Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 69, No. 12 | December 2012 for Churches of Christ From Rhode Island to Liberia, with love IMMIGRANT CHURCH in the U.S. has big dreams for bringing hope and healing to its war-torn homeland.
BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In the bustling core of Rhode Island’s capital, Liberian immigrants crowd into a simple white building with “Providence Church of Christ” painted in fading red letters above the front door. On a blue-sky Sunday, men clad in button-down shirts and women sport- ing colorful African headscarves greet each other in a concrete parking lot surrounded by a chain-link fence. Tall trees adorned in bright green anchor a sprawling urban cemetery just beyond the fence, casting shadows over the church building as vehicles zip by an auto-parts store and appliance busi- ness across the street. Giggling children — most born in the United States after their families fled two decades of civil war — scamper to the basement for Bible class. BOBBY ROSS JR. More than 4,000 miles of the Atlantic Members of the Providence Church of Christ, a Liberian immigrant congregation in Rhode Island, sing during a Sunday morning assembly. Ocean separate the refugees from their west African homeland, where women in America, the hearts of these devoted “We don’t have that much, but the before coming to the U.S. were raped and children turned into Christians remain in Liberia — amid the little that God gave us, we try to share Its meager means aside, this thriving “killing machines” in fighting and ethnic orphans who wander the streets begging it with the people there,” said church congregation has big dreams for bringing cleansing that claimed 250,000 lives. for scraps and the villagers still grappling member John Kar, a social worker who hope and healing to the men, women and Despite the fresh starts they have made with physical and psychological trauma. lived in a refugee camp in Ivory Coast See LIBERIA, Page 12
box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 INSIDE CALENDAR...... 27 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. CURRENTS...... 17 U.S. POSTAGE DIALOGUE...... 21 PAID INSIGHT...... 34 OKLAHOMA CITY OK INTERNATIONAL...... 8 PERMIT # 276 NATIONAL...... 5 OPINION...... 29 PARTNERS...... 23 Politics and faith A lighthouse at home A school’s legacy PEOPLE...... 26 Believers discuss views on New books make case for ‘Proud crusaders’ remember REVIEWS...... 33 voting, bipartisanship. 25, 30 neighborhood outreach. 33 Nashville Christian Institute. 17 VIEWS...... 30 Meningitis outbreak claims two church members, Page 7 | Breaking news, exclusives at www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 How many Bibles can you fit in a pair of Cowboy Boots? Only Bill Searcy in North Carolina knows for sure. He is one of many who helped EEM smuggle Bibles behind the communist Iron Curtain more than twenty years ago – in his boots.
Today, EEM is able to provide the Bible and Biblical literature to the former Soviet Bloc countries literally by the truckload.
Throughout Eastern Europe, in public schools, orphanages, youth camps, mission efforts, prisons and more, we are able to place the Bible in more places than ever thought possible.
The Bible. We want everyone to get it.
facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission · twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt · 1-800-486-1818 · www.eem.org EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. DECEMBER 2012 the christian chronicle 3 Modern-day For a half-century, parables: This Jones has fostered is country music drive a minivan, not a truck. I drink Diet Coke, hands-on ministry Inot beer. I wear a baseball cap, not a cowboy hat. BY TED PARKS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE I don’t cheat on my wife, dance in the neon light or NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When the Schrader Lane party all night with my rowdy Church of Christ moved to its current friends. On my best days, I location in 1968, members occasionally don’t intentionally do some- had to chase cows and hogs off the prop- body wrong. erty, minister David Jones recalls. Inside Story But I do Forty-four years later, the 15-acre cam- love country pus is home to a licensed child-care cen- music, much ter, a 21-apartment senior center and an to the cha- assisted-living facility. grin of the The road Jones preaches to nearly queen of my a thousand people every doublewide Sunday. The church tutors trailer. (By children, sponsors leader- the way, from Damascus ship training and academic honey, would enrichment programs and Bobby Ross Jr. you please supports missions in Africa. stop switch- CHRISTIANS AID REFUGEES of Syria’s civil war Jones recently celebrated Jones ing the preset radio stations and hear their harrowing stories of survival. five decades of ministry for to classic rock?) the church, which met on Jefferson Street My friend David Duncan, before moving to Schrader Lane, north of minister for the Memorial DANNY SIMS downtown Nashville. Church of Christ in A child plays in Mafraq, Jordan, home to tens of thousands of refugees from nearby Syria. Those who know him say Jones has Houston, and I entertained done much more than just talk about the our children recently with an BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Texas-based nonprofit in March. Gospel these past 50 years. He has given ear-piercing, out-of-tune ren- Refugees have flooded Syria’s neighbors the message hands and feet, empowering dition of George Jones’ “He or Christians in America, it’s time to since the “Arab Spring” of 2011 when the church to take on problems Nashville Stopped Loving Her Today.” engage in the Syrian conflict, says Syrians began demonstrations against shares with many American cities: under- Granted, this musical Danny Sims. President Bashar al-Assad. In Mafraq, a performing schools, crime and the hopeless- genre is chock-full of bump- The bloody civil war in the Middle United Nations camp houses 33,000 refu- ness fostered by discrimination and poverty. kins who fall to pieces, deal Eastern nation — gees — nearly half under age 18. “He takes the doctrine of sin very seri- with achy-breaky hearts and Fwhose capital, Damascus, Other Syrian families live in borrowed ously, but he also takes the doctrine of face temptation when the was the site of the apostle houses, Sims said. In the courtyard of one redemption very seriously,” said Rubel devil goes down to Georgia Paul’s baptism — has such home, he spoke with a refugee named Shelly, who ministered for Churches of looking for a soul to steal. claimed more than 30,000 Hussein, who lived in the city of Homs, the Christ in Nashville from 1978 to 2005. “He However, I seem to recall lives in the past 18 months, focal point of the conflict between the Syrian See JONES, Page 16 reading in the Bible about according to news reports. government and anti-government fighters. a prophet who’s swallowed Sims, executive director In Homs, soldiers went from door to by a fish and a prodigal son of Global Samaritan Sims door, threatening or killing anyone believed who longs to dine on pig Resources, traveled to to support their enemies, Hussein told the slop. And Jesus certainly neighboring Jordan recently to listen to minister. As the family prepared to flee, had friends in low places. refugees from the war. “Hands-on love and Hussein’s 70-year-old father distracted the In its 2002 hit “My Town,” peace” are needed desperately, he said. soldiers while they hid. Montgomery Gentry sings So are blankets. “When the family ... came out of their about a “For Sale” sign on a Sims visited the city of Mafraq, about 10 hiding spot, they found their father dead,” rusty tractor, the mill clos- miles south of the Syrian border, on behalf Sims said. “The army had decapitated him.” ing down, a whistle blowing of the Christian humanitarian nonprofit, Now Hussein and the surviving every day at noon and the which receives support from members of members of his family huddle in a small TED PARKS interstate coming through. Churches of Christ. The longtime minister house with rusted pipes and a leaky roof. David Jones visits residents at the Schrader Acres See COUNTRY MUSIC, Page 4 became executive director of the Abilene, See SYRIA, Page 14 Assisted Living Center, a ministry of the church. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY DECEMBER 2012 www.christianchronicle.org
Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. Serving children & families for nearly • See video of the Sikes family being honored during the recent half a century homecoming ceremonies at York College in Nebraska. • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out exclusive online features. COUNTRY MUSIC: ‘The words written in red’ FROM PAGE 3 on a midnight bus bound for Mexico. “Come Sunday morning service at When an 18-wheeler can’t stop on a the Church of Christ, well, there ain’t dime, three of the four die: an empty seat to be found,” the chorus There are three wooden crosses on the Seeking Full-Time Minister continues. “And this is my town.” right side of the highway The Weyburn church of Christ is a stable, intergenerational congregation who is connected to the Some of my favorite country lyrics Why there’s not four of them, heaven brotherhood and has a rich heritage of sound doctrine. We are looking for a loving, family oriented impress me as modern-day parables. only knows minister who believes in evangelism both locally and abroad and is willing to work with a diverse As Brad Paisley put it, “Telling folks I guess it’s not what you take when you and talented membership striving to grow the kingdom. Weyburn is one of the fastest growing cities Jesus is the answer can rub ’em wrong leave this world behind you in Saskatchewan with an ethnically diverse population. Our community offers a broad range of opportunities for all ages while maintaining its small town appeal. Closing date: Nov 30.2012. … but this is country music, and we do.” It’s what you leave behind you when The late Don Vinzant, longtime you go To learn more about our community, visit www.weyburn.ca preacher for the Edmond Church of That’s the story that our preacher told For more information about the position or to forward resumes please contact: Christ in Oklahoma, was a Bible scholar, last Sunday an avid book collector and a well-read As he held that blood-stained Bible up Ryan Fowler, Chairman of Search Commission man of exceptional intelligence. for all of us to see 513 McGillvray Drive, Weyburn, SK, Canada S4H 1L9 or Yet some of his most memorable He said bless the farmer and the teacher Email: [email protected] sermons — at least to me — quoted And the preacher who gave this Bible country music lyrics, including these to my mama who read it to me words from Lee Ann Womack’s “I’ll A few other songs that I like: Think of a Reason Later”: • “When I Get Where I’m Going” by It may be my family’s redneck nature Paisley and Dolly Parton, about shed- Rubbin’ off, bringin’ out unlady-like ding the sins and struggles of this life. behavior • “Blessed” by Martina McBride, The Story of a Scholar It sure ain’t Christian to judge a stranger about thanking God for all that we’ve But I don’t like her been given. Who Never Lost His Commitment to Christ She may be a stranger who spends all • “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth winter bringin’ the homeless blankets and Brooks, about appreciating some of dinner God’s greatest gifts. A regular Nobel Peace Prize winner • “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim But I really hate her McGraw, about living deeper, speaking I’ll think of a reason later sweeter and giving forgiveness you’ve That was years ago, and I don’t recall been denying. the specific nature of the sermon. But • “I Saw God Today” by George Jack P. Lewis, best known as a professor I still think of Vinzant every time that Strait, about opening our eyes to the at Harding Graduate School of Religion, song plays on the radio. miracles all around us. recounts his life’s journey as a son, When Vinzant died last year at • “The Man I Want To Be” by Chris husband, father, student, scholar, preacher age 74, I couldn’t help but follow his Young, about falling down on one’s knees and Christian. Hardback. example and borrow these words from and begging God for another chance. Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe”: • “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie G55986 $24.99 I raise my hands, bow my head Underwood, about letting Jesus take I’m finding more and more truth in the control. “Cast your bread upon the waters, words written in red If I had more space, I’d reflect on Josh They tell me that there’s more to life Turner’s “Long Black Train” feeding off for you will find it after many days.” than just what I can see the souls that are lost and crying. But (Ecclesiastes 11:1) Vinzant certainly believed in “the I’ve reached the end of the line. GOSPEL words written in red.” So I’ll close by reminding my sweet- To Pre-Order: 1-800-251-8446 ADVOCATE Another of my favorites is Randy heart that she’s the reason God made A TRUSTED NAME SINCE 1855 Travis’ “Three Wooden Crosses.” Oklahoma. That song concerns a farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher riding CONTACT [email protected]. DECEMBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 FLORIDA spotlight HOMESTEAD — Nearly 30 teens and adults from the Lone Oak Church of Christ in Paducah, Ky., recently spent several days working with the Homestead Church of Sweet Reeses Christ’s Vacation Bible School. Besides helping with crafts, lessons and SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. — Dubbed the snacks for 100-plus children each night, Sweet Reeses, a family from the South the group volunteered in the commu- Holland Church of Christ competed nity and at Redland Christian Academy, a on a recent episode of GSN’s “The ministry of the Homestead church. American Bible Challenge.” “We painted, hung new doors in the Derrek and Susan Reese, along with gym and built new walls,” Lone Oak their son, Daniel, 17, played for the youth minister Jamey Boone said. “We charity Created Treasures Performing also did some work for some of the Arts Academy, which uses the arts to members in their homes and painted a teach and heal. The Reeses flew to Los Hispanic church building in Miami.” Angeles on a Wednesday, attended Bible For more information on the Florida study at the Inglewood Church of Christ work, see www.j4lministries.org. and taped the show that Thursday. “It was so much fun,” Susan Reese said. INDIANA “The questions are very easy. If you love BEDFORD — Old-timers received special the Bible, then you read it a lot. Then you recognition recently at the Central know what all these facts are. So it’s an Church of Christ. easy game show. But we had a blast.” The congregation honored all members 70 and older, giving awards to the oldest member, the oldest married couple and the longest-serving Christian. Minister Rick Leach asked the entire congregation to hold hands and touch the BOBBY ROSS JR. shoulders of the older members and pray over them, said Laura Leach, Rick’s wife. A cheer for the behind-the-scenes servants “It was truly a blessing to be in a New England church members offer a standing ovation to the men who cooked and cleaned dur- room with so much wisdom,” she said. ing the fall women’s retreat at Gander Brook Christian Camp in Raymond, Maine. The retreat drew nearly 200 women from Churches of Christ in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, LOUISIANA Rhode Island and Vermont. Becky Blackmon, author of “The Begging Place” and a member of the PHOTO PROVIDED BY GSN MONROE — The recent fourth annual Area Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, spoke on developing intimacy with God. Daniel, Susan and Derrek Reese Wide Worship drew about 300 members from several area Churches of Christ to a high school auditorium. weeds at a community garden, painted TENNESSEE TEXAS The Forsythe, University, White’s at a house for sexually exploited MEMPHIS — About 70 young adults ARLINGTON — About 240 people attended Ferry Road, Jackson Street and girls and washed the feet of home- representing 12 Memphis-area congre- the recent inaugural worship assembly Calhoun congregations participated. less people, reported Agape ministry gations participated in a recent “Lost of the Arlington Iglesia de Cristo “We look forward to gathering again interns Brett and Heather Worsham. and Found” retreat. (Church of Christ). on the last Sunday night of August 2013 The retreat at a state park was The Hispanic church plant is a coop- if the Lord delays his return,” said John SOUTH DAKOTA designed to create unity among area erative effort of Great Cities Mission Dobbs, minister for the Forsythe church. ABERDEEN — Coming soon to a theater congregations and “impact a generation and three Arlington congregations: near you: a movie about the life of that is leaving the church,” said Justin Woodland West Church of Christ, OREGON former Lipscomb University basketball White, a member of the Park Avenue North Davis Church of Christ and PORTLAND — Agape Blitz — a work coach Don Meyer. Church of Christ. Hillcrest Church of Christ. program designed to serve the commu- Moonglow Films hopes to start The retreat theme was tied to David Two families are planting the congre- nity — started five years ago as a one-day production this year and release the Kinnaman’s book “You Lost Me,” in gation in a growing city where 60 outreach by the Agape Church of Christ. independent film into theaters next year, which he describes the problem of percent of students are of Hispanic heri- The program has grown to three the Aberdeen News reported recently. young adults leaving their faith. Speakers tage, missionary Omar Corpus said. full weeks with mission teams from Meyer, a member of the Aberdeen Garrett Best, Eric Gentry, David Flatt and Corpus and his wife, Cesia, are from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Washington Church of Christ, retired from coaching Smith Hopkins all addressed that issue. Mexico, while Jesus Rodriguez and his state helping with the most recent effort. in 2010 with 923 wins. A 2008 acci- Angela Rusk, who works for a wife, Carmen, are from Puerto Rico. The mission teams served lunch dent required his left leg to be ampu- Spanish-speaking congregation that The missionaries hope to reach not and repaired bicycles at an apartment tated below his knee. After the wreck, meets in conjunction with the Sycamore only new immigrants but also second- complex, fixed playground equip- doctors discovered cancer in his liver View Church of Christ, said the retreat and third-generation Hispanic families, ment at a preschool, mowed and pulled and small intestine. helped her “recharge my batteries.” Corpus said. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012
