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Former Mets star Darryl Strawberry thanks Trump for pardon during sermon at Tulsa church

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press TULSA, Okla. — Former New York Mets great Darryl Strawberry praised Jesus and thanked President Donald Trump for pardoning his past tax evasion and drug charges as he preached Sunday at a Tulsa church. Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of Pastors for Trump, welcomed the eight-time All-Star to the pulpit of Sheridan Church, where more than 400 worshippers cheered when … Continue reading Former Mets star Darryl Strawberry thanks Trump for pardon during sermon at Tulsa church

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In secular France, Christians work to bring new life to old monastery

Missionary characterizes $1.9 million purchase as ‘a miraculous act of God.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARSEILLE, France — At the northern edge of this seaside port city —  first settled by Greek sailors 2,600 years ago — stands the abandoned Betheline monastery. It’s just one of thousands of decaying religious structures scattered throughout France. In a society once dominated by Catholicism, people increasingly profess no faith affiliation at … Continue reading In secular France, Christians work to bring new life to old monastery

⚠️ Warning: Baptisms, funerals and giant fish can be hazardous to preachers’ health 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged EDMOND, Okla. — A glitch washing away a tall man’s sins.  A mishap at a military veteran’s graveside service.  An accident inside the huge fish — an inflatable … Continue reading ⚠️ Warning: Baptisms, funerals and giant fish can be hazardous to preachers’ health 🔌

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🚜 Off the beaten path: It’s where to find some of the best faith stories 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged MIDVALE, Idaho — My reporting journeys have taken me to most of America’s major cities. New York. Chicago. Los Angeles. Houston. Washington. I love covering the news … Continue reading 🚜 Off the beaten path: It’s where to find some of the best faith stories 🔌

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144-year-old Idaho church survives and thrives

Pacific Northwest congregation celebrates its history while embracing renewed life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MIDVALE, Idaho — Sunflowers and knee-high yellow grass line U.S. Highway 95, the two-lane blacktop through this blink-and-miss-it farm town. Little green signs at each edge of Midvale —  known as Middle Valley until the post office adopted the shortened name in 1903 — give the population as 222. Amid … Continue reading 144-year-old Idaho church survives and thrives

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Oklahoma SPJ again honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to receive the Print Reporter of the Year award in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2025 annual contest. I earned this honor for the second year in a row and the third time in five years. In the 2025 contest, I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories I wrote for The Christian Chronicle: 1. “Culture warrior, MAGA … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ again honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

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⚾️ Home runs are nice, but these MLB players pursue a higher calling 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers boast an estimated $243 million annual payroll.  The MLB team — presumed dead in the pennant race two weeks ago but suddenly … Continue reading ⚾️ Home runs are nice, but these MLB players pursue a higher calling 🔌

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📰 ‘Our job is not to cover up sin’: Reporter Jerry Mitchell on faith and journalism 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged PEARL, Miss. — Jerry Mitchell is a legendary investigative reporter — and a devoted Christian who characterizes his secular job as both a calling and a ministry. … Continue reading 📰 ‘Our job is not to cover up sin’: Reporter Jerry Mitchell on faith and journalism 🔌

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Mission: Evangelize Spanish America

Herald of Truth works to share Jesus with the fast-growing Hispanic population. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREEN BAY, Wis. — “Our God, He Is Alive.” “Existe un Dios.” On a recent Sunday, the Green Bay Church of Christ — just two-tenths of a mile off Packerland Drive — sang the unofficial anthem of Churches of Christ in both English and Spanish. A typical Lord’s Day at the church, … Continue reading Mission: Evangelize Spanish America