50 Years of Northern Exposure ALASKA LECTURESHIP Celebrates a Half-Century of Promoting Unity Among Churches of Christ

Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 71, No. 6 | June 2014 for Churches of Christ 50 years of Northern exposure ALASKA LECTURESHIP celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

WASILLA, Alaska CBS BROADCASTING his state known for its natural beauty, Jet and Cord McCoy, members of the Fittstown midnight sun and independent spirit Church of Christ in Oklahoma, have competed in boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, three seasons of “The Amazing Race” on CBS. 100,000 black bears and, oh, about T2,500 adherents of Churches of Christ. Here in “The Last Frontier,” hundreds of miles and — in some cases — rugged Racing with terrain accessible only by boat or plane separate many of Alaska’s 28 congregations. Yet Christians in this vast land one-fifth amazing faith the total geographic size of the Lower 48 states maintain close ties. CORD AND JET McCOY strive to let Christ’s For 50 years, the light shine on hectic reality game show. Alaska Statewide Lectureship has BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE played a major role in helping OKLAHOMA CITY — “Oh my gravy!” unite the faithful Don’t bother asking Jet McCoy where the — along with the phrase comes from. He doesn’t know. Midnight Sun “I didn’t even know I said it until I watched Bible Camp, the the show,” says McCoy, on a break between annual Alaska worship services at the Memorial Road Youth Forum and Church of Christ. He and his younger frequent hunting brother, Cord, are speaking about faith and and fishing excur- fame after competing in three seasons of sions involving “The Amazing Race.” members all over “The first leg of the race ... I might have Daniel Morphew, left, shakes the state. said it 12 times,” he recalls, “but they aired it hands with D’Angelo Cloud “The joke is, 12 times. My sister-in-law was actually selling at the Alaska Statewide when you leave ‘Oh my gravy’ T-shirts after the first race. At Lectureship in Wasilla. your back yard in least somebody made a little money off of it.” Alaska, you enter Money — $1 million, to be exact — is the the food chain,” said Robert Kuenning, prize of the CBS hit show, which challenges minister and elder of the Valley Church of pairs of contestants to race around the globe. Christ in Wasilla, about 45 minutes north of Along the way, they must perform tasks Anchorage. from rappelling down a waterfall in Malaysia to “Life and death become a little more battling a gladiator in Rome, all with the goal of obvious up where you can die from expo- reaching the finish line first. The pace islight - sure and die from bear attacks pretty PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. ning quick. The competition is fierce. quickly,” added Kuenning, whose growing A motorist pumps gas in a commercial area of Palmer, Alaska, east of Wasilla in But the McCoy brothers see an eternal See ALASKA, Page 14 the Mat-Su Valley. The Valley Church of Christ organized the 2014 lectureship. See McCOYS, Page 13 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JUNE 2014

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facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt 1-800-486-1818 www.eem.org JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 3 In Africa, an Church members expensive soul in Ukraine, Russia gets new life are ‘united in God’ SANGUERA, Togo his man’s soul is BY JEFF ABRAMS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE expensive.” ‘T It’s an offhand KRAMATORSK, Ukraine — Tanks have roamed remark, uttered by a the streets of this city in recent weeks. preacher named Doh Satiffait Rumors of government buildings seized and (which sounds like “Satisfy” police chiefs taken hostage by pro-Russian to us English-speakers). demonstrators flash across the Internet. He says it Though the Donbas region of eastern Inside Story without a Ukraine is a focal point of conflict between hint of scorn the two former Soviet nations, more than or malice, 200 Christians — from Ukraine and Russia and I start — gathered here for a to wonder if “Celebration of Unity.” I’ve made a “This subject is of great mistake. importance for us and our I try to be country — at this moment PHOTOS BY MARK YEAKLEY sensitive to Deborah Allen, center, and a couple of friends share a laugh at Women Walking with God. when our country is on the the ways of edge of division,” said Katya Erik Tryggestad my African Gladkih, a church mem- brethren, but ber from Kostiantynivka, giving a guy a ride into town Ukraine. “If God’s people Gladkih — to be baptized — can’t be Making joyful noises don’t understand and value a cultural faux pas. Can it? the unity in Christ, then it’s It’s our last day in Togo, just a mass of people who a tiny, sliver of a country in WOMEN WALKING WITH GOD draws sell-out crowd of almost 1,200 belong to a community cen- West Africa that you have to ter, but not the church.” squint to find on a map. WICHITA, Kansas Participants represented There’ no oil here, no hristians — unlike 100-calorie packs 16 Churches of Christ — in brutal conflict, nothing that of Oreos — must be authentic. the Donbas region and would attract the attention That was Lisa Smartt’s message cities including Odessa Sherbakov of the world’s media. But an to nearly 1,200 women at the eighth in far southern Ukraine, Eglise du Christ (Church of annual Women Walking with God Chernivtsi in western Christ) in this former French Cconference. The author and humorist, who Ukraine and Russia. colony just appointed elders struggles with her weight, expressed her “The most important — one of the first congrega- genuine disappointment in the diet-friendly thing (was) to see all the tions to do so in French- snack bags, which don’t contain actual Oreo Christians united in God,” speaking Africa. cookies but tiny, black, hexagonal crackers said Genadiy Sherbakov, a The Wilshire Church of with little taste, she said. church elder in Syktyvkar, Christ in Oklahoma City Hosted by the Northside Church of Russia. Followers of Christ asked me to attend the instal- Christ in Wichita, organizers had to move Rachel Riley speaks at Women Walking with God. in both nations, he said, Petrussenko lation ceremony. And I never this year’s venue from the church building should adhere to the apostle say no to Africa. to a community center to accommodate She warned against using personal Paul’s plea in Philippians 2:2, that believers Just like most of my visits demand. The 300 additional seats sold out experiences to interpret Scripture. Instead, be “one in spirit and of one mind.” to this continent, I’ve spent a within hours of their online posting. followers of Christ should use Scripture to The Christians encouraged each other to lot of time in cars, bouncing “Joyful on the Journey” was the theme, interpret their experiences. remain strong, despite the current tension along dusty backroads. taken from Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, Other speakers included Lisa Robertson, and uncertainty about the future. With Togolese preachers patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” wife of “Duck Dynasty’s” Alan Robertson, Valentina Petrussenko, a church mem- as our guides, we’ve visited Beth Robinson, assistant provost for Rachel Riley of Abilene Christian ber in Kramatorsk, said that seeing so churches, schools and a Lubbock Christian University in Texas, University in Texas and Brianne Banning, many believers — from across Ukraine community garden — works talked about her experiences working mother of a cancer survivor and author of and Russia — “helps us to understand how supported by the African with foster children and told participants “The Beautiful Bald Princess.” mighty we can be in Christ.” Mission Fund, overseen by that their circumstances shouldn’t dictate See EXPENSIVE, Page 4 whether or not they feel joyful. WEBSITE: womenwalkingwithgod.org RELATED EDITORIAL, Page 26 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY JUNE 2014 EXPENSIVE: Togo trip shows the value of a soul FROM PAGE 3 Bible says. Gidigidi and others study the Wilshire church. with them, and several have asked to Wendell and Rochelle Wardell are with be baptized. Less than two years since me. Members of the Cooksville Church the Sanguera church was planted, its of Christ in Illinois, they’re longtime members are planting another church. supporters of the work in Togo. We Six or seven people are waiting for us didn’t know each other when we arrived. under the thatched roof. I notice a man, Now, after a week in Togo, we’re family. sitting in back, staring intently forward. Tonight, close to midnight, we’ll board a He’s holding one of those free, Gideon plane for Europe before parting ways. Bibles, his finger stuck between the This morning, our first stop is pages to mark his place. After we pray, Sanguera, where members of a Church he pulls one of the preachers aside. of Christ from another town, Tokoin, Esperance Mensah, minister for the have planted a new congregation. After Nukafu Church of Christ, listens in and that, we’ll head back into the capital, tells us, “OK, this one says he’s ready As we celebrate the 10th year of the Master of Ministry program, Lome, to meet with a host of preachers at to be baptized.” The preachers start the Nukafu Church of Christ talking about the nearest we are proud to announce the latest course to be added to our (the one that installed elders). water source. curriculum, available for fall 2014. The Sanguera church’s That’s when I chime in. entire membership waited “Hey, we’re headed back to nearly all day yesterday for the Nukafu church anyway. MMin 657: fAMily Ministry us to visit, to no avail. A There’s still water in the ruptured fuel line — repaired baptistery, right?” Course Description: thanks to Wendell Wardell’s After an awkward pause, An exploration of ways the church can minister to the contemporary family surprisingly African inge- we pile into the sport utility in all its forms: the single person, the couple with no children, the stepfam- nuity — kept us from making vehicle with our soon-to-be ily, and parents of children in various stages of development. this course the visit. Such delays are brother, Ekpli Lord Lugard will study (1) the family as a social system (with emphasis in family systems common in Africa. I’m filled — a royal name to add to a theory), including one’s own family of origin and ministry families, (2) the with a familiar mix of guilt royal priesthood. theology of the family, (3) marriage and family development, and (4) min- and resignation. ERIK TRYGGESTAD It’s about a half-hour drive istry to the family in light of the church as the family of God. Attention is A few members have Ekpli Lord Lugard, about back into Lome, so someone given to the needs of each form of family and how the church can help meet returned to the church an hour before baptism. will have to give him a ride those needs through education, program design and other ministries. building to meet us. It’s a back home — or pay cab fare. sheet-metal roof supported by wooden Sandwiched next to Lugard in the poles and surrounded by a brick wall. back seat, Satiffait makes his “expensive Nice, really. I speak with the minister, soul” remark, and I start wondering if I Course instruC tor: Phil MCkinney ii Kossi Gidigidi. (The Togolese preachers should have kept my mouth shut. We congratulate Dr. Mckinney upon the completion who accompanied us here take immense I also start thinking about the men and of the Ph.D. degree awarded by southern Baptist pleasure in saying his name — over and women back home who sent me here. over.) He introduces me to two recent They’ve dedicated resources God has theological seminary. his dissertation topic is “Ado- converts, who tell me how the church given them to help Africans spread the lescent Christian formation and Mother nurturance has saved them from alcohol addiction. Gospel in tiny Togo — all but forgotten and involvement.” Dr. Mckinney is the husband of “When I was in the world, I met with by much of the world. Angie; the father of kaylee, taylor, and rylie; the troubles, troubles,” says one, Sagbo I think about the good shepherd from discipleship minister at fairfax (Va.) Church of Christ; Kuma, as Satiffait translates. “But now the Gospel of John — the one who lays and one of the outstanding instructors for the that I see Jesus, there is great change.” down his life for his sheep. Or the shep- Master of Ministry program. I scribble down the quote hurriedly, herd from Jesus’ parable in Matthew because Gidigidi (yeah, I like saying 18, the one who leaves the 99 to search it, too) and the others are pulling me for that one lost lamb. ClAsses sCheDuleD for suMMer 2014 away. They’re anxious to show us All of us have expensive souls. I thank another church, nearby, off a dirt path. God for the servants of Christ — in • orientation with Bill richardson This one meets under a thatched Africa and around the world — who labor • Christian Communication with kelly elander roof. Its members practice a mixture tirelessly to secure them for eternity. • People helping with Joe Brumfield of beliefs from various denominations • small Group Ministries with Jared looney but genuinely want to do what the SEE CURRENTS, Page 17, for more Togo coverage.

for information about the Master of Ministry program CORRECTION: An advertisement that appeared on Page 10 of the June 2013 issue contained errors. Tiffany Guerrero and available scholarships, please go to: worked as an unpaid volunteer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Research, Center for Veterinary Medicine, in 2012. While she and several other federal employees worked on assigned projects, she did not manage https://www.harding.edu/camt or call 501-279-4252. any programs or their funding. She worked under the supervision of a federal employee who was responsible for managing the projects, the funding for the projects and the volunteer workers assigned to the projects. MAY 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

VIDEO STILL VIA WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/LTCSW Leadership Training for Christ students take the Gospel to a galaxy far, far away “Somewhere in space, this may all be happening right now.” Thus begins a video produced by Michael Evans, Ali Sene, Addison Schwamb, Josh Beaulieu and Lane Hooker and gives a space- youths from the Palo Verde Church of Christ in Tucson, Ariz., for the Southwest Leadership Training opera twist to the theme “Called Out” from the book of Exodus. Lucas Berlin, 19, who participated in for Christ conference. The video, paying homage to the original “Star Wars” trailer from 1976, features LTC for 10 years, was the group’s coordinator. See the video at www.christianchronicle.org.