www.lightmypathministries.com
HEALING FOR HUMANITY HEALINGHEALING FOR FOR HUMANITY HUMANITY CHIMALA MISSON, HOSPITAL & SCHOOLS CHIMALAHEALING MISSON, FOR HOSPITAL HUMANITY & SCHOOLS CHIMALA MISSON, HOSPITAL & SCHOOLS CHIMALAIn these MISSON, difficult economic HOSPITAL times, we &must SCHOOLS make decisions as concerned Christians on InIn thesethese how difficultdifficult we spend economic economic our limited times, times, funds. we Inwe themust must New make Testament,make decisions decisions Paul tells as as us concerned concernedthe Macedonians Christians Christians on on howhow wewe spendgavespend even ourour out limited limitedof their poverty.funds. funds. WillIn In the youthe doNew New the Testament,same? Testament, Paul Paul tells tells us us the the Macedonians Macedonians gave even out of their poverty. Will you do the same? gave evenOf the out 41 of million their people poverty. in Tanzania, Will you half doare theunder same? the age of 18. Please help us Of the 41educate million these people young peoplein Tanzania, for productive half careers are under and lives the in age Christian of 18. service. Please help us educateOf the 41 Afterthese million obeying young people the people gospel, in forTanzania,some productive of these half young careers are Christians under and could the lives agealso in matureof Christian 18. into Please service. help us Aftereducate obeying preachersthese the young and gospel, leaders people somein their for of homeproductive these country young orcareers be Christians trained and as livesnurses could inor alsoschoolChristian mature teachers service. into preachersthrough and leadersour Christian in theirfacilities. home country or be trained as nurses or school teachers throughAfter obeying our Christian the gospel, facilities. some of these young Christians could also mature into
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Chimala mission is located in Tanzania, Africa 5371Arlington, New York Avenue TX 76018 to the Lord’s work in Chimala in honor or in memory Chimala School of Preaching Office: (817)419-7909 Email: [email protected] Stateside Coordinator: Chimala missionBill Stinson is located (817)521 in Tanzania,-9378 Africa Arlington, TX 76018 Herring Christian Secondary School of(please yourOffice: include Loved (817)419 your -One(s)7909 loved Email: one’s to [email protected] namebe printed and acknowledgment in our Newsletter. address) Stateside Coordinator: Bill Stinson (817)521-9378 (please include your loved one’s name and acknowledgment address) Chimala PrimaryBear one School another’s burdens and so Pleasefulfill makethe law your of checkChrist payable –Gal. 6:2
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Chimala mission is located in Tanzania, Africa Arlington, TX 76018 Office: (817)419-7909 Email: [email protected] Stateside Coordinator: Bill Stinson (817)521-9378 (please include your loved one’s name and acknowledgment address)
Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ –Gal. 6:2 DECEMBER 2012 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7 Bible scholar, Yale professor Abraham Malherbe dies at 82 NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Abraham Malherbe, other churches in the area, according acu.edu professor emeritus of New Testament to a Yale news release. In recent years, criticism and interpretation at Yale the Malherbes attended the First Dr. Robert Rhodes, Provost, ACU Box 29103, Abilene, Texas 79699-9103 Divinity School, died from an apparent Baptist Church, the release said. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences heart attack Sept. 28. He was 82. “Abe Malherbe was the embodiment of The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic unit in the university Malherbe, an internationally known an ancient ideal, the Christian scholar,” and central to its mission, offering undergraduate and graduate majors through four divisions (Behavioral and Social Sciences, Languages and Communication, Bible scholar, was born said David Bartlett, a Yale Divinity School Visual and Performing Arts, and Sciences and Mathematics) comprising 15 departments. in South Africa and was professor emeritus of Christian commu- The college plays a primary role in the strong liberal arts education provided for all converted to Christianity nication. “His scholarship is known by undergraduate students in the university. by missionary Eldred everyone who studies New Testament, as Dean, College of Biblical Studies Echols. Echols encour- he helped bring early Christian literature The College of Biblical Studies has two graduate programs – the Graduate School aged Malherbe to into conversation with the Hellenistic of Theology and the Department of Marriage and Family Studies – offering several attend Abilene Christian philosophical writings and helped us to master’s degrees and the Doctor of Ministry degree. The Department of Bible, Missions University in Texas. think about the church in its social and and Ministry provides undergraduate instruction to help students become intellectually After graduation there, intellectual context.” and practically grounded in the Christian faith. Undergraduate majors include Bible and Malherbe ministry, and vocational ministry, with concentrations in biblical text, biblical languages, Malherbe studied at In a 2002 interview with The Christian youth and family ministry, missions, children and family ministry, and worship ministry. Harvard University and returned to Chronicle, Malherbe expressed concern The Bachelor of Science degree in family studies equips students to serve the needs of teach at ACU from 1963 to 1969. about Churches of Christ “cozying up to children and families in a variety of community settings. “Abe trained a generation of New those evangelicals who put a premium Dean, College of Education and Human Services Testament professors in the Churches on feeling at the expense of reason.” The College of Education and Human Services provides nationally accredited of Christ who now populate the “It seems that the goal of many training programs grounded in current research and informed practice related to Christian college faculties and beyond,” services is to achieve an emotional the educational and service needs of children and adults. The college comprises said Ken Cukrowski, associate provost response without imparting biblical five academic units: the School of Social Work and Department of Sociology, the and interim dean of ACU’s College of knowledge,” he said. “When the same, Department of Teacher Education, Graduate Studies in Education, the Department Biblical Studies. non-expository approach is followed of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, and the Pruett Gerontology Center. The college also houses three federally funded TRiO Malherbe and his wife, Phyllis, who in a church’s Bible classes, any programs serving those who are first-generation college students, students of diverse made their home in Hamden, Conn., Restorationist nuance easily disappears.” ethnic backgrounds and students with disabilities. dedicated a great deal of time and resources to support the Whitney TO READ A FULL OBITUARY and see the complete Visit acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html for complete descriptions Avenue Church of Christ in North 2002 interview, go to www.christianchronicle.org/blog of these positions. Successful applicants will have a commitment to the mission, Haven, Conn., as well as a number of and search for “Abraham Malherbe.” values and goals of the university; have an appreciation and understanding of the nature and role of Christian higher education and the relationship among learning, scholarship and faith; and a 21st-century vision for the role of the college in a Meningitis outbreak claims two members comprehensive university and in the preparation of students for service and leadership in the world. She or he will have an earned doctorate; a record of excellence in teaching and research as a tenured associate or full professor; NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two members of Reba Temple was known for checking serve as an exemplary teacher, mentor and advisor of university students; Churches of Christ were among at in with the Centerville Church of Christ have experience in academic administration including evidence of exceptional least eight people in Tennessee — and secretary once a week for years, asking leadership in progressively responsible positions; demonstrate ability to work 21 nationally — to die from a fungal who was sick so she could give them a collaboratively with faculty, staff and administrators within a department, college meningitis outbreak linked to tainted call to encourage them, according to The and university; have knowledge of and experience with how the disciplines of steroid shots. Tennessean. The widowed the college are connected with the communities they serve; and have willingness and ability to work effectively with university development in fund raising. Diana Elizabeth Reed mother and grandmother, In a letter, applicants should address each element or characteristic in was a 56-year-old wife and 80, died Oct. 6. the above description of responsibilities and qualifications, and should send mother of two. The Otter “She was just a sweet a curriculum vita, including the name, address and telephone number of five Creek Church of Christ Christian lady,” minister references (to be contacted only in the event the applicant is a finalist). Please mail member died Oct. 3. Shane Willis told the documents electronically in Microsoft Word format to [email protected]. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities Reed was an avid Nashville newspaper. are especially encouraged. All applicants must be professing Christians and reader and a woman “Everyone enjoyed be active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of faith, someone who Reed Temple being around her, having of Christ and deeply committed to service in Christian smelled the inside of a conversations with her. higher education. Bible every time she opened it, as if She had a great love for the church. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches somehow inhaling its words, loved ones “She was known by many people,” of Christ. The mission of the university is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU told The Tennessean. the minister added, “and their remarks does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities. A front-page New York Times story were very positive about her.” 110324-1212 on Reed’s death reported that the Otter Creek church was bringing meals to FOR EXPANDED COVERAGE, go to www.christian her family and helping with laundry. chronicle.org/blog and search for “meningitis.” 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE decEMBER 2012 HAITI spotlight GANTHIER — About 330 children attended a Vacation Bible School in this Haitian town, 45 minutes east of Port-au- Prince. Three church members from Julio are you? Nashville, Tenn. — Andy Holley, Kelly Northington and Lindsey Kitchens — Mistaken identity were volunteer workers for the event. Jean Claubert Belton, the church’s minister, asked the group to return leads to baptism and host a VBS twice per year. The BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The Facebook next VBS is scheduled for early 2013. equivalent of a wrong number led Julio To volunteer, contact Joe Holley at Burgos to Christ. [email protected]. Burgos, who lives in Florencio Varela, about 90 minutes from Buenos Aires, PAPUA NEW GUINEA received a message on the social ALOTAU — Diane Reese, who serves networking site from a church member as a missionary in this South Pacific in Colombia, who had confused Burgos nation with her husband, with a friend of the same name. Marcus, recently wrote a The two became friends on Facebook small-group study guide and, when Burgos became interested for the Gospel of Mark. in studying the Bible, the Colombian “She called the women Christian referred him to someone he of the churches together, did know in Argentina — Pedro Soto, explained how to use youth minister for the Caballito Church the booklets and helped of Christ in Buenos Aires. them to organize them- Burgos visited the church and later Diane Reese selves into small encour- was baptized. Now he is a student at agement groups — two to six women the Argentine Bible Institute, a ministry per group,” Marcus Reese said. training school operated by church “A number of women who had stopped members. going to church are now involved again,” “He now is in charge of ringing the he said. “And some who go to church bell between Sunday services and Bible regularly said that they cried and cried class,” missionary Joel Banks said. as they shared with each other because “He also has a thirst for learning God’s of all the pent-up emotions that they had word and spontaneously serves others.” not been sharing until now. Men are also asking if they can use the booklets. I TRENT WHEELER think God allowed Diane to meet a defi- nite need with a powerful solution.” Nigerian-led school prepares for ministry Children play on the campus of West Nigeria Christian College in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The school PERU hosted its annual lectureship recently, attended by 847 members of Churches of Christ. Cooks LIMA — A church member in this South at the school killed a fatted calf — literally — to feed lectureship participants. American capital designed and helped Launched in 2000, the school offers a two-year comprehensive training program. Graduates build a library and community center of secondary schools receive training in Bible, English, world religions, education and computer to serve single skills to help them as they enter university studies. The school also prepares young men to mothers and preach and offers an advanced diploma in Christian ministry. Biodun Owolabi directs the school, PHOTO PROVIDED their families. which has a seven-member board of trustees, chaired by Peter Egure. Tennessee-based African Julio Burgos, left, studies at the Argentine The church Christian Schools supports the work. For more information, see africanchristianschools.org. Bible Institute in Buenos Aires. member, Carla, was baptized last year. Working with the mission’s interns, and with the help of others, puts their People with diabetes and kidney prob- She minis- community leaders and fellow church words into action.” lems had to wait for months for dialysis ters to single members, Carla designed and built the in Ivano-Frankivsk but now can receive PHOTO PROVIDED mothers, “ludoteca,” a place for recreational and UKRAINE the service at their local hospital, Carla works with single teaching them creative activities. TLUMACH — Ivan Skoleba, a minister in Skoleba said. “Many of them would mothers in Peru. the Bible and “As a missionary in Lima, one of the the western Ukrainian city of Ivano- die before they could have their treat- collecting neces- things that you pray for is Peruvian Frankivsk, reports that people in the ments,” the minister added. sities for them and their children, said leadership,” Thompson said. “While village of Tlumach have access to life- Searcy, Ark.-based Ukraine Missions Justin Thompson, a member of Team many people can talk, it’s inspiring sustaining dialysis machines, thanks to coordinated the medical shipment that Lima, a church-planting mission. when one person takes that vision, donations by U.S. church members. included the dialysis machines. DECEMBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9
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House Parents Arms of Hope is seeking a married couple who has a passion for today’s youth and a calling to Christian residential care. At Arms of Hope we have the unique opportunity to serve youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need adult leadership to help guide them educationally, emotion- ally and spiritually. It is our mission to provide these children with a therapeutic environment in which they can develop and prosper. This mission opportunity offers a very competi- tive salary in addition to housing, food, health insurance, a PHOTOs PROVIDED BY IsHmael ResEndez Campers gather around a bonfire for a time of praise and reflection near Aquiles, Mexico. retirement plan and generous vacation and leave time.
