Real news An international newspaper that honors God for Churches of Vol. 78, No. 9 | September 2021 www.christianchronicle.org Can America be saved? Yes, say these Christians DOMESTIC MISSION EFFORT focuses on reaching lost souls in the U.S.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

ROME, Ga. ulie Trujillo has traveled to Honduras and Peru to help with medical missions. She has flown to Panama to evangelize. The 45-year-old Christian was looking for her next chance to share in LatinJ America when she learned about a door- knocking campaign in Rome — the small town in northwest Georgia, not the Italian capital. “We don’t need to go to Central and South America to see people who are lost,” said Trujillo, a member of the Haverhill Road Church of Christ in West Palm Beach, Fla. “America is lost.” COVID-19 travel concerns prompted Latin KRISTI JONES, LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY American Missions — sponsored by the Forrest Park Church of Christ in Valdosta, Ga. — to cancel its international First female president makes history at Lipscomb mission trips last Candice McQueen visits with Mike Engelman after her introduction Aug. 5 as the first woman to lead a university summer and again associated with . McQueen, 47, will succeed Randy Lowry as president of Lipscomb University in this summer. Nashville, Tenn. Engelman is Lipscomb’s director of construction and maintenance. “It would just be RELATED COVERAGE, Page 26 very hard to take 30 to 50 people down there and do a successful Singers celebrate ’s 100th anniversary campaign because of BY JOEY ROBERTS | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE minister for the Fredericksburg Church of curfews and Christ in the Hill Country. testing,” said ABILENE, Texas — Each summer, Levi Sisemore He met his future wife, Sara, at the 2001 event. Austin Fowler, enjoys a spiritual mountaintop The singing school’s 75th anniversary coin- PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARY GILLIS the organization’s experience in flat, dry West Texas. cides with the 100th anniversary of the “Great Niki Villareal of the Oak Hill director. For Sisemore, the annual Texas Songs of the Church” hymnal. Both milestones Church of Christ in Rome, Instead, Normal Singing School in Abilene were celebrated as more than 100 students and Ga., knocks on a door. Latin American brings a reunion with fellow staff from 18 states and Mexico gathered. Missions part- believers who love singing praises Songleading students ranged from Levi and nered with the House to House/Heart to Heart to God as much as he does. Sara Sisemore’s 7-year-old son, Benjamin, to School of Evangelism — a ministry of the East “I started off making friends Curt Harris, a 74-year-old member of the South Ridge Church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tenn. — to at the singing school, and over Anchorage Church of Christ in Alaska. Levi Sisemore organize the recent American Mission Campaign. the years, friends have become “I have seen the awesome power of God’s See CAMPAIGN, Page 10 family,” said Sisemore, worship and involvement See SINGING, Page 12 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021

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800.658.9553 www.sunset.bible SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 3 A wrong turn, The happiest a lesson learned on Georgia trip place on earth? ROME, Ga. IN DISNEY WORLD’S shadow, s I made a right turn Equip Conference brings on the way to my hotel, a homeless together pandemic-weary man standing in the Churches of Christ. highway median waved fever- ishly, begging me to stop. BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE I ignored him. I was tired and ready to ORLANDO, Fla. grab a quick dinner and ickey Mouse may be relax. the big draw for millions Inside Story Even as I of tourists who flock to cruised past Central Florida each year. the man, he MBut for the roughly 1,000 kept yelling, Christians who met recently at his frantic an Orlando hotel, the chance — movements at long last — to sing, pray and reflecting in mingle with fellow believers beat my rearview Walt Disney World. mirror. After over a year of virtual Bobby Ross Jr. Give him services and social distancing, credit for the Equip Conference, a regional persistence, I thought, as I gathering of members of Churches started to accelerate. of Christ, buzzed with handshakes, But then I noticed some- hugs and happy reunions. thing else. “I hope this is the next chapter A one-way sign. to normality, you know what I’m My right turn had been saying?” said Brandon Smith, a the wrong one. I was headed worship leader for the Fifth Avenue straight into oncoming JAKE EDWARDS Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, traffic. Fortunately, the The recent Dixie Fire creates haze and smoke near Lake Almanor in Northern California. Fla. “This is awesome.” ramp remained clear at the For nearly four decades, Equip moment. — formerly known as the Spiritual I hit the brakes and made Growth Workshop — has helped a quick U-turn in the grass. Dixie Fire burns down strengthen ties among church I slowed down at the stop See EQUIP, Page 14 sign and rolled down my passenger window. The man I had brushed off as a California church camp panhandler patted his chest. “You about gave me a BY AUDREY JACKSON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE southeast side,” camp administrators heart attack,” he told me as posted on Facebook. “We are so sad to he leaned into the window. he Dixie Fire that ravaged report that the fire went through camp. “I’m sorry about that,” Northern California destroyed Please keep the families and communi- I replied. “Thank you for Sierra Bible Camp, a mainstay of ties in that area in your prayers.” trying to warn me.” Churches of Christ for 67 years. Founded by three northern In my first five minutes The second-largest wildfire Sacramento Valley preachers, Fletcher in this northwest Georgia Tin California history leveled the Cauthen, George Dickson and Paul town — where I had come Plumas County camp, which the state King King, Sierra Bible Camp leased to report on the American Department of Forestry and Fire the current location from the U.S. Mission Campaign — I Protection earlier had used as a base Forest Service in 1954. BOBBY ROSS JR. already had survived a hair- of operations. The Aug. 6 fire wiped out all 21 Rhonda Zorn Fernandez greets friend raising experience. And “The winds shifted, and the Dixie buildings, including several that were and longtime minister and church leader See TRAVEL, Page 4 Fire came back at camp from the See FIRE, Page 13 James Moore at the Equip Conference. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY SEPTEMBER 2021

How a Christian college helped Bucks win The recently won the team’s first NBA championship in 50 years. Rochester University — a Michigan college associated with Churches of Christ — got a little credit. Bucks Jon Horst, 38, is a 2006 Rochester graduate. Horst played, albeit sparingly, for former coach Garth Pleasant. In 38 seasons, Pleasant compiled 720 career wins, four small-college national titles and a long list of former players who credit him with helping develop their faith. Horst Read the full story at christianchronicle.org/bucks-win. TRAVEL: Adventures on the road FROM PAGE 3 motorcycles on the road,” I posted perhaps I learned a lesson about on Facebook. “No picture available paying attention. since I was concentrating on not My travels with The Christian killing anybody.” Chronicle have taken me to all 50 I was exaggerating. states and 14 nations. But only slightly. Maybe there’s a After staying home for over a year reason my wife, Tamie, always insists because of the COVID-19 pandemic, on driving when we’re together. I am blessed to be fully vaccinated My favorite road trip was one and covering news in person again. where I didn’t have to handle the Most of my time on the road — steering wheel. and in the air — is pretty boring, In 2018, I rode shotgun with John October 9, 2021 standard stuff. Kincaid, a volunteer truck driver with Airport security lines. Rental car Churches of Christ Disaster Relief 7 KEYS TO SUSTAINED CHURCH GROWTH check-in counters. Fast-food drive- Effort in Nashville, Tenn., as he thru lanes. delivered emergency supplies after * PROSPECT TRAFFIC * But occasionally, I run into a bit Hurricane Michael struck Florida. * MEMBER INVOLVEMENT * of excitement (even when I follow Kincaid navigated through the * MODERN LEARNING * directions correctly). night — 466 miles — pulling his big * INFORMATION SYSTEMS * In 2015, I flew into Rapid City, S.D., rig into the parking lot of the Jenks * SHEPHERDING * on a Saturday and then drove 300 Avenue Church of Christ in Panama * GOALS & OBJECTIVES * miles to the state capital in North City, Fla., just after 2:45 a.m. * KNOWING THE IMPORTANCE * Dakota. I stayed overnight at the Here in Georgia, the homeless home of minister Walter Clark and his man explained that a town ordinance Location: Omni Houston Hotel West wife, Cindy, before Sunday worship prevented him from asking for money. 13210 Katy Freeway (@ Eldridge) with the Bismarck Church of Christ. However, the look on his face indi- That afternoon, I got back on the cated that he would accept any help General Schedule: 7:30 - 8:00 - Registration Register your attendance at: road. My destination: Black Hills I offered. Sessions from 8:00 until 11:30 occg.institute, WORKSHOPS tab Bible Camp, south of Deadwood, Grateful to be alive, I reached into Lunch from 11:30 until 12:00 Cost: $20.00, paid at the door S.D., another 300-mile drive. my wallet. I had a wad of $1 bills Wrap-up from 12:00 until 1:00 I was excited about visiting the that I had brought in case I needed youth and family camp, a longtime to tip an airport shuttle driver. gathering point for members of I grabbed all the cash and handed Churches of Christ in the Dakotas it to him. and surrounding states. He thanked me and proceeded But somehow I missed the memo to offer proper directions to my that the Black Hills camp session destination. Kent Allen Dr. Duncan Gary Smith Richard Blount Benton F. Baugh, Ph.D. coincides with the world-famous As I drove away, I was reminded V.P. Advancement Pulpit Minister Pulpit Minister Minister Director , OC Church Oklahoma Christian Memorial COC Fifth Ward COC Westbury COC Growth Institute Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to each August draws hundreds of show hospitality to strangers, for by so This event is organized and sponsored by the OC Church Growth Institute and the thousands of bikers to the south- doing some people have shown hospi- Christian Array E-Magazine. western region of South Dakota. tality to angels without knowing it.” “My sincere thank you goes out to Google Maps for taking me through BOBBY ROSS JR. is editor-in-chief of The Christian downtown Sturgis with the sun Chronicle. Contact [email protected]. shining in my eyes and a million Follow him on Twitter at @bobbyross. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 ‘The church has lost a giant’ JACK ZORN, founder of Lads to Leaders, dies at 86 after an extended illness.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE preaching and teaching to devote his life to spreading Lads to Leaders, he ack Zorn, the influential founder had no funding,” Roy Johnson said in of Lads to Leaders, a Christian 2017. “Frances took on three jobs — youth-training program that working days, nights, and weekends started in 1968 with just eight — to provide enough money to feed boysJ but has grown to more than the family and travel money for Jack 20,000 participants each year, died to visit churches and hold workshops Aug. 12 after an extended illness, his across the nation.” family said. He was 86. “Daddy passed,” Rhonda Zorn ‘LIFETIME OF SERVICE’ Fernandez, a member of the After retiring from the ministry for Concord Street Church of Christ health reasons, the Zorns settled in in Orlando, Fla., said in a text Sylacauga, Ala. They were active in message. “Pray for us. the Hollins Church of Christ. “I’m truly thrilled for Daddy to The Christian Chronicle featured the receive his heavenly reward,” she family in 2016 in a series on Christian added. “I knew I would feel broken. caregivers. In that article, Rhonda I just did not know I would feel Fernandez discussed the challenges shattered.” of caring for aging parents. Read that Zorn, famous in Churches of story at christianchronicle.org/ Christ for his bright red blazer, died zornfeature. peacefully at the Orlando-area home Earlier this year, Faulkner, which is where he lived with Fernandez and associated with Churches of Christ, his son-in-law, Halo Fernandez. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LADS TO LEADERS honored Jack Zorn as its Alumnus Roy Johnson, executive director A picture signed by Jack Zorn shows the Lads to Leaders founder — in the red of the Year. Zorn, who served on the of Lads to Leaders and brother of blazer — with executive director Roy Johnson and Jack’s wife, Frances Zorn. university’s board of directors, was Zorn’s late wife, Frances Zorn, said honored for his “lifetime of service the family and the Lads to Leaders leaders have participated in the He later attended Alabama Christian dedicated to ’s work, his inge- staff “are heartbroken at the loss but program, according to Johnson. College (now Faulkner University) in nuity and his love for young people.” know what a legacy his “Dr. Zorn mentored Montgomery, where he met fellow In 2017, Harding University in life has been in the lives so many young men student Frances Johnson. Zorn lost Searcy, Ark., presented Zorn with of thousands upon thou- and women in his life his wife of 61 years in 2017, when she an honorary Doctor of Laws for his sands of Christians!” and even managed to died at age 80. contributions to the development of From its humble convert some caregivers Besides his bachelor’s degree Christian leaders through his ground- start, Lads to Leaders/ to the Lord while he was from Faulkner, Zorn earned a breaking work with Lads to Leaders Leaderettes Inc., based incapacitated,” Johnson master’s from Harding School of and Leaderettes. in Montgomery, Ala., said. “The church has Theology and a doctorate of religious Survivors include two other daugh- now hosts eight annual lost a giant today.” education from the International ters, Resa Byrd and Sonya King; two regional conventions Bible Institute and Seminary. sisters, Ina Griffith and Betty Brown; in the U.S. and four in BAPTIZED AT 17 After college, Jack Zorn preached a brother, Buddy Pryor; five grand- other countries. Through Born in Geneva full time in four states and did daughters; 10 great-grandchildren; the program, young County, Ala., on Nov. 8, mission work. While preaching in and lots of nieces and nephews. Zorn members of Churches 1934, Zorn was raised on Warner Robins, Ga., he founded Lads was preceded in death by his twin of Christ memorize a sharecropper’s farm. to Leaders in 1968. The youths he sister, Chasie Walker. Scripture, practice song His father suffered helped train for the program gave Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. leading and participate PHOTO PROVIDED BY NIA JOHNSON from alcoholism, and their first public speeches on Sunday Aug. 28 at the University Church of in other Bible-based Joshua Johnson, in a red his mother struggled to morning, Jan. 5, 1969. Frances Zorn Christ in Montgomery, with visitation activities. Over the past blazer given to him by instill Christian values in helped train the first Leaderettes beforehand starting at 12:30 p.m. half-century, at least the Zorns, leads a song. the family. In 1951, at age — participants in a version of the In lieu of flowers, donations may a quarter-million chil- 17, Zorn was baptized at a program for young women. be made to Lads to Leaders’ Zorn dren, parents, ministers and church meeting held by Bill Hatcher. “When Jack decided to give up Memorial Fund. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021

Studying Through “The Life of Christ” Using the outstanding resource books The Life of Christ, 1 & 2 by David L. Roper 1. through pulpit sermons (over 275 sermon approaches) 2. through adult Bible classes (129 lesson plans) 3. through teenage classes (52 lesson plans and the resource book Being a Teenage Missionary) 4. through fifth and sixth grade classes (52 lesson plans) 5. through building Christian homes (including the book “Oh, How I Love You!” by David L. Roper) 6. through the “Reaching Out to America” Clinic (13 life-changing videos) 7. through Christ-centered fellowship (locally and nationwide)

Sign up by completing the form on biblecourses.com/2022 and making a payment of $235 by check or credit card. For a sample of the site, visit www.biblecourses.com/ccc/usa. The full site will be available when you accept the “Challenge.” Visit biblecourses.com/2022info for more information. As you sign up, request the bonus book that you can use to 2209 Benton, Searcy, AR 72143 prepare the church for 2022: (501) 268-7588 Getting Serious About Love by David L. Roper. [email protected] • 220 pages; 13 chapters; discussion questions • SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

Teaching Others the Gospel Through the

Thirteen Life-Changing Videos A thirteen-week video series has been prepared that covers the topic of reaching out with the gospel to your neighbors. This video series is designed to develop teachers in each congregation to teach others the gospel by taking them through the Gospel Accounts. Veteran gospel teachers David Shannon, Eddie Cloer, David Riley, Charles Box, David Banks, and Larry Krause speak on their experiences in leading others to Christ. through pulpit sermons (over 275 sermon approaches) through adult Bible classes (129 lesson plans) through teenage classes (52 lesson plans and the resource book Being a Teenage Missionary) David Banks, the evangelist at the Rena Road church of Christ in Van Buren, Arkansas, through fifth and sixth grade classes (52 lesson plans) speaks on teaching others from within a genuine relationship: through building Christian homes (including the book “Oh, How I Love You!” by David L. Roper) “Not taking advantage of an opportunity to teach another would be to fail Christ through the “Reaching Out to America” Clinic (13 life-changing videos) because we are afraid that person will be offended. We are not talking about coercing people with ‘The Life of Christ.’ We are speaking about sharing with them Jesus through Christ-centered fellowship (locally and nationwide) Christ—the hope of eternal life.”