ARKANSAS MISSISSIPPI launched its first church plant recently. SPOTLIGHT NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The Levy Church OLIVE BRANCH — Andrew Archer, 17, was The inaugural service at the church’s of Christ’s recent annual Community baptized just three weeks before he died, new campus in west Murfreesboro Day drew 500-plus visitors, minister ABC 24 in Memphis, Tenn., reported. drew 421 souls. ‘Hope Wins’ in Memphis Danny Dodd said. A wreck on the way “While some of those were North MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Wrapping up a recent “It is growing each year,” Dodd said. home from a school Boulevard’s own people, many were sermon series on hope, Josh Ross invited “We interact through games for kids, prom April 18 claimed also first-time visitors or people who church members to take yellow sticky crafts for adults, free food and clothing the life of the teen, who are looking for a church home,” said notes and reflect on challenges they had David Penn, minister for stores.” had attended the Olive Renee Sproles, the congregation’s vision overcome — and still need to defeat. the Robbins Church of Christ The event also includes opportunities Branch Church of Christ coordinator. For more information, see Members posted their replies on a in Illinois, praised his late for prayer and Bible study, Dodd said. all his life. Troopers said nb2020vision.com. board spelling out “Hope Wins.” colleague’s “unfaltering faith More than 170 church volunteers helped. Archer fell asleep at the “We had a few hundred reply, and it and undeniable courage.” Archer wheel and hit a tree. TEXAS was a balance between expressions of ILLINOIS Youth minister Jared LUBBOCK — An areawide worship celebration and desperation,” said Ross, CHICAGO — When drivers pass the Rhodes described him as a one-of-a-kind assembly drew a standing-room-only preaching minister for the Sycamore Maypole Avenue Church of Christ teen who stayed out of trouble and was crowd to the Lubbock Civil Center, said View Church of Christ. building on Chicago’s west side, they’ll “always a friend that you could count on.” Keith Lancaster of Acappella Ministries. be reminded of the church’s former “God Is On Our Side” served as the minister. Whether they know it or not. OKLAHOMA theme for the recent unity event. Ken That’s because the 4400 block of West MADILL — The Madill Church of Christ Jones, Lubbock Christian University’s Maypole Avenue has been renamed hosts a free medical clinic to help people former longtime president, spoke. Cardie L. Harper Way. A new city ordi- with no medical insurance. Dr. Pam The Children’s Home of Lubbock, nance, introduced by Alderman Jason C. Ahearn opens the clinic the first and which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, Ervin, honors Harper for four decades of third Wednesdays of each month, was highlighted. service to the Maypole Avenue church. minister’s wife Ashley Hudson said. “I only wish that more regions would Harper, a Mississippi native, planted make the effort to bring churches the church that would become Maypole TENNESSEE together on common ground to experi- Avenue in 1960. He retired in 2002 and MURFREESBORO — One down and 59,999 ence unity and worship,” Lancaster said. died in 2007. to go. Past and present Maypole Avenue That’s the tally after the North TO SUBMIT ITEMS for consideration for Across the Nation, members as well as many Chicago-area Boulevard Church of Christ — which has email Bobby Ross Jr. at bobby.ross@christianchronicle. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSH ROSS church leaders attended a recent dedica- set an ambitious goal of planting 60,000 org. Contributing writer Patrick Odum and Reviews Editor Minister Josh Ross poses in front of the “Hope tion ceremony. new churches over the next 60 years — Kimberly Mauck helped with this month’s news briefs. Wins” sign with his sons, Truitt and Noah. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JUNE 2014 Share Jesus.

PHOTOS BY LYNN McMILLON Richard Barclay, a minister for the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Decatur, Ga., speaks during the 70th It’s simple. National Lectureship of the Churches of Christ in Atlanta. About 2,600 Christians attended. Faith in uncharted waters Church members shouted — and typed — “Amen!” as ministers from across the U.S. shared the Gospel at the 70th National Lectureship of the Churches of Christ. About 2,600 church members attended the annual gathering. Hundreds more watched the keynote sessions live online and posted comments. “Navigating Uncharted Waters: Examining Issues. Creating Solutions” was the theme. Congregations in Atlanta hosted this year’s lectureship, directed by Richard Barclay, minister for the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Decatur, Ga., A few of the hundreds of prefilled and Orpheus Heyward, minister for the West End communion cups served during the Church of Christ in Atlanta. Lord’s Supper at the lectureship.

At the lectureship: Tonya Wilkerson, of the Camp Creek Church of Christ in Atlanta; Dayna Ludy, of the West End Church of Christ in Atlanta; Alexis Ludy and Deborah Ludy, of the Roosevelt Freeport Church of Christ in New York; Laina Ludy, of West End; and Belle Alexander (seated), of Camp Creek. JUNE 2014 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

PHOTOS PROVIDED High school students celebrate their winning scores at the fourth annual Texas Bible Bowl. Texas Bible Bowl features tests on Moses, plus games, sports, fellowship and devos MARBLE FALLS, Texas — Caleb Kirkwood, a high school junior, certainly impressed judges at the recent fourth annual Texas Bible Bowl. Kirkwood, who attends McDermott Road Church of Christ in Plano, Texas, correctly answered 232 of 250 questions regarding the life of Moses. More than 150 children and teenagers studied 1,622 verses from the books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to prepare for the event, held at Camp of the Hills. “These kids know their Bible,” said Students take tests at the Texas Bible Bowl. event coordinator Paul Hendrickson of the Hawley Church of Christ in Texas. Event coordinator Nick Schroeder of “What a blessing they are, not to the the Magnolia Church of Christ in Texas future of our churches, but to the said the event is similar to summer church right now.” camp. Some travel from up to seven Competitors were separated into four hours away to participate. divisions according to age. Students “This is not your ordinary Bible in sixth grade or lower competed in Bowl,” he said. the elementary division; students in Many churches host celebrations for seventh grade through ninth grade participating students. Jessica Hooks, competed in the junior division; high coach of a team from the Memorial school students competed in the Church of Christ in Houston, said her senior division; and older participants congregation held a party — complete competed in the adult division. with pizza, cake and buzzer Bible Bowl But event organizers said the Texas games — to encourage students to keep Bible Bowl is about more than competi- participating in Scripture-focused events. tion. Throughout the weekend, partici- Eight students from the Memorial pants are encouraged to “spur each church participated this year. The congre- other on” and view each other as family gation covered all expenses for students. in Christ. Beyond Bible Bowl activities, “It is important that we encourage our games, sports, fellowship and devotionals young people to pursue God,” Hooks play a key role in the camaraderie. said. 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JUNE 2014

You’ve got nerve. Save the date for Summer Celebration

REVIVINGthe MISSION insights from Joshua June 29-July 1, 2014 • Lipscomb University WENDI ROGERS A surprised — and happy — winner at Lads to Leaders Totally committed to mission, Joshua had the faith— Paul Rogers reacts with excitement after earning first place in third-grade boys’ speech at the recent Lads to Leaders convention in Louisville, Ky. Rogers is the son of Kennith and Wendi and the audacity—to lead Israel across the Jordan to a Rogers, members of the Washington Church of Christ in Pennsylvania. new land. Take a few days this summer to, like Joshua, “He practiced and practiced his speech,” Wendi Rogers said. “He had no clue he would win. discover the energy, intentionality and joy of mission! He said he did terrible. But obviously, that was not the case.” In today’s culture, being a Christian takes a lot of faith and, arguably, a little “nerve”! Strengthen your ability to move believers from maintenance to mission. This year’s Summer Celebration does a deep dive into the life of an ancient man of God, Joshua, to inspire a new generation of church leaders, individuals and families to reclaim lost ground in our culture and set a spirit of Christian Chronicle wins nine ‘Best evangelism for the sake of Jesus Christ. of the Christian Press’ national awards Features CHICAGO — The Christian Chronicle earned Webdextero.us, won first place for his Ted-Talk style morning and evening keynote Landon Saunders—“Still Willing to Stand and nine national awards for its efforts to redesign of the Chronicle’s website, sessions More than 150 classes over three days Fight” Classes to suit varied interests of study Late night Josh Ross—”Come Stand with Me” inform, inspire and unite Churches christianchronicle.org. devo at the fountain Extra set of morning classes of Christ — in print and online. The Tryggestad also earned a first-place Register now! Associated Church Press presented the award for feature writing for “Camp Keynotes “Early Bird Special” discount for on-campus awards at its annual national convention, Shamrock” — a story about Churches of Joe Shulam—“Strength and Courage to Lead” housing is available until April 1. Remember, Nashville is a great place to plan a family vacation! celebrating journalism produced in 2013. Christ in Northern Ireland urging a new Jeff Walling—“Fighting for the Next Generation” For the seventh straight year, the generation to become “instruments of Patrick Mead—“The Hospitality of Strangers” John Mark Hicks—“Stepping into God’s Future” There is no registration fee for this three-day Chronicle was recognized as one of the peace.” The story also placed second in David Skidmore—“The First Restoration” “festival of faith and fellowship.” For more top publications in the “Best in Class” newspaper design, spread or story. Jerry Taylor—“If These Walls Could Speak” information about all Summer Celebration competition for national and interna- Ross earned second-place awards for Rick Atchley—“How Much Will Your Sin Cost activities, housing and registration, go to Me?” summercelebration.lipscomb.edu or call tional newspapers, receiving third place. a news story about the legacy of Nelson Shon Smith—“The Blessings of Curses from Life’s 615-966-6609. Twice, the international newspaper for Mandela and coverage of a conference Choices” Churches of Christ has been named the on homosexuality and the church. nation’s top Christian newspaper. The Chronicle’s “Rural Redemption” Editor Erik Tryggestad, Chief series earned a third-place award in Correspondent Bobby Ross Jr. and theme issue, section or series for Ross, Mark your calendar and save the date! writers Ted Parks and Murray Evans Tryggestad and writer David Chenault. won first place for in-depth reporting In a separate contest, Ross won first for coverage of tornadoes that swept place for education reporting in the through Oklahoma and Texas last spring. Oklahoma Society of Professional Tryggestad also won first place in news Journalists’ annual awards, competing summercelebration.lipscomb.edu reporting for “God put his hand on us,” against the state’s largest newspapers. which told the stories of a church deacon The story, focusing on religious and his family who lost their home and freedom in public schools, featured other Christians impacted by the storms. the Holland Park Church of Christ in Travis Langley, founder of Simpsonville, S.C. JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

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powered by The son Sunset is using the power of the sun to teach about the Son. a multi-continent effort is providing hand-held solar-powered audio players to reach a remote and powerless world with the gospel of Christ. Thank you for playing a part in this major solar event! sunset international bible institute • 800.658.9553 • www.sibi.cc JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 BAHAMAS SPOTLIGHT MARSH HARBOUR — Two congregations in the Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, have provided preachers for Bahama Missions’ Returning work in Marsh Harbour, missionary David Caskey says. to give thanks A group of about 20 Christians from Nassau helped church HYDERABAD, India — Though it’s members with construction proj- been nearly three decades, ects. Members of the Gators for Karen Clayton can’t forget Christ campus ministry from Digamber Mane. Gainesville, Fla., also spent “He always had a smile as time with the congregation. big as Texas,” recalls Clayton, Caskey seeks an older couple who serves alongside her to preach, teach and counsel husband, Ron. In the mid- the congregation, which had 50 1990s, the couple opened a members on a recent Sunday. children’s home in Hyderabad, See www.flyingpreacher.com. a city in central India, to serve impoverished children. BRAZIL “These were the children of FEIRA DE SANTANA — Missionaries the poorest of the poor. Almost Randy Short and Antonio Barros all of them had lost at least one traveled to this city of 700,000 PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID ALLEN of their parents,” Karen Clayton souls, near Salvador in Brazil’s said. “They all needed help. ... Bahia state, to encourage Ready for prime time: Missionaries on the air in Thailand I spent a tremendous amount members of a young church. Brielle Allen gets some finishing touches from TV make-up artists before of time at this home. It was my Instead, “who came out of she and, her sister, Brianna, shop for high-end Thai silk in front of the ministry. I loved these kids. I the weekend encouraged was cameras (left). The sisters and their parents, David and Michelle, posed taught them God’s Word.” us,” said Short, who works as tourists during a commercial shoot produced by Thailand’s tourism Mane in Recife, Brazil. He taught authority. The one-minute spot is slated to air on CNN and the BBC. carried her the church’s members along- Since 1994, the Allens have served as part of a church-planting team in books, gath- side Barros, a native Brazilian Chiang Mai, Thailand. ered the chil- missionary in Uniao dos FOR MORE INFORMATION, see sites.google.com/site/chiangmaiteam dren for class. Palmares in Alagoas state. “In short, Short described the congre- he was my gation as “a thriving church of from Africa and other locales 130,000 souls in southern listic lessons to those who need right arm,” 50” with “plans for reaching — during church services. See Africa to “Let the Bible Speak.” Jesus.” Eight baptisms resulted. she said. “He many other neighborhoods in www.churchofchrist.bg. That was the title of the always called this city and the 417 cities in Evangelistic Message course PANAMA me mom. the state that have not heard CANADA taught by Brumfield, who works SANSON — Jonathan Farrar, U.S. That was OK PHOTO PROVIDED the pure and simple Gospel.” SALMON ARM — Members of the with Sunset International Bible ambassador to Panama, visited with me.” The Claytons with Salmon Arm Church of Christ in Institute in Lubbock, Texas, the Clinic of Hope in Panama’s Mane, Digamber Mane. BULGARIA the western Canadian province training Christians to serve in eastern Darien Province now 30 and SOFIA — Members of the of British Columbia shivered Portuguese-speaking nations. recently as volunteers with married, with a baby on the Renaissance Church of Christ through the “Coldest Night of The students “are eager and Panama Missions conducted a way, emailed Karen Clayton to help African the Year” recently — alongside searching for medical and dental clinic. arrange a visit. immigrants as 12,000 walkers in 63 locations the Word of “Like me, Ambassador Farrar “Before he left Sunday after- they search for throughout the country. The God,” he said. loves this part of Panama,” noon ... he told me the reason jobs and legal event raises funds for homeless “Now some of said Larry Brady, the mission’s he wanted to see me. He wanted status in this shelters and food banks. the brethren director. “He was very impressed to thank me for all I had done southeastern The team, led by Ralph there have gone with what we are doing to help for him as a young child and as European Edwards, raised more than through the the people of the Darien.” The he grew to his teenage years.” nation. Some $3,000 and placed fourth course multiple Childersburg Church of Christ He “wanted to make sure immigrants among 28 teams and 230 times and in Alabama oversees the work. that he was never one about Arnaudov Brumfield have moved walkers in Salmon Arm. The should be ready whom it could be said, ‘Where on to other countries within town raised just under $40,000. to teach it on their own and in TO SUBMIT ITEMS for consideration for are the nine?’” Karen Clayton the European Union, minister their tribal languages. Around the World, email Erik Tryggestad said, referring to the story of Hristo Arnaudov said. MOZAMBIQUE “One of the assignments I at [email protected]. Copy Editor the 10 lepers healed by Jesus The church seeks transla- TETE — Tim Brumfield trav- gave them was to teach at least Sarah Jane Kyle contributed to this month’s in Luke 17 — only one of tion devices to aid guests — eled to this coal-mining town of seven hours of the evange- news briefs. which returned to thank him. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD JUNE 2014