If interested in these positions, please visit www.ArmsofHope.org to obtain an application on the ‘Big blessings’ at camp “About Us” page. You can also contact Allen Williams at [email protected]. Campers took nature hikes, tie-dyed T-shirts and obeyed the Gospel during the fourth La Sierra Christian Camp near Aquiles, Mexico. This year’s camp yielded “grandes bendiciones,” or big bless- ings, said organizer Ishmael Resendez, 5-YEAR/60,000-MILE minister for the Church of Christ in Victoria, Mexico. The camp’s first session BODY & CHASSIS WARRANTY was completely full, with 52 youths attending. Organizers added a second STANDARD WITH EVERY NEW BUS PURCHASE session of 26 children. Six of them were Carpenter Bus Sales has gone the baptized during the camp, Resendez extra mile again in providing a unique said. Church members in the U.S. provide 5-‐year/60,000-‐mile body & chassis some support for the camp, which is Victoria Jaramillo Hernandez shares her warranty* with every new bus they conducted by Mexican Christians. thoughts on a chapter of the Gospel of John. sell! An op Call 866-750-5658 or visit us online at CarpenterBus.com *Details of this Limited Warranty at www.carpenterbus.com/5-60 Campers at La Sierra tie-dyed T-shirts bearing the camp’s theme, “Transforming my Life,” based on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. DECEMBER 2012 AROUND THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 Storms, floods devastate churches across Africa BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE graduate of the Bible Training Center in Cotonou, Benin. Church leaders in the central African Djonga “knows the needs in (the) nation of Chad “sound a cry for help” in villages where there are brethren a recent letter reporting the devastating suffering from this excessive rainy effects of two months of flooding. season,” said missionary Doyle Kee, “Heavy rains ... have caused enor- adding that the money sent by the mous damage, both in terms of material Geneva church “is just a drop in the things and human lives,” according to bucket for the need.” the letter, signed by 10 Church of Christ The flooding has swollen rivers in ministers in the Moyen-Chari Region of neighboring Cameroon, forcing officials southern Chad. at a dam there to release large amounts The United of water into rivers that flow into Nations reports eastern Nigeria. that more The resulting floodwaters than 445,000 forced church members people have from their beds in the been affected middle of the night, said by the Chad Nathaniel Ajaegbu, floods, which a minister in consumed Nigeria the city of Aba, nearly 1,000 Nigeria. The square miles of Christians took farmland. The nation already refuge in the meeting suffers from a high level of food place of the Gboko insecurity — meaning that a large Church of Christ. percentage of the country’s 10.9 “Most of these million people don’t know where brethren are they will find their next meal. farmers,” Ajaegbu The devastation brought Swaziland said, “but the flood scores of patients to the Jordan has destroyed every- Health Center, a medical clinic one’s farms, houses and their in the southern Chadian village belongings. Some of them (have) of Dona-Manga operated by Hope no clothes to change into.” Springs International, a Tennessee- In the southern African nation of based nonprofit supported by church Swaziland, a recent storm knocked members. Patients from the flooded down power lines and tore roofs areas suffer from dehydration, diarrhea from buildings — including a newly and dysentery. constructed library — on the campus “Of the desperate people who have of African Christian College, a church- traveled for medical attention, six supported school. The storm knocked people have died,” said Lee Hodges, out the campus’ water pumps. the nonprofit’s president. Students and administrators at the “In the midst of this tragedy, God school are assessing damage to the granted us a major blessing,” Hodges campus and to the college’s macadamia said. “Our ongoing performance during nut orchard — a project designed to this state of emergency has resulted in make the college self-sustaining. a special ceremony being held to award “The best news is that everyone is the Jordan Health Center with its full safe and well,” said Brad Carter, the accreditation as a health center by the school’s president-elect. Chadian government.” Church members in Geneva, FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact: Switzerland, sent $1,500 to a congrega- • Hope Springs International: www.hopespringsint.com tion in Moundou, Chad, where Feltoing • African Christian College: www.africanchristiancollege.org Djonga preaches. The minister is a • See www.christianchronicle.org for additional contacts. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 2012 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 13 ‘If they have to start with a dirt floor and a thatched roof, they’re happy to do that because their faith is so big and so strong.’’ LIBERIA: ‘Why must the little kids suffer?’ — Jim Hambrick, elder, White Station Church of Christ, Memphis, Tenn. BOBBY ROSS JR. BOBBY ROSS JR. BOBBY ROSS JR. BOBBY ROSS JR. JIM WHITE William and Helena Horace, shown in their A chain-link fence surrounds the Providence Church of Christ, a 250-member immigrant Church member Benjamin Karmue arrives for Patience Karmue teaches the children’s Sunday school class in the Providence church base- A sign is planted into concrete at the planned site of Lighthouse Village, north of Monrovia, Rhode Island home, hope to return to Liberia. congregation that ranks as the largest Church of Christ in Rhode Island. Sunday morning worship with his daughters. ment. A class for teen girls, taught by Helena Horace, meets on the other side of the room. Liberia. The ceremony was part of groundbreaking ceremonies for the missionary complex. FROM PAGE 1 nation with historic ties to America in 1999. The church moved to its stand- which started with 40 members — has medical professionals. women and children. trucks, motorcycles, wheelbarrows, has already accomplished a lot through children of the war-torn country. endured a bloody coup, years of mili- alone building the next year. experienced numerical and spiritual Board vice president Stephanie Ryan, During Liberia’s war, women were pedestrians, bicycles and vendors sell- this work, but much needs to be done.” Kar serves as board president for a tary rule and two civil wars. In 2002, a Liberian named William growth. who works with a home health-care often brutally raped and kidnapped, ing everything from food to necklaces nonprofit called Love Lights the Way, As many as 1.5 million Liberians were Horace finished two years of studies Membership has hit 250, and the agency, said she became involved after forced to watch their husbands and to batteries — and made their way into BIG PRICE TAG, STRONG FAITH which has taken the first steps toward forced from their homes, according to a at Sunset International Bible Institute congregation appointed three elders a Providence church member, Tony children tortured and killed, or forc- the countryside. Building the entire Lighthouse building a missionary complex north of report issued by the nation’s Truth and in Lubbock, Texas. He and his wife, and four deacons last year. An associate Witherstone, showed her a video depict- ibly conscripted into various warring In the tree-shrouded jungle, they Village could cost between $3 million Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Reconciliation Commission in 2009. Helena, intended to return home. minister and a youth minister help tend ing the plight of Liberian orphans. factions, according to the Truth and passed a banana plantation and stopped and $5 million, organizers estimate. Those steps include buying 10 acres In 1994, Burnett and his wife, Louise, However, Sunset’s president, Truitt to the flock. “I just could not imagine not joining Reconciliation Commission. occasionally to visit with villagers who At a recent meeting, the board’s trea- of land, cutting a road through dense were working as church Adair, learned of the Providence church’s “The thing about church work is, you the crusade to help give these children Thousands of children live in huts made of sticks and clay. surer reported that the forestland and digging a water well. planters in Cumberland, desire for a Liberian minister and encour- always want to have people ready — a better life,” said Ryan, who has a were forced to take Finally, they arrived at the top of a hill group had $1,325 in its Church leaders liken the planned R.I., north of Providence, aged the Horaces to stay in America — trained and prepared — before you can Roman Catholic background. drugs as a means to — the site of the planned Lighthouse bank account. Lighthouse Village to Ghana’s Village when they received as missionaries to their own people. move on,” William Horace said. “We control their minds and Village. “It will take a lot of of Hope. Providence church members a phone call from a In the decade since, the church — are not here to stay. Even though we CALLED TO SERVE THE VICTIMS OF WAR teach them to kill, “mak- “You would never, never believe that God, a lot of faith and a and other supporters intend to erect an Liberian refugee looking already obtained citizenship here, we Providence church member Caroline ing them virtual killing people live where we were,” said Ellen lot of dollars from the orphanage, a medical clinic, schools, a for a Church of Christ. want to return home one day.” Phillips squeezes her eyes shut to keep machines,” the commis- Jarry, wife of Providence church elder United States,” said Jim minister training college, a church and Before long, the The Horaces and several other from bursting into tears. sion reported. George Jarry. Hambrick, an elder for a guesthouse for visiting mission teams. Burnetts — who set out Providence members dream of return- Phillips, 31, whose father died in the Already, the “It was like a forest with trees, no road the White Station church, Burnett Phillips Jarry “They’ve been through war. They’ve to minister to native New ing to Liberia to make Lighthouse war, can’t help but become emotional as Providence church has and nothing,” added Jarry, a nurse’s which supports William seen devastation. They want to reach Englanders, not African war victims Village a reality. she recounts her refugee experience. helped start one successful orphanage aide who worked seven years in Rhode Horace and Bruce Bates, minister for the out and help their people,” said — were making a 30-minute drive to Some already have bought property “I lost family members who are very in Liberia. Island before she could complete the Blackstone Valley church. Ron Burnett, minister for the Fall Providence each Sunday and bringing near the planned missionary complex dear to me,” said Phillips, who was 18 Former refugees Fungbeh and Neyor process to bring her husband and the But the seven-figure price tag River Church of Christ in nearby refugees to worship with the Blackstone to build homes. when she fled Liberia with her mother. Karmue operate Christ’s Children rest of her family to America. “But there won’t deter African Christians, said Massachusetts and Love Lights the Valley Church of Christ. Helena Horace’s voice cracks as she “Thinking about the war is tough. It’s Home in Gbarnga, Liberia, provid- were people living in the bushes.” Hambrick, a businessman who has Way’s board treasurer. “It’s neat to see But eventually, the logistics of the describes orphans so hungry that they very challenging, even at this moment. ing food, shelter and education to 44 The people — about 250 of them — served on Village of Hope’s board and how far they’ve come in a short time.” weekly commute proved too much. It dug turkey bones out of her trash during “I still have flashbacks … about orphans. came out of the bushes to celebrate the makes annual summer trips to help became clear to the Burnetts and their one visit she made to her home country. fighting, killing people in person, The new plans aim to make a bigger plans for the missionary complex. The with the Ghana work. A CHURCH TAKES ROOT AND GROWS supporting congregation — the White “Nobody cares. Nobody cares,” she gunshots and all that.” impact closer to the nation’s capital. government sent a deputy minister to “If they have to start with a dirt floor Freed American slaves founded the Station Church of Christ in Memphis, said, repeating herself and fighting back In the U.S., Phillips has earned a This past winter, a group of Love praise the development. and a thatched roof, they’re happy to do Republic of Liberia in the 1800s and Tenn. — that the Liberians needed their tears. “Why must the little kids suffer?” master’s degree and launched a career Lights the Way board members trav- “We envision building a village that that because their faith is so big and so named the capital after James Monroe, own church in the heart of Providence. Besides Providence members, Love in higher education. eled to Liberia to break ground on the will make it easy for members of the strong,” Hambrick said. “They believe the fifth U.S. president and a prominent With a focus on Rhode Island’s roughly BOBBY ROSS JR. Lights the Way’s board includes repre- However, she said she feels called to missionary complex. church to come work in Liberia,” said that God will bless it.” supporter of colonization. 15,000 Liberian residents, the new con- John Kar prepares to teach an adult Sunday sentatives from the Blackstone Valley return to Liberia with the Love Lights They drove through the cluttered board secretary Jim White, a member From 1979 to 2003, the small coastal gregation began meeting in a storefront school class at the Providence church. and Fall River churches, along with two the Way project and work to empower streets of Monrovia — filled with cars, of the Blackstone Valley church. “God MORE INFORMATION: www.lltw.org 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT DECEMBER 2012 SYRIA: Refugees face ‘long, cold winter’ FROM PAGE 3 civil war after the current conflict For them, “it will be a long, cold winter,” ends. Participants included Muslims, Sims said. Christians and Druze (another minority The family’s needs extend far beyond faith group in Syria) as well as secular the physical. As Hussein told the minister leaders and Bedouin tribal chiefs. his story, the Syrian’s steely blue eyes Two representatives of Pepperdine held “no tears, but a hollow vacuum.” University also participated — Brian Cox “There was a look of desperation and and Timothy Pownall, directors of the hate,” Sims said. “Right now, there’s not PACIS Project in Faith-Based Diplomacy a lot of forgiveness going on.” at the Malibu, Calif., university. Cox developed a model of conflict resolu- CHRISTIANS ‘STAND IN THE BREACH’ tion based on Matthew 18:15, in which Many outsiders view the Syrian Jesus urges his followers to settle their conflict as one that disputes in a respectful, pits Muslims against loving manner. Muslims, Sims said. “It’s a unique process About three-fourths that is not interfaith of the country’s 22.5 dialogue, not traditional million people are Sunni conflict resolution,” Cox Muslims. Just under told Christianity Today. 3 million Syrians are “It focuses on softening Alawite Muslims, a hearts as the first step minority group that has toward constructive, controlled the country joint problem-solving.” politically for 40 years. The goal of the meet- About 10 percent of ings was to encourage the population claims DANNY SIMS Syrians to create a Christianity as its faith. Relief workers pray in Mafraq, protocol “that will help About 6 percent of them responsibly envi- Jordan’s population is Christian. During sion a national future together, post- his fact-finding trip to Mafraq, Sims Assad, under the sovereignty of God,” worked alongside a Jordanian pastor said Pownall, an elder of the Conejo and met volunteers from around the Valley Church of Christ in Thousand globe who work with ministries and Oaks, Calif. The participants are orga- nonprofits assisting the refugees. nizing future talks. The group included Coptic Christians from Egypt and evangelicals from New GIVING AID, PRAYING FOR PEACE Zealand and Europe. Every day they Meanwhile, Global Samaritan is met and prayed together. collecting funds for blankets and other Though their beliefs differ, the volun- necessities for the Syrian refugees in teers “are not spending much time Jordan. Rather than send containers of arguing over their disagreements,” Sims supplies, the nonprofit will use dona- said. “In a Muslim-dominated culture, tions to buy relief items locally, helping the differences we have quickly fall aside the Jordanian economy, Sims said. in favor of what we have in common.” The nonprofit also seeks ways to In addition, he said, Christians in provide the refugees with safe drinking Jordan “have a genuine sense that they water. During the trip, Sims said, “I saw are standing in the breach between life a lot of sick children drinking impure and death, hope and despair.” water.” Global Samaritan wants to help, but “we’ve got to do it in a way that’s FAITH-BASED DIPLOMACY sustainable.” While Sims lends his support to Sims encouraged American Syrian refugees, other church members Christians to seize the opportunity to are working with the people of the help the people of Syria — by giving Middle East in pursuit of faith-based what they can and praying for peace. reconciliation for the country. “Peacemaking is more difficult than In May and July, representatives of reli- war-making,” he said. “But it costs less gious and political groups within Syria and pays much better dividends.” met in Cairo to discuss a “Healing and Reconciliation Process” that will prevent MORE INFORMATION: globalsamaritan.org. Among the attendees were Evertt Huffard, vice president and dean of Harding Graduate DECEMBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15 My college education was a lot more than “ books and classrooms… LCU helped me set a direction for THE REST OF MY LIFE. – Caleb, LCU class of 2011” Become part of a community that embraces you like family and where professors know your name. Challenge yourself to an education Immerse yourself in a distinctly Christian where you learn to think critically and community committed to helping you discover deeper spiritual truths grow in wisdom and in your relationship alongside every academic discipline. with Christ. LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY For more information contact us at: 800.933.7601 or 806.720.7151 • www.LCU.edu 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT DECEMBER 2012 JONES: Minister has fought for ‘an active, life-changing church’ in Nashville FROM PAGE 3 seen by Carolyne Jones. Forty believes that redemption is not years later, only about 6 per- simply the