David Riley of the Mars Hill church of Christ in Vilonia, Arkansas, shares how to use “The Life of Christ” in personal evangelism through finding, befriending, and teaching others: “At the congregation of which I am a part, we studied through The Life of Christ, 1 & 2. There are members who will tell you, ‘That changed my life. I probably learned more from that study than any other study.’ There is something about a systematic study through ‘The Life of Christ’ that can just make you better.”

Larry Krause, the minister at the church of Christ in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, speaks on the importance of teaching others through example, persistence, and love: “I look back over my life, and I think the thing that helped 2209 Benton, Searcy, AR 72143 me grow the most as a Christian was sitting down and (501) 268-7588 sharing Jesus. I don’t know of anything that will help you grow more than telling people about Christ.” [email protected] 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2021

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HANNA THRASHER Tennessee congregation has a vision for making church ‘a more inclusive environment’ Volunteers at the Highland Church of Christ in Cordova, Tenn., welcome Asher Honshell, center, to a recent Vacation Bible School for children and adults with disabilities. “Our church has a vision for making the church a more inclusive environment for those with special needs,” said Hanna Thrasher, a Highland youth minister. Smiles were contagious as participants, who ranged in age from 5 to 41, experienced a VBS tailored to their needs. Read the full story at christianchronicle.org/highlandvbs.

KENTUCKY should answer that prayer,” McKune sion of child sexual exploitation FRENCHBURG — A flash flood damaged said in an open letter published material, enticement and solicitation the Menifee County Church of online by The Christian Chronicle. “I of a minor and interstate transporta- Christ parsonage, where minister cannot ask God for his intervention tion of a minor to engage in criminal Randy Imel and his wife, Cathy, and then say, ‘Just so sexual conduct. have lived for 21 years. long as I don’t have to At the time of his June 18 arrest, The couple lost appliances, furni- get a vaccine.’” Henley was serving as youth ture and personal mementos, and the “The Bible is filled minister for the Washington Avenue July 30 flooding damaged the floors, with examples of Church of Christ in Evansville, Ind. cabinets and bathroom fixtures. people of faith being He previously held ministry roles The Rolling Hills Church of Christ required to do some- PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK.COM/NGCOMMUNITYGARDEN with the Elkhart Church of Christ in Mt. Sterling, Ky., which oversees thing,” McKune The sign for the community garden in Kansas, Black Mesa Bible Camp mission work in Menifee County, wrote. in Kenton, Okla., and McKune illustrates a rainbow and flowers. helped with cleanup and let the Read the full the Central Church couple live in a cabin at Rolling Hills letter at christianchronicle.org/ gardeners for 2021. Facebook adver- of Christ in Hereford, Christian Camp. elder-covid. tising and the pandemic helped Texas. “Cathy and I have lost much due increase interest, Horne said. The Washington to (the) flood, but we still rejoice NEW YORK “This year was our best year Avenue church termi- in the Lord!” Randy Imel posted on GREECE — Six years and one for actually recruiting community nated his employ- Facebook. Their son, Justin Imel, pandemic later, the Northgate members,” he said. ment following the started a GoFundMe page to raise Community Garden started by the arrest. Henley $15,000 to help replace their losses. Lawson Road Church of Christ TENNESSEE Initially booked into keeps growing. The church built the HOLLADAY — Joshua Burton Henley, the Benton County jail on a $500,000 MISSOURI garden in 2015 to connect with the 32, former minister for the Holladay bond, Henley was later moved to ROLLA — As delta variant cases surge, community. Since then, the garden Church of Christ, has been arrested a federal facility in Jackson, Tenn., Rolla Church of Christ elder Jeff has doubled in size, with 20 beds on three state charges of statutory and his bond was increased to $1 McKune sees vaccines as part of available for planting. rape by an authority figure and one million. Henley has entered a “not God’s plan to end the pandemic. “It has provided opportunities to count of aggravated sexual battery. guilty” plea, according to C. Mark McKune, a former EMT, said his engage the community in ways that He also faces federal charges in Donahoe, his defense attorney. faith led him to be vaccinated. we wouldn’t be doing otherwise,” the Western District of Tennessee The investigation is ongoing. “I cannot pray to God, ‘Please end minister Peter Horne said. for the sexual exploitation of a Read the full story at christian this pandemic,’ and then limit how he The church had a waitlist of minor, receipt-distribution-posses- chronicle.org/joshhenley. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9 You sharing Jesus.

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Printed Lessons Online Lessons Study Bible Social Media English & Bible Local Discipling Coaching Outreach 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2021 CAMPAIGN: ‘There are still souls that need to be saved’

FROM PAGE 1 The Oak Hill Church of Christ in Rome is a 250-member congregation known for feeding the hungry and welcoming thousands of neighbors to watch Fourth of July fireworks from its property. That congregation hosted the campaigners. “The world starts next door,” said Matt Wallin, an Oak Hill deacon who serves as director of promo- Wallin tions for House to House/Heart to Heart, an evangelistic publication mailed to as many as 2.4 million U.S. households each month. “A knock could change everything.” About 150 Christians knocked on 2,475 doors in this town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 65 miles northwest of Atlanta. The domestic missionaries talked to 1,097 residents, including 367 who asked for prayers, Bible study or food. BOBBY ROSS JR. When not canvassing neighbor- Ted Okolichany, Micah Trujillo and his mother, Julie Trujillo, approach a home during the American Mission Campain in Rome, Ga. hoods, the campaigners studied soul-winning techniques with Rob the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians Before launching the House to who presents evangelism seminars Whitacre, the evangelism school’s 9:22, they might “become all things House/Heart to Heart School of at Churches of Christ across the director. to all people” and save some. Evangelism three years ago, Whitacre nation about 40 weekends per year. “We’re going to prove that in the preached for the Willette Church of “We’re having people in our home United States of America, you can still STILL FISHERS OF MEN? Christ in Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. or meeting with them for dinner evangelize,” Whitacre said. “There are In what’s sometimes called “post- Attendance at the Middle somewhere or having a Bible study still souls that need to be saved.” Christian America,” numbers tell Tennessee church hit 300 during with them because that’s the most Given the ongoing pandemic, each part of the story. Whitacre’s 11 years important part of evangelism.” participant received a mask and The ranks of the religiously unaf- with the congregation. But he’s frequently on the road, was urged to wear it in any scenario filiated — or “nones” — have grown He baptized about often joined by his wife, Nicole, and where it seemed appropriate. from about 5 percent in the early one-third of that num- their two children, Hannah, 22, and Whitacre encouraged the door 1970s to at least 30 percent in 2020, ber, he said, citing his Jared, 18. knockers not to make an issue of according to Ryan Burge, an Eastern family’s passion for Knocking on a door and expect- masks — or no masks — and to Illinois University professor who con- reaching lost souls. ing someone to show up at a gospel avoid political discussions, so that as ducts religion research. “If you don’t prac- meeting that night might have Among Churches of Christ, the tice it, you shouldn’t worked in the 1960s. Whitacre estimated number of men, women be preaching it,” said Not anymore, Whitacre said. and children in U.S. pews has Whitacre, a 1997 graduate of the Still, he believes connecting with dropped by 14 percent — or 231,247 Southwest School of Bible Studies in neighbors — through door knock- souls — in the last two decades, Austin, Texas. ing or other means — can help build according to a national directory Now a member of the Jacksonville relationships and open the door for compiled by 21st Century Christian. Church of Christ in Alabama, he Bible studies. Specifically, the 2003 directory put emphasizes the need for Christians “Too many believe we can solve the fellowship’s total number of adher- to make contacts and create oppor- our problems with programs and ents at 1,656,717. The latest count via tunities for Bible studies. That missions,” he said. “There’s no the Nashville, Tenn.-based publisher’s congregation has converted about magic formula. It’s Bible studies. It’s online fact sheet: 1,425,470. a dozen people to Christ so far this worked since Acts 2.” PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROB AND NICOLE WHITACRE “We’ve become keepers of the year, he said. Part of the challenge, as Whitacre Ronald Frieson, Hannah Whitacre, Gerry aquarium rather than fishers of “When my family is home … sees it, is convincing Christians that Whitacre and Marcy Lingle seek souls. men,” Whitacre said. we’re evangelizing,” said Whitacre, America can be saved. SEPTEMBER 2021 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11

BOBBY ROSS JR. Chris Stephenson, an elder of the Bremen Church of Christ in Georgia, speaks to American Mission Campaign door-knocking teams before offering a prayer.

He leads an annual mission trip to where dogs will get sicced on me, Jamaica and said it’s much to easier to and I almost got hit by a rake to get raise money for foreign works. out of a yard, and different things of “Money just pours in,” he said. that nature,” he said. “But I think in But he warns, “Our local churches today’s climate in America, people are dying. If we don’t change direc- will be more receptive to somebody tions and do it soon, there won’t be coming in and offering them what the any funds to send (overseas) because savior of the world can give them.” we won’t be here.” Scott and Melissa Cain brought their three sons — Walker, 16; TOO LATE FOR AMERICA? Tanner, 13; and Hunter, Trujillo, the Florida 12 — with them to Rome. church member, and her The entire family son Micah, 20, drove 700 knocked doors. miles to participate in “It went very well,” the Georgia campaign. Scott Cain, who preaches “I do struggle with for the Mercedes Drive the feeling that it’s too Church of Christ in late for America,” she Vance, Ala., said after the said. “But after listening first day. to (Whitacre), I’m defi- His wife added, nitely energized. God “Anybody that we got to can do anything, and it speak to was happy to does take people who speak to us.” are willing to go.” Melissa Cain said the The Trujillos teamed experience reminded her with Ted Okolichany, BOBBY ROSS JR. that evangelism at home a member of the St. Julie Trujillo and her son, is just as important as Augustine Church Micah, at the Oak Hill mission work abroad. of Christ in Valdosta, church in Rome, Ga. “I think a lot of times Ga., to knock doors in we want to send money Rome — a town with three winding overseas because that’s the easy rivers, and seven hills, just like its thing to do … instead of digging in European namesake. and getting into the work at home Like his teammates, Okolichany, where it starts,” she said. “I often 61, had made multiple mission trips get in my own way in evangelism, to Latin America. and I wonder if it’s like that for a lot But he said he was just as eager of people. to spread the Good News closer to “If we could just get out of our way home. and get to work and just be about the “I’ve been in some neighborhoods Father’s business, we’d be better off.” 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2021 SINGING: ‘Listening to our brothers’ and sisters’ hearts and voices’

FROM PAGE 1 unity in our practice of congregational, a cappella singing,” Levi Sisemore said in an email. “I teach my students that congregational singing is only half about the words we sing or the tune we’re sounding; the other half is about listening to our brothers’ and sisters’ hearts and voices.”

INFLUENTIAL HYMNAL Some of those words and tunes were written by composers and lyricists whose names are familiar to many who grew up singing in Churches of Christ: Fanny J. Crosby, Tillit S. Teddlie, Albert E. Brumley and Alton H. Howard. Elmer Leon Jorgenson’s name is less familiar, but Jorgenson changed American church hymnody forever on May 16, 1921. That’s when he introduced 350 songs over five nights to the Highland Church of Christ in Louisville, Ky., as part of Levi Sisemore leads singing at the 75th anniversary Texas Normal Singing School at the Oldham Lane Church of Christ. the first volume of “Great Songs of the Church.” . Excell and Alexander owned different 20th Century American In 1985, the school moved to the A century later, churches still a lot of the copyrights to thousands of church music would be without campus of Trinity University in San benefit from his work. songs, and Jorgenson worked to get Jorgenson’s work,” Bulls said. Antonio for three years. From 1988 “E.L. Jorgenson started compiling the permissions he needed to put all until 2019, it was conducted on the songs for his hymnal in the spring of the songs in the same book.” SINGING SCHOOL’S ROOTS ACU campus. In 2020 and 2021, 1910,” said hymnologist D.J. Bulls, Jorgenson was only 24 when he The idea for the Texas Normal because of COVID-19 protocols, the who preaches for the Gilmer Church began what would become an 11-year Singing School was born in 1944 school moved to the Oldham Lane of Christ in East Texas. “We owe a project to gain copyrights to the 350 when Edgar Furr and Austin Taylor Church of Christ in Abilene. lot of debt to him because for him, songs released in the first edition met and began to share insights into The school now meets for one it was about getting the best songs of “Great Songs of the the need for song leader- week in July, and it offers training in compiled into the same hymnal.” Church.” ship training. three major areas of church music: Bulls spoke about Jorgenson’s influ- His goal, to compile Two years later, they song leading, songwriting and ence at the singing school’s worship the best songs of all the formed a partnership singing with excellence. The school’s leader conference, where participants hymnals in one book, to establish a summer goal is to train both men and women sang from the 100-year-old hymnal. was thought impossible singing school. to excel in the public worship and Bulls spent years researching the by some, but he perse- The school was estab- assemblies of the church. However, hymnody of Churches of Christ and vered. lished in Sabinal, Texas, while women provide instruction to noted that in the 1800s and early “What Jorgenson and met for two weeks men and women on reading music 1900s, Edwin Othello Excell and did affected every each June. The idea was and singing well, they only lead Charles McCallon Alexander owned American hymnal to teach teenage boys, groups of other women, according to a lot of the copyrights to songs that thereafter,” Bulls said. but over time, the school Levi Sisemore, the school’s treasurer. were popular in gospel meetings. “Every hymnal that has also attracted adult “The singing school seems to Both men, along with Homer followed since owes a students. attract my favorite kind of people: Rodeheaver, were well-known song great debt of gratitude PHOTOS BY JOEY ROBERTS The term “normal,” spiritually invested Christians leaders at the time and traveled to lead to E.L. Jorgenson.” 2021 marks the “Great now an archaic term, who want to serve their congrega- singing at the meetings. But, Bulls Multiple editions have Songs of the Church” at the time described tions,” Sisemore said. “There are so said, getting them to work together been published over the hymnal’s 100th anniversary. schools that did not offer many of our song/worship leading was a tall order, and seeing their songs years and old hymnals scholastic credit. students who have taken their in the same book was unheard of. sent overseas with missionaries. The two-week school continued first steps in public service at the “Hymnology can be both unifying Bulls described the hymnal’s through 1979 with the help of Holland singing school. and divisive,” Bulls said. “Many of influence on hymnody, singing and Boring Jr., Don Boring, Joe Ed Furr, “We’ve encouraged dozens to go the people who owned the copyrights worship practices in Churches of John Furr, James Tackett, Richard on to ministry training programs,” of the songs at the time didn’t want Christ as monumental. McPherson and others. In 1980, the he added, “and many are serving in their songs mixed with those of other “Most people have no idea just how one-week format was adopted. full-time ministry because of it.” SEPTEMBER 2021 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 FIRE: ‘The true life of the camp was the people’ FROM PAGE 3 original to the camp’s founding as well as the newest facility, which was com- pleted this year, camp directors said. Clint Evans, the Redding-Reno session director and a Sierra Bible Camp board member, said his camp session was evacuated July 14 as The workshop was an the Dixie Fire escalated. The board eye-opener. I now can canceled all other scheduled activities. “As far as it can be told, it took out produce vegetables for everything that wasn’t concrete,” [my] family and start Evans said of the overnight blaze. a small business“ selling A PLACE OF SALVATION vegetables. Ghavinn Crutcher, who has directed the camp’s Roseville ses- sion for 16 years, marked many important milestones at the Sierra Bible Camp. Crutcher, now minister for the Elk Grove Church of Christ, south of Sacramento, was baptized at the camp at age 17. Later, he immersed both his wife and oldest son into Christ there. “We’re hoping that this is a uni- fier — you know, how tragedy can actually bring people together,” Crutcher said. “This may be a time PHOTO PROVIDED BY GHAVINN CRUTCHER where churches in the Northern Ghavinn Crutcher baptizes a camper at California area get unified again for Sierra Bible Camp in Northern California. a purpose, a common goal that we’re all pulling on the same side of the perceiving the presence of the Holy rope to get the place back up and Spirit,” said Tim Kelley, an alumnus running so we can continue to build of Pepperdine University. “I don’t foundations of faith in young people think God is finished there yet.” for many more years to Some of the burned come.” ‘It is a difficult time, buildings were insured, but the 15 cabins were ‘I DON’T THINK GOD IS but we will get through not, camp directors said. FINISHED YET’ it together. The fire A fund-raising effort For Tim and Roxanne will be needed to help Cowan Kelley, the camp may destroy the camp, rebuild. The future of was where they first but it will not destroy the physical camp is met. uncertain, but hope Both attended the the memories.’ remains. Sierra Bible Camp as Franson, minister for “The true life of the campers but didn’t meet the Mariposa Church of Christ camp was the people,” until 1970. That sum- in Citrus Heights, Calif. Evans said. “And all the mer, Tim worked as a people are safe.” counselor. Roxanne, who was bap- Nathan Franson, minister for the tized at the camp when she was 12, Mariposa Avenue Church of Christ attended the session to recruit for in Citrus Heights, Calif., echoed York College in Nebraska, which is Evans’ sentiment. associated with Churches of Christ. “It is a difficult time, but we Read the full story HERE: Two years later, the couple — now will get through it together,” said members of the Littleton Church of Franson, who has helped direct a Christ in Colorado — returned to Sierra Bible Camp session. “The fire the camp as a married couple. may destroy the camp, but it will not hhi.org | 615.832.2000 “It was a place conducive to destroy the memories.” 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2021 EQUIP: Attendees ‘thrilled to be back together’ after online event

