Tag: homeless

Religion News Service

‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WACO, Texas — Tractor-trailer rigs roared overhead. Cigarette smoke wafted in the air as a praise band played drums and electric guitars on a stage set up amid tall concrete columns. On the Sunday (Nov. 18) before Thanksgiving, poor people riding bicycles and pushing old grocery carts lined up — as they do every week — … Continue reading ‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

The guy in the red apron: How a Salvation Army bell ringer brings heart to the job

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — To hear Bruce Bachman tell it, he’s just a guy with a bell, a red apron and a heart to serve who gives a little of his time during the holiday season. He’s just one of the thousands of volunteer bell ringers who keep alive a 127-year tradition that the Salvation … Continue reading The guy in the red apron: How a Salvation Army bell ringer brings heart to the job

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Cold nights, warm hearts: Churches become homeless shelters

From Idaho to Maryland, congregations open their doors to strangers in need of food and rest. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Each Friday night, a van picks up 15 homeless men in downtown Nashville, Tenn., and takes them to the Woodson Chapel Church of Christ for food, Bible study and rest. Four to six weeks per year, the Dalton Gardens Church of … Continue reading Cold nights, warm hearts: Churches become homeless shelters

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A church for the broken and hurting

A church for the broken and hurting (reporting from Fort Worth, Texas): In urban Fort Worth, a 123-year-old congregation enjoys a spiritual revival as it ministers to wounded souls.  FORT WORTH, Texas — Some in the group have been sober for years. Others measure recovery in days, not weeks. A few still smell like alcohol. To measure the heartbeat of the Southside Church of Christ, go to … Continue reading A church for the broken and hurting

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Under a bridge, come to the feast

Under a bridge, come to the feast (reporting from Tulsa, Okla.): Christians show love for the homeless by preparing meals, washing feet and praying. TULSA, Okla. — Street people lying on the grass and perched inside concrete nooks watch as a long, yellow moving truck backs under a downtown bridge. Interstate 244 rumbles with traffic overhead as men, women and children from the Park Plaza Church … Continue reading Under a bridge, come to the feast

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Social justice vs. kingdom work

Social justice vs. kingdom work: At a national meeting of youth ministers, the key role of the local church is emphasized (reporting from Colorado Springs, Colo.). Second Front. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Love Jesus. Tolerate the church. At a time when Americans’ confidence in organized religion has hit a 40-year low, that mindset seems particularly prevalent among younger Christians. At the recent National Conference on … Continue reading Social justice vs. kingdom work

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Christian Chronicle

Homeless ministry feeds, bodies souls

Homeless ministry feeds bodies, souls: Hundreds find Jesus at River City (reporting from North Little Rock, Ark.). Page 1 lead. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Get right, church, and let’s go home … You better get right, church, and let’s go home … It’s a weekday morning, about 30 minutes before lunch, but the homeless men and women assembled in the River City Ministry dining room sing … Continue reading Homeless ministry feeds, bodies souls

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Various publications

Washington Times: Death among homeless inspires soul-searching

Page 1-A. Published Oct. 29, 2009. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Washington Times EDMOND, Okla. | Sunlight through a tall stained-glass window reflected off a donated casket as 350 people came to pay tribute to Dwite Morgan’s 54 years on earth. To hear First Christian Church senior pastor Chris Shorow tell it, Mr. Morgan was a fixture in this affluent Oklahoma City suburb — … Continue reading Washington Times: Death among homeless inspires soul-searching

Bobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

Man nicknamed ‘SoupMan’ offers food and hope to the homeless in Dallas

The Associated Press November 24, 2004, Wednesday, BC cycle Man nicknamed ‘SoupMan’ offers food and hope to the homeless in Dallas BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 717 words DATELINE: DALLAS The theme from “Rocky” blares from a rickety white van that David Timothy calls his “SoupMobile.” The music alerts hundreds of the homeless that it’s time to eat, … Continue reading Man nicknamed ‘SoupMan’ offers food and hope to the homeless in Dallas

Bobby Ross Jr.