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
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
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’
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
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
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
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
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: 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
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 