Tag: travel

Christian Chronicle

In the Great Smoky Mountains, feeding the spiritual needs of 5,000

Polishing the Pulpit, an annual gathering in East Tennessee, draws a record crowd. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — “Bring a Friend Night” at the Polishing the Pulpit conference gave the thousands of attendees an opportunity to introduce people to “the church that belongs to Christ.” “Meet a friend in town — hotel worker, waitress, someone at Walmart — and bring them to … Continue reading In the Great Smoky Mountains, feeding the spiritual needs of 5,000

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Planning a short-term mission? These 11 tips might help

Know your purpose. Be flexible. Coordinate with local churches and missionaries. These are among the suggestions offered by trip coordinators. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Short-term mission trips have taken Paula Harrington and her family to disaster zones in the U.S. and poor communities in Third World countries. “We have cleaned up after tornadoes, done Vacation Bible Schools on the streets, fed others, cleaned … Continue reading Planning a short-term mission? These 11 tips might help

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Running away from religion

In Montreal’s secular culture, many native Canadians see no need for faith. Immigrants ‘are readier to hear about God,’ minister Roger Saumur says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MONTREAL — Montreal’s heart has grown cold to the Gospel. The largest French-speaking city in North America can be a lonely place to be a Christian. “Our society, it’s secular,” said Horald Shabanaj, an Albanian … Continue reading Running away from religion

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

1,000 wells around the world

A Tennessee-based ministry that drills for clean drinking water in Haiti and other nations hits a major milestone. Second Place, Feature Article, Evangelical Press Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AKDESÉ, Haiti — In this remote mountain village, water gushes from a well drilled by Healing Hands International. As one woman pumps the handle, another gleefully splashes the clear, flowing liquid on her … Continue reading 1,000 wells around the world

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In Haiti, a calling — and a baby

When an infant’s mother died, missionaries from Kentucky suddenly found themselves with a new member of the family. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TITANYEN, Haiti — Ten days after Jason and Jennifer Carroll began Christian missionary work in this Caribbean island nation in 2014, they got an unexpected gift: a newborn boy. The mother of an infant named Edyson — “Edy” for short … Continue reading In Haiti, a calling — and a baby

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Where the buffalo roam, a Passion play approaches the century mark

Oklahoma’s version of old Jerusalem provides the setting for what organizers describe as North America’s longest continuously running outdoor Passion play. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE, Okla. — Before the sun sets at a remote mountain attraction called Holy City of the Wichitas, Jesus and a band of white-winged angels walk through a crowd gathering on the … Continue reading Where the buffalo roam, a Passion play approaches the century mark

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

South Carolina church battles opioid ‘emergency’

Addicts find love, hope — and Jesus — through ministries focused on recovery and discipleship. First Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. — Opioids, meet Jesus. The drugs behind a crisis that President Donald Trump characterizes as a “national emergency” are no match for the savior of the world. That’s the … Continue reading South Carolina church battles opioid ‘emergency’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Oklahoman

Elvis Week reading: Faithful hordes still swarming the King’s castle

From the archives: Lead story of package my wife and I wrote at 20th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Tamie Ross| The Oklahoman MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Goose bumps formed just below James Hubert’s earphones as he followed the Graceland Mansion tour group into the dining room. As Priscilla Presley recounted on audiotape how Elvis Presley chomped southern cooking, played poker and … Continue reading Elvis Week reading: Faithful hordes still swarming the King’s castle

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For preachers, a textual feast inside Austin city limits

Sermon Seminar affords spiritual — and physical — food. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AUSTIN, Texas — Welcome to the Lone Star state capital, home of the South by Southwest Festival and the Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K. A lesser-known annual festival: the Gourmet Preachers Tour, conducted during the Austin Sermon Seminar. The informal tour involves a dozen or so minister … Continue reading For preachers, a textual feast inside Austin city limits

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.