A Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium was thrilling, but time spent with a coaching legend was even better. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When a legend invites you to the Big House, you go. That’s how I ended up among 110,250 fans at Michigan Stadium — the largest stadium in the United States — for last Saturday’s football game between the defending … Continue reading Don’t skip the Pleasant-ries
Ministry educates missionaries in training — and believers around the world — about the good and bad of sex. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LUBBOCK, Texas — As autumn approaches, aspiring missionaries in their late teens and early 20s arrive at Sunset International Bible Institute’s West Texas campus. Forty-five students — 27 women and 18 men — from 19 U.S. states and Mexico will train for … Continue reading These Christians not afraid to address sexual trauma
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged A Glock 19 handgun on his lap, the decorated combat veteran prepared to take his own life. “I’m telling you, I was going to become a statistic,” retired Air Force Lt. Col. Damon Friedman said. Every day, an estimated 22 U.S. veterans die by suicide. Friedman, a special warfare officer who served four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, intended … Continue reading ‘God, I need help’: 9/11 military heroes with PTSD still fighting a war at home
Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction ignites a national furor with a mandate requiring a Bible in every classroom. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Ryan Walters wasn’t always known as Oklahoma’s culture-warrior-in-chief. Neither was the 39-year-old Republican always a high-profile MAGA champion, denouncing liberal indoctrination; illegal immigration; LGBTQ-themed school library books; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; and the “Woke Olympics.” Decades before winning election as Oklahoma’s top education official in 2022 — and before igniting … Continue reading Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?
By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to receive two first-place prizes and be recognized as a finalist for Journalist of the Year in the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. The regional contest, sponsored by the Arkansas pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, celebrates journalistic excellence in Arkansas and six neighboring states. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday night in Little Rock. … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards
Twice a week, Texas church meets neighbors in its parking lot. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FORT WORTH, TEXAS — “Free Bread.” “Free Bibles.” The simple messages catch the attention of motorists passing the Bridgewood Church of Christ — at a busy corner just off the East Loop 820 thoroughfare. “Is it really free?’” people ask. “It’s free,” church member Booker Williams assures them. “It’s like salvation. You’ve just got … Continue reading Bread and Bibles lead souls to Jesus
Despite severe burns, Minnesota preacher is devoted to fulfilling God’s purpose for his life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROSEVILLE, Minn. — A grease fire that severely burned Richard Inyang on his stomach, arms, hands and upper thighs could have killed him. But it didn’t. As the Minnesota preacher sees it, the Lord still has a purpose for him. After his brush with death, the … Continue reading ‘Divine power’ saves minister
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Subscribe now to get this column delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged I can still see the joy on the faces of the Haitian people. I traveled to the poor Caribbean nation in 2018 to report on Healing Hands International, a … Continue reading 🙏 Slain missionaries mourned: Praying ‘God will make a way’ in Haiti 🔌
Churches across the U.S. serving more hungry neighbors, leaders report. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS — As volunteers prepared to hand out milk, produce, canned goods and meat, cars lined up outside the Minneapolis Central Church of Christ. More than an hour before the church’s weekly food distribution, vehicles stretched down a neighborhood street — an indication of the extreme need the congregation serves. “My … Continue reading Demand for food ministries rises with grocery prices
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 