R. SANGA In India, music teacher hears ‘the voice of many angels’ Students at Angels’ Place raise their voices, with coaching from Sarah Burnell, a music teacher from Montreal. Burnell, Jan and Leslie Swensen, of the Holiday Park Church of Christ in Plum, Pa., and Bahamas Hedi Devine, of the Elmwood Street Church of Christ in Lafayette, Ind., visited the children’s home, which serves 155 orphans and impoverished children in Manipur, a state in northeastern India. R. Ecuador Sanga, minister for a Church of Christ and founder of the Imphal School of Preaching, directs the children’s home. The children have angelic voices, Jan Swensen said, and will continue to study Honduras music and practice via Skype, an online communication service. See www.jamesconnection.org. Mexico Nicaragua Despite South Pacific floods, ‘the Lord reigns’ Panama HONIARA, Solomon Islands — “The Lord United States reigns” — even in the midst of a tsunami warning. Christians packed into a church building in this South Pacific nation on Sharing God’s love a recent Sunday and sang those words, Spring break is a much-anticipated time of no class, no tests days after heavy rains swept through the region, killing 23 people and leaving and no papers. Students at Harding University celebrate this 9,000 homeless. Hardest hit by the break in a number of ways, including traveling to several U.S. floods were the capital city, Honiara, states and foreign countries on mission trips. Many students and the island of Guadalcanal, a site of spend their week going out into the world, showing love intense fighting during World War II. RANDALL JOHN UTHE Randall John Uthe, who works with Relief workers ride on sacks of rice as they to others, and sharing the good news about Jesus. Make a Malaysia-based Crisis Relief Services travel to remote villages affected by floods. difference with your spring break at Harding University. & Training, or CREST, traveled to the islands to assess needs and assist in Randy English said. “Also, we ask that relief efforts. He sang hymns with a you please pray for the many members congregation there as the government of the church in Honiara and nearby issued a tsunami warning, but no addi- villages who — as in times past — are tional damage occurred. serving and helping others, doing what Missionaries Randy and Sharon they can with what resources they have. English visited the islands about a “Pray, please, that we can reach these Faith, Learning and Living month before the floods and are sched- members and friends in their great uled to return. The Forest Park Church time of need — and with the assistance Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 of Christ in Georgia, which supports that they need.” Searcy, Arkansas their work, is collecting funds for relief. “Please, we ask that you pray for all the FIND LINKS TO CONTRIBUTE to relief work at www. people affected by this terrible tragedy,” christianchronicle.org. JUNE 2014 FROM THE FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 McCOYS: On TV, brothers ‘can either be dishonest and win or serve God’ FROM PAGE 1 Even before “The Amazing “I was 30 when I got mar- purpose in the spotlight of Race,” the brothers had trav- ried,” Cord McCoy says. “But reality TV. eled to 48 states, riding, rop- I had prayed for my wife for a “You have to decide, ‘OK, ing and earning massive belt long time before that.” here’s this moment. I can buckles at junior — and later, Jet McCoy teaches an adult either be dishonest and win or professional — rodeos. Bible class in the Fittstown serve God,’” Jet McCoy says. On the road, their father did church’s auditorium. He says “‘Am I going to serve my own his best to make sure they he’s continually astounded desires or do what God has didn’t miss Sunday worship. by the wisdom of his fellow called me to do?’” He remembers thumbing Christians, especially on topics through phone books in hotels such as forgiveness. ‘DON’T SQUAT IN YOUR SPURS’ across the country, looking for Recently, he led a study of the Earlier on Sunday, the reality the nearest Church of Christ. fruit of the Spirit from Galatians TV stars pulled up to the church “God has blessed them so 5:22-23. Needless to say, traits building in a flatbed diesel much over the years,” Denny such as love, joy, peace, for- pickup, complete with reels of McCoy says of his sons. While ERIK TRYGGESTAD bearance, kindness, goodness, barbed wire and a cattle feeder. the brothers were still in high Scott Young prays with Cord and Jet McCoy at the Memorial Road church. faithfulness, gentleness and They were in diapers when school, a reporter from Sports self-control can be rarities on they first rode horses. Jet, 34, Illustrated followed them on Bulls and Blood “The Amazing Race.” the fourth of Denny and Janet the rodeo circuit for a week “One of the older guys in our If the Almighty has played a role in McCoy’s five children, is named and wrote a feature. class made the comment ... that preparing Jet and Cord McCoy for the after his mother’s maiden ini- It’s as if the Lord himself the fruit of the Spirit is a prom- spotlight, he’s also protected them. tials (Janet Elaine Tucker). has been preparing them for ise, not a command,” Jet McCoy That’s especially true for Cord McCoy, As for Cord, 33, “I had yel- the glaring lights of the media, says. “When you have the Spirit, who competed in the Professional Rodeo low jaundice, so I spent three their father says. the Spirit produces these things Cowboys Association and Professional Bull or four days in the hospital,” Scott Young met the McCoys WWW.CORDMCCOY.COM in you. ... It’s been a good class.” Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series, qualifying for he explains. “Every time they when he served as youth minis- The brothers take the Bible the PBR World Finals as recently as 2011. for his mercy and healing. needed a nurse, there was a ter for the Southwest Church of lessons they’ve learned as chil- In 2004, he suffered a fractured skull In late 2013, the PBR announced that hospital pull cord. So it was Christ in Ada, Okla. dren and adults into the race — while riding a saddle bronc in Oklahoma City. Cord McCoy was retiring from bull riding. like, ‘Hey, we’ll call him Cord.’ “Their mom was really a grueling, 30-day experience, He spent three days in a medically induced “Now, see, that’s questionable,” he says. True story.” involved in children’s ministry, captured by camera operators coma and eight months in speech therapy. “There’s no real retirement. You just don’t As far as they know, they teaching class, taking kids who accompany each team. “I don’t really remember what I forgot,” get on bulls anymore.” aren’t related to those other to Bible bowls,” said Young, “But really, the stuff we’re he jokes when asked why he got back in “Yeah,” his brother chimes in, “It’s not McCoys who grew up in now worship minister for the dealing with ... that all these the saddle after the injury. He thanks God like you had a 401(k) or anything.” Churches of Christ — the Memorial Road church. millions of people are watching ones who played football for He remembers teaching a every week, it’s exactly the the Texas Longhorns. (Cord high school class about the Old THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ... ON TV When they aren’t trekking same stuff that we all deal McCoy says he’s occasionally Testament book of Proverbs The McCoys’ competitors on the globe, the brothers wor- with on a day-to-day basis,” Jet praised for his gridiron prowess and asking the students to share the latest, “All-Stars” season of ship with the Fittstown Church McCoy says. “How do you treat by folks who mistake him for some modern-day words of wis- “The Amazing Race” seem to of Christ, a 100-member con- other people? How do you deal Colt McCoy, now a quarterback dom. Jet McCoy’s contribution: have a hard time not liking the gregation where their father with stressful situations? How for the Washington Redskins.) “Don’t squat in your spurs.” cowboys — as they’ve raced and their brother-in-law, Roger do you play the game? These McCoys grew up on a “Denny and Janet have raised from China to Sri Lanka to Italy. Callison, serve as elders. “Just because you’re not on ranch in southern Oklahoma. those kids to love God and to “Clearly, these lone rangers Jet McCoy and his wife of ‘The Amazing Race,’ you’re not There were lots of chores, and treat people right,” Young says. are more group-oriented than 10 years, Ashlee, are ranchers on TV, you’re still being that when they complained, their “I’ve never heard anybody say they think, earning love from and have a 5-year-old daughter, same kind of example ... as a mother was quick to quote a negative word about them. ... the other teams with little to no Ti Silver. Cord McCoy raises Christian, wherever you’re at. Philippians 2:14, “Do everything You have to make up stuff not effort,” wrote Justin Sedgwick, bulls with his wife of three “I think sometimes it’s easy without grumbling or arguing.” to like them.” a reviewer for BuddyTV.com. years, Sara. for us to lose sight of that.”

CBS BROADCASTING Jet and Cord McCoy have raced across five continents on reality TV. Jet McCoy says he’s not sure how many countries they’ve visited, but “I know I had to get new pages for my passport.” 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT JUNE 2014 ALASKA: Life and death, light and dark in ‘The Last Frontier’

Children watch from the bleachers during a session of the Alaska Church members pray during the annual lectureship, which began in 1964 in Anchorage. The 2015 lectureship Statewide Lectureship at the Wasilla High School gymnasium. will be next May in Fairbanks, hosted by the Northern Lights Church of Christ.

FROM PAGE 1 Christ hosted the first state- larger congregations from because communication has “Moose Crossing” signs, more congregation of about 250 wide lectureship in 1964. Juneau to Homer to Fairbanks. become so easy,” she added. than 450 Alaska church mem- organized the recent three-day Then — as now — “Good “Alaska is very unique in that “Back in those days, this was bers representing at least 15 lectureship. “Maybe the issues News for a Great Land” was it’s a family,” said Singleton, who the only time we could talk to congregations came together of faith and of destiny become the concept. has attended most of the lecture- each other. So lectureship was for the milestone lectureship. a little more focused.” “For 50 years, that simple ships but missed some when just like family being able to be For three days, Christians Bible lessons about light and but powerful idea has provided she served as a missionary to together.” young and old gathered in the dark resonate, too, in a place sound Bible lessons, hope, Europe and later South Korea. Wasilla High School gymnasium where the sun sometimes shines encouragement and fellowship “The whole church is a family. ‘RUN UP AND HUG EACH OTHER’ — amid bright red basketball, past midnight and other times to thousands of Christians,” “Newer Christians who move In the shadow of snow- hockey and wrestling banners gleams just a few hours a day, Valley church elders wrote in in haven’t caught on to that capped mountains and yellow and not far from former Gov. said David Boswell, minister for the 2014 lectureship program. Sarah Palin’s lakeside home — the Northern Lights Church of Judy Singleton’s late father, to sing, pray and rekindle their Christ in Fairbanks, about 350 Howard Singleton, spoke at evangelistic fervor. miles north of Anchorage. that first lectureship, just a few Many traveled hundreds of “Fairbanks has a really high months before the largest earth- miles to attend. depression rate, and it’s based quake in U.S. history struck But in Alaska, distance is rel- on a lack of Vitamin D, a lack Alaska on Good Friday 1964. ative, said Sally Smith, a long- of sunlight,” said Boswell, who “I remember the excite- time Valley church member. preaches for the nation’s north- ment of everybody coming Her husband, Glenn Smith, ernmost Church of Christ, near and being there,” said Judy has been known to fly his the Fort Wainwright Army post. Singleton, now the Anchorage 1957 Cessna 180 float plane to “Now, compare that to when church secretary. Midnight Sun Bible Camp just the sun is up: People are A 1964 schedule noted: to drop off the newspaper and happy,” he added, recalling that “If those attending from out doughnuts. church members celebrated of town will let us know in “Fifty miles to people in the last year’s summer solstice with advance we will arrange for you Lower 48 is a long way,” Sally an all-night softball game. to stay in homes of members.” Smith said. “We do that every Fifty years later, that hos- PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. day, going to Anchorage.” ‘GOOD NEWS FOR A GREAT LAND’ pitality remains the same, as A moose grazes beside an Alaska highway, where a sign warns that 243 Still, the miles that separate The Anchorage Church of the lectureship rotates among such creatures have been struck by Mat-Su Valley motorists since last July. congregations can become a JUNE 2014 FROM THE FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

