Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 71, No. 8 | August 2014 for Churches of Christ No small mission TAKING A ROAD TRIP with a spiritual focus, an Oklahoma group exemplifies a growing trend of Christian parents introducing children to mission work.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

LOGAN, Utah sked what excited her about going on a mission trip to Utah, 5-year- old Lainey Foster smiled. “I might go swimming today or every day that I’m here,” the blond-haired cutie replied. “So that’s really good.” But as Lainey grows up, her parents pray she’ll recall more than taking nightly dips in a hotel pool, roasting s’mores at a campfire devotional or even running into rattlesnakes on a hiking excursion. DEIDRA DACUS For Josh and Jen Foster and their four Dax Curtis, Brady Owens, Bryce Foster, Logan young children, this summer’s 1,200-mile Breninger, Carter Owens, Ty Foster, Haley journey was no ordinary road trip. Dacus and Lainey Foster arrive in Utah. Rather than enjoy a traditional vacation, the Fosters and other families from the tunities to expose their children to mission Edmond Church of Christ in Oklahoma work, said Steven Bonner, who directs decided to go on a mission trip. the youth and family ministry program at Their destination: the Logan Church of Lubbock Christian University in Texas. Christ, a small-but-growing congregation “Family mission trips have seen a in this predominantly Mormon commu- marked increase in the last several years,” nity 85 miles north of Salt Lake City. Bonner said. “I believe this is, in part, due “We are going to help out a bit and to an increase in the realization that the just have fun while we’re doing it,” said best discipleship experiences occur in the BOBBY ROSS JR. 9-year-old Ty Foster. context of intergenerational relationships.” Ty Foster, 9, helps with a renovation project for the Logan Church of Like the Fosters, a growing number of Moreover, various studies have shown Christ in Utah. His father, Josh Foster, can be seen in the background. Christian parents take advantage of oppor- See FAMILY MISSION, Page 12 Their World Cup overflows: Former missionaries are fans for life

BY MURRAY EVANS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE we went,” explained Duncan, now preaching minister for the Memorial Church of Christ Visit the home of David and in Houston. “Then what we wanted for seven Barbara Duncan during the World Cup and years there was what was good for Brazil. We you’ll find it decorated in green and yellow, still want what’s good for them. the colors of the flag of Brazil, where they “Outside of Christ and money in their once served as missionaries. pocket, they would say the next best thing On days that Brazil — which is hosting this would be Brazil winning the World Cup. That year’s World Cup — is playing, the Duncans might be more important than money to serve Brazilian food and soft drinks and watch them. Because we love them, we love what the game with rapt anticipation, just like their they love. So we get very passionate about it.” PHOTO PROVIDED friends and Christian family in South America. The Duncans aren’t alone in their passion The Duncans, top right, and some of their WWW.FIFA.COM “We spent years praying for Brazil before See WORLD CUP, Page 14 fellow former missionaries root for Brazil. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014 DA!

It’s back! DA! Not Duh. But “DA,” which Yes, public schools and universities. Join

means “Yes.” While everybody else is churches and individuals all across the

saying “No,” Ukraine is saying “Yes!” DA! nation on September 28, 2014, to place

Regions all across Ukraine are asking for THE BIBLE. Bibles in public schools and universities THE $1,000,000 S UNDAY the Bible in thousands of public schools with WE WANT EVERYONE TO GET IT. in Ukraine. Now, more than ever,

