By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Joplin tornado’s path of destruction can be seen all along Range Line Road, where a Home Depot, Walmart and other businesses lie in ruins. Yellow “Caution” tape and shreds of wood flutter in the breeze amid bulldozers clearing debris and smashed vehicles abandoned after the May 22 twister that claimed 158 lives and … Continue reading Big storms, bigger hearts in Joplin, Mo.
‘Dear Lord,’ please help us: In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge as churches, ministries launch disaster relief efforts (with Jeremy D. Smith, reporting from Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Page 1 lead. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Moments before a tornado wiped out the Central Church of Christ building, six students huddled in a small cinderblock closet at the church. Carl Naylor started to pray, but he managed just two words … Continue reading In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge
The Spiritual Toll — Katrina: Five Years Later: Beyond physical losses, hurricane’s path of debris left some New Orleans-area churches facing unexpected challenges (reporting from Mandeville, La.). Page 1 lead. MANDEVILLE, La. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ organized a mammoth relief effort that encouraged Christians across the nation. Yet the long-term ramifications of the nation’s costliest natural disaster … Continue reading The Spiritual Toll — Katrina: Five Years Later
Little children, big opportunity in New Orleans (reporting from New Orleans). Page 1 photo. Sermon titles you won’t soon forget. Inside Story. They survived storm, and now they know why (reporting from New Orleans). Page 8. Woman named Daphne puts her love into action (reporting from Bayou la Batre, Ala.). Page 9. PROGRESS IN THE BIG EASY: REBUILDING THE CHURCH: Churches reopen, look to future … Continue reading Little children, big opportunity in New Orleans
Faith amid the storm: The anniversary of Katrina (reporting from Pearlington, Miss.). Page 1. Surviving the storm (reporting from New Orleans). Currents. In their own words after Katrina. Inside Story. Faces of Katrina. Currents. A time for faith, strength, courage. Editorial. Continue reading Faith amid the storm: The anniversary of Katrina
‘Tidal wave of God’s people’ needed to help New Orleans churches rebuild (reporting from New Orleans). Page 1. In ‘Big Easy,’ life after Katrina anything but (reporting from New Orleans). Inside Story. In their own words: Volunteers reflect on Katrina. Currents. A conversation with Kevin Bethea (reporting from Baltimore). Dialogue. Continue reading ‘Tidal wave of God’s people’ needed to help New Orleans churches rebuild
No lights, but plenty of blessings as Texas church deals with Rita (reporting from Jasper, Texas). National. Fatigue, funding concerns strain disaster agencies. Page 1. Outward focus fueling growth at universities. Page 1. A conversation with Charlie Middlebrook. Dialogue. From cable TV to coffee shops, ‘amenities arms race’ is waged. Partners. Continue reading No lights, but plenty of blessings as Texas church deals with Rita
Faithful offer hope, help after Katrina (reporting from Mandeville, La.). Page 1. Dallas church, like others, opens hearts, wallets to victims (reporting from Dallas). National. Faith amid the fury (reporting from Baton Rouge, La.). National. Once again, Yelton in the eye of the storm (reporting from Gulfport, Miss.). Profile. After 25 years, Mack Lyon keeps SEARCHING for the Lord’s Way (reporting from Edmond, Okla.). Currents. Continue reading Faithful offer hope, help after Katrina
‘God had a purpose for us’
BYLINE: Bobby Ross Jr.
SECTION: OKLAHOMA RELIGION; SOUL SEARCHING
LENGTH: 1087 words
DATELINE: WOODWARD
Her voice choked with emotion, Avis Duncan shut her eyes tightly, trying to keep a storm of tears from raging.
The Fifth Street Church of Christ member was talking about the green ceramic squirrel that lives on her living-room table.
A smile on its face, the squirrel stands not 3 inches tall.
It cost only a quarter.
Yet, it tells the story of this 72-year-old Woodward native’s life.
“It’s OK if you cry,” said her son, David, 33. He joked, “It’ll make it a better story.”
The dime-store trinket, bought in Enid in August 1946 as Raymond and Avis Duncan celebrated their honeymoon, conjures so many memories. So many laughs. So many tears.
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 