‘I felt welcomed as a newcomer, and brothers literally wrapped their arms around me.’ — Gordon Johnson, minister, Juneau Church of Christ

Loren Hollingsworth, a longtime missionary to Thailand and a seasonal member of the Valley Church of Christ Isaac Kuenning, right, the son of Robert and Carol Kuenning, enjoys fel- in Wasilla, visits with Valley member Sally Smith, right. He spoke at a leadership seminar before the lectureship. lowship while ice skating with fellow teens from churches all over Alaska. concern if Christians don’t work shape of Alaska and words World Christian Broadcasting, lenges, we seem to work it out the Nikiski Church of Christ in hard to stay connected, said from 2 Corinthians 4:13: “We whose 100,000-watt Alaska and stay tight,” Dana Jaworski southern Alaska and the Eielson Mike Shero, minister for the also believe, and therefore also transmitters share the Gospel said of Alaska church mem- Church of Christ in North Pole, Anchorage church. we speak.” in Chinese, Russian and bers. “It’s a very loving, unified Alaska, near Fairbanks, harvest “The best thing I can do “Oh, it’s amazing up here English and can reach seekers body of believers.” moose struck on the highway evangelistic-wise for the in Alaska how important the 5,000 miles away. It’s a state where Christians and feed the hungry. church here in Alaska is to lectureship really is,” said As the Jaworskis see it, God choose to focus on what they Although 565 miles separate keep the preachers pumped,” Larry Smith, 77, an Anchorage has blessed their journey with have in common, such as the Anchor Point from Fairbanks, said Shero, who regularly church member who estimated three children — Leif, 8; Nate, “roadkill ministries” offered the distance is much shorter chats with fellow ministers via he has made about 30 of 5; and Kathryn, 2 — and a close- by at least two congregations, relationally, the Jaworskis said. Skype, an online video service. the lectureships. “We all get knit, statewide church family. church leaders said. That’s because Christians At the lectureship, participants together, and we all know each “Despite conflict and chal- Through those ministries, make the 12-hour drive down shared hugs, laughs and meals other. Our kids go away to a south each year to fish and prepared by church volunteers. Christian college, and they see stay in members’ homes. “I have never experienced somebody from a church 500 Besides fishing, Jeff Jaworski anything like this before,” said miles away, and they run up hunts caribou, moose and Gordon Johnson, minister for and hug each other.” bears. His partners include Cy the Juneau Church of Christ, Cox, the Nikiski preacher, and who attended for the first time. ’A LOVING, UNIFIED BODY’ Tony Cloud, minister for the “I felt welcomed as a new- Almost nine years ago, Jeff Soldotna Church of Christ. comer, and brothers literally and Dana Jaworski packed “I won’t hunt with anyone wrapped their arms around me. everything they could fit on who’s not my brother,” Jeff Handshakes were not an option. a 16-foot trailer and set off — Jaworski said. “At that time, “It’s encouraging on a very with their two dogs — on a out there in God’s wild … he’s emotional, very personal level,” 4,000-plus-mile drive from Texas. providing for me, and it is added the California transplant, Their destination: Anchor deeply spiritual.” who caught a commercial Point, a salmon and halibut At the lectureship each flight from the isolated state fishing community in the spring, the Jaworskis recognize capital in southeast Alaska. Kenai Peninsula, about 200 most of the faces. A 50th anniversary cake miles south of Anchorage. Church members sing during the lectureship before children and teens are “It’s like a family reunion featured blue frosting in the Their mission: work with released for special programs geared toward their age groups. once a year,” Jeff Jaworski said. 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JUNE 2014

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Reino_MRN 1-2 page horiz Ad APRIL FNL 04-21-14.indd 1 4/21/14 11:51 AM JUNE 2014 Currents THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 17 In West Africa, a church charges its first elders to love and serve God’s children ‘as Christ has loved you.’

PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD The elders of the Nukafu Church of Christ — Ishmael Saffo-Addy, Hubert Komede Matri, Mensah Joe Gbenyo and Komlan Noukounou — kneel as ministers pray for them in Lomé, Togo. New elders ‘move forward together’ in Togo

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE neighboring Benin, told the elders. “Open peers would serve as the church’s elders. and his wife, Marie, translated the skit your life to them, sharing their joys, their The youths quickly changed the scene to into English for visitors from the U.S. LOMÉ, Togo burdens, their labors, their faith.” one of the elders’ homes. — who struggled to hear them over the rouched on their knees, heads After the prayer, the four men rose and The elder, played by audience’s laughter. bowed, eyes shut, the four elders gave a similar charge to four younger teenager Basile Kpeto, “Now he’s firing everybody,” Adjevi of the Nukafu Church of Christ men — the church’s first deacons. Then talked to his wife, played said, stifling a chuckle at the youths’ grasped each other’s hands. a group of still younger Christians took by Akpene Koudanou, over-the-top performance. Soon, the Above them, a line of preachers the stage — and taught them all a lesson. and, after some discus- self-appointed “head elder” was seated Casked God to grant the newly appointed Setting up rows of plastic chairs, sion, began strutting at the front of the mock congregation, leaders wisdom and strength as they members of the church’s youth group around the stage. heckling the preacher as his wife sent shepherd a flock of 225 souls in this formed a tiny congregation, singing “He is saying, now that text messages from her phone. Mensah West African capital. hymns and praising God in a mix of he is an elder, perhaps Esperance Mensah, the church’s “I charge you to love and serve Christ’s French and Ewe, the local language. he should carry himself in this fashion,” minister, helped the youths write the skit people ... as Christ has loved you,” One of the youths, portraying the said Martin Adjevi, a minister from — a cautionary tale for his new elders George Akpabli, a ministry trainer from preacher, announced that four of his Ghana. Seated on the front row, Adjevi CONTINUED 18 JUNE 2013 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Elders must be ‘good people’ — today and tomorrow

CONTINUED apparel — gathered for the cele- with the government. regularly, and their fundraising and 1 Timothy. The church chose their concern that growth among about godly leadership run amok. bration. Church members coiled Heartbroken, Gbedemah went efforts became the African four men — Noukounou, Ishmael Churches of Christ in West It wasn’t what Komlan glossy ribbon around the build- to the Nsawam Road Church of Mission Fund, overseen by the Saffo-Addy, Komede Hubert Matri Africa seems to have slowed in Noukounou, one of the four men ing’s pillars and adorned its stage Christ in Accra and “made his Wilshire Church of Christ in and Mensah Joe Gbenyo — to recent years and their desire to appointed to lead the church, with stick-on Christmas bows. own Macedonian call for us to Oklahoma City and supported by serve as its first elders. keep young Christians motivated expected to witness during the After Sunday morning worship, come and help him,” said George congregations across the country. Gbedemah, now 74, respectfully and evangelistic. installation ceremony. vocal groups performed as Akpabli, a Ghanaian evangelist. In 1995, Akpabli moved to Benin declined to serve as an elder — a Since their installation, the new “I was very shocked,” he said, church members in the crowd Akpabli responded to that call, and launched the Bible Training task for younger men, he said. elders have taken oversight of but “I know that good people — including the elders’ wives — moving to Lomé in the mid-1980s Center, which prepares men for At the ceremony, he thanked the church’s ongoing projects, today can become bad people clapped and whooped in appre- and working with ministry in French-speaking his wife — who established a including the expansion of its tomorrow.” The skit stressed ciation of God’s blessings. Gbedemah and African nations. Esperance vibrant women’s ministry for the building, Mensah said. They hope that the church’s new leaders Holding video cameras, cell a small group of Mensah, a native of Togo, was church — his fellow evangelists to “create a setting of encourage- “have to put our house together, phones and iPads above their believers who met a top student at the the school. and U.S. supporters including ment for the craftsmen and other Church members hang a sign before the elder installation, citing Acts 14:23, to move forward together for the heads, the Christians snapped in secret. He stayed in Benin and worked Bryan, who died four months workers in the church,” he said. “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders ... in each church and, with prayer and glory of God.” photos of Paul Gbedemah, a gray- For many years, with Akpabli, training dozens of before the installation at age 100. The elders oversee Bible fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” haired Togolese who stood on the the church strug- preachers for his home nation. Seated on the front row, Marie classes for visitors and newly A 42-YEAR PRAYER ANSWERED stage alongside his family — his gled to survive. A few years ago, after the death Adjevi paraphrased “Tall Paul’s” baptized Christians and are It was a day of celebration for traditional robes barely brushing Gbedemah was of the Nukafu church’s pulpit tearful remarks in English. developing initiatives to help Gbedemah the “mother church” in Togo, the tops of his dress socks. arrested for minister, Mensah returned to “What he wanted to see, he church members become mature a tiny, narrow, former French Known as “Tall Paul,” he helped leading an unlicensed congrega- Togo to preach for the church. He has seen with his own eyes,” she followers of Christ. colony sandwiched with Benin plant the congregation in Lomé tion when he attempted to apply helped launch a radio ministry, said. “So he can die today. He Komlan Noukounou said that he between the English-speaking after studying ministry at a school for a visa to attend a church with support from World Radio thanks God that he lived to see and his fellow elders pray for the nations of Ghana and Nigeria. of preaching in Ghana’s capital, conference. Gospel Broadcasts, and a Christian this day.” young men who portrayed them Launched 42 years ago by Accra. Walter Bryan, a visiting Eventually, Togo’s government primary school that meets in the in the cautionary drama — that a handful of Togolese and minister from the U.S., agreed to changed and the church gained church building, with support THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH one day they will take the stage Ghanaian Christians, the Nukafu help him find support. As they legal status. Togolese ministers, from the African Mission Fund. The night after the installation, again as they become the next church has birthed congrega- traveled across America, Bryan including Dey Adomekoe and Mensah also helped prepare the the four elders gathered in the generation of deacons and elders. tions throughout this country of and his wife, Ruth, raised funds Koffi Koudahe, helped build up congregation to install elders and home of Samuel and Patricia “We are committed to work 6.6 million people, now home to for the work. the Nukafu church before estab- deacons. Akpabli and missionaries Ayim for dinner. Samuel Ayim, a hard to keep the church going,” Lomé, Togo about 40 Churches of Christ. But the Togolese congregation lishing congregations in other from the U.S. taught classes on banker and native of Ghana, is a Noukounou said, “to do our work This small West African capital and the nations Christians from across the lost most of its members when a parts of the country. the leadership practiced in the first member and steadfast supporter with humility ... to make this in blue are French-speaking countries, where region — dressed in a mix of totalitarian ruler made it illegal to Bryan and other church century church, described in New of the Nukafu church. church a source of blessing to Churches of Christ are fewer in number than Western suits and vivid, African worship in a church not registered members from the U.S. visited Testament books including Titus They discussed the future — many people.” those in the yellow, English-speaking nations.