forgiveness of sins, cent of the center’s students — but it’s the empowerment of ages 3 to kindergarten — are the Holy Spirit to be a servant from Schrader Lane families, to God to change the world in said Shirlee G. McClesky, pro- positive ways.” gram’s current director. The church’s service to the EDUCATION AND DISCRIMINATION community through the center The journey that led Jones has drawn new people to the to a half-century of ministry in church, McClesky added. Nashville began in northern In the 1980s, a rash of mug- Louisiana, where his father was gings and break-ins plagued the a sharecropper. His mother neighborhoods near Schrader helped support the family by Lane. Frightened widows asked cleaning the homes of whites. the church for prayers. Jones grew up Baptist, but The church prayed — and that changed when his mother constructed the Schrader Acres attended a tent meeting in Senior Citizens Center on its 1954 in Bastrop, La., held by campus in 1985 to support and evangelists Luke Shearry and protect the elderly. James Cooper. A white Church Jones originally planned to of Christ in town sponsored the TED PARKS seek government funding for It was October 1962 when two black preachers, Jones said. David Jones prepares to deliver a sermon during Sunday worship at the Schrader Lane Church of Christ. the center but changed his the Jeff st. churh invited When Jones’ mother told mind, convinced Schrader Lane jones to serve as assistant him she had finally found the classes at NCI. But Lipscomb CHANGING THE CHURCH’S IMAGE called for the congregation to could rise to the challenge. minister while the congreg’s church described in the Bible, refused to admit black students. Jones took the advice. relocate, Jones honed his vision “I don’t want to get the gov- elderly preacher transi- he argued with her. “It troubled me that I could Graduating from Tennessee for the church. While some ernment to do it. I want us to do tioned out of his resp. Jones “I thought it was the craziest go to … most schools that State University in 1963 with a members wanted the congrega- it,” he said. graduated the following thing I’d ever heard of, because were northern, and even in bachelor’s degree in psychol- tion to move to a more affluent In 2004, the church built the may, married in Jly, and by we were already in the church,” the South, but I couldn’t go to ogy and English, he earned a part of town, Jones preferred Schrader Acres Assisted Living Jan. was the sole minister. he recalled. “And those people Lipscomb, where I needed to master’s in guidance and coun- to stay in the area, home to his- Center. Members dug deep and had a tent.” go,” Jones said. seling in 1967. He completed torically black schools including paid off the loan for the $4.5 But Jones soon In contrast, a doctorate in education at Tennessee State, Fisk University million facility in four-and-a-half followed his Lambert and Mary Vanderbilt University in 1981. and Meharry Medical College. years with no federal help. mother’s example Campbell, white While preaching, Jones “I wanted to change the Schrader Lane elder Anthony and was baptized. church members worked in Nashville public basic image of what the church Etheridge credits Jones with A handyman as who housed Jones schools for more than 30 years, could be,” Jones remembered. foreseeing the positive impact well as a preacher, between terms at rising to the rank of assistant “I wanted the church to really Schrader Lane’s facilities Shearry became a NCI, treated him superintendent. be … the biblical model of an would have on both the con- mentor to Jones. like family. Mary In 1962, the Jefferson Street active, life-changing church.” gregation and community. The two built a Campbell taught pub- church invited him to serve as In 1968 — a year marked “He’s been able to see way facility for the lic speaking to black assistant minister as the con- by the death of civil rights down the road,” Etheridge said. church that sprang preachers at NCI. gregation’s elderly preacher crusader Martin Luther King Jack Evans, a longtime friend from the tent “I remember meet- transitioned out. Jones and his Jr. and racially charged riots of Jones, called the preacher’s meeting. olan mills photography ing (Mary Campbell) wife, Carolyne, lived in an apart- across the nation — the church five decades of ministry About a year Jones’ church directory downtown, anywhere, ment above the auditorium. inaugurated its new building “miraculous.” later, Jones took photo from the 1970s. she’d just grab you On Sundays, Mrs. Jones put a on Schrader Lane by hosting a From a handful of souls, advantage of one and hug you, and that roast in the oven to cook while “Race Relations Workshop.” Schrader Lane has become of the few educational oppor- was just unheard of back in the her husband preached. As historian Richard Hughes one of the largest predomi- tunities in Churches of Christ 1950s and ’60s,” Jones said. “The only problem was that noted in “Reviving the Ancient nantly black churches in the open to black members — the He also remembered Mary the aroma would seep into the Faith: The Story of Churches nation, said Evans, president Nashville Christian Institute, a Campbell telling him, “Don’t church auditorium and make of Christ in America,” the of Southwestern Christian primary and secondary school let the ignorance of a few everyone hungry,” recalled workshop was one of three key College in Terrell, Texas, a launched in 1940. Jones gradu- people stop you from learning Carolyne Jones, now an archi- meetings of church leaders in historically black college asso- ated as valedictorian from the what you need to know.” vist for the church. The Joneses the 1960s to deal with racism. ciated with Churches of Christ. school, known as NCI, in 1958. “Learn all you can,” she urged celebrate their 50th wedding “And he has not only preached Bible instructors from another him, “use your mind well, stay anniversary next year. SERVING SOULS, YOUNG AND OLD the Gospel,” Evans said, “but he Church of Christ school, David out of trouble, and you’ll have When plans for constructing In 1972, the church opened a has demonstrated what it means Lipscomb College, taught plenty of time to fix things.” Interstate 40 through Nashville childcare center, initially over- to live the Gospel.” DECEMBER 2012 the Christian chronicle 17 ERIK TRYGGESTAD Alumni of the Nashville Christian Institute gather near a historic marker celebrating the life of Marshall Keeble, the school’s longtime president, near the Jackson Street Church of Christ. ‘Remember that you were proud crusaders’ THOUGH gone for 45 years, the Nashville Christian Institute lives on through the preachers, lawyers and civil rights activists it produced BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE The alumni — a host of retired educators, lawyers and preachers — clap, laugh and shout “Amen!” as NASHVILLE, Tenn. Richard Rose Sr. prowls the floor of the fellowship here’s nothing special at the corner of 24th hall. This isn’t a fiery sermon about God’s power — Avenue North and Batavia Street. though he’s delivered a few as minister for the Gray A dog barks behind a chain-link fence in Road Church of Christ in Cincinnati. this lonely neighborhood, thus far overlooked This is a story from his teen years, about an by the urban renewal happening a few miles “ingenious plan” to break the institute’s curfew so Taway. A red brick building, used as a youth center he and his roommate could hear soulful crooner for a church, sits next to an unkempt field of grass. Sam Cooke perform. To sneak back in, they left a The building once housed the Nashville ground-floor window unlocked. Christian Institute, which for nearly 30 years Of course, after an evening of “Twistin’ the Night trained black youths for ministry. Away,” they returned to find every window locked A few blocks away, about 50 surviving alumni tight. After about an hour of pondering, the room- of the institute gather in the Marshall Keeble mates realized they had no recourse but to knock Fellowship Hall of the Jackson Street Church of on the institute’s door and take their comeuppance. GOSPEL ADVOCATE COMPANY Christ. Cases lining the far wall display framed, One of the houseparents, Arthur Fulson, opened Students in Mary Campbell’s speech class pose for a class photo at handwritten letters by Keeble, the institute’s long- the door and said, “I was wondering how long I the Central Church of Christ in Nashville, circa 1950. The class was time president, and pictures of young men wearing was going to sit out here waiting for you to knock.” part of an eight-week Bible training course at the Nashville Chris- suits, reading Bibles and singing. CONTINUED tian Institute. Students paid a fee of $8 for the course. 18 DECEMBER 2012 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 ‘We are hopeful that a reflection back to our unique journey ALUMNI SHARE STORIES will cause us to rejoice at what NCI meant to us and to be even more mindful of how the Lord has blessed us.’’ ‘Remember the legacy’ — Harry Kellam, Nashville chapter NCI alumni president Desegregated in 20 minutes Wendell Wilkie Gunn didn’t set The judge issued an order and out to challenge segregation in Gunn enrolled. his hometown of Florence, Ala. “It was the easiest case I had “I just wanted to go to school,” in all my civil rights cases,” said he said. Gray, who also represented Rosa In 1963, three Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. years after Because of the lawsuit, Gunn’s graduating from mother lost her job as a cook at a Nashville Christian restaurant — which closed three Institute, Gunn months after she left. On campus, attempted to enroll “hardly anyone talked to me for at the all-white the first several months,” Gunn Florence State said. Then, during an assembly, Gunn University, now he received an award for the top the University of North Alabama. score in physics. His classmates That same year, the first black rose to their feet and cheered. students had won admittance “I cried and the cheers became to the University of Alabama in louder,” he said. “From that day Tuscaloosa. Fred Gray, an NCI forward, my life on campus was CENTER FOR RESTORATION STUDIES, ACU ERIK TRYGGESTAD GOSPEL ADVOCATE COMPANY ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD alum, represented student Vivian uneventful and totally pleasant.” A.M. Burton and Marshall Keeble Fred Gray, right, leads a prayer during the Nashville Christian Institute reunion Gray, seated at right, was one of Artifacts from the Nashville Christian Institute fill display cases in the Alvin Hinkle, president of the NCI alumni association, talks to Samuel Carr, Malone in the lawsuit. Gunn went on to serve as an break ground for construction at NCI. in Franklin, Tenn. Gray, a civil rights attorney, attended NCI from 1943 to 1948. Marshall Keeble’s “boy preachers.” Marshall Keeble Fellowship Hall of the Jackson Street Church of Christ. who once drove a bus for NCI students, at the Jackson Street church. After the University of Alabama executive for Chase Manhattan decision, “I didn’t figure you had bank. From 1982 to 1984, he CONTINUED late 1940s, on her way to enroll pieced together out of second- could buy custom-made hats,” to attend NCI. She studied “pecking order” among the Civil rights attorney Fred school’s alumni at the banquet. to sue every school,” Gunn said. served as special assistant to The alumni meet every two as a first grader at NCI. hand salvaged materials,” he said, speaking to the alumni hard and went to summer students on campus, said Lee Gray, an NCI grad and former Lipscomb hosted a reception for He walked onto Florence State’s President Ronald Reagan, helping years in cities across the country, Looking out the window, she Brightwell wrote eight years at a banquet in a Franklin, Tenn., school, graduating at age 15 Collins and Edgar Shelton, “boy preacher” of Keeble’s, the alums on its campus during campus and, “15 minutes later I the administration craft its trade said Alvin Hinkle, president of the saw a stately school building. after the school’s opening. The hotel. The community also had and working in the Milwaukee who graduated in the middle of represented the plaintiffs, who the reunion and gave each of was in the president’s office, and policy with Southeast Asia. Now national alumni association. But the car didn’t stop there. first students dug a basement “a theater where you didn’t have school system for 40 years. the decade. Everybody had a ultimately lost the case. them green and white scarves he was saying they couldn’t admit he is a member of the Stamford About once every six years, the “That was Washington Junior under the building to serve as to go in the back door.” Her brother, Albert N. nickname, including “Duck” and “We couldn’t understand, bearing the school’s name. a black.” But, the president told Church of Christ in Connecticut. group returns to the home city of High School, up the street,” she their living quarters. By 1955, NCI had graduated Johnson, graduated in 1954 and, “Termite.” The oldest students in black Nashville, why NCI The university’s president, him discretely, “if you sue us, “I wasn’t brave,” Gunn said their alma mater, called NCI. said. Arriving at NCI, “you were Despite its humble appear- 235 students, 97 of whom became 22 years later, was elected mayor lived on the third floor. closed,” Mitchell said. “It was a Randy Lowry, said that the we’ll have to admit you.” of his historic walk to campus. At each meeting, the institute’s a little disappointed when you ance, the school had dedicated preachers. More than 2,500 of Las Cruces, N.M., the first “That’s where the big boys place that seemed so successful.” Burton-Keeble fund, which Gunn’s mother contacted Gray, “I just showed up.” Speaking to alumni list grows shorter. saw it. But once you got there, students and teachers, said adults attended the institute’s black mayor in the state. were,” Collins said. “The longer A year later, on April 4, 1968, included NCI’s assets, has grown who did just that. The court Gray, he said, “You guys looked “Those of us, by the grace there was no Patricia Boatwright Ball, who annual lectureship, which drew As she and her classmates you stayed there, the closer you “we didn’t under- from $418,175 to $1.3 million. battle took approximately 20 into the mouth of the beast every of God, who are still here are turning back.” graduated from NCI in 1948. speakers from across the South. studied their textbooks and got to the third floor.” stand why MLK In 2011, the university awarded minutes, the attorney recalled. day, for years.” carrying on the banner for all The institute’s “They gave me the academic Keeble traveled the country Bibles, Beamon began to question Troubles foreign and domestic had to die,” he $1.6 million in aid to 216 black who spent time at the house on home was the foundation I needed to do well with “boy preachers,” showing the “separate but equal” policies cast a shroud over their years added. students at Lipscomb, $66,000 of 24th Avenue,” Hinkle said. abandoned through college and graduate his fellow Christians the brightest of their city. Why did she have at NCI. After graduation, many Thirteen days which came from the fund, said Keeble’s eulogy for ‘Sonny Boy’ The school, which struggled Ashcraft City school and a doctoral program,” of NCI and collecting donations. to “sit upstairs” when she visited students joined the military, after King’s death, Lowry, adding that the univer- Church historians know a lot him to rest in the backyard. financially throughout its life, School building. It said Ball, who served on the Students were required to memo- another Church of Christ school serving in the Vietnam War. Keeble preached sity’s leaders “ask forgiveness about Marshall Keeble, the dedi- They ate a meal after the produced a civil rights attorney, a opened as a night faculty of Armstrong Atlantic rize entire chapters of the Bible, in town, David Lipscomb College? As the decade waned, “Jackson his final sermon. for the injustices of the past.” cated evangelist thought to have service, and Keeble asked his trade adviser to President Ronald school for black Beamon State University in Savannah, including Matthew 5 and Acts 2. Her father worked long hours Street lost some of its luster,” Mitchell He died three Since 1967, church members of baptized 30,000 souls into Christ. great-granddaughter what she Reagan and countless doctors, preachers in Ga., for 40 years. The teaching stuck, said Allen at the railroad — and drank at a Mitchell said. Construction of days later, on both races have made progress in Few know that wanted to do next. She told him educators and preachers. 