hundreds of thousands of students. And now, public universities. let’s say “Yes!” Just say “DA!” EEEASTERN EUROPEANM MISSION facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt 800-486-1818 MillionDollarSunday.org AUGUST 2014 the christian chronicle 3 Hollywood Disaster relief seeks and coordinator Joe needs Christian screenwriters Dudney dies BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE adore — and collect — embarrassing moments. Joe Dudney, who coordinated the I So, when preacher’s wife distribution of millions of dollars’ and author Serena B. Miller worth of aid to disaster victims across said “I wanted to crawl under the nation, died June 24 in Nashville, the table” during our inter- Tenn. He was 91. view, I had to Dudney, who was born on a farm in Inside Story know more. rural Tennessee, served as an elder of This partic- the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ ular painful in Nashville for 21 years. moment At age 67, soon after he retired came as as a manager for a state agriculture CHRIS CONE PHOTOGRAPHY, chrisconephoto.com Miller — a Serena B. Miller shows off the welcome sign for Sugarcreek, Ohio, the setting of her novel. agency, he became vice president and grandmother executive director of the Churches of from rural Christ Disaster Relief Effort. Ohio with He displayed boundless energy and Kimberly Mauck no college could “outrun and outwork” most diploma — of the ministry’s volunteers, his co- found herself in a Hollywood Faithful fiction workers told The Christian Chronicle. screenwriting class peopled The nonprofit is a first responder with Ivy League graduates, to sell books, Serena B. Miller was told that she had to include to natural disasters within the United natives and States, sending food, cleaning supplies people half her age. explicit sex scenes. She refused — and now her novel is a movie. and other necessities to Churches of Hence the desire to hide. Christ in affected areas, where mem- Miller, however, wasn’t BY KIMBERLY MAUCK | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “It was very painful,” she said. “It bers distribute them to those in need, an aspiring screenwriter took, like, 12 takes.” according to its website. living on a prayer. Already erena B. Miller was utterly “The church does the work, and the a published author, she unprepared for this moment. Preacher’s wife, romance novelist Lord gets the credit,” Dudney said in was invited to the class She was a cashier in a gas Miller, a member of the Sunshine a 2004 Dialogue with the Chronicle. by Ted Baehr, founder of station, and couldn’t even put Church of Christ in Portsmouth, Ohio, MovieGuide.org, an online Stogether a sentence for a where her husband Steve has SEE UPDATES at www.christianchronicle.org guide to movies — with faith waiting customer. preached for 20 years, is the and family in mind. Luckily, her customer was author of seven novels — and Baehr met Miller at an Tom Everett Scott, known for one forthcoming nonfiction American Christian Fiction his role in the Tom Hanks book on Amish parenting. Writers conference, where film “That Thing You Do.” Her literary career took off the website founder had “Take a deep breath. You just as her husband was diag- come to recruit Christian can do this,” he told her. nosed with bone cancer. writers to become Hollywood Miller was not having dif- “It was God’s timing,” screenwriters. ficulty making change, nor she said. “I had to write In the mid-1980s, only one was she star struck. ‘Love Finds You’ while my or two films produced in She was making a cameo husband was in 11 months Hollywood portrayed explicit appearance in a film based of hospitalization, because I Christian values, Baehr said. on her first novel, “Love MISSION PICTURES had just gotten a contract. I That number has risen expo- Finds You at Sugarcreek, Sarah Lancaster stars had a deadline. I asked God nentially in the years since. Ohio,” published in 2010, in the film adaptation ‘Why?’ but my friends said it Now MovieGuide counts when Miller was 60 years of “Love Finds You in gave me my sanity.” about 65 films per year with old. The film debuted on the Sugarcreek.” Now Serena Miller’s nov- TED PARKS Christian messages. UPtv network June 1. els are a family affair. Steve Joe Dudney stands next to boxes of relief Even the most casual Although writing is Miller’s special Miller helps her answer email and items in the warehouse of Churches of See HOLLYWOOD, Page 4 gift, acting is not. See FICTION, Page 22 Christ Disaster Relief Effort in 2013. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY AUGUST 2014 HOLLYWOOD: Should Christians be involved? FROM PAGE 3 movie consumer can detect the “God trend” at theaters this year Know before you go (from “Son of God” to the contro- A sampling of movie review resources versial “Noah” and my personal for people of faith favorite, “Moms’ Night Out”). In fact, films with strong moral, PluggedIn.com: This website, published by Fo- patriotic and family values make cus on the Family, gives nuanced reviews as well more money than films with lots as descriptions of questionable sexual, spiritual, of profanity and sex, according to language, violent and drug and alcohol content. MovieGuide’s 2014 annual report on The site also reviews video games and . the current state of the film industry. “Contrary to popular opinion, sex MovieGuide.org: In addition to reviews that does not sell,” the report notes. rate language, violence, nudity and sex on a scale I said earlier that I love embar- of “none” to “heavy,” this site has articles about rassing moments. trends in the film industry. That’s not true always. I’m embarrassed when I watch Kids-In-Mind.com: This site aims to give objective couples being intimate onscreen. information — not recommendations — so its I’m embarrassed when I have to content analysis of films contains detailed informa- explain to my kids why they can’t tion about sex and nudity, violence and gore, pro- watch certain TV shows with me fanity and substance use. Each analysis also includes (and, of course, I question whether discussion of possible messages behind films. or not I should be watching them myself). And I’m embarrassed when Dove.org: No, this website has nothing to I’m not able to find a moral movie to do with soap. The Dove Foundation reviews share with my husband. films in theaters — and many lesser-known Christians can’t hide under the Christian films that go straight to DVD — as table. We must instead be salt and well as children’s books. The site posts exclusive light — even to the realms of enter- interviews with cast and crew members from tainment and media, which have so Christian films. much influence in today’s world. Miller didn’t hide her light. Despite her moment of supreme And, “when Christians get involved in apprehension, she had plenty of the mass media … God honors that reasons to be in the screenwriting commitment with success.” class. Her book, “Love Finds You in That may seem hard to believe, Sugarcreek, Ohio,” had just been but it should serve as a call for us to adapted into a movie for the UPtv “hold fast to what is good” — as Paul BARBARA STANLEY DON RANDY network. urges the church in 1 Thessalonians BROWN TAYLOR HAUERWAS MCLAUGHLIN HARRIS That movie broke records for 5:21 — as we engage with mass the network, and Mission Pictures media. Let’s honor the work of International, which produced the creative Christians by supporting film, has sold it to TV channels in their work with our dollars. France, Spain, Germany, Australia And, if God has given you the FEATURED GUESTS and Poland. ability to write, now is the time to AND THEME SPEAKERS Now, Miller is equipped to work as take a cue from Serena B. Miller. • Barbara Brown Taylor a screenwriter herself. Dive in to popular culture, holding September 21-24, 2014 • Stanley Hauerwas Baehr, who encouraged her to on to what is good and true. acu.edu/summit • Don McLaughlin take the class, said that Christians Let your story light the path. • Randy Harris shouldn’t “abandon the mass media” • Lawrence Murray because of its negative influences. KIMBERLY MAUCK is reviews editor for The • Sam Barrington When they do, “they abandon their Christian Chronicle. She and her family worship with Our 108th annual conference invites • Sam Gonzalez culture and their fellow man,” he said. the Northwest Church of Christ in Durant, Okla. you to campus to hear outstanding • Andrea Palpant Dilley preaching and instruction, and www.christianchronicle.org

to experience classes, concerts, 4 Get the latest news, on your smartphone, tablet or desk- 1 6 0

- top. Find online-exclusive classified advertising. Find links performances and other art. 3 4

1 to church-support ministries and nonprofits. See expanded 0 4

1 photo galleries and videos. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KERRY WILLIAMS More than 800 attend as Arkansas church plant celebrates 10th anniversary A recent 10th anniversary service at the Valley View Church of Christ in Jonesboro, multimillion-dollar facility after just two years, pulpit minister Kerry Williams said. Ark., draws 831 worshipers. The Valley View church was planted in June 2004 in Attendance now averages between 550 and 600. Present and former ministers, elders a former Knights of Columbus building. The church grew so rapidly that it built a and deacons and those who have died were honored at the anniversary event.

