Tag: travel

Christian Chronicle

How a grassroots ministry to Afghan refugees ‘snowballed’ into something big

A Texas church’s outreach started with one Christian couple compelled to ‘do something.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AN ANTONIO — Dan and Mary Huber were stuffed. They couldn’t eat any more.  Or so they told their friends — an Afghan refugee family who fled their war-torn native land two years ago. “There’s no room,” Mary explained, patting her stomach. The children, who understand English better than … Continue reading How a grassroots ministry to Afghan refugees ‘snowballed’ into something big

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Another ballpark checked off my bucket list: Petco Park in San Diego makes 21

By Bobby Ross Jr. SAN DIEGO — My love of baseball is no secret. Nor is my desire to see games at all 30 MLB stadiums. This past week I combined work and pleasure when I traveled to Southern California to work on a story for ReligionUnplugged.com on Faith Night events hosted by a number of teams. I flew into Los Angeles and then drove to … Continue reading Another ballpark checked off my bucket list: Petco Park in San Diego makes 21

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

The rescued children aren’t the only ones blessed — so are the American supporters who keep returning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — Scott Eller steered a rented Nissan March through this bustling Caribbean city as his wife, Andrea, talked about their “home away from home.” Driving away from the cruise ships and sandy beaches that draw thousands to Cozumel, Scott … Continue reading In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Flight delays and new friends: My trip to Cozumel

A runway mishap contributes to a long day, but God’s beauty makes up for it. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — When I told friends I was traveling to Cozumel on a reporting trip for The Christian Chronicle, they chuckled. “Uh huh,” their responses seemed to say, as if I might have ulterior motives. “No, really,” I insisted. I flew to the Mexican resort city to cover … Continue reading Flight delays and new friends: My trip to Cozumel

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

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press BULL HOLLOW, Okla. — Ryan Mackey quietly sang a sacred Cherokee verse as he pulled a handful of tobacco out of a zip-close bag. Reaching over a barbed wire fence, he scattered the leaves onto the pasture where a growing herd of bison — popularly known as American buffalo — grazed in northeastern Oklahoma. The offering represented a reverent act of thanksgiving, … Continue reading Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Bon voyage: Lessons learned on a cruise

For vacationer, first time on a ship provides important reminders. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — God’s creation is amazing and even breathtaking. That’s true all the time. But sometimes I need reminding. My wife, Tamie, and I recently joined our son Brady, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildren Bennett, 4, and Norah, 1, on a Caribbean cruise. In my 55 years, I’ve helicoptered across Israel, ridden a train … Continue reading Bon voyage: Lessons learned on a cruise

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For Latino youths, a long-awaited reunión

After two years of pandemic delays, Spanish-speaking teens and 20-somethings welcome big national meeting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ELGIN, Ill. — Some flew thousands of miles to attend. Others made 16-hour drives in church vans. All came — from Churches of Christ in more than 20 states — to sing praises to God, play soccer and volleyball and enjoy fellowship with Spanish-speaking peers. The … Continue reading For Latino youths, a long-awaited reunión

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Saving souls in Sin City

Las Vegas’ inaugural Lads to Leaders convention brings together Christian youths and adults. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — When Tyler Yeager, a fourth-grade teacher in northern Arizona, told colleagues he was going to Las Vegas for the weekend, they voiced surprise. His friends know he’s a Christian and active with the High Country Church of Christ in Show Low, Ariz. But … Continue reading Saving souls in Sin City

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.