Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — during 2016

These Christians demonstrated faith, hope and love. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle 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 all 50 states (I finally made it to the … Continue reading Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — during 2016

Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

The Christian Chronicle’s Bobby Ross Jr. celebrates faith-filled milestone. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAITH, S.D. — After chasing stories all over the United States, I found Faith — a town in South Dakota with a population of 421. With my recent trip to the Dakotas, I reached a personal goal: reporting for The Christian Chronicle from all 50 states and the … Continue reading Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

Deep in the Black Hills National Forest, Christians from the Dakotas and beyond renew ties and enjoy fellowship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DEADWOOD, S.D. — Revving engines of Harleys, Yamahas and Kawasakis are the first clue you’re getting close to Black Hills Bible Camp. For a half-century, the youth and family camp has brought together members of Churches of Christ during … Continue reading Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

A church makes a special connection with an Orlando victim’s family

How a New Jersey congregation came to bless a grieving mother who lost her son in the nation’s worst mass shooting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ORLANDO, Fla. — “It’s been a while, man,” said my friend Jose Luis Cintrón, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Thirty years, to be exact. Sadly, I called after all these years because my friend just … Continue reading A church makes a special connection with an Orlando victim’s family

He pitches with heart — a brand new one

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

Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees

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 Katrina survivors’ ‘Story of God’

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: Mayo Clinic ministry has housed thousands

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: Minister mixes God, hip-hop

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