ILLINOIS “The Mays really bring personal (and) walked to the front where the spoTLIGHT BELVIDERE — Twelve of the 19 people warmth as well as life-changing new converts were to welcome them present at the first assembly of content in their presentations,” to the fold,” Seckler said. “There the Belvidere Church of Christ in Crosstown minister Robert Prater were laughter and tears.” Working in Wichita June 1964 returned to celebrate the said of the Oklahoma City couple. In the past 10 years, close to 9,000 WICHITA, Kan. — More than 200 teens church’s 50th anniversary. “They draw from their own personal inmates have been baptized at the and adult sponsors from Churches Betty (King) Potter is the only experiences in their marriage and Middleton unit, Seckler said. of Christ served — and sweated — original member who has been at the experiences of the hundreds of during the recent Wichita Workcamp. Belvidere all 50 years. couples they have counseled.” AUSTIN — After 13 years of service Students from Kansas, Nebraska “Friends Are Blessings from God” in Alotau, Papua New Guinea, the and Oklahoma power-washed, served as the theme for the recent TENNESSEE Reese family recently returned from scraped and painted 16 Wichita anniversary celebration. MILAN — When the Dream Center, the mission field. homes, painted over bridge graffiti which houses abused women and Former missionary teammates and sealed and painted a soup kitch- OHIO children, revealed plans to put a surprised the Reeses by joining a en’s floor, the Wichita Eagle reported. BELLVILLE — The Perry Church shelter in this West Tennessee “welcome home” celebration at the “We serve God by serving of Christ, which formed in 1844, community, the Main Street Church Westover Hills Church of Christ. people,” said Toby Levering, youth recently celebrated its 170th of Christ decided to help. Marcus and Diane Reese have minister for the Northside Church anniversary. Leaders thought a special Sunday four children: Hannah, Hadassah, of Christ in Wichita. For more infor- Perry preacher and elder Vinton contribution might generate $5,000 Rochelle and Faith. mation, see wichitaworkcamp.org. Morgan wrote a history of the or so, minister Chad Ezelle said. 60-member church for the occasion, “But we collected $20,000 for them WASHINGTON the Mansfield News Journalreported. that day,” Ezelle said. “It’s a pretty CLE ELUM — “Leading In An Age of “We have about 30 family cool story of a church reaching out Compromise” served as the theme members who can trace their fami- to their community.” for a recent men’s retreat at Camp lies to the original founders,” Koinonia. Morgan said. TEXAS The retreat, featuring Old ABILENE — Twenty-one inmates were Testament scholar Daniel Oden of OKLAHOMA baptized on a recent Wednesday night Harding University in Searcy, Ark., TULSA — The Crosstown Church of at the John Middleton Prison Unit. drew more than 40 preachers, elders Christ hosted a recent “Marriage The baptisms occurred during a and other leaders. Roadshow” featuring Richard and midweek service at the prison, said “There were at least 19 congrega- JeannaLynn May. volunteer Lou Seckler, a member of tions represented from Washington Nearly 60 people attended the the University Church of Christ. and Oregon,” said Micah Powless, photo provided by MARK YEAKLEY Friday and Saturday night sessions. “It was a joyful occasion when the minister for the Moses Lake Church Girls work on a painting project during Richard May also preached Sunday. rest of the inmates present stood up of Christ in Washington. the recent Wichita Workcamp in Kansas. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION AUGUST 2014

PREACHERSWIFERETREAT.COM Forming hearts with their hands, participants in the 2014 Church of Christ Preacher’s Wife Retreat pose for a group photo at Chickasaw State Park near Henderson, Tenn. Blessing battered hearts of preachers’ wives AT A TENNESSEE RETREAT, ministers’ wives share joys and struggles as they find camaraderie and support

BY PAULA HARRINGTON | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE hearts, souls and minds,” Colley very stressful position,” she said. said, “the Gospel will emanate from At the retreat, “we learn to cope am what I am, and I do what our preachers’ homes.” with the day-to-day circumstances I do, not because I am married that come our way because of the to the preacher but because I STRESSED, BUT NOT ALONE role we are in as a preacher’s wife,” am married to the Lord.” The retreat, hosted at a state park she said. “We learn how to be an Cindy Colley delivered that near Henderson, Tenn., has grown encouragement to our husbands.” ‘Imessage to more than 80 women significantly after only a couple Attendee Stephanie Kenyon of the from 15 states during the Church of dozen women attended the first Thomasville Church of Christ in Christ Preacher’s Wife Retreat. one in 2012, founder and organizer Georgia said the event is a comfort Colley, an author Carrie Voss said. and encouragement to preachers’ and motivational Her husband, John, is minister wives across the nation. speaker, is the wife of for the Eagle Way Church of Christ “My heart has been filled and my Retreat organizer Carrie Voss, left, of Glenn Colley, pulpit in Hopkinsville, Ky. She got the soul refreshed after gathering with Hopkinsville, Ky., and Devan Pierce, of minister for the West idea for the retreat while attending 80-plus women who share the same the Parsons Church of Christ in Huntsville Church of Polishing the Pulpit, a workshop for concerns and issues I face as we Tennessee, share a laugh. Christ in Alabama. Church of Christ members, held in learned how to support our husbands She encouraged her Sevierville, Tenn., in 2010. in the Lord’s work,” Kenyon said. Faughn particularly likes that the fellow ministers’ Carrie Voss said she felt “an imme- retreat pairs women with a “preach- Colley wives to “be what we diate connection” with other wives ‘WE HAVE A COMMON BOND’ er’s wife pal” to share struggles and profess before our congregations — of preachers at the conference. The retreat’s first speaker was triumphs for the rest of the year. all the way through.” “We shared the same struggles,” she Donna Faughn, whose husband, Jim, “Most of the wives there are It can be a difficult task for the said, “and we were bonded together preaches for the Central Church of younger than I am, but that doesn’t wives of ministers, who often feel because of our similar situations.” Christ in Paducah, Ky. Such retreats seem to make any difference,” she that they live under a spotlight — Now Carrie Voss, who was the sole are imperative for healthy churches, said. “If anything, some have sought that the congregations they serve organizer at the retreat’s inception, Faughn said, because they give a me out for advice on certain mat- expect them to hide their frustra- is joined by Summer Bowling and preacher’s wife a forum to discuss ters, and I feel very comfortable tions and human frailties. They may Michelle Johnson in making the feelings that she can’t discuss with being with all of these younger feel misunderstood and alone. Preacher’s Wife Retreat a reality. anyone else in her congregation. women. We have a common bond.” Hence the title of Colley’s presen- Carrie Voss hopes the retreat pro- “No one else shares her role, even tation: “Bless Your Battered Heart.” duces lifelong friendships — “and that if her congregation has multiple FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Preacher’s Wife “If we love (God) with all our we don’t feel all alone in what can be a ministers,” Faughn said. Retreat, see www.preacherswiferetreat.com. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