1940, under the direction of A.C. More importantly, NCI instilled Jackson, a 1965 NCI graduate separate water fountain from his Interstates 40 and 65 divided the April 20, in Nashville. healing old wounds, Hinkle said. he once performed she wanted to go to her room “We’ve lost some, but we still Holt. Two years later it became “Bible principles, guiding prin- who now ministers for the San white coworkers — to pay for community. Businesses closed. But he laments that “11 a.m. is a funeral for a and lie down for a bit (something come,” says Velma Dowell, a a fully accredited elementary ciples,” said Ball, a member of Pablo Avenue Church of Christ her education. NCI’s enrollment dwindled. Its RECONCILIATION, REMEMBRANCE still the most segregated hour on parakeet. she had seen grown-ups do after member of the Wyoming Avenue and secondary school. Keeble, the Liberty City Church of Christ in Oakland, Calif. “You wonder, why it is that teachers earned less than half The lawsuit over NCI’s funds Sundays.” Sonny Boy was funerals). Church of Christ in Detroit and a the son of former slaves and a in Savannah, where her husband, Leaning across the banquet we’re not equal, but we still pay of what their counterparts in the exposed a deep rift between As they continue to fight for the bird’s name. Years later, Cummings was in 1949 graduate of the institute. sought-after preacher among Wesley, is an elder. table, he launched into the equal taxes?” she asked. increasingly desegregated city black and white members of equality, Mitchell urged the He belonged to the final graduating class of the Though the school closed Churches of Christ, was named second chapter of Acts: “And schools earned. Churches of Christ. Earlier alumni to remember the lessons one of Keeble’s Nashville Christian Institute in its doors in 1967, “through the president. when the day of Pentecost was In 1967, NCI’s white-controlled this year, Lipscomb University they learned at NCI. great-grand- 1967. She attends the Jackson THE GOLDEN AGE THE TURBULENT SIXTIES Cummings preachers, lawyers, doctors and W.E. Brightwell, a church In the 1950s, the Jackson Street fully come, they were all with one Keeble stepped down from the board of directors voted to close attempted reconciliation by The closing of the school “did daughters, Gwen Street Church of Christ in educators, it lives on,” she said. member who supported the insti- community near NCI became the accord in one place. And suddenly presidency of NCI in 1958 but the school and transfer its assets awarding Gray an honorary not change you and what you Cummings. She loved the bird Nashville, where her husband, tute, described it as “an orphan epicenter of black Nashville, said there came a sound from heaven continued to raise money for the to David Lipscomb College, doctorate of humane letters. contributed,” he said. “We’ve got dearly. When he died, she insisted Clinton, is an elder. MARSHALL KEEBLE’S DREAM on our doorsteps, without the Reavis Mitchell Jr., dean of the as of a rushing wind …” school. Two white church leaders now Lipscomb University. Many “I really accepted it on behalf of to remember NCI, what it was that his memory be honored. Remembering Keeble’s love Margaret Beamon remembers benefit of a basket, to say nothing School of Humanities at nearby Parents sacrificed to send — Lucien Palmer and Willie Cato blacks who had sacrificed for the each of you who attended NCI but about. Remember the classes. Keeble obliged, gathering the for her — and her parakeet — the excitement she felt as she of ribbons, buttons and bows.” Fisk University. their children to the school, said — took the institute’s reins. school felt betrayed and filed a could not attend David Lipscomb Remember that you were proud family and speaking kind words she says, “He was truly the best rode along Jackson Street in the The institute was “crudely “There was a store where you Beamon, one of eight siblings By the 1960s, there was a lawsuit to stop the transfer. at the time,” Gray told the crusaders. Remember the legacy.” of the bird’s loyalty before laying granddad in the world.” THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 20 lcu_dean_ad.pdf 1 10/12/12 11:20 AM C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Houseparent Married couples are invited to apply for houseparent positions. A high school diploma or GED is required, and some college as well as a minimum of one year of child-care or related experience is preferred. Individuals must be at least 23 years old and be faithful Christians with a stable marriage and family unit. We require applicants to pass a background check and drug test. Exceptional time management Meet Me at the and detail-oriented skills are required, as is the ability to exhibit successful home management skills on a continuous basis. Mount Successful candidates will: Comply with all policies, guidelines and programs; attend all staff training and mandatory meetings; Sunset Vision Workshop Cooperate and work as a team with all Christ’s Haven staff members; Ensure the physical and emotional safety of youths in January 23-26, 2013 our care; Provide a loving Christian home environment; Provide a Christian example and work to instill Christian values and beliefs in Registration & Info at youths; Transport youths to and attend Church of Christ worship services in the area. www.sibi.cc/workshop Submit resumes to [email protected] Visit www.christshaven.org for more information. DECEMBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 the classroom. The percentage of LCU’s total enroll- A conversation with Tim Perrin ment that consists of students from the Churches of Christ has declined at the same time that the university’s FOR LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN’S SIXTH president, service to university is ‘a family thing.’ overall enrollment has significantly increased. The total number of Church BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Christian higher education that was of Christ students at LCU has remained embodied by the LCU faculty and staff. relatively stable. We vigorously seek to im Perrin became the new leader of I guess you could say that LCU is in my attract students from the Churches of Lubbock Christian University when blood. It’s a family thing. Christ, and indeed, we were pleased in My experience at LCU shaped and the fall of 2011 and 2012 to experience he assumed the office as LCU’s sixth formed me in important ways and an increase in the percentage of such president on June 1. prepared me for the opportunities I’ve students in our first-year class. TLCU has been an integral part of Perrin’s had thereafter. We extend hospitality to the students life. The son of faculty members, he grew up There is something special about who join us from other Christian across the street from campus. He worked as the optimism and “can do” spirit of the traditions and celebrate the ways they people who inhabit West Texas. You can contribute to the life of the university a dishwasher in the cafeteria as a teenager see that in the history of LCU, especially as well. LCU is deeply committed to and later was recruited to play basketball. as demonstrated by the life and example its Restoration heritage and seeks to Perrin also was an active member of the of F.W. Mattox. I am woefully inadequate prepare its students for greater service Chap Brigade, a men’s spirit club, in addition to follow in his footsteps but am honored in the Kingdom. and privileged to be asked to return PHOTO PROVIDED to being an athlete. home and to share in this work. Tim Perrin on the campus of LCU. What are the immediate challenges He served as student body president when for you and LCU? Steve Lemley was inaugurated as the fourth Why is Christian education relevant creation, an understanding that is fulfilled After 20 years teaching and serving president of LCU in 1983. Perrin graduated today? perfectly in the person of Jesus Christ. at Pepperdine and living in Malibu, I’m We live in an age of information. We adjusting to life back in my hometown. with honors a year later. He studied law at can access more information in a few What relationship to Churches of It’s going well, but everyone seems so Texas Tech University, graduating in 1987 with seconds than our ancestors could find in Christ will LCU have under your much older! I’m re-learning the joys of honors. After five years with a law firm in a lifetime. We live in a post-modern age leadership? saying “y’all” instead of “you guys.” We Corpus Christi, Texas, Perrin accepted a faculty of deep skepticism about everything. LCU will continue to enjoy a strong had an alumni event at LCU shortly after position with the Pepperdine University School What is truth? What is good? We live in and enduring relationship with the I arrived and the entree was chicken-fried an age of globalization. The world keeps Churches of Christ. We will continue steak. I knew I was in the right place. of Law in Malibu, Calif., where he taught and getting smaller and more connected. to hire faculty from the Churches of On a more serious note, I’m spending served as vice dean of the Law School. All of this is happening as we witness Christ who are committed followers much of my time listening, meeting As a student at LCU, Perrin worked closely the remarkable growth of Christianity of Jesus so that they can serve as role with various constituencies and seeking with Steve Eckman, dean of students at the in the Global South, a major shift in the models and mentors of students in and to understand the culture, opportuni- history of the Christian world. out of the classroom. We will continue ties and challenges at LCU. I’m deeply time and currently president of York College in In the midst of all of these develop- to recruit students from the Churches impressed with what I’m learning. Nebraska. Perrin also traveled to area churches ments, higher education has moved of Christ who embrace and support our As for LCU, I’m fortunate that I do not with President Lemley. Lemley would preach, away from its Christian roots and distinctively Christian mission. inherit any significant challenges that and Perrin would teach the high school class. become more secularized; knowledge require immediate action. Due to the President Perrin and his wife, Lucy, also has become more fragmented and With fewer than 50 percent of excellent leadership of Dr. Ken Jones specialized; and the scientific means of students from Churches of Christ, for the last 19 years and the talented an alumnus of LCU, have three children: knowing is deemed the only effective how will the Christian character of faculty and staff at LCU, the university Hannah, Sam and Will. means of acquiring knowledge. LCU be maintained? is in strong and stable condition. I believe that Christian higher educa- The Christian character of an institu- LCU has made progress on many What interested you in becoming tion is both vitally important and tion is preserved and strengthened fronts; there is significant momentum. president of LCU? extraordinarily relevant in the 21st through people, and LCU has a faculty The challenges we face are similar to My history with LCU is both deep and century. The explosion of information and staff who seek to embody the Chris- those that confront much of higher long. I’m a product of LCU and a part of requires citizens who can think criti- tian mission each and every day. That education, such as responding to a family that has deeply invested in the cally about what they read and hear. will not change. increasing regulation and ensuring that university. LCU is much more than just Our Christian universities seek to do This summer the LCU faculty and we have sufficient resources to fulfill my alma mater, though my wife Lucy that very thing — imparting wisdom, staff have been discussing together our mission, while at the same time and I are both very proud graduates. teaching discernment and helping Robert Benne’s fine book, “Quality continuing to maintain our tuition and I grew up in Lubbock and liter- students form and shape a Christian lens with Soul,” which has led to stimulating housing costs at an affordable level. ally spent my childhood on the LCU through which to evaluate the massive conversations about what it means for There is lingering uncertainty about campus. My parents gave their lives in amounts of information available to them. LCU to be a Christian university and future levels of government support for service of LCU and her students. And To think Christianly about the world is how we might deepen the integration of higher education, which should be a I witnessed the deep commitment to to have a unified understanding of God’s faith and learning inside and outside of matter of concern for all of us. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Noel Whitlock Tim Pyles “The Message of the Cross” “The Agony of the Cross” “Meeting Jesus at the Cross” Friday & Saturday, February 22-23, 2013 Bob Turner Thomas Jackson HOSTED BY “The Glory of the Cross” “The Appeal of the Cross” The Oklahoma City Churches of Christ www.affirmingthefaithok.com HELD AT North MacArthur Church of Christ • 9300 N. MacArthur • Oklahoma City, OK • 405.621.5962 Waterview Church of Christ N. Waterview Drive Richardson, TX 75080 Faculty Position in Counseling www.waterview.org Available Fall 2013 All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to 50th Anniversary Christ-centered Liberal Arts education and Christian service. Celebration The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is seeking a person qualified to Saturday, December 1st teach in its Master of Science in Counseling program who will be dedicated to the Fellowship Time development of the program at Faulkner University. The teaching responsibilities 6 p.m. will be at the graduate and undergraduate levels which may include theories, Sunday, December 2nd clinical skills, human development, research, etc., depending upon the candidate’s Special Class Session with Dr. Bruce McLarty 9 a.m. interest and program needs. The candidate will actively engage in student Anniversary Worship Assembly with advisement, supervision of practica and internship students, and assist the Master’s Robert K. Oglesby preaching Program Director in the graduate counseling program. 10 a.m. Additional details regarding this position, including application requirements, Luncheon 11:30 a.m. are available on Faulkner’s website: www.faulkner.edu Special Anniversary Program Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory background check and verification of work 1:00 p.m. authorization through E-Verify. Please RSVP if planning to attend to Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36109 [email protected] or 972-238-4700 DECEMBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES spoTLIGHT MOUNTAIN STATES CHILDREN’S HOME LONGMONT, Colo. — A donor has promised a matching gift of $100,000 if Mountain York honors States Children’s Home can raise that much by the end of November. The funds will help build a new cottage Sikes family for children, director Randy Schow said. “We are asking churches to consider YORK, Neb. — All 13 of Jack and having a ‘Giving Sunday’ to help us match Robbie Sikes’ children attended York the $100,000 needed,” Schow said. College, as have many of the couple’s To donate, see www.msch.org. grandchildren. In all, 42 members of the Sikes family have enrolled at York, many of HIGHER EDUCATION them going on to serve as preachers, teachers, doctors and missionaries. FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY “They’ve dedi- HENDERSON, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman cated themselves President Joe Wiley opposes a liquor to God,” York referendum that would permit package President Steve stores to sell alcohol in this west Eckman said of Tennessee community. the family. “But Wiley said he is personally opposed to to the benefit alcohol consumption and will vote against of this place, CHRYSTAL HOUSTON the measure. “I’m opposed to anything they’ve also dedi- Jack and Robbie Sikes that would make it easier to obtain,” he cated themselves receive the York honor. told the Jackson Sun. The question is on to York College. LOREN HOWELL, FAULKNER UNIVERSITY the Nov. 6 ballot. And they have made a difference — a Faulkner student killed in wreck on way to preach huge difference.” LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY At York’s recent homecoming, the LUBBOCK, Texas — Since moving to Illinois Students at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala., sing during a candle- family was honored with the Legacy from Arizona last year, Jennifer Mault light vigil in memory of Major Sanders, 18. The freshman died in a car wreck Award. hasn’t found a church. Oct. 7 on his way to preach at the Lafayette Church of Christ in Alabama. All 13 of Jack and Robbie’s chil- For now, she finds spiritual guidance “He loved the Gospel, and he loved to preach,” said Faires Austin, dren attended the presentation. The from a woman a thousand miles away Faulkner’s dean of students. “He was well-liked by all the students and extended family gathered on stage and in south Louisiana, the Baton Rouge loved to make people laugh.” sang “Led by the Master’s Hand” and Advocate reported. Mault, a student He was the son of Terry and Lea Sanders. His home congregation was “Bread Sent from Heaven.” earning a master’s degree from Lubbock the Fairview Church of Christ in Stockbridge, Ga. Robbie said she and Jack were inten- Christian, receives direction and prayer tional about raising a Christian family. from online chaplain Donna Ellis. Ellis They did their best to plant seeds of works from her kitchen in Baton Rouge. Heath Field at Lawson Plaza.” k-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS faith in their children and were pleased “If I need prayer, or if I need to talk Heath has served as Oklahoma when each chose to attend York. to someone spiritual about a spiritual Christian’s only softball coach since the JACKSON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL “We could see how the spiritual issue or anything else, Donna’s always program’s founding in 1995. JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson Christian commitment of our children was able to available,” Mault told the Advocate. School’s 885 students hope to make a take root and grow stronger in a Christ- Donna Ellis and her husband, Kin, OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY difference through the “Power of One” centered community,” she said. a minister for the South Baton Rouge VIENNA, W.Va. — Flash mobs gather initiative. To see a video of the awards presenta- Church of Christ have created a faith suddenly to sing or perform an Periodically throughout the school tion, go to www.christianchronicle.org/ community on the Internet for dozens impromptu dance routine. year, students are learning about a blog and search for “Sikes family.” of LCU online students. To read the full Ohio Valley University students chose a different nonprofit agency and raising story, go to www.christianchronicle.org/ different approach. Dub it a “flash serve.” money to benefit it. blog and search for “online chapel.” “The flash serve consists of students “This campaign is designed to teach from Ohio Valley University coming into our students that one child, one dollar, OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY the community, trying to serve and give one hour can make an impact and OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Christian is back,” Jeff Dimick, OVU’s executive vice change a life,” said Chris Ramey, the building a new softball stadium. president, told television station WTAP. school’s director of advancement. Ricky and Kelly Lawson provided the On a recent Saturday, more than 70 The students’ first project benefited seven-figure anchor gift for the project, students served a women’s care center, Rein-Bow Riding Academy, which uses CHRYSTAL HOUSTON for which fundraising remains ongoing. an Alzheimer’s facility, an inner-city hippotherapy or horseback riding to The extended Sikes family joins Jack and The stadium will be named “Tom mission and other organizations. serve children with special needs. Robbie on stage during the presentation. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 DEAN OF SEAVER COLLEGE Pepperdine University Seaver College, Pepperdine University’s college of liberal arts, invites nominations and applications for the position of dean of Seaver College. The dean is responsible for overseeing enrollment, curriculum, strategic planning, budget, student affairs, international programs, and personnel of the college. The dean reports to the University provost and works closely with other deans and vice presidents. The University seeks an extraordinary leader who can further the intellectual and spiritual mission of Seaver College. Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university serving more than 7,500 students in five colleges and schools. The institution draws students from every state in the union and from more than 80 countries. Pepperdine is considered to be among the nation’s finest universities, regarded for its high academic standards, dedication to student learning, and serious faith mission. The University’s main campus opened in 1972 in Malibu, California. The University offers additional residential programs in Washington, D.C., Buenos Aires, Florence, Heidelberg, Lausanne, and London, as well as additional international study opportunities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Seaver College serves 3,000 students, who pursue courses of study in more than 40 different undergraduate majors and in a variety of graduate programs. The institution maintains a vital relationship with Churches of Christ. The dean of Seaver College must be prepared to preserve and enhance this affiliation. Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. For more information, including application requirements, please contact [email protected] or visit: www.pepperdine.edu/provost/deansearch Pepperdine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SC1210002_Dean_Posting_CC.indd 1 10/15/12 4:45 PM DECEMBER 2012 PARTNERS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 PAUL A. WHITE, WHITE’s PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL A. WHITE, WHITE’s PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL A. WHITE, WHITE’s PHOTOGRAPHY Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, makes a point during The discussion featured, from left, Orneita Burton, Rep. Janice Hahn, Grant Rampy, Rep. Ted Rep. Janice Hahn, D-Calif., says she reached the forum at Abilene Christian University. Poe and Mel Hailey. Both Hahn and Poe are ACU alumni and Church of Christ members. out to Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas. U.S. House members tout bipartisanship FROM ACU TODAY MAGAZINE | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE IN A FORUM AT ACU, Reps. Ted Poe, R-Texas, and Janice Hahn, keeps Congress from doing its job, but Hahn said the responsibility for the caus- ABILENE, Texas — At the height of the D-Calif., discuss civil discourse, Christianity and their friendship. tic atmosphere extends to the public. political season, many candidates stump “Voters need to be more responsible in for votes from dawn to dusk. “You’ve probably never heard of it, for this country by making friends than making sure the people they elect don’t On a recent Thursday, however, two because (our relationship) is working,” I am staying in my corner and fighting,” go back there with a so-called mandate Abilene Christian University alumni said Poe, a member of the Bammel she told students. to not compromise,” she said. took time away from the campaign trail Church of Christ in Houston. “Good Poe said with a laugh, “It surprises Reflecting on their Christian faith, to speak at their alma mater. legislation is bipartisan. That’s not what a lot of people that Janice and I are both lawmakers said it plays a vital role Both happen to be members of the sells newspapers.” friends, and I don’t know who it both- in how they make decisions while con- U.S. House — from opposing parties. Hahn and Poe were joined on stage by ers more, the Republicans or the ducting the nation’s business. ACU welcomed Rep. Janice Hahn, ACU’s Orneita Burton, assistant profes- Democrats.” “I tend to believe my Christian values, D-Calif., and Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, sor of management and information To be a good congressman, Poe said my faith, cause me to be an activist in to campus for “A Forum on Civil systems; Mel Hailey, professor of political one must consider other representatives’ government and cause me to advocate Discourse and Christian Faith.” science; and Grant Rampy, director of views, regardless of their party affili- for the poor, those who don’t have a The message shared by Hahn and public relations and former White House ation, race, gender or religious back- voice,” Hahn said. “That’s how I live out Poe might surprise some: Democrats correspondent for Tribune Broadcasting. ground. He acknowledged, however, my Christian faith here on earth, and I and Republicans can get along. When she arrived on Capitol Hill as that party structures make it difficult to think you can do that in government.” The two, both members of Churches a freshman lawmaker last year, Hahn reach out to the other side. Poe said his Christian faith is para- of Christ, say they don’t just get along immediately sought out Poe, she said. “There are paybacks or punishment mount in everything he does. but actually like each other. “I said, ‘We’re both graduates of ACU, available for not drinking the Kool-Aid, “You need — I need — that foundation They’re bucking a trend that says I think we should be friends, I think so to speak,” Poe said, referring to party of conviction or principles to make deci- members of opposing parties are inca- we should work together, and I think leaders who can strip away an important sions throughout the day for the things pable of working together. In fact, Hahn there are so many things we can agree title or withhold committee assignments that are best for the country,” he said. and Poe joined forces earlier this year on,’” recalled Hahn, a member of the from those who don’t toe the line. to push legislation through Congress Redondo Beach Church of Christ in the Both Hahn and Poe said they know TO SEE A COMPLETE VIDEO of the ACU forum, go aimed at strengthening port security Los Angeles area. Americans are tired of the constant to www. christianchronicle.org/blog and search for from coast to coast. “I’m going to get more accomplished infighting that more often than not “civil discourse.” 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE DECEMBER 2012 Newsmakers HONORED: Keith Lancaster of Tulsa, Okla., J.D. Elliott of Nashville, Tenn., Clarence Dailey of Brentwood, Tenn., and Harold Redd of Experience spiritual formation Memphis, Tenn., the 2012 Kopio Award recipi- ents for tireless service to ministry presented by Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. Earl Priest of Memphis, Tenn., Everett and Nurture Nancy Ferguson of Abilene, Texas, Martha Hodges and Si and Boni Tilton of Searcy, Ark., Larry and Ann Owen of Pocahontas, Ark., Truitt and Kay Adair of Lubbock, Texas, and February 25-26 the Harding University Brackett Library staff, Distinguished Christian Service Awards by Harding University in Searcy, Ark. The Nurture conference is a unique opportunity to interact “I am so glad I attended this NEW MINISTERS: Ed Jones, Wolfforth, Texas, church. with nationally recognized leaders conference. I learned new tools on Bob James, Washington, in Christian spirituality. This free how to go deeper in my time with the N.J., church. Donald Cooper, two-day event features keynote Lincoln Avenue church, Lord and I am already practicing Bucyrus, Ohio. addresses, a morning prayer these new exercises. Thank you so service, community luncheon and ANNIVERSARIES: 70th: much for offering this!” Herman and Pauline Holmes, James practical afternoon workshops Indianapolis. 58th: Clyde with ICS faculty. – 2012 Nurture participant and Glenda Schinnerer, Edmond, Okla. BIRTHDAYS: 94th: Tom Kloecker, McKinney, Texas. 90th: Nancy Palmer, Katy, Texas. 85th: For 2013, ICS welcomes J.C. Brockman, Angleton, Texas. Dr. Gordon T. Smith, president and professor of systematic and PASSAGES: Barry E. Becker, 69, Oct. 14, Hanover, Neb., minister for the church in spiritual theology at Ambrose Hanover. Delma Butrum Brazle, 91, Sept. 16, University College and Seminary. Bozeman, Mont., compassionate servant of God. Rodney Brooks, 60, Oct. 9, Hartselle, Ala., He is the author of a number of elder for Priceville church in Decatur, Ala. Paul books, including The Voice of Jesus, Davis, 74, Sept. 23, Auburn, Ala., publisher and civic leader in Alabama and member of Transforming Conversion, and the Auburn church. Elton Dilbeck, 92, Sept. Courage and Calling. 8, Roswell, N. M., preacher for churches in Oklahoma, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Make plans to attend Nurture Betty Gainer, 89, Oct. 3, Irving, Texas. wife of former Abilene Christian University board at Lipscomb University. Online trustee and The Christian Chronicle advi- registration opens in January. sory board chairman Homer Gainer. Eugene Hibbett, 80, Oct. 6, Henderson, Visit our website or call our Tenn., former professor at Freed-Hardeman University office to learn more. in Henderson, Tenn., and elder of the Estes church in Henderson, Tenn. Iris Hays Savio, 71, Sept. 11, one of Savio the first nurses for Nigerian ics.lipscomb.edu Christian Hospital, did mission work in Cameroon, member of the Eastridge church, 615.966.5352 • [email protected] Rockwall, Texas. Wilbur F. “Woody” Wood, 93, Sept. 25, Sugar Land, Texas, minister through- out the greater Houston area. DECEMBER 2012 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 27 Nov. 4 Retirement Sunday for Herb Alsup. Woodbury church in Tenn. Contact (615) 563-2119 Nov. 8-10 50th Anniversary, Sunset International Bible Institute. “Raising our Ebenezer”. Lubbock, Texas. Contact acu.edu www.sibi.cc. Nov. 18-22 75th Annual Lectureship. College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Services Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Dr. Gregory Straughn, Interim Dean Dr. Donnie Snider, Interim Dean Texas. Contact (972) 524-3341, ext. 144. ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 ACU Box 29008, Abilene, Texas 79699-9008 Nov. 23 Night with the Houston The Department of Agricultural and Environmental The Department of Teacher Education invites Rockets. Benefit for Houston Area Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position applications for a tenure-track position as Churches of Christ. Contact www. as assistant professor of animal science. It is seeking assistant/associate professor of education. Applicants should houstonchurchesofchrist.org. a visionary animal scientist with the earned Ph.D., have an earned doctorate in the field of education with an Dec. 1-2 50th Anniversary, Waterview Ph.D./D.V.M. or D.V.M. (from an AVMA-accredited emphasis in secondary teaching, curriculum, special church in Richardson, Texas. Contact institution with M.S. in animal sciences or closely education, English as a second language or supervision. Robert Taylor at (972) 238-4700 or related field). Information about the department is (Outstanding ABD candidates will be considered as well.) [email protected]. available at acu.edu/agenv. The successful candidate will have an interest in and ability to create and enhance collaborative partnerships with public The Department of Engineering and Physics invites Jan. 7-11 North Brazil Missionary school personnel, skills in mentoring pre-service teachers one or more talented engineers for its new and rapidly Conference. Hotel Campestre de in reflective professional practice, the ability to effectively expanding engineering program, whose first class of Aldeia, Camaragibe-PE. Contact randy. supervise students in field-based settings. Information students entered in Fall 2012. Ideal candidates will [email protected]. about the department is available at acu.edu/education. Jan. 16-21 North Coast Enrichment have a Ph.D. in engineering or a closely related field and experience in teaching and research. All engineering The School of Social Work invites applications for a Seminar. Coffs Coast church in Coffs fields will be considered. Previous involvement with ABET tenure-track position beginning in Fall 2013. Applicants Harbour (NSW), Australia. accreditation would also be helpful. Information about must have an MSW and an earned doctorate in social work Jan. 18-19 31st Annual Medical the department is available at acu.edu/engineering. or related field (required). Responsibilities include teaching Missions Seminar. Hosted by IHCF social work courses at both the B.S.S.W. and M.S.S.W. levels, The Department of Journalism and Mass African Christian Hospitals. Crowne pursuing scholarly research, and performing service for the Communication invites applicants for a tenure-track university, profession and community. Applicants should Plaza - Dallas Market Center, Dallas, Texas. position as assistant professor of journalism and have experience in diverse areas of social work practice, Contact ihcf.net/seminar. mass communication. The ideal candidate will have be able to teach across the curriculum, and effectively Jan. 18-20 Winterfest. Arlington professional experience in online news or commercial engage the broader community with which the school Convention Center, Arlington, Texas. environments including social media. Applicants who partners. Information about the school is available Contact Dudley Chancey at dudley. can also teach in public relations will receive particular at acu.edu/social work. [email protected] or www.winterfest.org. attention. A terminal degree is strongly preferred, but Feb. 1-2 Women of Hope Conference. applicants who are ABD will be considered. Information “A Sisterhood of Hope.” Embassy Suites, about the department is available at acu.edu/jmc. Visit acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html Murfreesboro, Tenn. Contact hhi.org/ The Department of Music invites applications for a for complete descriptions of these positions. In a womenofhope. tenure-track position of director of choral activities, letter to the appropriate dean, applicants should Feb. 3-7 Freed-Hardeman University beginning Fall 2013. Applicants should have an earned address their qualifications for the position. They Lectureship. Freed-Hardeman University, doctorate in Music (ABD will be considered) and should include in the application a statement of how Henderson, Tenn. Contact (731) be accomplished conductors and musicians with faith informs their teaching and/or administration; a 989-6622, [email protected] or fhu. demonstrated potential for success teaching at the discussion of their spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; collegiate level. Preference will be given to candidates edu/lectureship. with a proven record of success teaching at the secondary transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; Feb. 15-17 Winterfest. Gatlinburg level and overseeing all facets of a university choral and names, addresses and phone numbers of five Convention Center, Gatlinburg, Tenn. program. Information about the department is available references. Review of applicants will begin Contact Dudley Chancey at dudley. at acu.edu/music. immediately and continue until the position is filled. [email protected] or www.winterfest.org. Nominations of and applications from qualified The Department of Political Science invites applications Feb. 22-23 Affirming the Faith for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of women and minorities are especially encouraged. Seminar. “Meeting Jesus at the Cross.” political science. Applicants should have a Ph.D. (ABD ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the North MacArthur church, Oklahoma City, will be considered). The successful candidate must have a Churches of Christ. All applicants must be professing Okla. Contact (405) 621-5962 or www. commitment to teaching in an undergraduate environment Christians and be active, faithful members of a affirmingthefaithok.com. and demonstrated potential for professional development congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply Feb. 24-27 39th Annual Southeast and/or research activities. Information about the department committed to service in Christian higher education. Institute of Biblical Studies Lectureship. is available at acu.edu/politicalscience. The mission of ACU is to educate students for “Lord Make Me A Servant.” Southeast The Department of Psychology invites applications Christian service and leadership throughout Institute of Biblical Studies, Knoxville, Tenn. for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of school the world. Contact (865) 691-7444 or www.seibs.org. psychology, beginning Fall 2013. Applicants should have a ACU does not unlawfully Feb. 25-26 Nurture Conference. doctorate in the field (ABD will be considered) and be a discriminate in employment Lipscomb University, Nashvill, Tenn. Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) or equivalent opportunities. Contact (615) 966-5352, [email protected] credentials. Information about the department is available or www.lipscomb.edu/ics. at acu.edu/psychology. 