FROM PAGE 3 members in Florida and beyond. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the biennial event moved online last summer, featuring a shortened, two-night program on racial reconciliation. The success of the coronavirus vaccines allowed the in-person conference to return. “It was a great, great event online, but we are thrilled to be back together,” said Larry Cline, a former Florida Gators football player who directs Equip. “It’s so much better.”

COVID-19 IMPACT STILL FELT The four-day conference’s atten- dance numbers were down, particu- larly for the children’s program, Cline said, amid concerns over COVID-19’s delta variant and rising numbers of infections in Florida. A front-page editorial in that week- end’s Orlando Sentinel characterized the Sunshine State as “at a tipping BOBBY ROSS JR. point.” The banner headline begged, Jordan Snell leads singing at the Equip Conference, a biennial regional gathering of Churches of Christ in Orlando, Fla. “Please, Florida, get vaccinated this weekend.” Lord’s work.” GIDDY TO BE TOGETHER the preaching and hear the amens,” “I think some people were appre- A racially diverse event, Equip At one time, Equip drew crowds of said Joy Shepherd, an Orange Avenue hensive about coming,” said Cline, highlights Black and White 3,000 people. church member whose husband, who preaches for the Hardin Valley presenters as well as a special That number has been closer to Chuck, serves as an elder. Church of Christ in Knoxville, Tenn. program for Spanish speakers, along 1,200 in recent years, said Wesley Mike Johnson, lead minister for “But for the ones that are here, I don’t with a separate track for teens. Leonard, an Equip board member the Mandarin Church of Christ in know that I’ve seen more excitement James Moore, a longtime minister and the evangelist for the Southside Jacksonville, Fla., came with his and the desire to connect across all and church leader, was instrumental Church of Christ in Orlando. The last wife, Sandi, and their 13-year-old lines. It’s just really been good.” in the conference’s creation. in-person Equip occurred in 2018. daughter, Hannah. A few participants — along with Moore was honored at this year’s Leonard’s congregation just “We’re absolutely delighted to be registration desk clerks at the Rosen conference with the Batsell Barrett returned to in-person worship on the here and just soak it in,” Johnson Centre Hotel, where Equip was held Baxter Legacy of Ministry Award, Fourth of July. said. — wore masks, but most saw no presented by the Herald of Truth. “The pandemic, of course, knocked Likewise, Tim Archer, director of need to do so. Baxter was an influential preacher us down and slowed us down and international ministry for the Herald “It’s great, especially being vacci- who was the face of the Herald of fractured our fellowships across the of Truth, said he was “thrilled” to be nated, to feel safe to Truth’s national television ministry board,” Leonard said. “So this first at Equip. He reflected shake hands with in the 1960s and 1970s. big gathering we’ve had where a lot on the lessons everyone, to give “I knew Batsell Barrett Baxter, of the restrictions have been lifted — learned during the hugs, to talk and be and yes, I listened to his Sunday no masks, no 6-foot distancing — it’s pandemic. in close proximity,” morning addresses,” Moore said. good. “I really feel that said Roslyn Miller, “I wish I could be half the man I “Equip is all about giving people we’ve learned how to an Orlando church knew him to be.” tools to help them in their walk with be apart, but we’ve planter who attended Kenny Bachhaus, minister for the God,” he added. “And so, there’s also learned the Equip with her Roslyn Miller Orange Avenue Church of Christ in two prongs: We get the information, Archer importance of being husband, Andy. “I’ve Eustis, Fla., said in response: “Those and it’s like a family reunion, really, together,” said Archer, seen so many old friends and people are the same words and the same after three years.” an elder of the University Church of I’ve known for years.” sentiments that my generation is Attendees interviewed by The Christ in Abilene, Texas. “And I think Andy Miller added: “It’s encour- saying about you, brother.” Christian Chronicle seemed almost the pandemic has helped us even aging to see some that we haven’t The first Spiritual Growth giddy. learn to appreciate a little more the seen in over a year. It’s also encour- Workshop’s theme was “Becoming “Oh, it’s wonderful to get to see the value of being together. aging to see how God is working in What You Believe.” Four decades people and be with so many fellow “So actually being able to be face different places and to see people’s later, Moore said, “We’re still working Christians, especially in the assem- to face with people and sit down and enthusiasm to move on with the on becoming what we believe.” blies, and hear the singing and hear talk — it just means so much more.” 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15 AMID WAVES OF VIOLENCE, fueled by misinformation on social media, Churches of Christ in South Africa use the internet to call believers to an hour of prayer during their locked-down worship services. Lions, lies and hope

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE winter in South Africa. These civilian groups included Christian brothers ohan Gerber remembers pray- and sisters.” ing for rain — and the cloud- burst that followed. ‘POSITIVITY AND HOPE’ GO VIRAL It happened in the 1980s, Long-simmering social and duringJ a period of extreme drought economic issues set the stage for in the Highveld, the interior plateau unrest, church members said. of his native South Africa. Gerber More than 27 years after South and his family bowed their heads Africa’s segregationist apartheid during a national hour of prayer in system ended, the nation suffers the city of Welkom. from a widening gap between rich His father was and poor, COVID-19 lockdowns and, working near most recently, an aggressive wave Johannesburg and of the delta variant. The lockdowns prayed with the prevent churches from meeting in Boksburg Church person, so many congregations use of Christ. There, digital platforms including YouTube, Gerber said, an older Facebook, Zoom and WhatsApp. J. Gerber gentleman known as Johan Gerber, himself recovering Oom Jaap — “Uncle from a recent bout of COVID-19, Jaap” in Afrikaans — “did not simply SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY CHARLES HB MERCER and fellow Christians contacted lead the church in prayer but instead Protesters march in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2017, demanding that more than 200 church lead- spoke to God in his plea for rain and President Zuma step down. Zuma resigned in February 2018 after he ers across South Africa about had the whole church in tears.” was recalled by his party, the African National Congress. #PrayerHourSA. The team reached As the family drove home, from out to media outlets, more than 100 Welkom to Riebeeckstad, Gerber GUNSHOTS AT NIGHT story that protesters had released of the country’s largest denomina- saw flashes of lightning on the The recent jailing of former South lions from a game preserve — tions and the South African Council endless horizon. That night, and in African president Jacob Zuma further fueled the violence. of Churches. the days that followed, rain poured sparked days of protests and looting. In Zuma’s home province, Devereaux Manuel, who grew from the sky into the parched lands. “At night you could hear the KwaZulu-Natal, some church up in the Athlone Church of Christ Four decades later, South Africa is gunshots and the heli- members spent days manning and now worships again “in dire need of godly inter- copters,” Lou Theron, barriers or patrolling farms to keep with the Bellville vention,” Gerber said, after what a member of the looters at bay, said Shane Sweeten, congregation, some news reports dubbed the Turffontein Church a missionary from Texas who works designed social worst wave of violence since the end of Christ, told The with the Dolphin Coast Church of media posts for the of apartheid. The mayhem in two of Christian Chronicle Christ in the town of Ballito and on event and promoted the country’s nine provinces claimed via WhatsApp a farm outside the small town of it on Instagram and more than 200 lives, cost 50 billion from his home in KwaDukuza. Facebook. “I am just rand ($3.4 billion) in lost output Johannesburg. Theron In the Soweto suburb of Eldorado Mtshazo glad I could be used and placed 150,000 jobs at risk, Zuma was charged Park, “the community risked their as a vessel to spread according to Bloomberg. with contempt by South Africa’s lives and formed a cordon around some positivity and hope into the That’s why Gerber, a member of highest court after he failed to their neighborhoods, preventing the country,” she told the Chronicle. the Bellville Church of Christ near appear before a commission inves- looters from entering,” said Pieter Nearly 700 miles away, Motshabi Cape Town, and fellow Christians tigating multiple accusations of Gerber, a member of the Rietfontein Sophia Mtshazo, a member of the across the nation of 60 million souls corruption during his years in office Church of Christ in Pretoria and East London Church of Christ, organized #PrayerHourSA, an effort (2009 to 2018). Johan Gerber’s cousin. “They stood helped to translate the prayer to bring South Africa to its knees Doctored images and false claims shoulder to shoulder and braved request into multiple South African before God. on social media — including a fake the danger and cold, as it is mid- See LIONS, Page 16 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD SEPTEMBER 2021 LIONS: Gospel ‘thrives when things go bad’

FROM PAGE 15 languages for the #PrayerHourSA website. The site included contacts in 13 languages for Churches of Christ across the country. “We know that when the church comes together to pray, the Lord will intervene,” Mtshazo said, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will for- give their sin and will heal their land.”

OPPORTUNITIES AND OPEN ARMS SCREENSHOT VIA WWW.BBC.COM/NEWS/ Southeast of Cape Town, five A tweet shared widely during members of the Somerset West waves of violence in South Africa Church of Christ said prayers during was labeled “misleading” in a fact- the church’s #PrayerHourSA service. checking post by the BBC. One noted that “today is national day to pray for our country, but this day “There were all these talented, should be every day,” Mtshazo said. eager, willing people who rallied In coastal KwaZulu-Natal, elders of behind the idea,” he said. Since the Durban Church of Christ prayed the event, he has received several for their government, for medical messages from participants who personnel and for Christians to remain said, “We should think outside of the strong in their faith during this time box more often; we should mobilize of testing, church leader Brian Lister the whole country more often.” told the Chronicle via WhatsApp. “Even when churches are small,” Despite his homeland’s hardships, he said, “these days we have all the “the Gospel always thrives when tools to make a massive impact if things go bad,” said Lister, who you put in the time.” was baptized by the Despite the recent tension, turmoil late missionary Tex and negative news, “South Africa Williams at age 11 is a story of hope,” he added, “of in 1968. “There are how we’ve overcome and kept on opportunities right overcoming a lot of differences and now, and we need to difficulties, all through my life.” grab them with open Lou Theron agrees. He’s a arms.” graduate of the Southern Africa In Pretoria, Kobus Bible School in Benoni, near Lister Gerber read from Johannesburg. More than half a Psalm 10 (“Why, Lord, do you stand far century ago, the government told off? Why do you hide yourself in times school officials that they could train of trouble?”) during the Rietfontein only White evangelists. church’s service. He also read from The school, now named Southern the next chapter, Psalm 11 (“For the Africa Bible College, trains ministers Lord is righteous, he loves justice”). of multiple ethnicities from countries “This reminded us that there is a across the region. God. He is alive,” Pieter Gerber said. Theron and his wife are the only September 10 - 24 “In him we live, and we survive.” In the White members of the Turffontein 10600 E 96th Street • Tulsa, OK 74133 sermon that followed, he stressed the Church of Christ, a multiethnic Reservation at TheParkChurchTulsa.org | $5 Tickets paid at the door need for unity in worship, in compas- congregation whose 60 members sion, in relationships and in love. hail from a dozen different nations. “We’re known as a comeback ‘A COMEBACK NATION’ nation,” Theron said of his home- Johan Gerber said he was land. “Currently, what’s happening impressed by the Christians who is that people are standing together, helped organize the nationwide effort. probably stronger than ever before.” SEPTEMBER 2021 AROUND THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 17