HOUSEPARENTS NEEDED The Tipton Children’s Home is accepting applications for Christian couples to serve as houseparents. RETURN!STUDIES IN EZRA-NEHEMIAH-ESTHER Benefits include: Family health and dental insurance, housing, transportation, food and retirement plan participation. Keynote Speakers

For more information, please contact: Alan Robertson Joe Waugh Gary Smith 580-667-5221 (office) Jim Martin 580-335-6442(cell) William Bower [email protected] David Young Mike Tune “Help us help children” P. O. Box 370 B. Chris Simpson Tipton, Oklahoma 73570

Bless your missionaries with a gift each month!

A yearly subscription to cover international mailing costs is $70 per address ($40 to Canada).

What a wonderful way to encourage your mission-field workers in their kingdom efforts!

Another opportunity: Adopt a mission field! Gift a native church worker overseas with a monthly Chronicle. HARDING UNIVERSITY’S 91st Contact: Lynda Sheehan ANNUAL BIBLE LECTURESHIP [email protected] 405-425-5070 SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1, 2014 WWW.HARDING.EDU/LECTURESHIP Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11) 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014 spotlight Cool fellowship GABORONE, Botswana — Nearly 2,000 Christians from 12 nations shivered as they shared warm fellowship at the recent International Lectureship of the Churches of Christ. Church members bundled them- selves in sweaters as they praised God in the southern African capital, where it’s currently winter. The Phuthego Ya Ga Keresete (“Churches of Christ” in Botswana’s language, Tswana) hosted the event. The nation of 2.1 million souls has about 15 Churches of Christ, said church member Tebogo Maruping. “Despite the cold weather, people really enjoyed the lessons, and I think many souls were uplifted,” said Stanley Shereni, a minister in Zimbabwe. Two attendees were baptized.

PHOTO PROVIDED A warm welcome for a mission team in South America Members of the Clay Brick Church of Christ in the South American nation of Guyana welcome a visiting medical mission team from the U.S. The team of 29 church members conducted medical clinics and gospel campaigns alongside members of the Clay Brick Road church and other congregations, under the direction of Guyana Missions, a church-supported nonprofit. “What we strive for is to become a part STANLEY SHERENI of the local family in every way,” team member Ray Hunt wrote in a report from Guyana. “We have not come as the ‘experts’ or ‘teachers’ ... Dennis Malepa, a minister in Botswana, We are not here to change their culture. ... We are not the Savior. We represent the Savior, just like the local folks do every day.” speaks to two new Christians.

BELGIUM lost their homes again after record- INDIA SWAZILAND BRUSSELS — Blair Roberts labors breaking rainfall caused widespread NEW DELHI — Joey Barrier, youth Matsapha — This small, southern in this West European capital with flooding in the Central European minister for the New Hope Church African kingdom has the the world’s French-speaking Christians. nation and its neighbor, Serbia. of Christ in Florence, Ala., recently highest estimated prevalence rate Recently he was Byron Benitez and Hawatthia made a teaching trip to India along of HIV-infected adults, according assisted by five Jones, missionaries in Guatemala, with Stephen Gill, a student at to the Centers for Disease Control members of a Church raised funds to help a family there Heritage Christian University in and Prevention. Church members, of Christ in Paris, recover. Benitez’s wife, Snezana, is a Florence. including Dr. Bob and Annette who traveled north church member from Bosnia. They traveled from New Delhi Whitaker, are helping the country’s to Brussels and to Bangalore, assisted by HCU young people make healthy decisions. helped distribute CANADA alumnus Vinay David. Four people The couple recently launched Bible materials and ONTARIO — Fifty-five men, repre- were baptized. a Saturday youth program at the conduct the French Roberts senting 14 congregations, attended a Matsapha Church of Christ, including worship service. The recent seminar for “elders, deacons, JAMAICA short videos, educational games, food church members plan to return and ministers and servant-hearted KINGSTON — Nineteen students gradu- and interactive Bible lessons. continue the work, Roberts said. saints,” said organizers from the ated recently from the Jamaica School The program is designed “to draw Fenwick Church of Christ, which of Preaching and Biblical Studies. children and young people to the Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted the event. The students “will now use what church, teach the Bible and biblical Sarajevo — Many families lost their Aubrey Johnson, minister for the they have learned to build and plant principles, form bonds and give them homes during the Bosnian conflict Peachtree City Church of Christ new congregations wherever the healthy alternatives to sex, drugs and in the 1990s. in Georgia, led the seminar, titled Lord permits,” director Gladwyn other immoral and unhealthy prac- Now, some of those families have “Dynamic Deacons.” Kiddoe said. tices,” Annette Whitaker said. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Just Imagine... U.S. News & World Report ranked OVU 27th among Tier I schools in the south region. Tier I denotes ...becoming part of a Christian Community the highest-ranked schools for each Imagine an institution of higher learning that is unique in the way it combines a Christian world view with region evaluated by U.S. News. quality academics. This is the 5th consecutive year OVU ranked as a Tier 1 School. ...being more than a face in the crowd Imagine the pursuit of your higher education where you can truly grow as an individual.