Youths including Basile Kpeto, left, and Akpene Koudanou perform a skit After Sunday worship, a chorus of young women sings as the Nukafu church Samuel Ayim offers a devotional A sign outside the Nukafu church tells congregants that their bodies “are More than 600 people from across West Africa shared communion and sang After a celebration lunch, elder about an elder who thinks too highly of himself and destabilizes the church. celebrates the installation of its first elders and deacons. before the Lord’s Supper. temples of the Holy Spirit” and displays clothing unacceptable during worship. praises during Sunday worship before the installation of the church’s elders. Hubert Komede Matri heads home. 18 JUNE 2013 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Elders must be ‘good people’ — today and tomorrow

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Christian Village of Abilene Independent Retirement Living 633 E.N. 19th Street, ABILENE, TX 79601 [email protected] www.acu.edu/cva (325) 673-1917 JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 AUTHOR, THEOLOGIAN N.T. Wright discusses threats and challenges for followers of Jesus in a post-modern era. Christians must ‘be the Good News in the present’ Second of two parts How are you able to write for popular and scholarly audiences? BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE I have been fortunate to spend much of my life studying and teaching the om Wright doesn’t mind if people Bible, and over the years I have devel- nod off while he speaks. oped various ways of explaining things, After all, the apostle Paul, whom which have developed into lectures and seminars and so into books and articles. the renowned Bible scholar often For some reason, I seem to have a Tdiscusses, once preached so long that a man gift of producing words, sentences and named Eutychus fell asleep and tumbled paragraphs quite easily. I enjoy writing, from a third-story window. Eutychus lived, as long as I’ve done the background reading and sorted out what precisely I the preaching continued, and the young want to say. church “celebrated the meal which speaks of I have always enjoyed poetry (both the dying and rising of Jesus himself,” Wright reading it and, occasionally, writing it). wrote in his study guide “Acts for Everyone.” A love of words and their rhythm has There were few, if any, bleary eyes as spilled over into my writing. Wright addressed a crowd of 2,700 recently I don’t find much difficulty switching LYNN McMILLON between the ‘popular’ and ‘scholarly’ at Oklahoma Christian University in N.T. “Tom” Wright speaks about truth and the Gospel at Oklahoma Christian University. writing. It all depends on having a Oklahoma City. It was one of four speaking picture in your mind of who you’re appearances in the U.S. during a tour with love, and with generosity, with what Globally, what serious threats does writing for, and making sure you are promoting his latest scholarly work, “Paul many have been doing, with mission Christianity face? communicating with them and not trips and service trips and so on. There are, of course, well-publicized going way over people’s heads when and the Faithfulness of God.” Somehow we have to navigate all the attacks on the Christian faith all over the writing at a ‘popular’ level or missing He discussed Pilate’s question to Jesus in good things that are here and make world, especially from some extreme out on key complex discussions when John 18, “What is truth?” Wright told the audi- sure, in embracing those, we do so and violent, would-be Muslim groups writing for scholars. ence that “truth is what happens when God in a way which is about generosity, is (though most Muslims worldwide would speaks his Word.” It doesn’t come from Caesar, about service, is about justice, which is reject such attitudes). This has been What is a favorite scripture? about helping those less fortunate than greatly exacerbated by the last 10 years One of my favorite passages in all as Pilate believed, and “God’s truth is the new ourselves. of Western attacks on countries in the of the Bible is Isaiah 11, which is the reality that is bursting in on Pilate’s world.” Middle East, which Muslim extrem- vision of the messianic kingdom, in In this second part of our interview, we What challenges do we face as we ists have been easily able to portray as which — under the rule of the kingdom present questions asked by The Christian seek to share this Good News? “Christians attacking Muslims” and thus — the wolf will lie down with the lamb, The post-modernists — like the appearing to justify a reaction. the cow and the lion will feed, a little Chronicle and topics discussed during Wright’s modernists — want us to stop talking At a much deeper level, the serious child shall lead them and the earth shall visit to Oklahoma Christian. Read part one about Jesus. They want us to stop threats the Christian faith faces today be full of the knowledge of the Lord as online at www.christianchronicle.org. talking about the thing that actually are the result of the global power of the the waters cover the sea. happened in real time in this real world. post-Enlightenment Western nations How did the waters cover the sea? How can we effectively communicate They want us to talk about, “Oh, and the fact that the churches have so The waters are the sea. There’s a sense the Gospel to our generation? here’s a religious experience you might often failed to speak the truth to power that God wants to drench the world with The Christian message is not a have.” We have to go on saying no, within their own contexts. This is true his own presence of love without stop- theory. The Christian message is not something actually happened in history of so-called “liberal” churches in one ping it from being itself — still being his advice. The Christian message is news. when Jesus of Nazareth rose from the direction (watering down the faith to fit creation and being itself. That word is “Good News,” “Gospel.” dead. The world was called to account a modernist agenda) and of so-called This is the mystery of the Trinity, That’s what it’s all about. And so many and God’s new world was born. “conservative” churches in another actually, that God makes a world that parts of our culture want to turn it back The challenge, then, for us — our direction (offering a privatized and is other than himself in order to affirm into just good advice. So when we look at vocational challenge today and in the rest detached “spirituality” and “salvation.”) and embrace it with his love. the plural challenge of our culture, with of our lives — is to live between the news As long as these continue, there will their many questions about God, that’s that happened then and the news that will be as much undermining of Christianity SEE A VIDEO of Oklahoma Christian University good. We don’t simply teach with words; happen at the end. It is the challenge for from within its traditional heartlands as President John deSteiguer’s interview with N.T. Wright we do it with lives, and with prayer, and us to be the Good News in the present. there will be attacks from outside. and Wright’s speeches on campus at oc.edu/ntwright. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JUNE 2014

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We have faith in your future.™ JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 HIGHER EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT CROWLEY’S RIDGE COLLEGE PARAGOULD, Ark. — For the third spring York plans $3.5 million break in a row, Crowley’s Ridge College sent a group to work with the Christian performing arts center nonprofit Hope for Haiti’s Children. Ken Bever, a member of the Northeast YORK, Neb. — York College plans to build Church of Christ in Cincinnati, founded a $3.5 million performing arts center. the Haiti ministry. The college, associated with Crowley’s Ridge students served at a Churches of Christ, has received $2.2 children’s home, conducted a Vacation million in gifts and pledges toward the Bible School, painted a school building, total project cost and expects to begin built a fence, gardened and spent many construction on the 12,000-square-foot hours with the children, organizers said. facility this fall. The center will be focused on the day- to-day needs of music and communica- tions students. A $2 million gift by an anonymous donor kick-started the project. Other major commitments include a grant from the York Community Foundation and a gift from R L Craft Roofing Company of Harlan, Iowa. “Reaching out to our community has been a hallmark of our programs, and a new performing arts center will help us do this better than before,” York SETH PARNELL President Steve Eckman said. Chase Almond plays with a child in Haiti. HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY FLORENCE, Ala. — The Jenkins Institute held its fourth “Better” conference recently at Heritage Christian University. The event provides instruction in the craft of sermon delivery, said Dale Jenkins, minister for the Spring Meadows MALCOLM YAWN Church of Christ in Spring Hill, Tenn. The conference drew 137 ministers to Serviceman surprises daughter at Christian school hear David Shannon, Kirk Brothers, Jay Lyrique Alteus, a second-grader at Christian Home and Bible School in Mount Dora, Fla., hugs her Lockhart, Keith Parker, Dan Winkler, father after he surprised her during a school chapel assembly after nine months overseas. Air Force Craig Evans, Lonnie Jones, Cecil May Tech. Sgt. Wil Alteus was residing in New Jersey as a single parent when he was called overseas. He IMAGE PROVIDED BY YORK COLLEGE Jr., Jeff Jenkins and Dale Jenkins. flew his daughter to Florida in August to live with his sister and attend the Christian school. An artist’s rendering of the planned center. LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Leonard Allen, said, “I eagerly anticipate the way College of Natural and Health Sciences. college at Pepperdine University, has director of Abilene Christian University Leonard and Holly will serve this univer- “Our academic and leadership teams been named provost of the university. Press, has been named dean of sity and how their expertise will help us have been planning, praying and Marrs will succeed Darryl Tippens, Lipscomb University’s connect our program to the Churches of discussing how to build on OC’s legacy Pepperdine’s chief College of Bible and Christ and our community as well as to of exceptional success in science, academic officer since Ministry. strengthen family studies in this region.” engineering and business,” said Scott 2001. His wife, Holly Allen, LaMascus, vice president for academic Tippens revealed director of the Child OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY affairs. “Our new colleges will focus on plans last year to retire and Family Studies OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Christian growth in these areas and implement from Pepperdine and Program at John Brown University is expanding from three to strategic planning to help us serve return to Abilene University in Siloam five academic colleges — the College more students.” Christian University Springs, Ark., also will Allen of Biblical Studies, the College of Marrs in Texas, where he’ll join the Lipscomb faculty, Business Administration, the College PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY serve as ACU’s first Provost W. Craig Bledsoe announced. of Engineering and Computer Science, MALIBU, Calif. — Rick Marrs, dean of Distinguished Scholar of Faith, Lipscomb President Randy Lowry the College of Liberal Arts and the Seaver College, the undergraduate Learning and Literature. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE JUNE 2014 NEWSMAKERS

NAMED: Lorna J. Hutcheson and Robert Milestones Showcasing the moments of your life and the lives of loved ones. L. Solomon II to board of trustees of Ohio Valley University, Vienna, W.Va. Joy Jones Memorial the Bible School of the Americas and as Vice President for Children’s Home in Panama. Academic Affairs and Joseph Robert (Bob) Bryson Memorials may be made to Latin Marty Davis as director American Missions, PO Box 2330, of marketing for Ohio Joseph Robert (Bob) Bryson, 92, passed Valdosta, GA 31604-2330. Valley University, Vienna, away Sunday, March 16, 2014. W.Va. Jeff McCormack, He was born July 12, 1921, in Honoring dean of the College Hutcheson Woodbury, Tenn. During World War II of Natural and Health Bob honorably served in the U.S. Air Phil and Mary Watson Sciences and Byron Force. He was a retired minister of the Newberry, dean of the Church of Christ and had served at Forrest The Zambia Mission Fund Board of ERIK TRYGGESTAD College of Engineering Park Church of Christ in Valdosta, Ga., Trustees honored Phil and Mary Watson and Computer Science in the 1960s. In 1957, along with a fellow for their years of service with Zambia Trustees announced the establishment of for Oklahoma Christian minister, he established the Pan-American Christian College at their board meeting the Phil and Mary Watson Endowment University, Oklahoma Mission, which began in Panama and in Oklahoma City. Fund that will be a part of Zambia City, Okla. Sam Harrell later expanded to other Central American Phil Watson ran dozens and dozens Mission Fund’s proportional endowment. as Offensive Coordinator countries. He and his wife Robbie were of board meetings for Zambia Christian The endowment is to help support for Fort Worth Christian Solomon the driving force behind the missionary College, but for this meeting he got to sit education, orphan care and evangelism in School in North Richland work in Latin America for over fifty years and watch until the crowd insisted that he Zambia. Hills, Texas. by coordinating evangelistic and medical come forward. Donations to the fund can be made campaigns and through fundraising for In addition to the honor, the Board of online at www.zambiamission.org/watson. NEW ELDERS: Dan Greathouse, Joe Hendrix Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. and Jim Marsh, Church of Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Christ in Hilton Head, S.C.

ANNIVERSARIES: 62nd: Robert and Carleene Jones Whinery, Dill City, Okla. 60th: John and Joan Sikes, Amarillo Texas. 59th: Joel and Shirley Johnson, Forest Park, Ga. 51st: Gene and Rita Sewell, Amarillo, Texas. 50th: Bobby and Geneva Baird, Batesville, Miss. Oscar and Davis Margaret Easley, Florence, Ala. Tom and Brenda Eslinger, Waco, Texas.

BIRTHDAYS: 100th: Eloise Coburn, Lubbock, Texas. Naomi Cook, FOUNDATIONS COMPANION Plano, Texas. 99th: Audra Coming This Fall Est. 1888 Est. 1922 Duncan, Oberline, Kans. Since 1855, Gospel Advocate’s • New larger type starting Fall 2014 • 52 lessons in one book 88th: Benna Gordon, Newberry goal has always been to serve • 13 lessons – fits in your Bible • Scripture text (nkjv) Lubbock, Texas. 84th: God and His people and to fur- • Newly written every quarter • Includes questions and Rusty Russwurm, Lubbock, Texas. 78th: ther the growth of the church. discussion starters • Scripture text (nkjv) Nancy Alls, Lubbock, Texas. Times may have changed, but • Includes questions and discussion • Great tool for teachers our aims haven’t. Use Compan- starters • Gives another perspective ion’s easy year-long study with • Lies flat for easy study on the same topics found PASSAGES: Virginia “Ginny” Gibson, 18, Foundation’s quarterly focus to in Foundations and Horizons help your Bible class grow. (GA’s teen curriculum) Apr. 14, Bowling Green, Ky. Frances L. Patterson, 93, Feb. 20, Mesquite, Texas. Billy D. Schrivner, 84, Mar. 12, Jackson, For more information, or to order: 1-800-251-8446 www.gospeladvocate.com I Tenn. Ruth L. Stephenson, 94, Mar. 6, Centerville, Tenn. J. Larry Williams, Apr. 16, Morrilton, Ark. JUNE 2014 CALENDAR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25

