Tag: travel

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

Meet the suddenly most quotable minister in Minnesota

Ethan Bilbrey’s name keeps showing up in stories. But why? By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle RICHFIELD, Minn. — Nebraska. Tennessee. Minnesota. I keep running into Ethan Bilbrey … and I keep quoting him in The Christian Chronicle. The funny thing is, I had never met him — or even heard of him — until three months ago. Scott Laird, a longtime Montana minister who serves … Continue reading Meet the suddenly most quotable minister in Minnesota

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

🙏 Slain missionaries mourned: Praying ‘God will make a way’ in Haiti 🔌

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 🔌

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Hitting the Target (Field): My Minnesota trip and new MLB ballpark rankings

By Bobby Ross Jr. MINNEAPOLIS — I checked Target Field off my bucket list over the weekend. I’ve now experienced MLB games at 22 current ballparks (and 27 overall). I’ll rank my favorites below. On a reporting trip to Minnesota, I saw my beloved Texas Rangers (the defending World Series champions!) play the Twins on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. As happened last year when I … Continue reading Hitting the Target (Field): My Minnesota trip and new MLB ballpark rankings

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘How can we bless these churches?’

At a time of declining numbers, post-pandemic challenges and political polarization, a Nebraska conference touts hope for revival. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle YORK, Neb. — At 8:30 a.m. on a weekday, exuberant voices praising God filled the historic prayer chapel at York University. About 130 Christians from 13 states and Canada sang hymns such as “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus,” “It … Continue reading ‘How can we bless these churches?’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Trip conjures nostalgia for time spent at Abilene Christian University

Editor travels to West Texas to report on debate over sexual stewardship policy. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — I don’t bleed purple, but I do have fond memories of Abilene Christian University. As best I can remember, I first visited the West Texas campus nearly 40 years ago. The year was 1984.  Related: ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual … Continue reading Trip conjures nostalgia for time spent at Abilene Christian University

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.