...getting individualized attention Imagine attending one of the nation’s top ranked Universities where the faculty and staff care about your education and spiritual growth.

admissions.ovu.edu 1 Campus View Drive | Vienna, WV 26105-8000 | 877.446.8668

8th Annual ATTENTION BRANSON RETREAT “Making the Most

Christian of the Rest Faculty Members of SIBIGS: of your Life” Faculty Foree GMembersrove - D.Min .of SIBGS: Seniors! Jim Harris - D.Div. RADISSON HOTEL ForeeKirt Ma rGrovetin - Ph. D-. D.Min. Branson, Mo. JimBra dHarris Pruitt - M- .D.Div.Div. Arthur Puente - M.Div. OCTOBER 7-10, 2014 Kirt Martin - Ph.D. BradTrum aPruittn Scott -- PM.Div.h.D. Hear Howard Norton, Joe Bright, Gary Walker - Ph.D. Jay Lockhart, Dan Williams, Noel Whitlock, ArthurKerry W Puenteilliams - P h-. DM.Div.. Candidate Bruce McLarty, Bill Watkins, John W. Smith (story teller), TrumanRudy Wra Scotty - D.M in- .Ph.D. Leon Sanderson (song leader), Gary Walker - Ph.D. Beverly Watkins & Suzanne Casey K eKerryrry Wil liWilliamsams, new fa c-u Ph.D.lty mem bCandidateer at SIBIGS, will be teaching a new RETREAT FEE Rudy Wray - D.Min. $175/individual • $325/couple course for us here at SIBIGS: through Sept. 14, 2014 KerryMBS5 Williams,15 - Adva nnewced Hfacultyomilet icmembers. This c atou rse (LATE FEE of $25 per person after Sept. 14) will deal with ideas and techniques which covers facilities, speaker & promotional expenses, SIBIGS, will be teaching a new course for Showboat dinner cruise ticket, closing banquet and usw iherell help at y oSIBIGS:ur sermo ns. This course begins A a one-year subscription to Abundant Living magazine bundant MBS515in Septem - bAdvanceder. Homiletics. helping Christian seniors thrive REGISTRATION L Mail your check to This course will deal with ideas and iving Abundant Living techniquesStart wor whichk on ywillou rhelp MB yourS de sermons.gree tod ay! 915 E. Market Ave., #12280 Thisww coursew.sibi. cbeginsc in [email protected] CONTACT Searcy, AR 72149-2280 Kay Gowen, director of Abundant Living Use your credit card Start work on your 915 E. Market Ave., #12280 501-279-4055 Searcy, AR 72149-2280 abundantlivingseniors.com MBS degree today! 501-279-4055 • 501-278-7033 Housing & Meals on your own [email protected] (Breakfast buffet included at Radisson) abundantlivingseniors.com RESERVATIONS at RADISSON www.sibi.cc Abundant Living magazine – $14 a year 888-566-5290 $95 plus tax per night (1-2 occupants) [email protected] ($12 each in groups of 10 or more) ($10 each for 3rd/4th occupant) 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD AUGUST 2014 NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION THE MISSION OF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SASHA PROKOPCHUK Children play in the waters of the Sea of Azov during the camp in Berdyansk, Ukraine. Camp Ukraine: As civil war looms, church members serve orphans

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE There the Christians taught Bible classes, “speaking about the Gospel, Even in troubled Ukraine, there’s faith, kindness and friendship,” said a place where children can splash in Sasha Prokopchuk, minister for the the waves, spray paint macaroni and Transfiguration church. seashells and learn about Jesus. “You could say it’s a miracle of God,” Five members of the Prokopchuk said. “The director of the Transfiguration Church of Christ in orphanage — in these perilous times Donetsk, Ukraine, hosted a Bible — entrusted the children to our team camp for 34 orphans along with three from the Church of Christ, and we school teachers and a physician. were able to take the children away The campers traveled from their from the town where there is war.” orphanage in eastern Ukraine — The camp followed a four-day where pro-Russian separatists are seminar for church leaders, titled accused of killings, abductions and “Every day with Christ.” Despite torture as they fight Ukraine’s mili- threats of violence, 30 people left OCTOBER 16-18, 2014 tary — to the port city of Berdyansk, their homes to attend the seminar, on the Sea of Azov. Prokopchuck said. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE In Moscow, Christian unity trumps politics at Russian church conference Go to www.globalmissionsconference.org to see the speakers, the breakout sessions, and the opportunities to BY Eileen Emch | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE discuss together on important mission topics. MOSCOW — You alone are my strength, Register Now! Be sure to notice and register for children’s my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, classes, meals and Fellowship opportunities. and I long to worship you. Not far from the Kremlin, 100 Call 800.311.2006 for more information. Christians sang those words — first in Ukrainian, then in Russian A comprehensive missions gathering of churches of Christ to and finally in English — during the advance domestic and global outreach. Planning is led by a annual Russian Christian Conference. “Tears were absolutely streaming EILEEN EMCH Steering Committee of missions leaders across the nation down my face,” said Lydmila Dima Timoshenko of Donetsk, Ukraine, Conference features include: Michaelova of Moscow. speaks at the conference in Moscow. It was a poignant moment for the •International Presenters faithful — representing 15 Churches aging sign of maturity,” said Joel of Christ in Russia, Ukraine and Petty, a minister for Churches of • Practical Missions Sessions Belarus — as they showed that Christ in St. Petersburg, Russia. • Missions Exhibits and Networking recent political tensions hadn’t Russian congregations also assumed • College Students – World Missions Workshop broken the bonds of fellowship. more of the conference funding • Plan this into your 2014 Vacation Russian Christians organized this than in years past, said Vladimir year’s conference — an “encour- Michaelov, a minister in Moscow. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT AUGUST 2014 AUGUST 2014 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 13 VOICES