May 6-29 Eastern European Mission dinners. Various events at various locations. Call (800) 486-1818 or see Echo Meadows Church of Christ www.eem.org/join-us-for-dinner May 8 Fourth Annual Spring 75th Anniversary Apologetics Lectures. “Genesis 1 and June 22, 2014 Lessons from Space.” Grande Pointe service: 9:30-11:00 Conference Center, Vienna, W.Va. Contact (877) 350-9222 or 2905 Starr Ave, Oregon, OH 43616 www.warrenapologeticscenter.org. (419) 639-9928 May 19-21 33rd Annual Sermon Dinner is catered in the Life Center Seminar. Austin Graduate School of after service. Theology, Austin, Texas. Contact (512) If attending, your RSVP is requested to: 476-2772 or www.sermonseminar.com. Studies in Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther [email protected] May 23-26 Catalyst Retreat. Ages 18-29. Camp Yamhill, Ore. Contact (503) 662-3710 or www.campyamhill.org. May 25 90th Anniversary, Cedar Crest Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. Contact Celebrating (214) 943-1340 or www.cedarcrestcoc.com. May 31 Teacher Workshop. Bonner 60 years! Springs Church of Christ in Kansas. Contact www.bonnerspringscoc.org or Keynote Speakers CHILDREN’S HOME (913) 422-5529. June 19-21 Midwest Evangelism OF LUBBOCK Workshop. Decatur, Ill. Civic Center. Congratulations Contact (217) 428-1236 or Alan Robertson to the Children’s Home of Lubbock www.morningsidecoc.com. on the occasion of its 60th anniversary! June 21-25 Red River Family Gary Smith For six decades the Children’s Home has lived its Encampment. Red River, N.M. Contact vision: “Manifesting Christ Through Excellence in www.rrfe.org or (806) 468-7676. Jim Martin Child Care.” June 22 75th Anniversary, Echo The Home has served as a sanctuary for over Meadows Church of Christ, Oregon, William Bower 6,000 children and young people. Ohio. Contact (419) 639-9928 or This anniversary kicks off the Children’s Home [email protected]. David Young of Lubbock’s new capital campaign June 26-29 Spiritual Growth ‘Foster Our Future’ Workshop. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Mike Tune to help ensure the Home’s next 60 years. Fla. Contact (352) 357-6616 or The Children’s Home of Lubbock is accredited by www.spiritualgrowthworkshop.com the Council on Accreditation of Services for June 29 - July 1 Summer Celebration B. Chris Simpson Families and Children as one of the leading at Lipscomb University. “Reviving the providers in the nation. Mission: Insights from Joshua.” Contact www.lipscomb.edu/summercelebration. THEChildren's Home July 10-12 Campus Ministry United FOUNDATION Workshop. Park Plaza Church of Christ, This message sponsored by The Children’s Home Foundation, Tulsa, Okla. Contact Lynn Stringfellow at supporting the vision and mission of The Children’s Home of Lubbock. (918) 312-7914 or www.campusministryunited.com. Harding University's 91st July 24-27 Campus for Christ Help Wanted: Roof Repair Conference. Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. Contact ThePage Church of Christ in www.campuscrosswalk.org. Annual Bible Lectureship Page, Arizona, is a small congregation of June 26-30 Houston area Campaign 5-10 members seeking help in funding for Christ. M. O. Campbell Center, the repair of recent roof damage. Houston, Texas. Contact www.houston September 28 - October 1, 2014 churchesofchrist.org or Gary Smith at Total cost of the project is $15,300. [email protected]. www.harding.edu/lectureship/ July 30-August 3 Pepperdine Family Anyone willing to help, please contact: Camp. Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. Contact (310) 506-6602 or Randy Hiner www.pepperdine.edu/familycamp. 1-928-691-0373 COMPLETE CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JUNE 2014 EDITORIAL For Ukraine, no turning back he Soviet Union prepared eastern Ukraine to receive the Gospel. During the Cold War, those who disagreed with state-enforced communism were given two choices T— exile in Siberia or labor in the coal mines of Ukraine’s Donbas region, said Evgen Sosnovsky, a miner from the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropole. As a result, the mines were full of “free thinkers,” Sosnovsky said. When Ukraine became a free nation in 1991, missionaries ERIK TRYGGESTAD from Churches of Christ found fertile soil in the deep holes. An assortment of fruits and vegetables — on display at a public market in Vitoria, Brazil. Swiftly, eastern Ukraine became the “Bible Belt” of the former Soviet world. Sosnovsky spoke to The Christian Chronicle Trusting in Christ’s real security bears fruit in 2011 during a church conference in Crimea — a peninsula that now flies the Russian flag. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or Galatians 5:22-23: Protests have spread to eastern Ukraine, what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life • Love: Selfless and true, love for God and love where pro-Russian militias have attempted to more than food and the body more than clothing?” for each other. seize government buildings and break away — Matthew 6:25 • Joy: A feeling of true pleasure and happiness. from the country. Across the Internet, words Freedom from disturbance, tranquility. Sosnovsky • Peace: of anger fly between Russians and Ukrainians. ills. Clothing. Mortgages. Food. • Long-suffering: Showing patience in spite of That’s why we are encouraged deeply to hear of a recent These basic needs make us all lose sleep. troubles, especially those caused by other people. unity meeting in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, between members But Jesus pleads for us to lean • Kindness: Being friendly, generous, of Churches of Christ from both nations. Jeff Abrams, upon his shoulders and trust him to In the Word considerate. minister for the Tuscumbia Church of Christ in Alabama, Bprovide. What other security do we need? • Goodness: Showing virtue, righteous- and George Spurlock, elder of the Azalea City Church of Consider what you have been told is ness, morality, ethics, uprightness, integ- Christ in Semmes, Ala., helped organize and attended the security in this life — including money to rity, principle, rectitude and dignity. event. (See Abrams’ report on Page 3.) spend on life’s pleasures. Do these plea- • Faithfulness: True fidelity. “Unity — this is our prayer, our dream,” Abrams told the sures secure happiness? • Gentleness: Considerate and kindly, 200 souls who gathered in Kramatorsk. “We shall not be How the devil has been deceiving us amiable and tender. judged by the color of our national flags but by the content with the same old trick beats me. • Self-control: Holding in check one’s of our character. ... When the devil seeks to divide us, I say If money can buy happiness, why then emotions and desires — especially in diffi- ‘no.’ You say ‘nyet!’ ... To God’s irresistible dream that we are millionaires left with broken homes? Izu Egege cult situations. be one, united church ... I say ‘yes.’ You say ‘da!’” Why do they take drugs as a means to run If one were to sell these blessings for We pray for the free thinkers of eastern Ukraine. away from the self-imposed complications of life? money, how much do you think they would be Regardless which flag flies over them, we are confident And yet, year after year, people kill for money. worth? How do you quantify these qualities? their faith will not be uprooted. The people have learned Divorces happen. Children run away from home. They simply are priceless. the truth, and the truth has set them free. No government, People sell their souls in the name of security. regime or power on earth can change that. Consider the blessings Jesus freely gives us in IZU EGEGE is minister for the Sheffield Church of Christ in England.

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Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford dence, as well as home congregation. the responsibility for policy and gover- Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] nance. All trustees, editors and staff are facebook.com/ChristianChronicle Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal active members of Churches of Christ. twitter.com/InformInspireCC [email protected] publication but a newspaper with news and opinion Editor Emeritus: Bailey McBride content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon [email protected] reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch [email protected] Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow Editor: Erik Tryggestad TO SUBSCRIBE: Advertising contains commercial messages from those W. L. Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org or who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. email [email protected] opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and adver- Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. tising do not necessarily represent the views of or consti- Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor JUNE 2014 OPINION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27 Cold hands and warm hearts in rural Alaska: LETTERS Praise for column on LTC reflecting on fellowship by the Anchor River Thank you, Tonya Patton, for your insightful and on-the-mark column. (“Seek the true prize arge chunks of ice and debris rush by in the swollen until sufficient funds could be raised to complete the in LTC, Lads to Leaders,” Page 3, May). waters of the Anchor River. I watch as two eagles spar, building. Now we meet in the building that was begun Leadership Training for Christ has been a dive and scree out their distinct cries … the higher in the late 1960s. wonderful blessing to my congregation in so pitched male and lower toned, female. The same hearty attitude that built the church many ways. This program has helped grow our Beautiful spruce, cottonwood and birch trees Views is the one that keeps it going. Mary Haakenson children into young people who love their Lord line the banks of the river beneath a metal trellis Perry, a veteran Bible class teacher and part of and want to be his servant. But Satan also has bridge built in 1949. Two teenagers are starting one of the homesteading families of the 1950s, been active in our program. Being very mindful fires in the fire rings at the nearby picnic spots. remembers a tight-knit group that “supported of the many ways he can work in parents, chil- It is springtime in Anchor Point, Alaska (popu- each other no matter what challenge arose.” dren and coaches is so important. Bathing our lation 1,845), and that means we are experi- Innumerable challenges can — and do — LTC in prayer is vital. And sometimes stopping encing what locals call “The Fifth Season” — arise when a family is attempting to carve in the middle of a practice and reminding the otherwise known as Breakup. an existence out of the Alaskan wilderness. children why we’re here ... needs to happen. Breakup is the time when the rivers thaw and In those early days one could find church Cathy Anderson | College Station, Texas begin to flow, snow melts, and mud boots are Dana Jaworski members helping to hand dig wells, raise roofs, necessary footwear. It also happens to be my fell trees and build fish net sites. New churches growing in Mexico husband’s 40th birthday. Some members lacked running water, electricity or Our church family and friends are meeting at the phone lines. Roads were unpaved, and at certain times The Dialogue “In Mexico, ‘souls are starv- “place where we baptize folks” to surprise him. of the year travel was difficult or impossible. ing to know God’” (Page 23, May) pointed to a As I watch the river’s flow, I remember a baptism in Time together in worship and fellowship was essential great need and at the same time was encourag- April 2011. My husband, Jeff, was the newly appointed to survival in the harsh environment. Much like today, ing, interesting and very well-written. Judy and half-time minister. A young man named Josh married there was a deep sense of community. Jim Taylor are such great examples of faith and a girl in our congregation and felt the conviction of the Here, disagreements about scriptural interpretation of people using their gifts to serve God. Spirit to make changes in his life. and even outright conflict are handled with a long-term Regarding the need for preachers in the Baja After some study, this Alaskan-born-and-bred boy focus on bodily unity. When a family’s ability to thrive Peninsula, it may be interesting for readers to decided to forgo the baptistery in the building and depends on their relationships with their neighbors, know that under the leadership of Alabama- brave the cold, breakup waters of the river. they can’t afford to be divided. based Baja Missions there have been nine As Jeff quickly “plunged him to victory”, ice was When there is not an option to go down the road to churches — soon to be 10 — established in bobbing past them both. another congregation, you tend to give God time and the Baja in the past decade or so. All have full- Josh’s baptism hearkened back to the days when room to work. time preaching ministers and are blessed to the church building was merely a daylight basement The riverside party begins, and the 60-plus people have many mission trips involving benevolence, and didn’t have a baptistery. The old-timers tell tales that are gathered are delighted they helped surprise medical clinics, building projects and leader- of breaking ice in order to immerse new converts or their preacher and friend, Jeff. ship training from churches all over the U.S. driving nearly two hours north to a sister congregation. The tables are overflowing with food. With a healthy Bob Bohannon | Arlington, Texas When a person decided to follow Jesus, their deci- 70 to 80 people on most Sunday mornings — and sion had to come with a certainty of conviction. This many more that come for the summertime — we are a (In response to discussion of difficulties help- certainty is one of the many virtues that still set this growing congregation in rural Alaska. ing the poor improve their lives), baptized fol- body apart more than 60 years later. Our springtime get-together is a toasty 52 degrees. lowers of Christ who have the promised Holy The Anchor Point congregation began meeting in Everyone needs to warm their hands by the fire, but as Spirit living inside them are capable of incred- the early 1950s as families moved into the area to I look around at the faces of my beloved brothers and ible things — even in the midst of difficult homestead. Initially, they met in homes, and then they sisters, I see the warmth in their hearts. circumstances. God has promised to take care moved to a small red building that was later relocated of his children and does not wish them to be in Homer when the basement was dug. For nearly a DANA JAWORKSI is a mother of three and the wife of Jeff, who preaches for dependent on anyone but him. decade, the congregation actually met underground the Anchor Point Church of Christ in Alaska. Bart Dodson | Oklahoma City

