrates its 200th anniversary

The rural Tennessee congregation traces its roots to studies led by Barton W. Stone, a key Restoration Movement leader. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TUCKERS CROSSROADS, Tenn. — The Bethlehem Church of Christ has a long history — 200 years and counting. It has a bright future, too, lifelong member Carolyn Ragland Poston believes. “This congregation probably has 20 babies under 6 years old,” Poston, 74, said … Continue reading One of America’s oldest Churches of Christ celebrates its 200th anniversary

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Christian Chronicle

The oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s complicated

The rural Kentucky congregation at the top of 21st Century Christian’s list began with Baptist ties in 1796. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LOUISVILLE, Ky. — What’s the oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s the Cedar Springs Church of Christ in Kentucky’s rural Fern Creek community, according to a national directory published by 21st Century Christian. In actuality, the answer is more complicated. Yes, the Louisville-area congregation’s … Continue reading The oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s complicated

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Christian Chronicle

For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

Amid an economic crisis, ministry and music propel a native son devoted to sharing the bread of life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — Church members in this port city overlooking the Bay of Matanzas sang “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” on a recent Sunday as they celebrated the baptisms of five new Christians. Afterward, about 250 spiritual brothers and sisters ate fellowship meals piled … Continue reading For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

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Christian Chronicle

COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’

After all the trials, Texas church member receives an unexpected blessing — a son with a biblical name. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LANCASTER, Texas — “Amazing Grace” welcomed tiny Samuel Souder to his first church service. Through the nursery glass echoed the sweet sound of the Cold Springs Church of Christ singing the familiar tune. Derek and Della Souder softly mouthed the words of the beloved hymn as they … Continue reading COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’

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Christian Chronicle

Keeping the faith: Texas Rangers win the World Series

After the long-awaited triumph, it’s easy to draw parallels between baseball and the Christian life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — I lived to see it. The Texas Rangers just won the World Series. Forty-one years after I first walked into the old Arlington Stadium and became a Rangers fan at age 14, my team achieved the ultimate baseball glory. Finally. Related: Road to the World … Continue reading Keeping the faith: Texas Rangers win the World Series

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Christian Chronicle

A baseball blessing in Cuba

Not praying for Texas Rangers’ wins, but thanking God for them anyway. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — I crouched in anticipation as I stared at the TV. In a dark room with no air conditioning, I ignored the sweat dripping down my face and focused on the screen. A weather warning? A breaking news alert? Nope, a different kind of … Continue reading A baseball blessing in Cuba

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