FAMILY MISSION: This was no ordinary summer road trip THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE asked parents who have taken their children on mission trips to share their thoughts. These are just a few of the responses we received. Join the conversation online at www.christianchronicle.org.

I wanted to be able to model mission work in front of my boys — not just go off and do it and tell about it. I want them to be able to see us working, and then I wanted them to be able to take part as well and for them to feel a part of the mission and helping other people. Lori Owens | Edmond, Okla.

Our intent by going to Mexico has Haley Dacus, 8, climbs on the sign outside the Logan Utah and Oklahoma church members fill out name tags Short-term missionaries from Oklahoma and their Utah hosts pray during a campfire devotional. Before singing, the been to show the girls Church of Christ in Utah while Alto Pirtle, 7, watches. before a Sunday assembly at a Logan picnic pavilion. group made s’mores — a campfire dessert of roasted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers. that there is a big world out there — one that is FROM PAGE 1 Latter-day Saints — known as Mormons — comprise and sisters to renovate the Logan church’s audito- mission trip, we want to remove finances as an full of people that need that the greatest impact on young people’s faith roughly 60 percent of Utah’s 2.9 million total residents. rium, refurbish its classroom floors and reinvigorate obstacle that might keep someone or an entire family help and that by serving development stems from family activities, said Holly However, only 1,126 souls make up Utah’s 19 its flower garden. White specks of plaster dotted from going,” preaching minister Randy Roper said. them we are also showing Allen, co-author of “Intergenerational Christian a cappella Churches of Christ, according to a 2012 Jen Foster’s forehead and covered her dark blue In their book, Allen and co-author Christine them Jesus. Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in national directory published by 21st Century Christian. Oklahoma City Thunder T-shirt as she enjoyed a short Lawson Ross write that “providing whole families We want them to under- Ministry, Community and Worship.” The Edmond church helps support John and Jill break, not bothering to take off her work gloves. … with opportunities to join the same mission trip stand how blessed and “Youth from families that talk about faith together, Schadegg, who serve as missionaries in Logan, “So we’ve been working on taking the popcorn can create common ground for discussion and ... abundant their lives are in an effort to participate in family prayer or devotions and … partic- where at night an opulent Mormon temple built in the ceiling down in the auditorium,” Jen Foster said. “I increase and extend the spiritual growth.” encourage them to live generously. ipate together in service projects are more likely to late 1800s lights up the mountain-adorned skyline. didn’t think it was that But a family mission Julie Truex | Garland, Texas have a mature faith than youth whose families do Trip organizers Caleb and Deidra Dacus know the big of a deal. But actually, trip can make for a not partake of any of these activities,” said Allen, Schadeggs through both families’ involvement with when I was talking to Why Utah? miserable experience if Our teenage children enjoyed being with director of the child and family studies the Wyoming Bible Camp — the state one of the members ... The Christian Chronicle compared the number of adherents (members plus not planned with the chil- the youth in the congrega- program at John Brown University in where Caleb grew up before leaving to she started tearing up children) of Churches of Christ in each state with each state’s total population to dren in mind, Lubbock tion in Costa Rica. They Siloam Springs, Ark., and a member of attend Oklahoma Christian University. when she saw what we determine where the fellowship’s numerical presence is weakest and strongest. Christian’s Bonner said. helped in Vacation Bible the Siloam Church of Christ. “I don’t know if we’ll ever grow to were doing. To see the statistics for all 50 states, visit www.christianchronicle.org. “I have been a part of School and in children’s In all, 31 people from the Edmond be a self-supporting congregation, “She just said, ‘It trips that did not take classes during the gospel church — ranging in age from 3 to honestly, because of the demo- means so much that you States with the lowest ratios of church adherents into account the physical meetings held at night. 75 — trekked north through Kansas graphics,” said John Schadegg, a guys are willing to come 1. MASSACHUSETTS 2. Utah 3. Minnesota and emotional limits of Our 6-year-old, a little and then west across Nebraska and father of six who met his wife at here and do this for Adherents: 2,306 Adherents: 1,126 Adherents: 2,475 the children,” he said. blond-haired boy then, went Wyoming, with an overnight stay in the University of Wyoming, where us,’” the mother of four Population: 6,646,144 Population: 2,855,287 Population: 5,379,139 The children must right on to class with the Cheyenne. The two-day caravan by both became Christians. “It’s such a added. “So that’s why Residents per adherent: Residents per adherent: Residents per adherent: be seen as active other Hispanic children. They didn’t speak three white rental vans involved high Mormon population. But it’s a I’m here, not home … 2,882 2,536 2,173 participants and not as the same language, but that didn’t stop nonstop chatter, occasional tears mission field.” just meeting and fellow- obstacles that must be them from running and playing and enjoy- SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau 2012 population estimates and 2012 edition of “Churches of Christ and plenty of snacks, not to mention A decade ago, the Logan church shipping with other in the ” directory published by 21st Century Christian negotiated so the “real ing the VBS and classes together. frequent restroom stops. Missionaries Jill and John had just a handful of active members, Christians and blessing work” can take place, Andrea Johnson | Paragould, Ark. “We just really want to teach them Schadegg sing during a devo. including Tony and Tanya Pirtle. them in a little way.” Bonner said. what it means to do missions,” said “Tony would preach, do the Lord’s Lainey Foster scampered beside her father as he That wasn’t a problem in Logan, said Maudie We want to model the importance of mis- Courtney Curtis, mother of 5-year-old Dax, one of 10 Supper, lead singing and baptize people,” Tanya Pirtle pushed a wheelbarrow full of mulch. Surber, a longtime Edmond member who made her sions for our daughter. We children who made the trip. said of her husband, who recruited the Schadeggs. “Every morning we wake up, and we remind the first mission trip. want her to know that help- “When I was younger, I didn’t get to go on any In recent years, the church has grown to an average kids why we’re here,” Josh Foster said. “It’s not At home, Surber teaches a first-grade Bible class ing others, no matter where kind of mission trips,” Curtis added. “I hope they Sunday attendance of 60 to 75 — in part because about the fun things