I was baptized in I was baptized Yes, at Beaver’s I was baptized in VOICES the Medina River at Palmetto Bible Bend State Park in the Sierra Bible at Camp Bandina, Camp in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with our Camp swim- Were you baptized at in Texas, in 1972 S.C. camp for the Dale ming pool in camp? Please share your when I was 10 Thirty something Church of Christ. Canyondam, Calif., experiences. years old. years later, at 3 a.m., There were six of us by my grandfather, The counselors I got the privilege baptized at about Ordo Clother. Asked by Erik Tryggestad, had me call my of baptizing my 10 p.m. in the frigid Best memory ever! editor. (See more Christian mother first, to get permission. middle son, Tyler, in the same water. water ... but many of us remarked camping stories and a list that walking in chest deep in that Lisa Borden | Portland, Ore. of camps on Page 32.) Janice Enlow | Newnan, Ga. Kevin Wilson Sr. | Belvedere, S.C. water we didn’t feel the cold at all. Kelli Milette | Dale, Okla. 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE REVIEWS JUNE 2014 Sound financial policy is biblical, new books say

elieve it or not, economics figures and a God-believing, moral populace into the core of many theological will lead to economic prosperity. discussions. It always has. Grudem and Asmus do an excellent In Acts 6, for example, economics job arguing that a free market system is Bdrove the discussion of the daily distribu- preferable to any other way to arrange tion of food and the Grecian widows. an economy. They use examples from Such discussions continue today, as history and data from empirical studies to followers of Christ contemplate their make their case that economic freedom role in addressing income inequality and personal freedom are prerequisites and social justice. to the economic prosperity of any nation. Two recently published books study Based on their research, they claim financial issues through the dual lens of there is simply no other economic economic theory and the Bible. system that has brought broad “Godonomics: How to Save Our segments of the population in any Country and Protect Your Wallet country from poverty to prosperity. Through Biblical Principles of They lament that so many well- Finance” is written by Chad Hovind, meaning Christians work with poverty an evangelist in Cincinnati. relief agencies that run counter to a Once one gets past what could be free-market system. History should considered a regrettable title, the teach us that those who love the poor author advises the reader on what he should love free markets, they argue. believes God would say to certain well- In recent years, citizens of the United known figures — both past and present States have seemed willing to turn over — on economic and financial ques- HHHHH HHHHH much of their economic freedom — and tions. Each chapter beings with the title Chad Hovind. Godonomics: How to Save Barry Asmus and Wayne Gruden. The by extension their personal freedom — “What God Would Say to … ?” Our Country — and Protect Your Wallet Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable to the government in exchange for prom- Using this structure, Hovind covers — Through Biblical Principles of Finance. Solution. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, ises of economic security. The messages a broad swath, with topics such as Colorado Springs, Colo.: Multnomah Books, 2013. 402 pages. $19.99. in both of these books are badly needed. budgeting, unintended consequences, 2013. 340 pages. $21.99. Both end with similar conclusions, but the money supply, socialism, capitalism if you read only one of these books, read and the Internal Revenue Service. Once this foundation is laid, the age-old problem of world poverty,” the “The Poverty of Nations.” Of the two, it He also has God addressing everyone book’s conclusions are fairly predict- authors contend. Their research led to has the potential to become a classic. from Scottish philosopher and “The able, even to the most casual the development of 78 factors that they Wealth of Nations” author Adam Smith observer of economic debate. Free claim will lead any nation out of poverty. JIM SHELTON is a professor of accounting in the Paul R. to revolutionary socialist Karl Marx. markets are good — even holy. Any In short, the authors make the case Carter College of Business at Harding University in Searcy, U.S. president and “New Deal” pioneer degree of government intervention that free markets, private property, Ark. He teaches accounting and business ethics and also Franklin Roosevelt and contem- in the economy is bad, even limited and accountable government directs the college’s summer program in London. porary theologian Jim Wallis In Print un-Christian. also get chapters. While his conclusions are NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Hovind begins with the economically sound, Hovind’s premise that not only does way of placing God’s stamp of Scripture provide adequate approval on his economic argu- EMPLOYMENT MONEY MANAGEMENT support for the ideas of free ments may irritate some readers. Anita Agers-Brooks. First Andy Stanley. How to Be markets, personal freedom and A subtler approach is taken in Hired, Last Fired: How to Rich: It’s Not What You private property, but also that “The Poverty of Nations: A Become Irreplaceable in Have. It’s What You Do God endorses capitalism. Sustainable Solution,” written Any Job Market. Abilene, With What You Have. Grand To make his argument, he Jim Shelton by Wayne Grudem, a theolo- Texas: Leafwood Publishers, Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, cites passages that uphold the gian, and Barry Asmus, an 2013. 224 pages. $14.99. 2013. 160 pages. $14.99. principles of private property, incentive economist. This is a heavily researched and freedom. For instance, the eighth work that relies on the prior work of Each of this book’s According to this and 10th commandments (theft and social and economic scholars and is 12 chapters studies the work ethic of author, an Atlanta preacher and best- coveting) are used to make the case for infused with biblical references. a Bible character, and explores how selling author, we are all rich. Most property rights, which are essential for Like “Godonomics,” it is unapologeti- Christians today can exhibit the same of us just don’t know how to use our economic freedom and prosperity. cally free market, but the authors come positive qualities in their jobs. Agers- money, time or gifts for God’s kingdom. Paul’s famous injunction, “The one across in a less pugnacious way. Brooks, a business and inspirational This slim book is designed as a who is unwilling to work shall not eat,” The book is the result of a years- coach, uses fictional anecdotes — con- preaching series or small-group study to from 2 Thessalonians 3:10, is used to long project to “combine the findings of trasting typical employee behavior with lead people to do great things with their give scriptural sanction to motivating modern economics with the teachings that of Christian employees — and ends wealth, that the world might see God’s with proper incentives. of the Bible in an attempt to solve the each chapter with reflection questions. grace through the church’s generosity. JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29

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PRAYER/DEVOTIONAL and her sister and fellow Faulkner pro- Bruce Green. Praying in fessor, Idongesit Mkpong-Ruffin, online the Reign. Nashville, Tenn: at www.christianchronicle.org.) 21st Century Christian Publishing, 2013. 153 BIBLE STUDY pages. $11.99. Michael Whitworth. Living and Longing for the Lord. A minister for the 10th Bowie, Texas: Start2Finish Street Church of Christ Books, 2014. 193 pages. in Opelika, Ala., Green offers an in-depth $14.99. study of the Lord’s Prayer. He divides the prayer into seven sec- Whitworth, preaching tions and examines the significance of minister for the Carter Jesus’ wording for Christians’ spiritual Lake Road Church of Christ in Bowie, lives today. Each section has four to Texas, writes exegetical (explanatory) seven short studies, followed by ques- Bible study books, this one focusing on tions for reflection, making this a good Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Honor. Duty. book for short devotionals. The theme of these epistles, according to Whitworth, is living daily life in Ron Clark. Jesus anticipation of Christ’s return. He pres- Service. God. Unleashed: Luke’s Gospel ents scholarly research in a conversa- for Emerging Christians. tional manner. Each chapter concludes Discover a unique Bible study series that will help your students Eugene, Ore.: Cascade with “Talking Points” to help readers develop the heart of a servant while drawing closer to God. Books, 2014. 221 pages. $25. meditate and apply the Scriptures. Each study course has been developed for students age 6-21. The second book DIVORCE, REMARRIAGE For more information visit GoodServant.org or by Clark, minister for Weldon Langfield. The contact Kent Barnett, executive director of the Agape Church of Truth About Divorce Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting, Christ in Portland, Ore., delves deeply and Remarriage: A into the book of Luke and encourages Politically Incorrect View at [email protected] or (325) 370-1679. Christians to reach out to oppressed of Marriage, Divorce, and peoples, just as Jesus did. Remarriage in Today’s The Agape church specializes in out- Church. Bakersfield, reach to the addicted, homeless and Calif.: Weldon Langfield those struggling with same-sex attrac- Publications, 2013. 159 pages. $21.95. tion, giving Clark plenty of credibility and contemporary stories to weave into Langfield examines Hebrew and the narrative. Greek Bibles and analysis from scholars and Church of Christ ministers to Uduak Afangideh. Sister to argue that there are situations in which Sister: Inspiring Stories remarriage is scripturally acceptable. of an Extraordinary God Longtime minister Jim Woodroof and Transforming Ordinary Gospel Advocate writer Charles Hodge Women Today. Seattle: have endorsed this work. CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2014. 172 MEMOIR pages. $14.99. LaVern Vivio. Jesse: A Story of Redemption. A biology professor at Faulkner Nashville, Tenn.: Tekton University in Alabama, Afangideh speaks Publishing, 2013. 168 to women at gospel meetings across the pages. $12.99. U.S. and in her home country of Nigeria. In her travels, she has collected stories Lipscomb University of women letting God work in their lives. graduate and Nashville The Servant Leadership Series and the Religious Emblem Awards are owned In this book, she shares those stories to radio personality “U-Turn LaVern” and administered by Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting. The MCCS encourage and inspire women. shares the true account of her lifelong Religious Emblem Awards are officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of Each of the 12 chapters concludes friend, Jesse. Beginning in western America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Campfire, and American Heritage Girls. with discussion questions and space for Kentucky, Vivio weaves a folksy story journaling answers. of an enduring, encouraging and sup- (See our Dialogue with Afangideh portive friendship. JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31

Have you considered including BE A PREACHER. The Christian Chronicle in your COULD IT BE YOU who shares truth in a will or estate planning? world where everything is relative? Could it be you who gives purpose in a flurry of distractions? Could it be you who injects joy into lives drowning in despair? Dig deep. Could it be you who has the courage to The Heritage be a minister of the gospel? Circle recognizes At Heritage Christian UniversitUniversity, we those who include believe it could be. We will equip you to minister to the world around you in ways the Chronicle in you never thought possible. We will encourage you in the pursuit of your their will or estate dreams. And our Legacy Scholarship can help you do it tuition free. Call today to planning. learn more.

HCU Office of Admissions Call Stephen Eck of the Chronicle Planned Giving www.hcu.edu * 256.766.6610 Office for assistance at (405) 425-5080. PO Box HCU, Florence, AL 35630 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE IN FOCUS: CHRISTIAN CAMPS JUNE 2014 Readers share fun, life-changing moments at Christian camps

s summer arrives, The what it was like to be a part Nebraska Youth Camp, near Christian Chronicle of God’s family. The guy that Kearney, has served young asked readers who have I would marry six years later people since the mid-1960s. attended Christian camps to was at that camp. If you were to look at the list of share their favorite memories Nyla Sue Jones | Mountlake Terrace, Wash. baptisms at the Church of Christ — canoeing, campfires, Bible in Hastings, Neb., you would see studies and baptism. Following When I was in fifth grade that most of our young people’s is a sampling of responses. and my brother, Chico, was names are followed by “Baptized in first grade, we stayed for a at NYC,” including three of our The second time I went to week at a Christian camp near own children. a Christian camp was 10 days Memphis, Tenn. I loved every- Reed Munsell | Hastings, Neb. after my brother was killed thing about the camp — except in a car accident. During an accidentally swallowing a big One of my real pleasures evening devotional they sang mouthful of the green lake in missions was starting the a song that was sung at the water while swimming. Ugh! ERIK TRYGGESTAD Baltic Christian Youth Camp funeral. I became a crying When we got home, my mom A baptism during a summer youth camp near St. Petersburg, Russia. in Tallinn, Estonia, which cel- mess on the floor. unpacked my brother’s things ebrates its 20th year in July. Before I knew it, there was a and discovered that he had not mother went and worked as a completely sank into sin later. Seeing all the young folks pile of brothers and sisters in changed his underwear the cook at the camp to pay for my But those experiences at from Estonia, Latvia, Russia and Christ holding me and asking whole week. camp. It was hard times back church, church camp and other USA getting an opportunity to what was going on. ... They Venice Miller | Chattanooga, Tenn. then. ... She did a great job. activities and my mother’s teach- learn about Jesus over all these prayed over me. Even though At that time I was drifting ings formed seeds. Those seeds years is a real blessing and I had been raised in church, it It was about 1955. I went to away from the Christian base. sprouted and grew later in life. makes all the effort worthwhile was the first time I really knew camp in northern Arizona. My I continued to drift and finally David Benson | Phoenix Royce Sartain | New Brighton, Pa.