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK.COM/ZAMBIAMISSION A special delivery for expectant mothers Expectant mothers line up to receive fruits and vegetables from Rodgers Namuswa at the Kalomo Hospital Mother’s Shelter in Zambia. The shelter gives women from rural villages with few health-care facilities a place to stay as they await the births of their babies, who are delivered at nearby Kalomo Hospital. “Because they cannot predict how long they will need to stay, the women often feel isolated from their families, and they often run out of food,” workers with Zambia Mission Fund, which oversees the shelter, posted on social media. Namuswa, an evangelist with Namwianga Mission, visits the women weekly “to share the word of God, offer counseling to those who are sad and lonely and provide food assistance. He also helps the women communicate with their families back in the village.” See zambiamission.org. • Online B.A. in Bible & ministry Churches in Russia, Europe, U.S. mourn • 50-100% tuition discount death of longtime missionary Eileen Emch • Flexible scheduling BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE church’s Vacation Bible School, preaching minister Gordon Dabbs • Scholarships Eileen Rose Emch described her- told The Christian Chronicle. self as a “Gypsy for Jesus.” From her Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she available base of operations in earned a degree in home economics southern Russia, she from Abilene Christian University in roved across Europe Texas and a doctorate in philosophy and around the globe, from Texas Tech. encouraging churches In addition to her Russian church wherever she went. family, she worked closely with a Emch, 68, died congregation in Lviv, Ukraine, and unexpectedly in her churches across the region. sleep June 16. After 22 Church members around the world Emch Apply Now! years of service with posted tributes on social media. a Church of Christ in Rostov-on-Don, “Your life with God was an exam- she recently had relocated to Dallas ple for many,” wrote Natallia Golos harding.edu/equip to serve as a librarian for her support- in Minsk, Belarus. “Your dedication 501-279-5290 ing congregation, the Prestoncrest to people was full of love and com- Church of Christ. passion. I will never forget time we [email protected] Days before her death, she spent together. I thank God for the had served as a volunteer for the gift of knowing you.” 18 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 Currents THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 ‘We brought the church with us’ AT ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY, historic Brazil mission team celebrates past, present and plans for future ministry.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

ADDISON, Texas t’s unlike any other mission team that has ever existed or will ever exist again.” Caroline John used those words to describe the 26 ‘Iadults and 18 children who boarded a boat bound for the South American nation of Brazil in the summer of 1961. Six decades later, 16 surviving members of the team — including John’s mother, Carol Vinzant — gathered in a Dallas-area hotel. Surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchil- dren, they traded stories from their shared past as their descendants shared dreams for the future. “When I was in the seventh grade, I prayed that God would use me to be a missionary,” said Dot Stewart, “to go to Africa or anywhere. And I didn’t remember that prayer until I was in Brazil.” Stewart served alongside her late husband, Ted Stewart, on the 1961 team. “We were all naïve and inex- perienced,” she said, “but to think about what God did with us, with After a group photo, members of the São Paulo team and their children sing in Portuguese and English. our little team … it just grew and today it’s amazing.” more families a few years later, prob- $50,000 to launch an endowment to The initiative shown by their chil- The 13-family team was “little” only ably could have fit into the meeting “continue accomplishing what our dren reminded the team members, in comparison to its mission field places of the two Churches of Christ parents dreamed about: sending now in their 80s and 90s, of their — São Paulo, Brazil’s most popu- that existed in São Paulo at the time, Brazilian Christians to and dream “to convert the whole country,” lous city. The team, joined by three said team member Howard Norton, equip new believers all over Brazil.” Huff said. “We went believing that we but that would have left no room Great Cities Missions, a nonprofit would be able to touch every soul in for actual Brazilians. So the young created by members Brazil. We were very imperfect people missionaries fanned out across the of the São Paulo depending on God’s grace.” city, sharing Jesus, planting new team, will oversee churches and training new believers the project, dubbed ‘A DIVINE SIGNAL’ to evangelize their homeland. Shoulder to Shoulder. Huff’s husband, Lynn, said that “And today, over 350 churches The announce- before the team left for Brazil, “We have been established, due in large ment was “a surprise learned to survive people slamming part to your efforts,” Michelle beyond a surprise,” the door on us, dogs chasing us, Mickey told the veteran mission- Stewart said team member going without a meal or two.” aries, including her parents, David Phyllis Huff. And it Selling Bibles door to door was a and Carolyn Mickey. “The many was most welcome. Despite the joy West Texas boot camp for mission- lives this team has brought to Christ she felt being with her family of faith, aries, Norton said. PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD are too numerous to count.” there also was “a touch of what I “We got used to dogs and guns,” Carol Vinzant holds her great- Then Mickey announced that would say was melancholy.” Every Norton said with a chuckle, as he grandson, Titus Wiles, at the reunion. the second generation had raised year the original team gets smaller. CONTINUED 20 SEPTEMBER 2021 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 Federative Republic of Brazil POPULATION: 213 million. LANGUAGE: Brazil Portuguese. RELIGION: 64.6 São Paulo percent Roman Catholic, 0.4 Rio de percent other Janeiro Catholic, 22.2 percent Protestant, 0.7 percent other Christian faiths, 2.2 percent Spiritist, 1.4 percent other, 8.4 percent none or unspecified.

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER: The Shoulder to Shoulder Endowment Fund, overseen by Great Cities Missions, will continue the Sao Paulo team’s Budo Perry, an engineer who did mission work in Brazil in the late 1960s, prays Lynn and Phyllis Huff react to a montage of photos of their time in Brazil. church-planting ministry. Team member David during a time of fellowship among family and friends of the São Paulo team. Behind them, far left, is Bryan Gibbs of Great Cities Missions. Mickey said he was “extremely grateful and blessed” that the team’s ‘We brought the church with us’ children and grandchildren set up the fund. CONTINUED growing up in the church there,” said smells of diesel and coffee as they a blessing to his own life. “It is a and the Huffs reminisced in the hotel Gonçalves, who now serves as an shared stories about the country His son, John Vinzant, has never tremendous lobby after the announcement. evangelist in the Brazilian city of Itu. where they grew up — a place both been to Brazil. But the band director honor to us for Norton’s wife, Jane, chimed in, “You “They were a great inspiration for all foreign and home. and music teacher in Springdale, loved ones and might say, ‘Not easily discouraged.’” these other teams that came along.” Lyle Campbell, the son of team Ark., said he nonetheless feels a close “Legacy” is a mixed media work by Cuban-American artist Rolando Diaz ”depicting what God has done through this team friends to give to The team met at Abilene Christian Gonçalves’ wife, Phyllis, served as members Jerry and Barbara Campbell, family connection to all of those who by showing the souls saved in heaven because of them,” said Michelle Mickey. Representatives of the mission team families this fund for recruiting and training Brazilians to plant University, though many of the members an intern for the mission team. The said that one of his first memories was gathered in Dallas to celebrate the signed prints of the piece, one of which is shown above. The original will be displayed at Abilene Christian University. more churches in the great nation of Brazil,” he said. had known each other long before couple met at a going-away party for standing in their front yard, gazing up team’s 60th anniversary. “It continues our ministry and dreams.” their college days. “We were friends the Nortons in 1977. at the heavens on July 20, 1969. He “Spirituality for me is very closely her son, Jasper, speak with team founded in 1976, has more than 100 books door to door before he and Contribute to the endowment at greatcities.org/ long before we ever thought about a As the team members returned to could see stars only visible south of tied to family,” he said. member John Pennisi about her families embedded in communities his wife moved to Rio de Janeiro to sao-paulo-endowment or send contributions marked mission team,” Howard Norton said. the U.S., most began careers in full- the equator, like the Southern Cross. For Trina Muehring, “I see all my father, Ted Stewart, who died in 2012. across the region. They teach, preach serve as missionaries in the 1980s. He for “Shoulder to Shoulder” to Great Cities Missions, Lynn Huff remembered when the time preaching and academia. Howard But his eyes were on the moon, where moms and dads I grew up with,” “Johnny teared up and said, ‘Your and plant new congregations. credits Great Cities and the São Paulo 3939 Belt Line Road, Suite 705, Addison, TX 75001. Nortons called him in May 1957 to Norton taught Bible at universities asso- astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil said the Stewarts’ youngest child, grandpa was my best friend. … We Bryan Gibbs, the ministry’s director team as key influences on his ministry. SOURCES: CIA World Factbook, “Churches of Christ Around discuss mission work. ciated with Churches Armstrong would soon set foot. who worships with sharpened each other’s of church development, is a former “I can see almost all the World” by Mac Lynn. Map via Wikimedia Commons. “We knew in our hearts that it was a of Christ, including The moon landing wasn’t broadcast the Alameda Church swords. Everywhere missionary to Brazil. Jane Norton was of you in my imagina- divine signal,” he said. Harding in Arkansas and on Brazilian TV, he said. Then several of Christ in Norman, he went, he was his first Portuguese teacher. tions, recall conversa- Norton added, “We moved in with Oklahoma Christian. He of his fellow missionary kids said they Okla., and helps orga- carrying his Bible,’” The names of the 1961 team “are part tions,” Lucado said of a team. We brought the church with is a former editor of The remembered waking up to watch it. nize the reunions. Muehring said. of the soundtrack of my childhood,” he the São Paulo team. us.” When they disagreed, “we’d go Christian Chronicle. “Great,” Lyle Campbell said with a Often, children of “I have this peace said as he spoke to the reunion about “And I speak for the to the mat for our ideas, but then, Lynn Huff preached for laugh. “I have so few memories, and missionaries have that passes under- the Shoulder to Shoulder Endowment tens of thousands of after the fight, we’d go get coffee or multiple congregations I just lost another one!” Perhaps, he difficulty explaining standing,” she added. Fund, which Great Cities will use us whose faith has we’d have lunch together, or maybe in the U.S. pontificated, his parents just told him it their backgrounds. The reunions remind to continue sending new teams of been deepened, indeed Gonçalves John Vinzant Muehring Lucado we’d go to each other and apologize. But the former wouldn’t be on TV so he’d go to bed. Even simple questions her that her husband, missionaries to Brazil. whose souls have been I think the Brazilians saw that — that missionaries stayed connected to Brazil. Gene Vinzant was 10 when his like “Where are you from?” can be her father and many more are among The reunion included video- saved, because of your commitment, we respected each other, but that we “The Brazilians themselves captured family left Brazil in 1973. The years complicated, Muehring said. At the the “cloud of witnesses” mentioned in taped congratulations from Abilene your faith and your desire to see the also made mistakes and knew how to the spirit,” Lynn Huff said. “They own in South America “influenced every reunions, “You can talk with people, Hebrews 12, watching from heaven. Christian University President Phil good news of Jesus Christ spread all PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD resolve those mistakes.” their faith. This generation is determined part of my life,” he said. Like most and you don’t have to explain. They Schubert, who is a nephew of team over the world. Among the São Paulo team’s second The team became a model for Latin to not only pass on their faith but to missionary kids, he dealt with culture understand where you came from.” GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS member Carolyn Mickey. “And you will hear, if you have not generation are Chris Kreidel (center, America missions among Churches maintain and train the next generation.” shock as his family returned to a Muehring’s husband, Jeffrey, died Sixty years after the São Paulo The attendees also heard from already sensed the words of your with wife Cindy) and Kevin Stewart, of Christ, said Antenor Gonçalves, a home that had never been home to in an automobile wreck in late 2018. team, mission work continues in Latin another former missionary to Brazil master in your heart, ‘Well done, good minister for the Withamsville Church Brazilian whose family was baptized ‘I SEE ALL MY MOMS AND DADS’ him. Now a college history teacher in Her Brazilian family has helped her America, carried out by new generations — Max Lucado. The bestselling and faithful servant.’ … That phrase of Christ in Cincinnati. See more at just before the 1961 team arrived. As the former missionaries remi- northwest Arkansas, he looks back on endure the loss. Her favorite memory of Latin American Christians. author studied at ACU and, like some embodies the shoulder-to-shoulder christianchronicle.org/brazil60. “These guys became our heroes, nisced, their children recalled the the sacrifices made by his parents as of this year’s reunion was watching Great Cities Missions, a nonprofit members of the São Paulo team, sold faith that you all embody.” 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021

HARDING UNIVERSITY’S 98TH ANNUAL BIBLE LECTURESHIP SEPTEMBER 26-29, 2021

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS DAVID SHANNON SAMMIE BERRY DAVID HUNZICKER LADIES DAY SPEAKERS CATHY RIVERS TURNER PHIL BROOKMAN ALICIA WILLIAMSON JASON DARDEN JEFF JENKINS BRUCE MCLARTY

INVINCIBLE! COURAGEOUS FAITH IN TROUBLED TIMES SEARCY, ARKANSAS HARDING.EDU/LECTURESHIP A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL

24th Annual Cold Harbor Rd. Lectureship November 5 - 7, 2021

David: A Man with the Heart of God The Heart is so important. It directs our steps, it can be trained, it could lead us off a cliff. As we examine the heart of David, let us each examine our own.

coldharborroadcoc.org SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 Judging others: a Christian influence in court ALABAMA DISTRICT JUDGE serves God by upholding justice, showing compassion. BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE In my role, I see the harsh reality that the gospel of Christ is arole Coil Medley, a district judge of needed today more than ever. The Lauderdale County, Ala., has run unop- distinct and quickly widening void posed since 2010. Medley, 57, was of God-fearing parents modeling respect for the law, work ethic, originally appointed to the bench by coping skills for controversy, Cthen-Alabama Gov. Bob Riley in 2008. discipline and perseverance in times When elected, she became the first of trial is my greatest challenge. Republican to win the seat since the Civil That, in turn, makes me cherish War, according to Ballotpedia.org. my parents and my incredible experience at Oklahoma Christian Her late father, Charles Coil, was a leading all the more. evangelist among Churches of Christ, serving as president of the International Bible College Does service to God affect your in Florence, Ala. — from 1971 to 1989. role? Medley attended Oklahoma Christian I am able to discuss my belief in God if the defendant/litigant University in Oklahoma City from 1982 to 1985 opens the door to such dialogue. before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees Once/if that occurs, I speak freely from the University of North Alabama. She also of my faith and hope that can be completed a bachelor’s degree in business admin- experienced by knowing God. istration from Athens State University in Alabama. ALISHA CRUNK I see the dark side of lives Judge Carole Coil Medley poses behind the bench with visitor Lizzie Crunk, wrecked by drug abuse, rampant Later, Medley contemplated pursuing a a fellow member of the Killen Church of Christ in Alabama. access to pornography, sexual abuse doctorate in education. But attorney friends at of children, all the work of evil every the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, Ala. I cherish serving in this role and the process, an ethical criminal justice day. It is my job, for this season in — Mark and Henri McDaniel — encouraged unique opportunities it has afforded system, trials by a jury of their peers life, to reflect true hope that can her to seek a law degree. for God to be revealed to broken and to be completely heard by the only be known by serving God. people through my role as a judge. American courts of law. “They had heard my father, Charles Coil, Are there any Scriptures that preach,” Medley said, “and Mark told me that since Are you appointed or elected, How does your faith impact your guide you? I would not be able to preach that I should use my and do you have to contend with ability to do your job? Oh yes! I love James 3:17, “But passion to help people in the courtroom.” political influences? Knowing, which surpasses the wisdom that is from above is first The Killen Church of Christ member has tried Though originally appointed by the believing, that God is the ultimate pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing governor, I had to run for my seat judge of all gives me great peace, to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, to do just that since her appointment as a two years later. The state of Alabama especially knowing without partiality district judge. runs their judicial races as partisan, I make mistakes, ‘I cherish serving in this role and without and I was elected to be the first knowing I do not and the unique opportunities hypocrisy.” What path led you to become a Republican countywide office holder always have all My most favorite: judge? in Lauderdale County. I have been the facts needed it has afforded for God to be II Timothy 1:17, I attended Jones School of Law at blessed to run unopposed since. to make the best revealed to broken people “For God hath not Faulkner University in Montgomery, Contending with political decision, knowing given us a spirit Ala., graduating in 1995. I eventually influences is secondary to my he will restore to through my role as a judge. ’ of fear, but one of returned to Florence, Ala., to primary vow to uphold the laws those everything power, and of love, practice law. In addition to a solo law enacted by the Alabama Legislature. lost and will pick Carole Coil Medley and of sound mind.” practice, I had the opportunity to Most important to me is my desire up the pieces on her job as a district judge I am also grateful serve as a special prosecutor for the to be a just and good judge, use from all the places that my father district attorney’s office. my God-given sense of right and where people are scattered. reiterated to me that “I was made Twelve years into private practice, wrong, have wisdom to discern fair Because of my faith, I pray in the image of God” — such has I was invited to interview for a implementation of punishment and, every day before I take the helped me as I deal with criminal judicial vacancy and received the above all, ensure trust in the judicial bench to be an instrument of his defendants knowing that they are appointment from the governor of process for all litigants. mercy, understanding, patience, made in his image. Alabama. American citizens deserve a fair discernment and compassion. See JUDGE, Page 24 Spring 2020 / Magnolia Messenger n 19