110324-1212 Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 Minister Search Garretson Road Church of Christ HARDING Bridgewater, NJ U NIVERSITY A diverse congregation of 100 members seeks a full-time minister. Duties: Pulpit, F A C U L T Y P O S I T I O N S A V A I L A B L E Classes, and Community Outreach. All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christian education. Submit resumes with 3 audio/video sermons COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. ry, Kodaly, etc.). Responsibilities include teaching appro- to: [email protected] Seeking full-time faculty member to be the director of priate courses; teaching private lessons; teaching in addi- international business department. The successful candi- tional areas based on candidate’s expertise; participating in date will possess a minimum of a master’s degree, although recruiting, advising and other departmental activities. Build Healthy Churches a doctorate is preferred; have global work experience; and Submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to have teaching experience. In addition to directing the pro- Dr. Mike Chance at [email protected]. Through gram, responsibilities will include teaching international DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY PRACTICE. Seeking Natural Church Development business and economic development courses. full-time faculty member. The successful candidate will Submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to possess a Pharm.D. as well as residency/fellowship training. It’s an “annual physical” for churches. Dr. Bryan Burks, dean, at [email protected]. At least two years of academic experience is preferred. Healthy churches become DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY. Seeking full-time facul- Eligibility for pharmacy licensure in Arkansas is required. growing congregations! ty member. The successful candidate will have a minimum Responsibilities include creating, coordinating and deliver- of a Master of Science in a biological science field. ing instruction in the pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, Dr. Mark T. McLean, NCD Coach Primary duty will be to contribute to introductory anato- and patient-centered care didactic curriculum; developing Email [email protected] my and physiology. Area of biological expertise is open, and maintaining innovative clinical practice sites; conduct- and candidates will be encouraged to develop a specialty ing scholarly activity in an area of expertise; and engaging course in their focus area. in service to the college and community. Applicants from Preacher/Evangelist Wanted If interested, notify Dr. Mike Plummer, chair, at plum- all clinical backgrounds will be considered. Candidates Niagara Falls, NY [email protected] before submitting letter of interest and with expertise in adult internal medicine, community prac- curriculum vitae. tice, ambulatory care, cardiology, hematology/oncology, or Conservative congregation of 70, seeking mature pediatric practice are encouraged to apply. DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY. Seeking full-time and experienced family man dedicated to the Submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to lab technician/supervisor. The successful candidate will cause of Christ and committed to preach and Dr. Julie Kissack, chair, at [email protected]. teach sound doctrine. Personal evangelism skills have at least a bachelor’s in chemistry. Responsibilities necessary to help us work effectively in our include preparing solutions and setting up and supervising PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM. Seeking full- community. freshman chemistry labs with some grading. time faculty member. The successful candidate will possess Submit a letter of interest to Dr. David Cole, chair, at a minimum of master’s degree in physician assistant stud- Preacher Search Committee [email protected]. ies or similar field. Three years of clinical experience and LaSalle church of Christ one year of teaching experience preferred. NCCPA certifi- DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION SCIENCES 1121 N Military Rd cation and eligibility for licensure as a physician assistant Niagara Falls, NY 14304 AND DISORDERS. Seeking full-time faculty member. in the state of Arkansas is also necessary. Applicants with The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. and hold the other clinical training should have corresponding profes- Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American sional certification and be eligible for professional licen- Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical superviso- sure in the state of Arkansas. Responsibilities include par- Full-Time Minister ry experience and experience working with adult popula- ticipating in the teaching of the program’s core curricu- tions with communication disorders are highly desirable. The Brighton Church of Christ is lum; advising and mentoring students; assisting with Submit letter of application and curriculum vitae to searching for a full-time minister. hands-on practical training of students in various clinical Dr. Dan Tullos, chair, at [email protected]. We are located 20 miles north of Ann skills needed in clinical practice; maintaining clinical com- Arbor, Michigan. DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC. Seeking full-time faculty petency through practice at the program’s affiliated clinic member in music with emphasis in vocal/choral, strings or site; conducting scholarly activity in the faculty’s area of Please submit resume with audio/ music education. The successful candidate will have a doc- expertise; and engaging in service to the college, university video of three sermons to: torate in music, although master’s is considered; five or and community. more years of successful teaching experience; and at least Submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to one other area of teaching expertise (choral, theory, histo- Dr. Michael Murphy, chair, at [email protected]. [email protected] decemBER 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29 Does the Chronicle face death by postage? efore the days of e-mail, we can appeal the postage weight, location of the address texts and tweets, we all increase but the appeal is plate, number of pages, overall anticipated the arrival of not likely to succeed. We will weight, thickness and flex- the daily mail. It was our appeal anyway. And of course ibility of the finished product. lifeline of communica- we are already praying. The Chronicle could avoid the Btion with our banks, our doctors We will look for every enormous postage increase by and our loved ones. possible way to save printing on stiffer paper, signifi- The mail was a Editorial money and offset some cantly limiting our space to 24 conduit of news that of the additional expense. pages, making the paper smaller mattered to us. We will scan our budget yet and continuing with those Despite the advance carefully for every dollar bothersome sticker tabs on the of the digital age, that can be saved. pages. The Chronicle board for many of The The Chronicle has faced and staff do not think that is an Christian Chronicle’s a number of changes in appealing option. I agree. 250,000 readers, the postal regulations in the Obviously, some of you will U.S. Postal Service past 10 years. Some have read this and respond, “Just go remains the primary Lynn McMillon forced alteration of the digital.” Though we are consid- conduit for news that size of the paper and the ering all the options, we are informs, inspires and unites. addition of tabs — those bother- extremely hesitant to forfeit a But the Chronicle recently some little stickers that hold the significant portion of our read- received news from the Postal pages together and add a lot to ership, which remains loyal to Service that is anything but our costs. the printed page. good. We have had ‘This is clearly This is clearly Postage is going up — way annual postage the greatest the greatest chal- up — more than double what increases as well, lenge and crisis the it has been. As of January, our but this coming challenge and crisis Chronicle has faced monthly postage will no longer increase is by far in my 16-plus years be $15,000 monthly but will rise the largest. the Chronicle has with it. The Lord has to $31,100. Stunning! As the Postal faced in my 16-plus blessed us each of That’s an additional $193,200 Service seeks to the several previous in postage alone for the coming find ways to save years with it.’ times when we were year. For a ministry with an on its deficit, it is faced with changing ERIK TRYGGESTAD already strained, $1.1 million becoming more and more auto- requirements or financial annual budget to cover produc- mated. With automation comes increases. We welcome your input. Chronicle dedicated to his tion, mailing, salaries and other requirements that allow the We will continue to pray and Please e-mail letters@ service. We ask each of you to expenses, it represents a 17.6 paper to feed through sorting discuss how we will meet this christianchronicle.org with pray fervently that the Lord will percent overall increase to our equipment at a staggering challenge. Next month, on this your thoughts. help the Chronicle maintain its operational expenses. 16 per second. These new page, we will discuss possible I believe God will again level of coverage and service to We have been told that requirements include paper solutions. show us a way if we keep the you and the kingdom. Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages of The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Christian University. Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or less [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments to The Christian Chronicle® is published Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan the print or online editions are considered to be letters to monthly and is served by a national www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] the editor and may be published. 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Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. TO SUBSCRIBE: Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch National, Partners news: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org Advertising contains commercial messages from those who Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad e-mail [email protected] purchase the advertising space. News coverage, opinion W. L. 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David Lipscomb, a promi- “It is clear that human government not just the right to vote. And, like all conversation. Though his views were nent name in the history of Churches had its origin in the rejection of the rights, we can choose to exercise some not necessarily the majority in his day, of Christ, was a compelling voice in authority of God,” Lipscomb writes, or choose not to exercise some, with he was a respected leader, and many the debate. “and that it was intended to Scripture as our ultimate guide. read his works and considered them Though I don’t share his views, Views supersede the Divine govern- To think that we must always vote for carefully. I’m convinced that his views ment, and itself constituted the lesser of two evils — or, as some Most tellingly, the Nashville Bible need to be a part of our broader the organized rebellion of man have put it, “hold our nose” and vote — School was named for Lipscomb after conversation as it relates to against God.” is contrary to Scripture that tells us to his death. I suspect that today he would Christians and the government. Because of their origin (rebel- listen to our conscience. be labeled “unpatriotic,” marginal- Lipscomb is remembered lion) and intent (replacement of Certainly we shouldn’t ized in our churches and would best because of the university in God), governments are inher- expect to be in 100 certainly not have one of our Nashville, Tenn., that bears his ently and eternally ungodly, percent agreement with universities named after him. name, in addition to his years Lipscomb would say. any candidate, but We no longer seem to have as editor of the Gospel Advocate. Josh Kingcade It is a short leap from this voting for a candidate any patience for views like He was a leader in Churches of belief to the conviction that is giving your “amen” his. Christ during and after the Civil War, Christians should not vote or partici- to that candidate and In the end, Lipscomb where his experiences living in Nashville pate in government structures. his or her platform. would urge us to resist the — a center of conflict — shaped him. Voting “does much more harm to the If you feel uncom- temptation to put too much As he saw family pitted against family church than dancing does,” Lipscomb fortable doing that, stock into the power of our and Christian pitted against Christian, writes in an 1875 Gospel Advocate. “The then Lipscomb would vote. There are many ways his distaste for war — and the govern- whole organization of the kingdom of tell you not to vote. in which we can embody the ments that enabled it — grew. This God is based upon the fact that every To the Corinthians reign of Christ on earth, and experience, along with the teachings other institution in the world is of the who were fond of indeed many Christians are of his mentor, Tolbert Fanning, led evil one, is against God — must be saying, “Everything active in these ways. Lipscomb to take strong positions on the destroyed, must be prevailed over by is permissible,” the Voting, while permissible and Christian’s relationship to government. the gates of hell.” apostle Paul answers perhaps advisable, is not Perhaps Lipscomb’s best-known While strident in tone, Lipscomb that not every- lipscomb.edu the primary way to do this. David Lipscomb (1831-1917) writing on the subject is his 1889 trea- would remind us that voting is not thing is beneficial Let us pray often about co-founded Nashville Bible School tise, entitled “On Civil Government,” the ultimate exercise of the Christian or constructive (1 whether and for whom we in 1891 with James A. Harding. The which has its origin in articles he wrote witness to the world. If we expect to fix Corinthians 10:23). should vote. Let us then Tennessee school, now Lipscomb for the Gospel Advocate. In it, he lays the world by electing the right candi- If we think that vote if we feel permitted University, was renamed in 1918. out the history of human governments date, we are in for a disappointment. voting is how Paul and compelled. Let us avoid and why Christians should not be While I do not agree with Lipscomb would command us to “submit to the posting snide or desperate political involved in such institutions. that it is a sin to vote, I am reminded ruling authorities” (Romans 13:1), we remarks all over Facebook. Lipscomb points out that the earliest that the power of voting is limited and are reminded that the first Christians And then let us return to the business human governments in Scripture were that no human government is a replace- could not participate in government at of teaching the Gospel and serving our formed in rebellion against God, first ment for the reign of Christ. all (unless they happened to be Roman neighbors. manifested in the organizing at the The most common objection to citizens). If Paul had voting in mind in Tower of Babel and ultimately the Lipscomb’s position surely is that Romans 13, then he was commanding JOSH KINGCADE is education minister for the Israelites’ demands to “set a king over since people have died for our right to an absolute impossibility for his orig- Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla. He us” (1 Samuel 8:5), which Samuel takes vote, we must exercise that right. But inal readers. blogs about religious education at faithform.com. Reaching those Evangelism is Evangelism is Having the same VOICES who do not know reaching out to sharing the good attitude as Christ Jesus, telling them the churched news of Jesus in seeking and What is your definition of the story of Jesus, and unchurched. from the Word saving. That “evangelism?” showing them the Each of us is and also from means being love of Jesus and capable of doing our own experi- willing to do Asked by Joy McMillon helping them to it, if we have the ence of coming what it takes to at the Mid-Atlantic grow in Jesus. courage. to know Jesus. put Christ before Evangelism seminar They have to hear the truth from people, even if that means going in Raleigh, N.C. Winfred Felton III | Greenville, N.C. David Durgan | Rocky Mount, N.C. the Word, but they also need beyond your comfort level. the spirit, which comes through hearing us tell our story. Edward Constantine | Raleigh, N.C. Anna Hunt Smith | Atlanta DECEMBER 2012 opinion the christian chronicle 31 FROM OUR READERS Christ and Islam: A view from Africa BY ALAN HOWELL | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE me the evil eye,” he said. I told him, “My friend, the prophets e’ve been living in the southern never lived in fear of the evil eye.” African nation of Mozambique I once asked Imam Bakar what he Wfor about nine years now, and thought about the work we do — our situation certainly is different from teaching the Scriptures and teaching those in the Middle East. people to follow Jesus. He said, “What Maybe that’s a reason for it to be you are doing is good. We have some heard — so those of differences in what we believe, but improve your serve us in Churches of you believe in one God, and I believe Christ don’t make the in one God, so we have much more in www.harding.edu/mmin mistake of thinking common than all the pagans out there.” that all Muslims are I’m not wearing rose-colored glasses the same all over the about the relationship between 36-hour, non-thesis degree world. (See “How should Christianity and Islam. We know people Christians respond to in Mozambique who have experienced • Accredited graduate courses Muslim rage?” Page 1, religious persecution from Muslim • online at-a-distance Howell November.) family members and neighbors. • scholarships available We live in a rural area among the What I am trying to say is that Makua-Metto people group. Most of there are places in the world where WhAt students Are sAying them claim Islam as their faith, but it is possible for dialogue to happen • “this degree has better equipped me with the biblical knowledge and many mix in some animistic practices. between Islam and Christianity without practical understanding i need to be a more effective servant for god.” Some Muslims would not consider them becoming antagonistic. • “i love the practical nature of the classes. they have direct application to to be good followers of Muhammad. When we visit family and churches in what i am presently doing in ministry.” Our family just returned from a four- the U.S., we get questions about Islam. month furlough in the U.S. While in line It seems that most people’s perspec- • “the professors are compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to equip- at a local bread store, I chatted with an tives regarding Muslims come from the ping ministers for the mission of spreading the gospel in today’s world.” imam who leads a mosque not too far evening news. from our house. I hadn’t really talked to Recently, there was a lot in the news Meet one of our professors him in a couple of years. He was genu- in Tennessee about the opening of a Randy Willingham inely glad we were back from the U.S. new mosque in Murfreesboro. People • B.A., harding university We talked about our families and were protesting and trying to keep the • M.div., harding school of theology how our town of Montepuez was doing, mosque from opening. • d.Min., Abilene Christian university and then he tried to buy my bread. No If America is seen by the world as a • Ministry focus is church leadership strategies and one ever does this! Poverty is a huge “Christian nation,” and we put up barriers development, conflict management, and congrega- problem in Mozambique. This man is to religious freedom for Muslims here not well off, but he wanted to bless us. I in the U.S., how can we ask for freedom tional diagnostics stammered in telling him I had already of worship for minority populations of • provides consultation services with churches across the usA paid for it, and we said our goodbyes. Christians in Islamic nations? • Wife, eva, and two sons There is another imam in our town There are times that we may need to whom I know well — Imam Bakar. He take off our “American Christian” hat ClAsses sCheduled for spring 2013 wears the typical Islamic dress and and try to assess situations like this • Advanced Bible study techniques with tim Westbrook cap and, if ever he catches me wearing by looking at the impact it will have on • theological foundations for Ministry with Bill richardson shorts, reminds me with a smile that global Christianity. • new testament theology for Ministry with Ken neller “the prophets never wore shorts.” Let’s make sure our everyday actions • Christian Ministry in Contemporary Culture with scott Adair Islam here is intertwined with and our responses to tragedies are animism. Imams often use the Quran to shaped less by our concerns for secu- • Christian religious education with Jerry Bowling make curses or protective magic. Once, rity and the U.S.A. and more by a • servant leadership with randy Willingham when my wife, Rachel, was sick, the vision for God’s kingdom in the whole imam offered to write out verses from world — a world where the majority of the Quran that we could put in a glass Muslims are not militant. of water for her to drink, and she would Muslims are not our enemies. They be healed. I respectfully declined. are our neighbors. Once we were chatting at my house, and a lady with a mental illness (or an ALAN HOWELL and his wife, Rachel, are part of the evil spirit?) was walking by and stopped Mission Among the Makua-Metto in Montepuez, to stare at us. The imam squirmed in Mozambique. The team’s website is www.makuateam. his seat. “That woman is trying to give org. Follow the Howells at howellsinmoz.blogspot.com. 