Kansas high school senior calls life-saving transplant “an absolute gift from God.” By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GODDARD, Kan. — It’s a picture-perfect afternoon for baseball as Josh Oakley steps to the mound: blue sky, soft breeze and 71 degrees. Fifteen family members — two parents, four grandparents, three of Oakley’s five older sisters and six nieces and nephews — cheer as … Continue reading He pitches with heart — a brand new one
Two congregations adopt a family displaced by a civil war that has claimed half a million lives. Third Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BEAMSVILLE, Ontario — As war ravaged their homeland, a Syrian family of eight fled for their lives. The Muslim father, mother and six children — among 4 million Syrians who have escaped to … Continue reading Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees
Morgan Freeman hears couple’s ‘Story of God’: Hurricane Katrina survivors share faith on National Geographic Channel series. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle God doesn’t play favorites. Charles Marsalis stresses that message at the Hollygrove Church of Christ, the New Orleans congregation he and his wife, Angela, planted in a high-crime neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. “I’m just plain ol’ Charles,” the minister said. “I’m … Continue reading Morgan Freeman hears Katrina survivors’ ‘Story of God’
When you took in a stranger (reporting from Rochester, Minn.): Ministry that houses Mayo Clinic patients and their loved ones has cared for thousands. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROCHESTER, Minn. — Creaky stairs. Wooden floors. To Lee Jamieson Sr., the old house down the street from the Mayo Clinic feels like home. “It reminds me of my grandparents’ house,” said Jamieson, … Continue reading When you took in a stranger: Mayo Clinic ministry has housed thousands
Preach it, Teech (reporting from Santa Ana, Calif.): For California minister, rap music is a way to reach a new generation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SANTA ANA, Calif. — As Jason “Teech” Darden grabs a microphone, loud music pulsates. The audience — a group of urban students invited to a Saturday mentoring event — cheers as Darden begins to rap. “Turn it … Continue reading Preach it, Teech: Minister mixes God, hip-hop
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
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
‘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 (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
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 