24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DIALOGUE SEPTEMBER 2021 JUDGE: Guided by Looking for a The Berean Children’s Home Potter Scripture, serving is funded entirely through donations from individuals and churches but we are now seeking corporate sponsors to Mission-minded Person Children’s Home help us finance this operation. We are a registered 501 c(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue code BEREAN CHILDREN’S HOME Bowling Green, Ky. U.S. citizens in court and a registered charity in the state of Mississippi. Therefore, all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM PAGE 23 Director: Andrew Redd 601-754-4138 Minister of Family Services Berean Children’s Home Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 601-823-5776 NEEDED What was your most memorable • Faithful member of the Church of Christ 1180 Berea Tr SE Website: bereanhome.org Office Hours: Monday - Friday experience as a judge? CONTACT: ANDREW REDD • Must have a degree in Social Services or a Bogue Chitto MS 39629 Facebook: Berean Children’s Home 8:30 am-4:30 pm related field. Most memorable thus far in my Twitter: @bereanhome Fax: 601-823-5997 [email protected] • Counseling experience preferred. judicial tenure was the day an inmate Supervision experience preferred. became unshackled, grabbed the Our mission at Berean Children’s Home is to provide children with a loving home and to assist (601) 754-4138 • Duties include: supervision and training of gun of my officer, threatening to each child to mature spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. “A FAMILY with a HEART” www.bereanhome.org direct-care staff, oversight of licensing issues, kill himself. Only with the help of and other administrative duties. the Holy Spirit was I able to step off For information or job description, contact: the bench and persuade him to give Ralph Brewer, (270) 843-3038 or me the gun. “You can’t deny God’s [email protected] presence when he gives you the strength to deal with a situation as frightening and scary as this was,” Minister of Annual Giving Assistant I said in an article published by AL.com. I have been invited to speak • Faithful member of the Church of Christ across the state of that day, thus • Travel for up to 8 days at a time out of state FACULTY POSITIONS AVAILABLE on a regular basis enabling me to share the story of God’s power in that moment. All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ • Physical ability to lift bins of 50-100 lbs. For information or job description, contact: and committed to Christian education. What can Christians do Initial application should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. To Byron Henbest, (270) 843-3038 or to support a just and fair complete the application, two spiritual references, two professional referenc- [email protected] judiciary? es and official transcripts for all degrees earned are required. First, Christians can fulfill their Salary and rank are determined based on credentials and experience. duty to serve on jury trials. America is known for maintaining the DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY. Seeking full-time, nine-month faculty greatest judicial system in the world member with a doctorate in the biological sciences. The ideal candidate has teaching experience in anatomy or physiology, but other fields will be and prides itself on trial by jury of considered. Preference will be given to candidates who can mentor under- peers. Being willing to listen to the graduate research students. evidence and be an active participant Submit application materials to Dr. Rebekah Rampey, chair, at in the fair decision process of trials is [email protected], or 915 E. Market, Box 12251, Searcy, AR 72149. crucial to the support of our system. Secondly, Christians should DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY PRACTICE. Seeking full-time, 12-month research those running for judicial faculty member. Applicants with internal medicine, acute care and/or office and elect men and women ambulatory care experience are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with the highest reputation for will possess a doctor of pharmacy as well as residency/fellowship training. integrity and adherence to the law. Candidates with board certification and at least two years of academic Such applies not only to the judicial experience are preferred. Eligibility for pharmacy licensure in Arkansas is branch of government but to all required. Responsibilities include didactic instruction in pharmacotherapy and related clinical sciences, active engagement in scholarship as well as branches. maintenance of a clinical practice site for the purposes of service, and expe- I ask: Where would this great riential teaching. country be but for the courageous Submit application materials to Dr. Rodney Richmond, chair and asso- men of faith, writers of the ciate professor, at [email protected], or 915 E. Market, Box 12230, Constitution, who were clearly Searcy, AR 72149. seeking God’s wisdom and favor when America was founded? These additional openings are available at harding.edu/facultyjobs: Lastly, many states have now COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY included what are called specialty COLLEGE OF NURSING courts such as drug court, veterans court and mental health court Please visit harding.edu/hr for further information on these which enable greater help to those positions and to learn more about open staff positions. in need without the necessity to Harding University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national or further fill our overcrowded prison ethnic origin, age, sex, disability or prior military service. systems. We need Christians in governmental leadership roles to support such positive programs. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services is seeking to fill the opening of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the agency. Those wanting to be considered for the position should have the desire to help at-risk youth reach their full potential, strong administrative skills, excellent people and networking skills, and the ability to represent the agency Night Staff: 10:00 PM-6:00 AM, days will vary Sunday-Saturday, full-time or in public and church settings. part-time. Duties are to supervise residents during sleep hours. Duties will entail overseeing the agency, which includes in-residence homes for at-risk Teacher Assistant: 8:00 AM-2:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Responsible for assisting youth, resident counseling services, and an on-site accredited Jr/Sr High School. The the classroom teacher in general supervision and management of students. Executive Director will also be the “public face” of the agency. They will represent the This is a salaried position. agency in public and will actively cultivate support for the agency and its programs. Teacher: 8:00 AM-2:30 PM. Must be licensed in the State of Tennessee and have Though not a requirement, a license in Clinical Social Work or other Clinical Coun- experience working with at-risk youth. School is in session through the summer. This is a salaried position. seling license or Masters level degrees that can become licensed would be highly desirable. Residential Counselor (couples). Responsible for day-to-day care, guidance, and training of adolescent males ages 12-18. This is a salaried position. You will work Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services, located in Valparaiso, Ind., is a dynamic two weeks on and have one week off. treatment program for at-risk youth and their families. At Shults-Lewis, we believe that families shouldn’t have to struggle alone, and our residential environment, staffed by Salaried positions are eligible for benefits including pension, medical/vision/dental, and life insurance. Christian houseparents and counselors, offers counseling, love, acceptance and, most of all, hope to teens and their families. Dana Lawson, MBA, HR/QI Director Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, licensure, etc. You may read more about Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services on our website at: PO Box 10, Spring Hill, Tennessee 37174 http://www.shultslewis.org (931) 486-2274, ext. 225 You may submit your resume or curriculum vitae on-line at [email protected]. [email protected]

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4.65% APY is based on a minimum investment of $10,000 for a term of 5 years. 3.565% APY is based on a minimum investment of $10,000 for a term of 3 years. 2.99% APY is based on a minimum investment of $500 for a term of 1 year. The content and material contained herein are not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Investment Certificates of The Solomon Foundation. The offer is made solely by and through our Offering Circular, which you should read carefully before making an investment decision. The Investment Certificates are sub- ject to certain risk factors as described in the Offering Circular. Investment Certificates are offered and sold only in states where authorized. Investment Certificates of The Solomon Foundation are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency. TSF has the right to call Certificates for redemption at any time upon sixty (60) days written notice. In such event, interest will be paid to the date of redemption. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS SEPTEMBER 2021 Lipscomb picks Candice McQueen FORMER EDUCATION COMMISSIONER previously served as the dean of the university’s College of Education.

BY AUDREY JACKSON AND BOBBY ROSS JR. THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

or the first time, a woman will serve as president of a university associated with Churches of Christ. Trustees of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., Fhave chosen Candice McQueen, a former Tennessee state education commissioner, as her 6,000-student alma mater’s first female CEO. McQueen, 47, worked as the dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education from 2008 to 2014 and also as a senior vice president for one year. At the end of 2014, former Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, appointed her to oversee the Tennessee Department of Education, a high- profile role she held until 2018. Since 2019, she has guided the nonprofit National Institute for Excellence for Teaching. Lipscomb’s board of trustees unani- Candice McQueen speaks to faculty and staff after her selection as Lipscomb University’s first female president. mously elected McQueen at a recent special meeting. A six-month national toward their careers — all in partner- Lipscomb will lead us boldly into a John Mark Hicks, a Restoration search for longtime President Randy ship with exceptional faculty and new season of greatness, exempli- Movement scholar and theology Lowry’s successor drew more than staff who are leaders in their field,” fied by excellence, diversity and professor at Lipscomb, said the 130 applications and nominations. added McQueen, who earned a mas- immersion in our community as choice marked a reversal of the tra- When she takes the helm Sept. ter’s in school administration from together we work to transform the ditions of the university’s founders. 7, McQueen Peabody College lives of our students.” “David Lipscomb, James A. — whose fam- at Vanderbilt Harding and their generative group ily attends the University and a ‘PROFOUNDLY HISTORIC MOMENT’ opposed any public role for women Hillsboro Church doctorate in curric- Trace Hebert, a Lipscomb in both church and society — of Christ in ulum studies from higher education researcher, called including any kind of public leader- Nashville — will the University of McQueen’s appointment a “pro- ship in a college that invested them manage more than Texas. “I know foundly historic moment” for the with authority over men,” Hicks 1,000 full-time firsthand how life- university, which David Lipscomb said. “This appointment is a reversal faculty and staff at changing this com- and James A. Harding founded as of that tradition.” the university and munity can be, and the Nashville Bible School in 1891. McQueen will succeed Lowry, nearby Lipscomb I want to ensure “Our institutions of higher educa- who announced Feb. 6 that he Academy, a K-12 that experience for tion have historically been heavily would transition to chancellor after Christian school. countless others influenced by both church theol- 16 years as president. “I am honored PHOTOS BY KRISTI JONES, LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY for many years to ogy and behavior that has limited Lowry exalted McQueen in a and humbled to be Candice McQueen with husband come.” the roles of women in the life of Lipscomb publication after she was chosen to serve Andy and children Henry and Abigail. In his own many churches,” Hebert told The named the College of Education’s as the president statement, David Christian Chronicle. “Even though 2017 Innovator in Education. of Lipscomb University,” the 1996 Solomon, chair of the board of we have long stated that colleges “Candice can see beyond what is Lipscomb graduate said in a news trustees, said, “We are thrilled and universities are not ‘the church,’ to what could be,” Lowry said. “She release. about Dr. McQueen’s return to the our behavioral patterns have over- also has a sense of creativity and a “Lipscomb is a truly remarkable university. I am confident that her lapped, and this has heavily influ- level of excellence that was beyond place where students grow in their vision, deep expertise, passion for enced decision-making in respect to even our own expectation. She also faith and character while building faith-based education and love for presidential appointments.” has a sense of tenacity.” SEPTEMBER 2021 PARTNERS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

‘STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ the Disciples,” Tippens wrote in a let- A woman never has served ter to The Christian Chronicle. Full-Time Pulpit Minister Minister - Lake Havasu City, Ariz. as president at Lipscomb or 13 A 1906 federal census formally We are a 30-member congregation located in Palo Verde Church of Christ is looking for an other coed, residential colleges noted a separation between Flint, Texas, near Tyler. Our church is blessed experienced member of the Lord’s body who and universities associated with Churches of Christ and the with mature Christians strengthened by an is able to preach sound doctrine, to hold classes Churches of Christ — from Abilene Christian Church (Disciples of extensive knowledge of the Bible. We are to help spiritually feed the flock, and who has the Christian University in Texas to Christ), both part of the Stone- seeking an energetic individual who will continue desire to reach a community in need of God’s Harding University in Searcy, Ark., Campbell Movement, also known as to educate and challenge us by spiritually en- Word. Small congregation with a parsonage available. Would like to have someone semi- to Pepperdine University in Malibu, the Restoration Movement. The two hancing our understanding and knowledge of the retired. Calif. groups differed on doctrinal issues, scriptures. Interested applicants should provide Dennis Grosser However, some scholars make including the use of instrumental resume including education and experience to: (928) 486-7370, [email protected] a case for the late Meta Chestnutt music in worship. Lakeside Church of Christ www.lakehavasucitycoc.com Sager, a pioneer Oklahoma educator. Sager “deserves to be remem- 20170 SH155 South Willing to fill in? Flint, TX 75762 Sager led El Meta Christian bered as the first female president Great vacation spot with furnished College — later renamed El Meta of a Stone-Campbell Movement- Email: [email protected] home available. Ask for details! Bond College — in Indian Territory related college,” Tippens said. “I from about 1895 until its closing in congratulate Lipscomb University 1920, according to “Churches of on the appointment of perhaps the Preacher Search - Boone, North Carolina Christ in Oklahoma: A History” by second female president of a Church Boone is home to Appalachian State University and is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains W. David Baird. of Christ-related institution of higher with wonderful weather and great people. The church has about 70 members, three elders, and three Sager, inducted into the Oklahoma learning. When Candice McQueen deacons. We contribute to missions in Scotland and India, send a group to work in Mexico each year, and Hall of Fame in 1939, is credited assumes Lipscomb’s presidency, have an active work with students from ASU. Due to retirement of current preacher after 18 years, we with organizing she will be standing need a replacement. We prefer a Christian university graduate, since most in the congregation are college the Sooner State’s on the shoulders graduates with a few having doctorates. We need a man who believes, lives, and teaches the Bible, first coeducational of giants.” preferably with at least 5-10 years of experience. institute of higher Please send resume to: learning. She came to A FAMILY AFFAIR Boone Church of Christ, Attn: Elders Oklahoma during the Candice McQueen Land Run of 1889. is not the only mem- 130 Cool Woods Drive, Boone, NC 28607 Born in North ber of her family con- [email protected] Carolina, Sager lived Sager Tippens nected to Lipscomb. from 1863 to 1948. Andy McQueen, She received degrees from the her husband and a Hillsboro church Full-time Minister Search Full-time Minister - Stafford, Kan. Peabody Normal School (now the elder, is a Lipscomb alumnus who Peabody College of Education and played on the men’s basketball team Small congregation looking for a minister Congregation in rural Kansas is seeking a Human Development at Vanderbilt from 1991 to 1995. Their daughter, to teach the Bible and minister to the full-time minister. Our congregation is blessed with members from multiple generations. University) in 1888 and the University Abigail, will join their alma mater needs of the congregation. We are a of Nashville in 1889, according to the as a freshman this fall, and Henry, We have several young families as well as group of individuals who love God and golden agers. We are seeking an energetic Oklahoma Hall of Fame. their son, will begin ninth grade at love to study His Word. individual / family dedicated to evangelism Leonard Allen, dean of Lipscomb’s Lipscomb Academy. who desires to be involved in our community College of Bible and Ministry, sent Education and ministry have Please send resume: and will also instruct and challenge us spiritu- an email to colleagues sharing an always been a part of Candice ally. Parsonage provided plus salary. excerpt about Sager from Baird’s McQueen’s life. Church of Christ Stafford Church of Christ book, published last year. Her parents, Brenda and Nelson Attn: Richard Ecord “She had been sent from Nashville Hunter, spent three years in Iran 1207 W 15th [email protected] as an educational missionary to the teaching at the Tehran American Ottawa, KS 66067 620-549-6625 or 620-546-5052 Indians in the Oklahoma Territory,” School shortly after McQueen’s Allen wrote. birth. Her mother later worked as Hebert said his research has a principal and teacher for three Full-time Pulpit Minister - Brenham, Texas focused on the history of current schools while her father served as The Brenham Church of Christ is approximately a 200-member church with a modern building universities. both a minister and an educator located in the small but growing central Texas town of Brenham. We have a great passion for “None of it includes the history until his death in 2007. community, outreach, children, youth, families, seniors, missions, and all of God’s people! of the multiplicity of small religious “When your faith influences For more information, you are welcome to visit our website at brenhamchurchofchrist.com and our institutions that sprang up across your personal decision-making and YouTube channel, which has many of our recent videos, programs, and recorded worship services. the American frontier in the 19th behavior, it can’t help but impact We are seeking a full-time pulpit minister. We pray that God will guide us through this process and lead and early 20th century but didn’t your professional life,” McQueen us toward the candidate who will be the best fit to help us achieve the purposes He has in store for our survive,” he said. told the Chronicle in 2015 after her future! Darryl Tippens, a scholar at ACU appointment as education commis- Any interested ministers or future ministers are welcome to email us or send their resume to: and former provost at Pepperdine, sioner. “Prayer was a critical part of believes Sager merits recognition. my decision to accept this role — [email protected] “Her work with Native Americans is and it will continue to be so. I love an inspiration, as was her effort not to God, and I love others. This won’t We look forward to hearing from you! be divisive when the C of C split with change.” 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021

