Before baby bird leaves the nest, a trip to remember

A father and soon-to-fly-away daughter enjoy a travel adventure north of the U.S. border. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TORONTO — “A six-hour layover, eh?” I posted that wisecrack on Facebook as my 17-year-old daughter, Kendall, and I awaited a connecting flight. It was early afternoon on a snowy, late winter day at Toronto Pearson International Airport. My youngest child and I were in … Continue reading Before baby bird leaves the nest, a trip to remember

Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

The Christian Chronicle’s Bobby Ross Jr. celebrates faith-filled milestone. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAITH, S.D. — After chasing stories all over the United States, I found Faith — a town in South Dakota with a population of 421. With my recent trip to the Dakotas, I reached a personal goal: reporting for The Christian Chronicle from all 50 states and the … Continue reading Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

Deep in the Black Hills National Forest, Christians from the Dakotas and beyond renew ties and enjoy fellowship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DEADWOOD, S.D. — Revving engines of Harleys, Yamahas and Kawasakis are the first clue you’re getting close to Black Hills Bible Camp. For a half-century, the youth and family camp has brought together members of Churches of Christ during … Continue reading Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved

Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved: Funds raised to buy Hawaii church’s land from military. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A Hawaiian honeymoon sounded perfect, so Neil and Carolyn Myers decided to fly for the first time. Taking off, they were a little apprehensive. “We just held hands and said, ‘Lord, you may be taking us, but we’re coming together,’” … Continue reading Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved

A heart for Hawaii

A heart for Hawaii (reporting from Honolulu): Pearl Harbor church has served military families for 59 years, but future at risk. HONOLULU — “Aloha!” Mark Young stretches out each syllable of the traditional Hawaiian greeting as 150-plus church members and visitors fill the blue-gray wooden pews in a simple, A-frame auditorium. “Welcome to the Pearl Harbor Church of Christ, where we keep a little bit … Continue reading A heart for Hawaii

Family mission trips on the rise

Family mission trips on the rise (reporting from Logan, Utah): An Oklahoma group’s 1,200-mile journey to Utah exemplifies a growing trend of Christian parents introducing children to mission work. LOGAN, Utah — Asked what excited her about going on a mission trip to Utah, 5-year-old Lainey Foster smiled. “I might go swimming today or every day that I’m here,” the blond-haired cutie replied. “So that’s really good.” … Continue reading Family mission trips on the rise

50 years of Northern exposure

50 years of Northern exposure (reporting from Wasilla, Alaska): Alaska lectureship celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ. Third Place, Leisure Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WASILLA, Alaska — This state known for its natural beauty, midnight sun and independent spirit boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, 100,000 black bears and, oh, about 2,500 … Continue reading 50 years of Northern exposure

In Guatemala, a celebration 50 years in the making

In Guatemala, a celebration 50 years in the making: The Pan American Lectureship returns to the Central American capital where it started in 1963 (reporting from Guatemala City). Currents. GUATEMALA CITY — Fifty years ago, the Pan American Lectureship was launched in this Central American capital to focus attention on fledgling Latin American missions. Just a few years before, Jerry and Ann Hill and their … Continue reading In Guatemala, a celebration 50 years in the making

Ministry in Mormon country

Ministry in Mormon country (reporting from Salt Lake City). Page 1 lead. SALT LAKE CITY — To Mormons, the Salt Lake Temple — a magnificent granite structure built in the 1800s — stands as a sacred icon and monument of pioneer faith. For the 14 million adherents worldwide of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square represents “Jerusalem and Mecca and Shangri-La all … Continue reading Ministry in Mormon country