Tag: travel

Christian Chronicle, Christianity Today, Religion News Service

From global justice champion to Christian university president

A Ugandan teenager imprisoned on false murder charges. An American law professor inspired to follow God’s calling. The story behind a life-changing meeting, an African nation’s reforms and Pepperdine’s surprising choice. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MALIBU, Calif. — A few hours after Jim Gash’s inauguration this fall as Pepperdine University’s eighth president, his wife, Joline, showed up at her husband’s fourth-floor executive … Continue reading From global justice champion to Christian university president

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘Champs’ meet Christ at Croatian camp

In this once-communist nation, non-Catholic believers often face suspicion. But Churches of Christ report progress. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ZAGREB, Croatia — For nine years, members of Churches of Christ in this central European capital have organized an annual outreach to children known as “Champs Camp.” It’s not every year, though, that the weeklong, Christian-themed day camp mixes Vacation Bible School songs and … Continue reading ‘Champs’ meet Christ at Croatian camp

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

On Croatia trip, a son reminds his father of the value of missions

Little moments meant a lot in the life of a future youth minister. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ZAGREB, Croatia — To me, the young man preaching as a brother in Christ translates his English words into Croatian is still 8 years old. He’s the little boy who traveled 1,100 miles in a white rental van with his home congregation — the Edmond Church of Christ in … Continue reading On Croatia trip, a son reminds his father of the value of missions

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Project Interchange experience fosters better understanding of Middle East issues, but answers remain elusive. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle JERUSALEM — After a busy day that included a tour of a high-tech company in Ramallah, West Bank, and a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, I was wrapping up dinner when my phone pinged. “Your mom just called super worried,” … Continue reading In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

My trip to Israel with American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange

I traveled to Israel last week with a delegation of 13 U.S. religion journalists.I received a fellowship through the American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange. That program aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the Middle East and provoke thought on tough questions. For me, it certainly did. I’ll be writing more about what I learned. For now, here are a few social media posts that offer … Continue reading My trip to Israel with American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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.