Full-time Minister Search - Enterprise, Alabama Seeking Full-Time Minister - Cortez, Colorado Street Church of Christ is seeking a full-time minister who has an in-depth knowledge of God’s Word. The candidate should be willing to minister to the needs of the congregation and join our leadership team in glorifying God. We are a predominately black congregation of 40-60 members (pre-COVID-19) with an The Cortez church of Christ is located in the beautiful Four Corners area of Colo- established team of three members on our leadership team. Enterprise is a truly diverse military community, right outside of Fort Rucker, the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence. We will consider applicants who have rado. We are a loving congregation of 80+ members who want to grow. We are a college degree in Biblical studies and/or prior ministry experience. He must be scripturally sound, socially involved in community service, mission work, Leadership Training for Christ, and a engaged, and committed to expanding the borders of the kingdom. Applicants should be experienced, focused, local youth camp. We provide a competitive salary and a nice, four-bedroom home. self-directed, and have a passion for evangelism. Duties include community outreach, preaching, teaching, and other traditional ministerial roles as required. Please submit a current resume, references, and three recent multi-media sermon files or streaming links to: [email protected] or [email protected] Adams Street Church of Christ, 701 W Adams St, Enterprise, AL 36330-2303

Preacher Search-Powell, Wy. Preaching Minister Search Our preacher of 19 years is retiring. Powell University Park Church of Christ is is a faith-filled community and a wonderful searching for a Preaching Minister place to raise a family. We have between 50 to serve a highly diverse congregation in and 75 members, and we’re located 77 miles Hyattsville, Maryland. Please download east of Yellowstone National Park in a town our vacancy announcement (PDF) from of 6,300 people in NW Wyoming (95 miles If interested, send a detailed resume including references and information south of Billings, Mt.) Please submit a letter our website: http://www.upcoc.com; or about yourself and your family to: [email protected]. of interest, resume, and references to the call our church office (301-927-7277) for email below. a copy. Applicants should respond to the The Cortez area is home to scenic mountains, deserts, mesas, rivers, lakes, farm- Powell Church of Christ requirements stated in the vacancy an- [email protected] nouncement. land and Mesa Verde National Park. Locals enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, mountain biking and golfing. (307) 254-1014 Position open until filled.

SEEKING FULL-TIME PULPIT MINISTER FULL-TIME MINISTER HOWELL, MICHIGAN Minister Position Sterling Heights, Mich. www.metrococ.com The church of Christ in Howell, Michigan, is Port Angeles Church of Christ looking for a pulpit minister who will work with We are seeking a dynamic, younger (below age 50) preacher with outstanding the elders to motivate the church both spiritu- Interested in making a difference for our communication skills, thorough understanding of scripture, and a successful track ally and numerically. We are a close, loving Lord and relocating to the beautiful Olympic record in ministry. A citizen of North America is desired. This man should also be congregation in a soul-rich environment. Peninsula? We are seeking a growth-focused married to a woman who is supportive of this ministry. Children are a plus. Salary and benefits are negotiable. Check us minister and are located in a growing area near out at our website, howellchurchofchrist.org. downtown Port Angeles, Peninsula College, the If you are interested, please submit a resume, Sterling Heights is the 4th largest city in Michigan. It does not ferry to Canada, and Olympic National Park. a sermon, and salary/benefits needed to: look or feel like a large city. It is safe and friendly. The Metro If interested, please contact Mark Kady at: Church of Christ is located just across from city hall and next Search Committee [email protected], on Facebook: door to a large community center. We are a block from Dodge PO Box 82, Howell, MI 48844 PAChurchofChrist, or our webpage: Park with many family amenities, including a [email protected] PAChurchofChrist.com. water park, hiking trails and a farmer’s market (and much more!) It’s the site of popular Looking for an All-Purpose Minister who can Seeking Full-Time Minister “Sterlingfest.” Our schools are excellent. relate across the generational spectrum of our Coffeyville, Kansas One of the larger and most dynamic churches congregation. The elders are looking for as- The Coffeyville Church of Christ is located in sistance to reinvigorate the congregation as we in Macomb County, Metro Church of Christ Southeast Kansas. We are a loving congrega- come out of the pandemic and are coming back tion of 80+ members who want to grow. We are desires to grow and reach out to the community. A future building program will together. The successful candidate will be well involved in community service, mission work, increase our food pantry ministry and improve educational space and fellowship. grounded in Biblical doctrine and have the ability Leadership Training for Christ and a local youth Finances have actually improved through this time of COVID. to share that doctrine in a loving and practical camp. We provide a competitive salary including way with the un-churched and also with those a parsonage. We are an established congrega- A competitive salary and benefits will be offered. Please send a who confess Christ but have an understanding tion with three elders and three deacons. brief cover letter, resume, and video to our search committee. that is critically different. For more information or to submit a resume, Mark Nelson e-mail: [email protected] Westside Church of Christ, Attn: Tom Keyes call or email Clinton Kastler at: Metro Church of Christ 905 SW 10th St, Seminole, Texas 79360 (620) 515-8858 40100 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 [email protected] [email protected] SEPTEMBER 2021 PEOPLE THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29 NEWSMAKERS Showcase the lives of your loved ones — birth and wedding announcements, anniversaries, memorials, honors for longtime ministers and workers and more. Milestones Contact [email protected] for rates and more information.

Anniversaries five grandchildren; 15 great- and husband, Travis; and brother grandchildren; four great-great- Matt Semanek and wife, Rachel. grandchildren; and her sister Edna He also is survived by his nieces Ward in Carthage, Mo., who is and nephews Hannah, Emily, the last surviving member of their Andrew, Miranda and Brennan. family of 15 In lieu of flowers, dona- children. Leona tions may be made to Hope for also is survived Haiti’s Children, PO Box 62328, PHOTO PROVIDED BY ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY by hundreds Cincinnati, OH 45262-0328. A rendering shows what the northwest of Christian exterior of ACU’s Pat Boone Theatre brothers and will look like after renovations. John and Evelyn Bradley sisters who knew Remembering 70 years and loved her. HONORED: Abilene Christian University Leona was Evangelist Arnelious will rename the Cullen Auditorium after John and Evelyn Bradley will a member of Pat Boone in 2022. Boone, who funded celebrate 70 years of marriage the Liberty Church of Christ in Crenshaw Jr. endowments at Lipscomb University Aug. 27, 2021. They were married Missouri. She will be remembered Oct. 27, 1949 — in Nashville, Tenn., and Pepperdine in Statesboro, Ga., in 1951. for many things, including her devo- University in Malibu, Calif., was a Originally from Southeastern tion to God and family as well as her Aug. 28, 2017 prominent singer in the Pennsylvania, they have resided dedication as a Bible student and Hey Arnelious, *GODFATHER*. 1950s and 60s. in Edgewood, N.M., since 1986. teacher. For 25 years in a row she It’s your sisters Gwen, Rosalind, John “Jack” has been in construc- read her Bible through from begin- Lutricia, Valerie and brother Ron. HIRED: Logan Pipes tion since leaving the U.S. Navy ning to end. During her last years In our dad’s famous words: “WE’RE as the youth and and has been involved in building she regretted being limited to only JUST THINKING ABOUT YOU!” family minister for the several Churches of Christ. Evelyn reading through the Hardly a day passes over the Edgemere Church of has pretty much always been able each year due to poor eyesight. last four years Christ in Wichita Falls, to be a full-time housewife and Leona was honored and remem- that we don’t Texas. David and Kathy mother to four. They have been bered on Aug. 7 at Heartland think about you Pipes Jones by the Tri-Cities blessed with good health and are Church of Christ in Kansas City, and feel your School of Preaching & dearly loved by all their family and Mo. In lieu of flowers, contribu- presence in a Christian Development blessed with many dear friends. tions may be made to Fair Haven room. Even in Elizabethton, Tenn. They would love to hear from you: Children’s Home, 3132 N Fairhaven though you’re David will serve as a PO Box 606, Edgewood, NM 87015. Loop, Strafford, MO 65757. gone, we can school instructor, and still hear you Kathy will work with Clyde and Gwen Antwine, opening “THE the women and current 65 years on Sept. 8. The former Marcus Brian Semanek BOOK,” finding secretary. missionaries to Europe are 1976-2021 the place, and bringing sense to Burcham members of the Memorial Road the Word through your sons in APPOINTED: Andy Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Marcus Brian Semanek, 45, of the gospel David Wilson, Tommy Burcham as chief Morrilton, Ark., died July 29, 2021. Palmer, and Ron Ward, just like financial officer and He was born July 18, 1976, a son of Ezra, the priest, the scribe, and Lisa Fraze as the Memorials Ron and Gereta Semanek. He was the Levites taught the people director of alumni a faithful member of the Church from “THE BOOK” (Nehemiah relations for Lubbock Leona Janae Carpenter of Christ. He chapter 8). After all, YOU were Chrisitian University graduated from and still remain “THE GREATEST in Texas. Jason Morris 1921-2021 Oklahoma STORYTELLER OF ALL TIME.” as executive director Leona Janae Carpenter, 99 3/4, Christian Your family is also mindful of you Fraze of ACU’s Center for passed on July 26, 2021, at Hospice University and when we read the book of James Building Community House in the North Kansas City began his career (1:12): “Blessed is the man who and director of the Lynay Hospital. She was born on Oct. 16, in computer remains steadfast under trial, for program. Morris, who 1921, in Lamar, Ark. She was briefly science engi- when he has stood the test he will has worked at ACU for married to Wayne Dale. Later she neering in 1998. receive a crown of life, which God 25 years, will continue married Allan L. Carpenter. They His career has promised to those who love Him.” to serve as dean of the had been married for 70 years when was cut short ALWAYS LOVE YOU *BUD*, Honors College and he passed away in 2013. because of his battle with cancer. ALWAYS! director of the Office of Leona is survived by her sons, He is survived by his parents; his O Thou Man of God Morris Major Scholarships. Jerry (Pat) and Ken (Judith); sister Jennifer Semanek Greenwell Ὦ άνθροωπε του Θεού 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021 EDITORIAL How Churches of JOIN US FOR A LIVE Q&A: The Christian Chronicle’s Editorial Board — Jeremie Beller, John Edmerson, Audrey Jackson, Trindi Mitchell, Bobby Ross Jr., Tamie Ross and Erik Tryggestad — will discuss this editorial at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Christ can grow again Central on Wednesday, Sept 1. Watch at facebook.com/christianchronicle. re we still planting seeds? comment even read the stories more on teaching people with no • We must stop making politics Jesus instructed us to we’re promoting. We wish that religious affiliation than trying to an idol. As Whitacre put it in an “make disciples of all nations, happened more often!) convert other believers — Baptists, interview with the Chronicle, “I’ve baptizing them in the name of We recently asked for tips for Methodists, Catholics — to seen members in Churches of Christ Athe Father and of the Son and of the evangelism from our readers. Churches of Christ. almost come to physical conflict over Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe Unfortunately, this post produced But here’s what we love about political discussion. I wish they’d get all that I have commanded you” only a handful of responses. To be Whitacre and the faithful Christians as riled up over souls.” (Matthew 28:19-20). And we know honest, the engagement level was a who converged to knock doors in the He was not speaking about any that God gives the increase — not giant thud. small town of Rome, Ga.: They refuse particular side of the political aisle. us (1 Corinthians 3:7). We know we live in a challenging to give up. They still believe that the Idols are a problem on the right But we’re not seeing a lot of time in which organized religion Gospel is “the power of God that and the left. increase these days. In the past in the U.S. is struggling. Churches brings salvation” (Romans 1:16). • We must open our Bibles. two decades, the number of us who of Christ are far from alone in that What will it take for Churches of Most of us believe that the worship with Churches of Christ respect. But we serve a mighty God Christ to grow again? We don’t claim Scriptures are inspired and “useful has dipped by more who “rewards those to have all the answers. for teaching, rebuking, correcting than 230,000. And that’s ‘These ideas are who earnestly seek But here are a few thoughts (with and training in righteousness” (2 based primarily on pre- just a start. We him” (Hebrews 11:6). credit to Whitacre for some ideas): Timothy 3:16). COVID-19 estimates. Rob Whitacre • We must stop being so So why do so many of us — in a The actual figure could welcome directs the House to inwardly focused. Our churches time when we can quickly access be worse. your feedback.’ House/Heart to Heart shouldn’t be more intent on keeping multiple translations on our smart- What’s the problem? Evangelism School, longtime members comfortable phones — neglect to open God’s holy We know we aren’t which partnered with than on welcoming lost sheep word, except maybe on Sunday? ashamed of our faith (Matthew Latin American Missions to sponsor (of all races and socioeconomic If God speaks to us through 10:32-33). Certainly, we share our the recent Georgia campaign backgrounds). the Scriptures, we need to make savior’s passion to seek and save the featured on Page 1. Whitacre, 46, It’s sad how often guests show up listening to him a daily priority. lost (Luke 19:10). told us he prays that Churches of at church services and are greeted These ideas are just a start. We We’re sharing a lot, actually, but Christ will grow again in his lifetime. by no one because members are too welcome your feedback, either via it’s mostly on social media. On The Amen, we respond. busy talking to each other. our email address at letters@ Christian Chronicle’s Facebook Whitacre’s approach might not We must love and talk to the people christianchronicle.org or by the postal page, we post stories that draw a mesh with everyone. Given our we hope to save. We must meet our address below. — Bobby Ross Jr. lot of reader feedback and spark nation’s overall religious decline, neighbors and share a love that will and Erik Tryggestad, for the debates. (Sometimes the folks who some might advocate focusing make them want to know God. Editorial Board

