Tag: human interest

Oklahoman, Religion Unplugged

How covering Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit to St. Louis changed my journalism career

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — From a young age, I’ve loved Jesus and journalism. I never intended, though, to become a religion reporter. My career trajectory changed 25 years ago when — to my surprise — editors of The Oklahoman assigned me to cover Pope John Paul II’s Jan. 26-27, 1999, visit to St. Louis. At the time, I was a 31-year-old education … Continue reading How covering Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit to St. Louis changed my journalism career

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Christian Chronicle

A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian

Glynna Hartman, a former church secretary, exuded joy and feistiness. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Glynna Hartman loved to read. The Bible. Religious books. Paperback romance novels. It’s that last one that drew so many chuckles at her memorial service Friday night at the Wilshire Church of Christ, the faithful Christian’s home congregation in Oklahoma City. As her son, David Hartman, recalls, she’d … Continue reading A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian

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Christian Chronicle

No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith

Immersive learning experience on a South Pacific island stretches Australian ninth graders physically and spiritually. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PORT VILA, Vanuatu — The journey begins 1,200 miles — and a world — away. Ninth graders at an affluent Christian school in Australia leave their smartphones at home and fly to this developing island nation in the South Pacific. Students cram in the … Continue reading No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith

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Christian Chronicle

Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country

Loved one’s Christian faith inspires high school senior, who is celebrated as ‘a symbol of resilience and service.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BRISBANE, Australia — Jada Electra Black has a big dream. The Christian teen would like to serve as prime minister of Australia. “That’s my goal,” said Black, who attends Redlands College, a K-12 school associated with Churches of Christ. “I want to study … Continue reading Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country

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Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Christianity Today, Religion Unplugged

From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023

By Bobby Ross Jr. I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell interesting stories. 2023 marked my 34th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. This year, I was blessed to report from a dozen states and four countries, including Cuba and Mexico. My stories from Australia and Vanuatu will publish early next year. Related: … Continue reading From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

One of America’s oldest Churches of Christ celebrates its 200th anniversary

The rural Tennessee congregation traces its roots to studies led by Barton W. Stone, a key Restoration Movement leader. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TUCKERS CROSSROADS, Tenn. — The Bethlehem Church of Christ has a long history — 200 years and counting. It has a bright future, too, lifelong member Carolyn Ragland Poston believes. “This congregation probably has 20 babies under 6 years old,” Poston, 74, said … Continue reading One of America’s oldest Churches of Christ celebrates its 200th anniversary

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Christianity Today, Religion Unplugged

Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged DALLAS — Less than a year before the U.S. presidential election, pastors took to their pulpits to decry a culture of hate, extremism and vile politics. “Much of the hate and discord that has been poisoning our nation has been preached in the name of Christ and the church,” the Rev. Charles V. Denman declared. In a different sanctuary, … Continue reading Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination

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Christian Chronicle

For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

Amid an economic crisis, ministry and music propel a native son devoted to sharing the bread of life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — Church members in this port city overlooking the Bay of Matanzas sang “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” on a recent Sunday as they celebrated the baptisms of five new Christians. Afterward, about 250 spiritual brothers and sisters ate fellowship meals piled … Continue reading For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

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Christian Chronicle

COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’

After all the trials, Texas church member receives an unexpected blessing — a son with a biblical name. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LANCASTER, Texas — “Amazing Grace” welcomed tiny Samuel Souder to his first church service. Through the nursery glass echoed the sweet sound of the Cold Springs Church of Christ singing the familiar tune. Derek and Della Souder softly mouthed the words of the beloved hymn as they … Continue reading COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.