we get to do on the side, but it’s and organizes a children’s service challenge as part they may be, is central to really learn what it means to serve others and to of a focus on campus ministry at nearby Utah State about the service-oriented things we do while still of the Leadership Training for Christ program. who God calls us to be. We teach them about Jesus.” University. However, the church building’s poor enjoying each other as a Christian family.” In Utah, she kept the children busy pulling weeds went to Questa, N.M., and condition — including a ceiling damaged by water and shoveling piles of mulch. worked with a church. ‘A HUGE BLESSING’ leaks — turned away potential visitors, leaders said. A FAMILY-FRIENDLY MISSION TRIP “They have been here every morning at 9 o’clock We did sports camps for With attendance of 1,200, the Edmond church — a “With the Edmond group coming, this has been The Edmond church covers 80 percent of the cost ready to go,” Surber said. “They have literally fought the kids in the community Bible Belt congregation north of Oklahoma City — a huge blessing to us,” said Logan member Susan for members to go on short-term mission trips to to be the ones to assist and get their hands dirty.” as well as service projects. It was a great PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. boasts more men, women and children in its pews than Bryner, whose husband, Joshua, grew up Mormon. places such as Haiti, Nicaragua and upstate New York. experience. Our daughter had an even Rick Owens and his son Carter Owens, 9, work on all the Churches of Christ in Utah combined. For nearly a week, the short-term missionaries from Utah trip participants paid $90 each. SEE A VIDEO highlighting the Utah mission trip and read the Chronicle’s better time than we did. a ceiling project at the Logan Church of Christ. Adherents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Oklahoma worked alongside their Utah brothers “By funding a large percentage of each person’s 2011 report on “Ministry in Mormon country” at www.christianchronicle.org. Kent Benfer | Richland Hills, Texas 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT AUGUST 2014 WORLD CUP: A Bible and a soccer ball are mission necessities FROM PAGE 1 for soccer among those who have been on the mission field. Whether they served in Italy or Ivory Coast, Ghana or Japan, or Brazil or Argentina — to name just six of the 32 nations participating in the 2014 World Cup — missionaries often have a special enthusiasm watching the teams from the nations in which they worked play in the world’s most-watched sporting event. “I admittedly will root for Italy, even against the U.S.,” said Brian Nicklaus, who served two stints on the mission field in that European nation and now attends the Hermitage Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. “I hope the U.S. does well, but I don’t get my hopes up. Even though I am an American of German/Anglo descent, my heart is at least half-Italian.” Allen Thompson, a native of Ethiopia who attended Oklahoma PHOTO PROVIDED by Raphael moreira Christian University before doing mission work in Japan, said devel- Red, white and blue in Brazil: Missionary cheers for the U.S.A. oping such a connection with an The 2014 World Cup gave former missionaries the chance to root for their adopted countries. It also gave a current missionary from adopted nation’s team is normal. the U.S. the chance to cheer — in person — for her home country. Cris Carpenter, left, a missionary in Natal, Brazil, attended one “Before I lived in Japan, I never of the first games of this year’s World Cup, as the U.S. defeated Ghana 2-1 in the Dunes Arena in Natal. Brazilian Christians Andressa really cared about the Signoretti and Raphael Moreira joined her — in the stadium and in face paint — to root for the U.S. Japanese team,” said Carpenter was born in Brazil while her parents, Bob and Donna Carpenter, served as missionaries. After the U.S. scored its second Thompson, who now goal, she said, she found herself “jumping and screaming as if I had made the goal myself, hands raised to show my U.S.A.-painted lives in Tipton, Okla., forearms in hopes of getting on TV.” See a Dialogue with Cris Carpenter at www.christianchronicle.org. and worships with the Tipton Church of Christ. with his wife, Andrea, has served and horns to cheer on your team in mission field in Cameroon. “Now I can’t help in African nations including Togo, true stadium fashion,” Goff said. In 2000, when Cameroon won the it,” he said. “It’s my Ghana and Rwanda. The Homewood In Ivory Coast, said Barry Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer, Thompson second or third home. Church of Christ in Birmingham, Baggott, who spent 16 years in the the Kees — who now attend the Faith I know the culture and I know a lot Ala., sponsors their work. French-speaking African nation, “my Village Church of Christ in Wichita about it, and I know the language. “If I had two things to take with me family never owned a television, but Falls, Texas — were working to teach It’s an automatic interest for me. on a mission field, it’s a Bible and a my boys would join the Bible to a group of doctors, while No matter what, I am always now soccer ball,” Miller said. many others across the doctors taught the Kees how to cheering for Japan, unless there’s Miller watched Togo’s games in the street where our speak French. only one African team left. That’s the 2006 World Cup in tents, set up friend, a Nigerian “We all watched those games when I have a hard time.” with small televisions powered by barber, would set his together,” Barbara Kee said. “One generators, with hundreds of people TV up outside so that of those doctors was converted and SOCCER AS A MINISTRY gathered around the sets. people could gather he’s still faithful. Soccer definitely One thing missionaries from the It’s a similar scene in other parts around to watch played into his conversion.” U.S. often learn on the mission field of the world. Goff important games with Nicklaus and other missionaries is how to incorporate soccer in their Michelle Goff, who once worked him.” The Crieve Hall have similar stories about how ministries. Some host get-togethers as a missionary in Venezuela and Church of Christ in Nashville, where soccer helped provide a common based around soccer games, much now travels throughout Latin the Baggott family now worships, meeting ground, allowing them to as many churches in the U.S. do for America through her service with sponsored the work. teach others about Jesus. the NFL’s Super Bowl. Brighton, Colo.-based Iron Rose Such gatherings often lead to “I don’t know if it’s cliché to call it Sometimes, just producing a Sister Ministries, remembered meetings and conversations that a religion,” Nicklaus said, “but it’s soccer ball can attract people, watching Venezuela’s matches on result in Christian conversions, said an overwhelming cultural phenom- providing an opportunity for the big screen in movie theaters. Barbara Kee, who with her husband enon. It’s a way to connect — and ministry, said Matt Miller, who, “You could even bring in your flags Windle served 25 years on the that’s what we’re trying to do.” AUGUST 2014 FROM THE FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