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012 Pulpit/Evangelist Minister West Olive Church of Christ is seeking a Pulpit/Evangelist Minister who has a heart for personal evangelism to work with our current Pulpit Minister and elders to spread the Gospel of Jesus to our community. We are a congregation of 450 members in a growing community west of Phoenix, AZ. General Requirements: The ideal candidate should be a married middle aged man with at least ten years of experience in preaching and evangelism. He should be of strong personal faith and be doctrinally sound and well grounded in the Scriptures. He should be very knowledgeable regarding educational materials suitable for the Church of Christ. He should also have an evangelistic heart to share the Gospel with those who are lost. Principal Responsibilities: Responsibilities of this position include preaching, teaching, working with our youth and families, participating in the life of our church family here at West Olive. It also includes heading up our Education and Evangelism minis- tries and equipping others to serve. How to Apply: Those interested in applying should mail a copy of their resume with a picture, a DVD of at least two recent sermons and three references. Communication Disorders Mail to the attention of: College of Nursing Elders, West Olive Church of Christ, 10935 W. Olive Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345 Premedicine College of Pharmacy Physical Therapy Congregations all over Physician Assistant Program the world are using eBibleStudy.org Making a difference in the lives of others Harding University offers hands-on learning opportunities for their Bible Classes! for students wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Choose from a variety of health-related fields, Free 13-week teacher lesson plans on including nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy and others. various Bible books & topics. Join our mission to take compassion — and the healing arts — out into the world to improve the health of those we serve. Over 60,000 downloads! Faith, Learning and Living Go to Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 Searcy, Arkansas www.eBibleStudy.org DECEMBER 2012 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 True outreach points to Christ, not a building By TIM TRIPP | FOR The Christian Chronicle question: “How are we supposed to love with whom God gives daily opportunities associating with others who did not our neighbors if we don’t even know our simply because of where they live. share their faith but instead saw that as n a bygone era it was common for neighbors?” The authors have asked The authors also warn against setting an opportunity to let their lights shine. neighbors to be close and intimately large groups of people to write down out to be a good neighbor with the To reinforce this, the Harneys made involved in each other’s lives. They the names of everyone who lives in underlying motive of trying to convert their home a place for their neighbors, depended on each other for support the eight homes nearest theirs in their others. They say, “We work friends and friends of and survival. neighborhoods. don’t love our neighbors their children and their fami- IIt seems that not only are neighbors The result: Only about 10 percent of to convert them, we love lies to come and experience less likely to be close these days, but it is respondents can name everyone. our neighbors because we the love of Jesus. common that they don’t know each other Pathak and Runyon, both pastors of are converted.” They warn that this kind at all. They may wave churches in the Denver area, In “Organic Outreach of outreach doesn’t just as they pass each other are recognized as leaders for Families: Turning happen. They admit that or invite each other in the emerging neigh- Your Home Into a they often found themselves to events, but when it boring movement. They Lighthouse,” authors tangled up in the activities comes to a real relation- encourage Christians to obey Kevin and Sherry Harney and relationships at their ship, it seems there’s the greatest commandments also advise against church — so much that they just not enough time. (found in Matthew 22:37-40) reaching out to neighbors had little energy to focus on As Dietrich by rearranging social calen- with the hidden motive loving and spending time Bonhoeffer wrote in dars and spiritual priorities to of pointing them to the with their neighbors. his classic work on be intentional about being a church. In their book, the Although the relationships Christian community, light where they live. authors — husband and HHHHH should grow naturally — “Life Together,” “Who The authors suggest plan- wife for 28 years — relate Kevin and Sherry Harney. or organically — they still dares to force himself ning a strategy for meeting tales from their years of Organic Outreach for require nourishment and upon his neighbor? and becoming acquainted with living in different places, Families: Turning Your cultivation. Who is entitled to those who live next door. They raising their three chil- Home Into a Lighthouse. These books propose a accost and confront HHHHH recommend block parties, dren and striving to be Grand Rapids, Mich.: new paradigm for outreach, his neighbor and talk Jay Pathak and Dave cookouts, gifts of food, helping Jesus to the world. Zondervan, 2012. 191 or perhaps a very old one. to him about ultimate Runyon. The Art of with projects and loaning of Readers may find the pages. $16.99. Rather than pointing people matters? It would be no Neighboring: Building household items — all with the authors’ style a little too to a building, we become sign of great Christian Genuine Relationships goal of shining as lights. prescriptive and may have the feel at involved in their lives to simply point insight were one simply Right Outside Your Pathak and Runyon weave times of watching a family slide show, them to Jesus. to say at this point Door. Grand Rapids, a story largely from personal but the message couldn’t be clearer: He is not found in a building. He is that everybody has Mich.: Baker Books, 2012. experience, recounting both shine the light of Jesus where you live. found in the lives of ordinary people this right, indeed, this 204 pages. $14.99. triumphs and misses in their The Harneys’ first goal was to raise reflecting an extraordinary Savior. obligation.” efforts to be godly neighbors. their children to be points of light for In “The Art of Neighboring: Their confrontation is gentle but plain as Jesus wherever life took them. They tell Tim Tripp is family minister for the Northeast Church Building Genuine Relationships they call Christians to overcome common of how they raised their kids to know of Christ in Cincinnati, where he directs the annual Right Outside Your Door,” Jay Pathak barriers like time, fear and conflict to Jesus and to take him to the world. They Conference on Marriage and Family. He and his wife, and Dave Runyon pose a challenging become involved in the lives of the people did not try to keep their children from Lenore, have been married for 25 years. NEW AND NOTEWORTH Y SEXUAL ADDICTION LATTER-DAY SAINTS CHURCH STUDIES BIBLE STUDY Michael John Cusick. Stephen Mansfield. The John Harrison and Jim Phillip Graham Ryken. Surfing for God: Mormonizing of America. Dvorak, eds. The New Loving the Way Jesus Discovering the Divine Brentwood, Tenn.: Worthy Testament Church: The Loves. Wheaton, Ill.: Desire Beneath Sexual Publications, 2012. 264 Challenge of Developing Crossway Publishers, 2012. Struggle. Nashville, Tenn.: pages, $22.99. Ecclesiologies. Eugene, 224 pages, $14.99. Thomas Nelson, 2012. 224 Ore.: Pickwick Publications, pages, $15.99. Although less than 2 2012. 302 pages, $36. A unique approach to percent of the U.S. popu- 1 Corinthians 13, “the A licensed professional counselor lation is Mormon, they wield tremen- This collection of 13 essays, mostly love chapter,” this book gives an illus- and minister, Cusick seeks to heal men dous influence as a group, argues this from Restoration Movement scholars, tration from Jesus’ life for each aspect tangled in sexual addiction, including New York Times-bestselling author. explores the socio-historical backgrounds of biblical love. In this way, he shows the compulsion to look at pornography Here, he does not focus so much on and theological themes distinctive to how Christ was the embodiment of the online, prevalent today even among beliefs on the Latter-Day Saints but on each New Testament book. Readers will Word. The author is a Bible scholar Christian men. A troubling but neces- how they could impact the country, better understand the diversity among who also co-wrote “The Literary Study sary topic. especially if one is elected president. first-century Christian communities. Bible.” 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION DECEMBER 2012 How do you measure a year? 525,600 minutes. 525,600 minutes. way for a smooth transition. It can be Moments so dear. 525,600 minutes. done, and I have seen it done by two 525,600 minutes. How do you measure, good men with strong egos. MISSIONS measure a year? There is an old axiom suggesting Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage he words of this popular Broadway that when an organization or family Christian University missions. After participat- ing in the HCU campaign program each semester song provide an interesting way of completes its dream home or facility, as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was Tmeasuring a year. I usually think of paralysis sets in within five years. I capable of leading his own mission team. And 12 months, but when I am working on a believe it more nearly true of fami- he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he budget, I think of 52 weeks. The number lies, but building proj- organized a team of HCU students to join him in Insight his home country of Peru, where they conducted of days in a year I learned in the second ects always generate Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an grade, and I used to keep track of the energy and enthusiasm. HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is days till my birthday at the end of July. Church leadership has planning a second trip. From being led to leading... that’s the goal of The ending of another year always to find alternate ways the Christian Service and campaign brings me a blend of happy and wistful of fostering enthusiasm programs. Ramon plans memories. After 56 years of college and dedication. to return to Peru after teaching, I mark the end of a fall term Many churches graduation, but he will have left a legacy and the beginning of the spring term know that missions can of leadership... and a perhaps even more than the ending arouse much enthu- dream in the hearts of and beginning of a year. I know that siasm. Having a location other students. That’s Bailey McBride the type of missions churches spend the last weeks of the where the church regu- experience you can year planning budgets for the next year. larly sends members for expect from HCU. Through the years of watching short-term missions creates a sense of It’s our focus. churches grow and then decline, I ownership and devotion to a work. have consistently urged elders to strat- Making missions a centerpiece of all www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 egize to ensure that their congrega- church efforts will prompt an enduring 3625 Helton Drive w P.O. Box HCU tions have strong leadership for the love for the work of the church. During Florence, AL 35630 future. Sadly, many elderships grow the last 20 years, many growing old and stubbornly refuse to seek out churches have put little emphasis on and train new leaders for a time when missions and generated a focus on only the seasoned elders no longer have what we need and what we are doing. the vision or energy to make sure the Years ago, most churches had a church is being taught the important strong focus on personal evangelism. principles of evangelism and disciple- In many congregations, members were ship. Elders seldom retire, but some- expected to give one evening a week times elders stop functioning except to to some activity to reach and teach attend meetings. the Gospel to others. Churches had Although it took me a very long time training programs to prepare members to acknowledge it, preachers are the to lead evangelistic Bible studies for heartbeat of the church. When I was 13 friends and neighbors. years old, my family moved to Tulsa, Since we have become a society that Okla., where my mother and I began discourages any contact with neigh- attending the East Side congregation. bors, I am frankly afraid to contem- The preacher was Delmar Owen, a plate a renewal of that focus. I attend man devoted to his personal growth. a church where many members are His preaching drew people because involved in a tutoring program in a they were learning the Word and being nearby apartment complex for low- inspired to study the Bible seriously. income families. These members have The church grew and had to build new become good friends with the children Want to make a difference in the life of a child? You can! Come join our team! facilities regularly. Eventually Owen left and parents. Tutoring is usually done on The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home: for reasons I have never known, but one afternoon, and it is a festive time for · Sponsored by the churches of Christ the church began a sharp decline in the apartment families and the tutors. · In operation since 1970 · Provides loving, Christian, long term care to neglected and at-risk children. membership. Good, godly elders were Such important service leads to friend- · Helps level 1 or level 2 children taking care of the people, but the heart- ship and opportunities to teach Jesus. · Located on six beautiful acres by the historic Rio Grande River in Albuquerque, N.M. beat was gone. It took years for the Despite a lot of pessimism about the We are looking for a married couple to serve as Houseparent’s. Competitive church to realize that great preaching future of the church, I believe God will wages, great benefits, medical insurance, paid vacation and more! is absolutely necessary for the life and strengthen his people to stand firm for Interested parties should send a cover letter and their resume(s) to Everett White growth of the local congregation. the next 525,600 minutes. May God [email protected] or call us at (505) 898-5520. Equally sad is the fact that preachers bless 2013. Visit us on our web site acch4kids.org often fail to realize that they need to work with a younger man to pave the COntact [email protected]. DECEMBER 2012 Grady W.Grady Troute W. Troute THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 “Grady Troute’s books“Grady offer Troute’s inspiration, books offer insight inspiration, and information. insight and These information. are books toThese be read are booksover to be read over and over. They encourageand over. theThey Christian encourage to livetheGrady Christianwith a greater W. to Troutelive zest with for a the greater faith zestand for hope the brought faith and hope brought into this world throughinto this Jesus world Christ.” through Jesus Christ.” “Grady Troute’s books offer inspiration, insight and information. These are books to be read over and over. They encourage the Christian to live with a greater~Dr.Virgil zest for R. the Trout, faith~Dr.Virgil and Ardmore, hope brought R. Oklahoma Trout, Ardmore, Oklahoma into this world through Jesus Christ.” Just releasedReturn To SenderReturn To SenderGlimpses ~Dr.Virgil of CommunionGlimpses R. Trout, Ardmore, of Oklahoma Communion Return To Sender Glimpses of Communion ~The Beginning of ~The the Lord’s Beginning Church of the Lord’s ~52 Church Weeks of Communion ~52 Weeks Remarks of Communion for the Remarks for the ~The Beginning of the Lord’s Church ~52 Weeks of Communion Remarks for the ~The Written Covenant Lord’s Supper Lord’s Supper ~The ~The Written Written Covenant Covenant Lord’s Supper ~Church Structure ~Church ~Church StructureStructure ~A Great Resource~A Great Resource for ~A Speakers! for Great Speakers! Resource for Speakers! ~The Church of Today ~Excellent Training Tool for Young Men! ~The Church of Today ~The Church of Today ~Excellent Training Tool ~Excellent for Young Training Men! Tool for Young Men! ~The Power of the Gospel ~The Power of the ~TheGospel Power of the Gospel ISBN#9781624190681 ISBN# 9781607919636 $15.99 (Paperback) $11.99 (Paperback) $19.99 (Hardback) ISBN#9781624190681ISBN#9781624190681 ISBN# 9781607919636ISBN# 9781607919636 $15.99 (Paperback) $11.99 (Paperback) $19.99 (Hardback) Order$15.99 by phone: (Paperback) GospelOrder byAdvocate phone: (615) 866 -254-8781909-BOOK(2665) or (866)$11.99 909-BOOK (Paperback) (2665) $19.99 (Hardback) BuyBuy online: Online: GospelAdvocate.com, XULONPRESS.COM, XulonPress.com, AMAZON.COM Amazon.com, or BARNES&NOBLE.COM Barnes&Noble.com Order by phone: Order 866-909 by- BOOK(2665)phone: 866- 909-BOOK(2665) Buy Online: XULONPRESS.COM,Buy Online: XULONPRESS.COM, AMAZON.COM or AMAZON.COM BARNES&NOBLE.COM or BARNES&NOBLE.COM The 30-year-old AMEN Ministry connects Christians in the United States military with local churches of Christ both overseas and in the U.S. Please send name, contact information and especially e-mail addresses to: AMEN Ministry http://amenministry.info 135 Larchmont Drive Hendersonville, NC 28791 Phone: (828) 891-4480 Bell Trust is a private foundation associated with E-mail: [email protected] churches of Christ that provides supplemental funding for churches in support of missions and other charitable works. C Need Help Types of grants include: with • Ongoing assistance to a church on a temporary basis. • One-time funding for a specific need. Small Groups or For complete application guidelines and contact Involvement? information visit our website. ISG Coaching www.belltrust.org isgcoaching.blogspot.com 405.626.8068 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2012