Associate Editor: Audrey Jackson SUBSCRIPTIONS: christianchronicle.org/subscribe- Oklahoma Christian [email protected] to-the-chronicle/ or (405) 425-5070. University. Opinions Editor: Jeremie Beller FEEDBACK, LETTERS: [email protected] The Christian Real news that honors God. [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® encourages feedback Chronicle® is Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton that promotes thoughtful and respectful discussion. published monthly A subsidiary of Oklahoma Christian University [email protected] Comments to the print or online editions are and is served by Lead Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan considered to be letters to the editor and may be a national Board christianchronicle.org [email protected] published. Please include name, city and state of of Trustees that Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon residence, as well as home congregation. Feedback is charged with Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] may be edited for length and clarity. the responsibility Mail: P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Melinda Wilson The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal for policy and Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] publication but a newspaper with news and opinion governance. All trustees, editors and staff are active Staff Accountant: Louise Beyer content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and members of Churches of Christ. facebook.com/ChristianChronicle President Emeritus: Lynn McMillon reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. twitter.com/CofCnews Correspondents: Cheryl Mann Bacon, Advertising contains commercial messages from TRUSTEES: Hamil R. Harris those who purchase the advertising space. News Mike O’Neal (chairman) • Andrew Benton • Ed Biggers President and CEO: Erik Tryggestad Stewardship Officer: Alan Phillips coverage, opinion columns, reviews, letters to the Monte Cox • John deSteiguer • Erin Engelke [email protected] [email protected] editor and advertising do not necessarily represent the Scott Laird • James Moore • Barry Packer • Taneise Perry Editor-in-Chief: Bobby Ross Jr. (for information about giving and estate planning) views of or constitute endorsement by the editors, the Joel Reed • Lana Reynolds • Brian Simmons [email protected] Interns: Chloé Franklin, Makyra Williamson staff, the Board of Trustees of The Christian Chronicle or Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor SEPTEMBER 2021 OPINION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31 FROM OUR READERS ‘Brenton’ by Rick Gibson and W. Keith Brenton Readers respond to news story, editorial on same-sex marriage

I am appalled by the article in The Kudos for hosting the discussions. Christian Chronicle that I read (“To I believe that all would have been affirm or not? That is the question,” clearer had it been introduced Page 23, August). against the basic assumption that we Over and over in the Bible, it live in a broken world and are faced states one man and one woman, but with many choices. this present age thinks they can Same-sex attraction is no less change the Bible to suit themselves. real and no less God-pleasing Yes, I believe we should love than promiscuous attraction, in everyone and do our best to help my humble opinion. The choice them understand the Scriptures. is about who do we choose to However, I do not think we please: ourselves or God. God can rewrite the Scriptures to suit makes it easy by offering celibacy or ourselves. That there should be any heterosexuality as options. debate is appalling. CHUCK REED | Rawlins, Wyo. NANCY GEARY | Tulsa, Okla. I appreciate your courage in Thank you and the Editorial addressing an issue, same-sex Board so much for advocating the marriage, that would be much easier clear biblical position on the topic to ignore. An unintended but tragic of so-called same-sex marriage consequence of forbidding marriage (“Same-sex marriage and gender to gay Christians is that they will often See more by following brenton.daily on Facebook and Instagram. questions,” Page 30, August). then marry a Christian of the opposite I read the article on pages 23 and sex in an attempt to follow God’s will away at the age of 53. She was my For readers struggling with these 24 before getting to the opinion for their life. These marriages usually best friend and the only one in the subjects, you have simply and section and seeing the Chronicle’s fall apart sooner or later, causing family that I told about my life. I succinctly laid out the truth from position. While reading the news great pain for all concerned. realized that if I wanted to see my God’s word. The absolute importance article on pages 23 and 24, I In the Genesis narrative, it sister again, I needed to get myself of possessing a loving heart when became very sad to see Christians is God who says that “It is not right with God, and that meant presenting these truths to someone advocating behavior that is so good for man to be alone.” Every leaving the gay lifestyle. I left my cannot be understated. Well done! clearly contrary to biblical teaching. understanding of Scripture that partner and moved back home. KAREN LAWSON | Fort Worth, Texas It was very uplifting and leaves millions of people with no If we start accepting same-sex encouraging to later reach the realistic option other than a lifetime marriage or affirming it, then where Too many of our brethren only opinion page and read the truth. of celibacy runs directly counter to do we draw the line? What is the wish to be “judges” when it involves LARRY KNIGHT | Tulsa, Okla. God’s will that every person have a next sin we will accept or affirm? practices that would never be “help” or sexual life companion who AMY HARDEMAN | Rogersville, Ala. tempting to themselves. Homosexuality, like other sexually is appropriate for them. Struggles of the gay/lesbian related sins, is not new. It was My thoughts in this letter are based I suspect the issue for many community, issues that the discussed by Jesus and the apostles. upon my own experience as a gay Christians is simply where to draw transgendered face, women They spoke the truth in love and Christian and as a former minister in the line. I don’t want to compromise contemplating abortion, couples instructed us to do the same Churches of Christ for 25 years. my beliefs, but I do want to show choosing to live together instead of (Ephesians 4:15). And so we need GARY PEARSON | Baltimore the love of Jesus to people I know obtaining a marriage license … all of to do this. (some of whom are more dear to me these are things that most of us in the We need to build relationships I was in a gay relationship for about than you can know) who are caught Churches of Christ will never face. with all sinners, no matter what 13 years. I quit church, not because up in the “gender blender” and the Therefore, it is easy to make it their sin. Wisdom teaches us both of anything anyone said to me, but homosexual life. very black and white, and call it all to listen and to speak. because I knew it was wrong and I will confess to having no idea of sin, and shame our brethren in the The greatest wisdom of all is that if I stayed in that lifestyle, on the how to do this. Nor do I suspect that process. That is certainly not the way to listen to the Lord and follow day of judgment, hell was going to be anyone can tell me how. This is one Christ would have approached these wherever he leads. In the final my eternal reward. of those things that we are just going subjects, and I’m quite certain he analysis, the Lord does not allow Then something happened that to have to blunder around in, make would have insisted we all take the us to accept people as brothers and totally changed my perspective mistakes and rely upon the grace of logs out of our own eyes first before sisters who continue in sin. about living in a same-sex God to make up the difference. pronouncing judgment. BRIAN GISELBACH | Covington, Ky. relationship. My oldest sister passed HOWARD COX | Lufkin, Texas SUSAN GRAYSON | Tucson, Ariz. 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION SEPTEMBER 2021 Vacation Bible School makes an eternal difference DECADES AGO, a simple figurine made at VBS became priceless as it set young souls on a path to Christ.

n 1936, when Walter Moseley When his friends spotted him, they worked to make VBS memorable for Jr. was 9 years old, he lived in a raced to meet him and asked what a bunch of kids the church people South Dallas neighborhood where he had. He told them. One of the didn’t even know. he played with a group of boys. boys wistfully said that he wished he “Those boys learned about Jesus,” The boys were best could paint a figurine for his he said, “and that means everything Ifriends and did everything Views mother. Walter assured him to me when I think about how their together — except attend and all the others that if they lives played out.” church. Walter, one of the came to VBS, they would get Walter was my father. He passed youngest boys, was the only to make all sorts of things. away in 2018 just a few weeks before one who spent Sunday morn- They were hooked. his 91st birthday. ings learning about Jesus and For the next four days, When he shared this story with the heroes of the Bible. Walter and his friends me a year before his death, I felt Each Sunday morning, attended VBS together. incredible gratitude for the VBS Walter walked the three Guided by a sweet, grand- teachers he encountered in his life. blocks to church past the Becky Johanson motherly “church lady,” they They made all the difference. elementary playground made all sorts of wonderful PHOTO PROVIDED Thank you to every person who where his friends played football. keepsakes from bits and pieces of Becky Johanson and Walter Moseley has ever helped with VBS. May God He endured their taunts and teasing yarn and paper, paint and glue. bless you for your tireless work in the and walked on, embarrassed but Eventually, Walter’s friends — another on Iwo Jima in 1945. Several struggle to protect young souls from stoic. He figured they were giving all of them — started coming to more were wounded. Walter became a world of sin and hopelessness and him a hard time for fun, but it was church on Sunday mornings. By the a radar operator and was eventually to put them on the path to peace in still painful. time they had reached their mid- sent to Hawaii at the close of the war. this world and heaven in the next. The summer after he turned 10, teens, each one had embraced the Many decades later, Walter Walter walked the same route back message of the Gospel. recalled this little band of boys and BECKY JOHANSON worships with the La Vernia from his church’s Vacation Bible They grew up, and, as World War the amazing power of a little painted Church of Christ in Texas. She is a retired math teacher School one Monday. In his hand he II raged overseas, each one entered figurine he took home to his mother and administrator, women’s Bible class teacher, carried a figurine he had painted at the service as he turned 17. One that summer day. He expressed elder’s wife of 49 years, mother of two and grand- VBS. It was a gift for his mother. friend died in Italy in 1944 at Salerno, how grateful he was to those who mother of four. Contact her at [email protected]. Sex abuse victim: ‘I thought what happened was my fault’ was only 13. people there were my family — some He was older and more popular than church stopped being my safe place. I was in eighth grade at a by our own genetics and all of them I was, so I believed him and did what I don’t know what could have been Christian school. I stayed by the blood of Jesus Christ. he said. I knew it wasn’t right, but done to protect me from that situa- busy with my church Views That year, one of the boys as is typical of sex abuse victims, I tion or the aftermath. It wasn’t my youth group. I hung out in my youth group who I thought what happened was my fault. job to figure that out at 13. Iwith my friends, crushed on had been crushing on began I was only 13. But as a collective body of believers, boys and listened to Prince’s showing me attention. I confided in a friend, and word we must make our congregations as “Purple Rain” album on We both served in the of what had happened eventually safe as possible for our children. This repeat. I was a pretty typical puppet ministry during Bible reached my parents. They met with means changing the way we think and 13-year-old in 1985. Hour for the younger kids on his parents, who forced him to apol- talk about abuse and abusers. This I believed in the strong Sunday nights. ogize to me. He never spoke to me means using resources to educate moral code promoted by the One night, he and I were again. And as far as everyone was ourselves about abuse in church adults in my life. If I stayed Deana Nall the only ones in the show. concerned, that was the end of it. settings. It means understanding the away from “bad” places such After it ended, in the darkness But it wasn’t. importance of protecting survivors, as bars, dark alleys and public school behind the puppet stage, he locked He went to my school, and not abusers. It means getting uncom- dances, I would be safe. So I did. I the door that led out into the hallway between school, church and youth fortable, asking tough questions and only went to safe places, which were and sat close to me on the floor. group events, I had to see him six receiving tougher answers. But we home, school, youth group events and I was shocked when he said days a week. Sometimes seven. As a must do this for our children. church. I was a good kid. everyone at school was saying that cheerleader, I had to cheer for him I was only 13. Church was especially safe. Three my best friend and I were in a lesbian at basketball games. generations of my family were among relationship. I had no idea such a He and his family finally moved DEANA NALL has worked as a freelance writer for its membership. The men in my rumor had been circulating about me. away a few years later. 28 years. A graduate of Abilene Christian University family had been ministers and elders If I did what he wanted, he said, I I was only 13. And in those in Texas, Nall lives in the Little Rock, Ark., area. there. Church was my home, and the would prove the rumors were false. moments behind the puppet stage, Contact her at [email protected]. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

Youth and Family Associate Minister AND Pulpit Minister Position Family and Youth Minister CALENDAR Seeking a full-time Family and Youth Minister The Jasper Church of Christ is seeking TWO minister positions (Youth and Family (FYM). This immediately available position Sept. 9-10 New Day Conference. Associate Minister and a full-time Pulpit Minister) to help fulfill the spiritual needs of provides an opportunity to join a healthy, ac- Making Disciples. North Boulevard our congregation. Our congregation is located in deep East Texas with rolling hills; it’s tive, rooted church family and “hit the ground Church of Christ. Murfreesboro, a thriving community surrounded by many outdoor opportunities, including three major running” with a united eldership, deacons, Tenn. Onsite and online. See ministry leaders and involved parents who newdayresources.org. lakes. We are seeking family-oriented people who have the strong desire to serve the are interested in sharing the gospel. Sept. 10-11 EQUIP Teaching and Lord through teaching God’s word and working with all age groups. If interested in Please email resumes to: Ministry Workshop. Waxahachie, either position or for further information, please contact: Mark Littleton Texas. See equipworkshop.org. [email protected] Sept. 25-26 Plus One Singles Jasper Church of Christ acoctn.org/5007-2/ Seminar. McDonough, Ga. See PO Box 151, Jasper, Texas 75951 (409) 384-3229 stonecrestcoc.org. Athens Church of Christ - Athens, Tenn. Sept. 26-29 Harding Lectureship. “Invincible! Courageous Faith in Troubled Times.” Searcy, Ark. See The Puyallup (Wash.) Church of Christ is announcing an open pulpit minister position. The Puyallup harding.edu/lectureship. church, located in the south Puget Sound region of western Washington, is a growing, diverse group of JOB OPENINGS Oct. 9 Greater Houston Church believers and children of around 250. It is served by 4 elders, 8 deacons, and an associate minister. Leadership Workshop. Contact We are seeking a married man with a minimum experience of 5-10 years of full-time ministry, demonstrating occg.institute or call (281) 599-9914. excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written). He should have a Bible degree from a Churches Oct. 11-14 Abundant Living brotherhood preaching school, college or university – Bachelor’s required; Master’s preferred. More importantly, his Retreat. Branson, Mo. See lessons should accurately reflect and convey biblical truths, the gospel of Christ, and the nature of God. Farmington Church of Christ, 10055 abundantlivingseniors.com or call Responsibilities include: weekly preaching; teaching of Bible classes; supporting the Bible class ministry; State Rt 564 S, Farmington, KY 42040, (501) 279-4055. encouraging the body through counseling opportunities (evangelism, premarital, etc.), reaching out and visiting (270) 293-6276, [email protected]. Oct. 24 Greater Houston members (who are shut-in, sick, or discouraged) and actively welcoming and engaging with visitors. Hugoton Church of Christ, 212 W 1st, Sunday evening Campaign for Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume with references, and CD/DVDs of or links to two Hugoton, KS 67951, (620) 544-5382, Christ service. Contact bbaugh@ sermons to: Puyallup Church of Christ, Search Committee, 402 5th Street SW, Puyallup, WA 98371 or [email protected]. baughengrs.com or call (281) via email: [email protected]. 599-9914. Church of Christ at East Side, 5701 E Nov. 5-7 24th Annual Cold Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX Harbor Lectureship. Mechanicsville, Full-Time Youth Minister Position – Palmetto Church of Christ 78721, (512) 804-6818, mr.al.brown@ Va. See coldharborroadcoc.org or call gmail.com. Palmetto Church of Christ in Irmo, South Carolina, is seeking a Youth Minister to lead a program that is (804) 746-8224. Lancaster Church of Christ, 1779 focused on the biblical education and spiritual development of our young men and women. The Youth Nov. 7 Blackwell Church of Minister should work and teach in a manner that is consistent with Palmetto’s desire for its families to develop Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130, Christ, Centennial Plus One. See an intimate relationship with God, build strong loving relationships with each other and other Christians, and (304) 483-6991, blackwellcoc.com or call (580) love those who do not yet know Jesus by sharing the Gospel. [email protected]. 789-1029. Palmetto is searching for someone with a college degree, and some experience is preferred. We offer a University Church of Christ, 3155 competitive salary, allowance for moving expenses, vacation days, 401K contribution, and continuing Dave Ward Dr, Conway, AR 72034, (870) FULL CALENDAR: christianchronicle.org education support. Find our full job listing and job responsibilities at: 612-2644, [email protected]. Hi-Desert Church of Christ, 135 Advertise with us! www.palmettococ.com/youthminister Woodbine Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47803, Upcoming deadlines are To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to: (812) 235-9322, tomwoodason@joink. Sept. 3 and Oct. 1 [email protected] Contact:[email protected] com Children’s Homes The Hot Springs Village Church of Christ is seeking a full-time Youth and Family Minister. Sunnybrook Children’s Home, 222 We are in the world’s largest gated community Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157, with lots of amenities and are served by two school districts. We are a very active commu- (205) 218-5347, mgrate@sunnybrookms. nity and mission minded congregation of 200+. org. We are seeking someone with a strong biblical Happy Haven Children’s Home, 2311 background with a desire to teach and learn. Wakefield Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501, We have an active and involved youth group. (931) 526-2052, [email protected]. Worship/Song leading ability is a plus. For more information or to send resume: Chad Knappier, 210 Balboa Rd Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71909 See christianchronicle.org/advertise (501) 226-9060 or [email protected] to place your classified ad. 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2021