ARIZONA FLORIDA MONTANA OKLAHOMA TENNESSEE • Copper Basin Bible Camp • Central Florida Bible Camp • Yellowstone Bible Camp • Lariat Creek Christian Camp • Valley View Christian Camp www.copperbasinbiblecamp.org www.cfbiblecamp.org www.yellowstonebiblecamp.com www.lariatcreek.org www.valleyviewcamp.com • Quartz Mountain Christian Camp ARKANSAS GEORGIA NEBRASKA www.qmcc.org WASHINGTON • Camp Tahkodah • Camp Wetoga • Nebraska Youth Camp • Delano Bay Christian Camp www.harding.edu/tahkodah www.campwetoga.com/northgeorgia www.nebraskayouthcamp.com OREGON www.delanobay.org • Camp Wyldewood • Camp Yamhill www.campwyldewood.org KANSAS NEW MEXICO www.campyamhill.org WISCONSIN • Corin Read Christian Camp • Silver Maple Camp • Camp Blue Haven • Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp www.corinread.org www.silvermaplecamp.com www.campbluehaven.com PENNSYLVANIA www.wcyc.org • Red River Family Encampment • Camp Manatawny CALIFORNIA MICHIGAN (lectureship-style, for families) www.manatawny.org SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA • Tahoe Family Encampment • Michigan Christian Youth Camp www.rrfe.org • Pennsylvania Christian Camp • Clearview Christian Camp www.tahoefamilyencampment.com www.mcyc.org www.pachristiancamp.net www.clearviewchristiancamp.ca FIND ADDITIONAL CAMPS in the directory of the National Association of Christian Camps, www.naccamps.org.

www.harding.edu/tahkodah In Focus is a special advertising section of The Christian Chronicle. JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

Come Join Our Dynamic Tennessee Children’s Home Campus Community! Job Openings Ohio Valley University is currently seeking highly qualified candidates who desire to have a strong, positive influence on the lives of young people in the following areas. If you believe working in an intimate, growing Christian university setting sounds like your next career move, we invite you to apply today. All candidates Residential Counselor. Couples needed for live-in positions as must be active members of a church of Christ congregation. residential counselors, providing frontline treatment and care for up Full job descriptions are available for download at www.ovu.edu/jobs to eight adolescent males, ages 13-18. Good interpersonal, team, and conflict resolution skills are required. Must be willing to undergo To apply for dean or faculty positions, send letter of application, curriculum extensive training in behavior management techniques in a vita, statement of teaching philosophy and the names and addresses of three therapeutic environment. Must be able to adapt to two-weeks-on- professional references BY JUNE 10, 2014, to [email protected]. one-week-off schedule. Residential counselors are part of an Dean of the College of Business coaches and staff; maintaining full interdisciplinary team consisting of case managers, credentialed compliance with NCAA regulations and counselors, and support staff. Seeking an individual to serve as the Dean strong sports management experience. of the College of Business. Master’s degree This position reports directly to the Come be a part of this ministry! We offer competitive pay and in a business discipline required, doctorate President. Bachelor’s degree required, preferred. Administrative experience required excellent full-time benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, master’s preferred. Collegiate level coaching with a minimum of five years of teaching experience and familiarity with NCAA disability, retirement and paid time off. experience at the college level. regulations are preferred. Send letter To apply, call Dana Lawson 486-2274 x225 or visit us online at of application, curriculum vita/resume www.tennesseechildrenshome.org. Professor of and the names and addresses of three Information Technology (IT) professional references BY JUNE 10, 2014 to [email protected]. Seeking an individual to serve as an Assistant or Associate Professor of Information Technology at the undergraduate level. Vice President of Development Expectations include the commitment Seeking Vice President of Development to to excellence in teaching and advising/ lead comprehensive, non-profit, institutional mentoring IT majors. Master’s degree fundraising and development campaigns. and professional certification(s) required, Successful candidates will serve as “player teaching experience preferred. coach” in this role and report directly to the President. Baccalaureate degree and Professor of Mathematics professional fundraising credentials required, master’s degree preferred. Candidates Seeking an individual to serve as an must demonstrate successful fundraising Assistant or Associate Professor teaching experience and be adept at managing and mathematics at the undergraduate level. motivating a team of fundraisers. Send Director of Residential Programs Position Primary teaching responsibilities will be for letter of application, curriculum vita/resume Hope Harbor Children’s Home & Family Ministries in Claremore, Okla., upper division math courses. Expectations and the names and addresses of three include the commitment to excellence in is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Residential professional references BY JUNE 10, 2014 teaching and advising/mentoring math Programs. Position becomes available as of July, 2014. The successful candidate to [email protected]. and math education majors. Master’s will provide supervision and training of a multidisciplinary team of professionals degree and teaching experience required, including house parents, on-site counselor, and admissions coordinator and will doctorate preferred. participate in establishing direction for long-term program development and

Athletic Director be licensed or license eligible. Experience in intervention and leadership growth.in residential Candidates care ormust a related possess setting a master’s preferred. degree Knowledge in a mental and health expertise field and in Seeking experienced Athletic Director of trauma informed care also preferred, but not required. a National Collegiate Athletic Association

(NCAA) Division II program that includes a total 13 men’s and women’s sports. For more information, contact Ralph Richardson, Ph.D. at Responsibilities include oversight of entire (918) 343-0003, Ext. 230, or e-mail [email protected]. athletic program including recruitment, To learn more about Hope Harbor, visit our website at www.hopeharborinc.org. Updated 01/07/10

34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION JUNE 2014 The higher love Christ calls his followers Minister WantedWanted Youth & Family Minister Search The Choctaw Church of Christ, a congregation of The located in Ypsilanti church of Christ, about 400 souls located just 10 miles east of to practice is difficult — and worthwhile Ypsilanti, Mich., is seeking to fill our vacant Oklahoma City, is seeking a minister to work with our minister position; includes pulpit, class an growing number of families with pre-teen and teen new command I give you: Love one institutions or organizations, and so our evangelistic duties. We are a diverse children. another. As I have loved you, so you process of loving each other must begin congregation with a current average Sunday The successful candidate will have good organizational morning attendance of 130. must love one another. By this all with our learning to love God and the and communication skills as well as college training ‘A If you desire to be considered for this position, in Bible and related areas of Youth & Family Ministry. men will know that you are my disciples, church with all of our heart, mind and please submit your resume with three sermons Song leading ability as well as previous ministry if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) spirit. The church, God’s Kingdom for experience will be preferable. (audio and/or video) to: Jesus calls us to a higher standard all his followers, must be a primary love Please send resumes, references, and ypsicofc@ gmail.com of conduct — toward him and toward of our life or we will not contact information to: others. What he envisioned for his disci- Insight care about others who For further information contact: [email protected] ples was a harmonious community are seeking to be the Bob Bowen (elder) at (734) 482-6213. Subject line - YFM where love governed the way that people disciples of Jesus. interacted with each other. Agape love is Agape is not easy. We the highest form of care. It is the kind have to submit to the Bilingual Children’s Minister - Family Life/Youth Minister of love God demonstrated by sending Spirit and allow it to Miami, FL his only begotten son into the world to nurture in our nature The church in Silver City, New Mexico, is redeem man’s sins. It is unconditional the ability to show looking for a family life / youth minister The Sunset Church of Christ is a love, unselfish love and sacrificial love. patience and long- who can help bring our families and the Bailey McBride 500-member bilingual church located in various age groups together. Christ on the cross is agape incarnate. suffering. Disciples Miami, Fla. We are seeking a bilingual Since the day of Pentecost, when can be ugly, unlovable, individual to oversee our Children’s We prefer someone who has a college the Holy Spirit came with demon- demanding, challenging and cantan- degree in religious training or a certificate strated power to lead the apostles into kerous, but agape sees beyond those Ministry in both English and Spanish. from a school of preaching. all truths about the Kingdom, disci- character flaws to the eternal soul of For more information: ples have struggled to make the love another redeemed person. (305) 271-8141 If interested, please contact the church office: command of Jesus work. Grecian Agape helps us develop persistence in [email protected] (575)-538-9533 Christians were disturbed that widows love for those who are acting in a way Applications accepted through June 30th. or send your resume to: [email protected] of their number were neglected in that turns us off. We continue showing the daily ministration of food. Jewish care and kindness in an effort to reach Christians remained uncomfortable the person and bring him or her to a Family Minister with Gentiles who became Christian transformed relationship with God and De Kalb Church of Christ converts. Sisters became fractious and with others. Agape means never giving The Stillwater Church of Christ is seeking an experienced Family Minister to lead our congregation in building threatened the workings of a congre- up on a person until the relationship is De Kalb Church of Christ, in De Kalb, strong Christian families. Responsibilities include teaching and gation. Even leaders such as Paul and fulfilling and meaningful. Tx, is seeking an individual with a strong the implementation of events and programs to facilitate spiritual Barnabas could not agree about John Agape brings joy to a community business background and a heart to serve growth and faith discovery in our families. The Family Minister works closely with the associate youth minister and our senior Mark in the early days of spreading the because there is acceptance and rela- the Lord. This offer involves two part-time ministers. church into the Roman world. tionship. The mystery of God the father, positions to be divided equally between To learn more about Stillwater Church of Christ, visit us at: Youth Ministry and Pre-Owned Car Sales. “Love one another” never is easy — Jesus the son, and the Spirit all being www.stillwatercoc.org unless God is involved. one should be the model for the joyous Interested candidates should submit Send cover letter and resume to: Since the Renaissance, the factions in fellowship of people who truly love one resumes and questions to: Search Committee, Stillwater Church of Christ, 821 N. Duck, Stillwater, OK 74075 the Christian world have caused people another. The mutual love allows us [email protected] or via email: to despise Christianity. Even generous to rejoice and share the happiness of 413 E Front Street, De Kalb, TX 75559 [email protected] critics of Christianity question the many those we care for — just as we care for (903) 276-7471 Applications accepted until May 30, 2014, or until the position is filled. denominations and their splinters. The ourselves. And the sharing of sorrows Restoration movement set out to restore helps lift the sense of oppression. the purity of New Testament Christianity, Agape recognizes that understanding Full-Time Local Evangelist The KandiyohiKandiyohi but from earliest days of the initiative, and interpreting God’s Word is a chal- The Dewey Church of Christ, located in Dewey, Okla., is seeking differences have thwarted the efforts to lenge when God requires that we use our an experienced full-time local evangelist. We are a loving ChurchChurch of Christ get back to the heart of Jesus’ teaching. intellect to search out the doctrines of the and caring church of 140 members, with elders and deacons, in central Minnesota is seeking a Agape is, in contrast, a learned love, Kingdom from the biographies of Jesus, that desires to be more active in reaching our community with the gospel message. part-time minister. not something that is natural with the history of the early church, epistles mankind. Agape is not possible unless to churches and individuals and the We offer a regionally competitive salary and benefits We are a small, acapella, established package for our congregation’s size. the spirit of God is living and working Revelation. Agape beats down the impulse Interested applicants should submit a resume and church looking for a preacher to help in a person. Without God’s work on the to challenge and divide and inspires the cover letter telling us about yourself and your interest with continued growth. in serving with us here. Submit applications to: heart and the actions, no person can determination to love each other as saints Elders Send resumes to: rise to love all other disciples in the way together and thereby declare to the world Dewey Church of Christ Jesus described in John 13. that we are Jesus’ disciples. PO BOX 340 PO Box 267 The capacity to love all believers Father, let agape dwell in your people Dewey, OK 74029 Kandiyohi, MN 56251 depends on our loving Jesus and the and draw us together to serve you. Email: [email protected] church with all our being. We live in a time when people do not generally love CONTACT [email protected]. JUNE 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

Rkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk We are looking to hire two Development Christian couples to serve as Director House parents by early summer!

Position Must be: • Faithful members of the church

The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home, a non-profit • Physically fit faith-based, long-term residential care facility for at-risk children, is • seeking a Development Director. Emotionally stable • Works with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to formulate and Spiritually driven implement a comprehensive development program to maintain and expand all If interested: • Able to work closely with team Contact Kenny Holton, sources of funding to meet ACCH’s annual budget. Specific projects may include • Trainable annual fundraising events, board development, planned giving, major gift Executive Director, solicitation and foundation/corporate grants, and our newsletter publications. (229) 559-5944 or email: • Lovers of children! Able to speak to Churches and do some travel. [email protected] Benefits: Contact us for job details/requirements. • Competitive salary package Raintree Village Children Email your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: and Family Services • 21 days on; 7 days off rotation

Everett White, Executive Director [email protected] Valdosta, GA 31601 • ½ Health/Dental/Vision COA ACCREDITED 5700 Winter Haven NW Look us up on our website: • Joy of making a difference! Albuquerque, NM 87120 www.acch4kids.org IN MINISTRY SINCE 1967!

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

Faulkner University is conducting a national search for its next President, following

the announcement by Dr. Billy D. Hilyer that he plans to retire on May 31, 2015.

Dr. Hilyer has served with distinction as the university’s President, overseeing a period of significant growth and success, while holding Faulkner true to its original

mission as a distinctively Christian university that seeks to educate the whole person, including the mind, heart and soul.

Faulkner University seeks as its president a leader with the values, knowledge, and skills to build upon the University’s heritage of 5345 Atlanta Highway Christian scholarship, spiritual formation and service. The new President must be a person of strong personal faith in Christ, Montgomery, AL 36109 evidenced by their character and integrity, and be an active, faithful member of the churches of Christ with a longtime history of www.faulkner.edu involvement.

The Board of Trustees has named a Presidential Search Committee that will seek broad input from the public, identify and interview

candidates, and make recommendations to the Board.

Interested parties should submit their resume and any additional relevant information on or before August 1, 2014 to Dale Kirkland, Faulkner Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

BOX 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 An international newspaper for Churches of Christ Vol. 71, No. 6 | June 2014 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIDE Leaders OKLAHOMA CITY OK CALENDAR...... 25 for West PERMIT # 276 CURRENTS...... 17 Africa DIALOGUE...... 21 INSIGHT...... 34 Church INTERNATIONAL...... 11 in Togo NATIONAL...... 5 appoints OPINION...... 26 its first PARTNERS...... 23 PEOPLE...... 24 elders, Frontier of faith The real McCoys REVIEWS...... 29 deacons. Alaska lectureship marks a ‘Amazing Race’ stars in VIEWS...... 27 3, 17 50-year milestone. 1, 27 a rush to serve Christ. 1 In Focus: Stories of transformation at Christian camp, Page 32 | www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070