Tag: human interest

Christian Chronicle

Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

A Houston church’s thriving outreach to families fleeing the war inspires a heartfelt holiday gesture. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON —A year ago, Memorial Church of Christ volunteers served Ukrainian refugee families a traditional Thanksgiving meal from Pappas Bar-B-Q, a popular Houston restaurant chain. But this November, the newcomers to Texas — still adapting and learning a new language after fleeing Russia’s 1,000-day war on their homeland … Continue reading Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Oklahoma SPJ 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’ 2024 annual contest. I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged and The Associated Press: 1. Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights from San Diego. 2. Sharing love … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A little farm, a giant legacy

An ordinary Christian couple made an extraordinary difference. A new memorial pays tribute. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BELLVUE, Colo. — A blind farmer. A motorcycle-riding nurse. The story of the late Bob and Helen Bland is as ordinary as it is extraordinary, right down to their last name. Yet on a blue-sky Sunday afternoon, a crowd of friends, family and fellow Christians gathered … Continue reading A little farm, a giant legacy

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

✈️ Planes, trains and automobiles (and even motorcycles): The road to religion news 🔌

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 OKLAHOMA CITY — I’ve helicoptered across Israel and cruised past “Moose Crossing” signs on an Alaskan highway. Jetlagged, I’ve dozed on a passenger train from the Netherlands … Continue reading ✈️ Planes, trains and automobiles (and even motorcycles): The road to religion news 🔌

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Michigan church that picketed abortion clinics tries a ‘kinder, nicer’ approach. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH. — A sign declaring that “Abortion stops a beating heart” no longer hangs outside the Metro Church of Christ. Leaders replaced that banner with one telling neighbors, “You’re VALUABLE! Made in the image of God.” The Detroit-area congregation has not wavered in its opposition to abortion. But … Continue reading A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘God has placed us together for a purpose’

Two New England churches with common roots become one body. SEABROOK, N.H. — A white poster board decorated with four red hearts  greeted worshipers at the Seabrook Church of Christ on a recent Sunday. “Welcome Brothers & Sisters From Kittery Church of Christ,” declared the handwritten sign near the front entrance. The simple message reflected a new beginning for the two coastal New England congregations — one in New Hampshire, … Continue reading ‘God has placed us together for a purpose’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Don’t skip the Pleasant-ries

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

These Christians not afraid to address sexual trauma

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

‘God, I need help’: 9/11 military heroes with PTSD still fighting a war at home

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.