The Christian Chronicle Crossword BIBLE BOWLING By Myles Mellor | www.ilovecrosswords.com How does it end? ACROSS WHICH BIBLE BOOK ends with the following verses? Quiz by Steve Whitehead of the British 1. Prophet who served under Eli. Bible School, britishbibleschool.com. 4. “And after the uproar had ceased, Paul called upon his 1. “And behold, I am with you disciples and ____ them” always, to the end of the age.” (Acts 20:1, King James Version). 2. “And he died, an old man, 10. “the crooked shall be made and full of days.” straight and the ___ places 3. “And he will turn the hearts plain” (Isaiah 40:4, KJV). of fathers to their children and the 11. “The Lord is long suffering and hearts of children to their fathers, of great mercy, forgiving ____ lest I come and strike the land and transgression” (Numbers with a decree of utter destruction.” 5:31, KJV). 4. “... and they said nothing to 14. Creator of the universe and anyone, for they were afraid.” supreme being. 5. “... and were continually in 15. He denied knowing Jesus three the temple blessing God.” times, Matthew 26. 6. “For God will bring every 16. Vane direction, abbr. deed into judgement, with every 17. “For this God is our God for ever secret thing, whether good or evil.” and ever; he will be our guide 7. “Give her of the fruit of her even unto ___” (Psalm 48:14, KJV). hands, and let her works praise 20. Ointment or salve for wounds. her in the gates.” 23. Be in place for another. 8. “Were every one of them to be 25. Observed. written, I suppose that the world 26. She was made the queen by itself could not contain the books King Ahasuerus. that would be written.” 27. Christ’s followers. 9. “Praise the Lord!” 31. Lot was ’s ____. 32. “And he ___, and behold a ANSWERS, crossword solution on Page 34. ladder set up on the earth” (Genesis 28:12, KJV). him with ___ and beauty” (Matthew 16:9, KJV). 33. Woman referred to. DOWN (Exodus 28:2, GNT). 28. Walk softly. 34. “And ___ life means to know you, 1. “The Son of Man will die as the 12. Prefix for profit. 29. Melancholy. the only true God, and to know ____ say he will” (Matthew 13. Even so. 30. “No one knows how the clouds Jesus Christ. whom you sent” (John 26:23, GNT). 18. Son of David who rebelled move or how the thunder roars 17:3, Good News Translation). 2. Sermon on the ____ against his father. through the sky where God ____” 35. “He maketh me lie down in 3. Old anesthetic. 19. Hem and __ . (Job 36:29, GNT). green ____s” (Psalm 23:2, KJV). 5. One of Pharaoh’s ____ found 21. Collected up 31. Fisherman’s equipment. 37. __ and behold. the ark with Moses in it 22. Animals used by Antiochus as 33. “I have seen how they acted but 38. “But he shall receive an hundred (Exodus 2:5, KJV). part of his army when he I will ___ them. I will lead them fold now in this time, house and 6. Circular. invaded Egypt. and help them, and I will brethren, and ____ and mothers, 7. Severed. 24. “Do you not yet understand comfort those who mourn.” and children, and lands, with 8. Carry out. neither remember the five loaves (Isaiah 57:18, GNT) persecutions” (Mark 10:30, KJV). 9. “Make priestly garments for of the five thousand and how 35. Before, prefix. 39. Refusals. your brother Aaron, to provide many ___ you took up?” 36. Ashes holder. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

Word Find: The Come Join Our Mission! By Betty Hollister | The Christian Chronicle

Houseparents

The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home is a ministry that is passionately dedicated to fostering at-risk children. We are looking for a faithful married couple who love children, model their faith, and want to serve full time in our ministry as Houseparents.

Find the following words from the Gospel of Mark. The unused 30 letters form a statement about the purpose of the book. (Find the answer on Page 38.) • ADULTEROUS • DISOWN • PARABLES • SHEEP • ALARM • EVERYONE • PERSECUTION • SHEPHERDS • ALEXANDER • FIFTY • PHARISEES • SUMMONED • AMAZED • GREATER • PREACHING • SYNAGOGUE • AMAZEMENT • HAPPENED • PRIESTS • TESTIFY • ANSWER • HEALTHY • PROPHECY • THIEF • APOSTLES • HEAVENLY • RECOGNIZED • THINGS • ARIMATHEA • HONORED • REGIONS • THOUSANDS • BAPTISM • HYPOCRITES • REJECT • THREE • BELIEVERS • INSULTING • RELEASE • VARIOUS “ Spending time with our God-given family • CHILDREN • ISAIAH • REPENTANCE • YEAST • COMMOTION • MARVEL • RIGHTEOUS is easy when living in God’s beautiful creation. New Mexico • COMPASSION • NATIONS • SABBATH has so much to offer: nature walks and bike paths right by our • DECEIVE • OPPORTUNE • SANHEDRIN campus, native American historical sites to explore, and much more. Come join our family. We’ll leave the door open.”

Benefits include: nice housing, relief and vacation time off, medical, and more. Interested couples will send their cover letter of interest and resume(s) to:

Sharon Roberson, Director of Campus Life Email: [email protected] Job description available upon request. Look us up on our website: Acch4kids.org 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE REVIEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 Through disease, witchcraft and war, The Clarion Call for Unity missionary nurses follow call to serve by Ken Wilson, Ph.D. isiting Nigerian Christian communications, correspondence, Hospital several decades ago, diaries, interviews and publications. I felt I was on holy ground, The stories of failures and successes NEW BOOK SALE! because it was set apart, leave the reader with timeless lessons Vunlike any mission work of Churches on faithfulness and endurance. $13.95 $9.95 of Christ in the 1960s. The narratives of these Traveling there with my In Print nurses — Glenna Peden, cousin, Henry, who had Mary Kelton, Grace Farrar, I am using the book of Ephesians as a been there as a missionary, Iris Hays and Nancy Petty made it special. I also — document their chal- backdrop to accentuate the unity the remember two nurses from lenges, heroic commitments church needed in Paul’s day to face a there, Iris Hays and Nancy to God’s mission, care for cultic threat against . The Petty, visiting in our home people, humorous experi- in Jerusalem in 1967 on ence working cross-cultur- same unity is needed today as we face their way home on furlough. ally and real-life issues in the the same threat to our faith in America. Their stories captured our Evertt W. Huffard face of an Asian flu, a measles There is no option but to be spiritually hearts. I remember my epidemic or exhausting work. mother saying, “Someone needs to Their small clinic would triage 180 prepared to stand against the evil that write a book on this.” Someone has! to 250 people a day. The book shares is consuming our world! (200 pages) Sulis Academic Press recently stories of persistence as they treat published “A Time to Heal: people at their back door, equip local Missionary Nurses in Churches nurses and travel to serve 19 villages. of Christ, Southeastern Nigeria They open a clinic and brave multiple Order today: agapecounselingcenter.org (1953-1967)” by Martha E. challenges to establish a hospital. Farrar Highfield, Their experiences the daughter of the highlight the faithful- founding doctor ness of God. of the hospital, Highfield has gifted Dr. Henry Farrar. us with a priceless Highfield is a missiological legacy, professor emeritus of capturing the differ- nursing at California ence a few faithful State University/ disciples of Christ Northridge and can make when they serves on the Board follow their calling of the International into an unknown Health Care world, through diffi- Foundation/African cult team dynamics, Christian Hospitals. inadequate support, As a missionary kid tropical diseases, in Nigeria from 1964 witchcraft, home sick- to 1967, she observed ness, attacks from her dad and her Martha E. Farrar Highfield. A Christians back home, mother, Grace Farrar Time to Heal: Missionary government dysfunc- (also a nurse), devote Nurses in Churches of Christ, tions and wars. themselves to giving Southeast Nigeria (1953- You will want to spiritual and physical 1967). Sulis Academic Press, read how “their only hope to hundreds in 2020. 332 pages. $19.95. obligation was to do a region where there what they could,” as was only one physician for every Highfield writes, and how “inten- 35,000 to 50,000 people. Today the tional health care saved evangelism.” hospital is staffed and governed by Nigerians. EVERTT W. HUFFARD is a professor emeritus The book has 33 chapters, a time- of leadership and missions at Harding School of line of the medical mission from 1942 Theology in Memphis, Tenn. He serves as facilitator to 2020, hand-drawn maps, pictures, for church equipping for Mission Resource Network. and many insightful stories — with He and his wife, Ileene, worship with the Millington data from private collections, personal Church of Christ in Tennessee. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 37

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MARRIAGE -- DIVORCE -- REMARRIAGE Although many churches teach and enforce regulations on marriage and divorce, you cannot find the doctrine embedded in scripture as you have been told. If you have heard the manmade regulations taught as fact and have doubts about it, or if you or a loved one has suffered through divorce, you will be able to THECHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE TO refute the entire doctrine by this thorough and concise study. In this book THE DIVORCE DILEMMA written by a retired preacher, elder, and prison chaplain, through scripture A Critical Examination of Regulations on comparisons and common logic, you will find a way of forgiveness and Marriage and Divorce acceptance rather than a defense of the doctrine. To order the book: wclpublishing.com or Bill Lewis, PO Box 35, Imperial NE 69033 By William C. Lewis $7.00, paperback, postage paid 38 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION SEPTEMBER 2021 Do we really need a Lord’s Supper devotional on Sunday night? MIDLAND, Texas Sunday night. Most of the churches hen Tim Tannich passed I’ve attended (that still do Sunday the seven-minute mark in nights) dismiss the folks who missed his communion devotional, I Sunday morning to a back room to squirmed in my pew. Insight take the Lord’s Supper there. WI mean, this was the 5 p.m. But Dr. Tannich brought his Sunday service — the Lord’s A game — on a Sunday night. Supper make-up round for It turns out that the long folks who weren’t here for devotional is by design, the morning assembly. brother Vestal told me as he Shouldn’t we ask if anyone treated me to a Texas Burger actually needs to hear this? after worship. The church’s Honestly, it’s rare even to elders want the flock to really find a Sunday night worship Erik Tryggestad understand the significance these days. Even before of the words etched into so the pandemic, many churches had many of our communion tables: “Do canceled them entirely or switched this in remembrance of me.” to a small-group format. And I’m “Tim is one of about 25 different guessing that, after the virus finally men we’ve asked to offer these does subside, a lot of Sunday night Lord’s Supper meditations,” Vestal services won’t be coming back. said, “and we’ve been so blessed by So I was happy to find a vibrant, their thoughts.” well-attended evening worship at All of this brings a sad memory to the Westside Church of Christ in mind. It was a Sunday morning at my Midland. Minister Mike Vestal invited home church when I noticed two visi- me to stop by on my way back from tors, a mother and daughter, on the the West Texas town of Iraan after I front row. I think we just did quick Crossword | From Page 34 preached there on Sunday morning. prayers for communion that day, and (It was my second time with the the reaction these ladies had to the Iraan Church of Christ, an amazing, trays as they were passed is best mission-minded congregation.) described as a full-scale freak-out. The Westside church started its I made a mental note to talk to Sunday evening with an old-school them, but after the closing prayer they “pack the pews” bolted out the door. I event for kids. I got to never saw them again. hear a heavenly host They could have of young men lead used Dr. Tannich’s songs, coordinated by devo, the same one minister Orr. that made me squirm. Vestal gave a great In our increasingly overview of 1 Timothy, unchurched world, we a book written by the should never assume We ran the incorrect solution to the August Bible Bowling | From Page 34 apostle Paul to his that those who take crossword, Page 34. Below is the correct version: younger colleague, the bold step of 1) Matthew. 6) Ecclesiastes. Timothy. Its six chap- ERIK TRYGGESTAD crossing our thresh- 2) Job. 7) Proverbs. ters are full of wise Tim Tannich shares Scriptures olds know everything 3) Malachi. 8) John. counsel on doctrine, about the Lord’s Supper. that’s going on. Take 4) Mark. 9) Psalms. worship, leadership, the time to explain. 5) Luke. relationships and godliness. Even if you already know it, But what stuck out the most to me someone needs to hear it. Word Search | From Page 35 was the communion devotional by As Paul writes in that letter to The unused 30 letters read: “JESUS IS Tannich, a recently retired dentist in Timothy, we serve a God and Savior PORTRAYED HERE AS A SERVANT.” Midland. He had pages of notes and “who wants all people to be saved and really dug into how the bread and the to come to a knowledge of the truth.” SPONSOR A PUZZLE PAGE: Contact (405) fruit of the vine represent our Savior’s 425-5071 or tonya.patton@christianchronicle. body and blood — how they unite us. ERIK TRYGGESTAD is president and CEO of The org for more information. I’ll be honest: I’ve phoned in Christian Chronicle. Contact erik@christianchronicle. communion devos, especially on org, and follow him on Twitter @eriktryggestad. SEPTEMBER 2021 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Christian Chronicle ad.qxp_Layout 1 7/9/21 9:08 AM Page 1 39

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He r i t a g e Ci r c l e www.christianchronicle.org INSIDE CALENDAR...... 33 INSIGHT...... 38 CROSSWORD...... 34 INTERNATIONAL.....15 CURRENTS...... 19 LETTERS...... 31 DIALOGUE...... 23 NATIONAL...... 5 EDITORIAL...... 30 PARTNERS...... 26 Vol. 78, No. 9 | September 2021 | Phone: 405.425.5070 INSIDE STORY...... 3 REVIEWS...... 36

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