consider including The Christian Chronicle in your will or estate plan

LUK BRAZLE Christians from across Europe compete in the annual “Footballweekend” in Switzerland. Soccer and souls: Around the world, Christians show Jesus through sport

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE regular guys can plug into.” Professional soccer can become Call it the Church of Christ World mired in controversy. As they host Cup — or at least the Europa League. the 2014 World Cup, Brazilians have Every year, the young and not-so- protested the high price tag of the young from congregations across the games — in a nation where millions continent gather in the Swiss village live in poverty. In Guatemala, of Thayingen to strike, steal and some church members declared sing praises to God in a weekend of “el deporte” (all sports) as “of the fellowship and “football” (as soccer world and unsuitable for Christians,” is known in nearly every Hobbes said, due to “the country except the U.S.). drugs, the mega-bucks, The tournament helps and the boastful pride.” church members intro- “By contrast,” he added, duce their friends to a “playing soccer with good community of faith, said sportsmanship showed Scott Raab, an evangelist people — both inside and in Lanaken, Belgium. outside the church — that The Heritage Circle is composed It also exemplifies one it is possible to live in the of his favorite sayings: world but not of it.” of those who include the Chronicle “Christians know best That’s the case in how to really have fun.” paraibamission.blogspot.com the Brazilian city of in their will or estate plan. The global obsession In Brazil, Rivaldo and Leila Cajazeiras, where church with the sport provides Café were honored for members have taught opportunities to share their “futebol” ministry. youths honesty, service, the Gospel, church family, purity and the Help secure the future members and missionaries told The Gospel through the Right Step Christian Chronicle. In the Central soccer ministry since 2008. of the Christian Chronicle. American nation of Guatemala, Recently, the city council honored Saturday morning pick-up games the program’s director, Rivaldo Café, may be just as vital to evangelism as “Citizen of Cajazeiras.” Call Stephen Eck of the Chronicle Planned as Sunday morning worship, said “Lots of social programs that sound Pancho Hobbes, who served as a good and have good ideas start, but Giving Office for assistance at (405) 425-5080. missionary there for 13 years. most don’t last more than a year “Over the centuries, the traditional because of the lack of commitment,” religion has presented Jesus as soft, missionary Joseph McKinney said. weak, dying or as an infant,” Hobbes “We are thankful to be involved in a said. “As a result, most men flee from work that, over six dedicated years, church. Soccer helped us to portray has not only bettered society but the Christian life as something even brought families eternal life.” 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014

Tennessee Children’s Home Job Openings

Residential Counselor. Couples needed for live-in positions as residential counselors, providing frontline treatment and care for up to eight adolescent males, ages 13-18. Good interpersonal, team, and conflict resolution skills are required. Must be willing to undergo extensive training in behavior management techniques in a therapeutic environment. Must be able to adapt to two-weeks-on- one-week-off schedule. Residential counselors are part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of case managers, credentialed counselors, and support staff. Come be a part of this ministry! We offer competitive pay and excellent full-time benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, retirement and paid time off. To apply, call Dana Lawson 486-2274 x225 or visit us online at www.tennesseechildrenshome.org.

A Special Invitation To: ALUMNI of The Christian Communication Program (CCP) The Harding School of Biblical Studies (HSBS) The Center for Advanced Ministry Training (CAMT) and The Master of Ministry Degree Program (MMIN)

Join us for the 40th anniversary celebration of the CCP, HSBS and CAMT programs and the 10th anniversary celebration of the MMIN program in

www.worldbibleschool.net conjunction with the annual Harding Lectureship. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, 4:30 p.m. College Church of Christ Family Life Center

It’s simple The complimentary dinner and program are part of the annual Harding University Lectureship. We will recognize the impact of 40 years of training servants to teach with the new WBS. and preach the gospel, as well as preparing students for missions in inner cities and Students are waiting now. foreign fields. Former students and faculty are encouraged to join us. Tickets are free but required for admission. Please R.S.V.P. to [email protected] with the names and number of your party. You will receive confirmation, and your tickets will be held Share Jesus. Share for pickup at Lectureship Central.

HARDING UNIVERSITY

Updated 01/07/10

AUGUST 2014 Churches That Work the christian chronicle 17

PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. North Davis Church of Christ members gather on stage to witness the baptism of Tom Airola. After his immersion by senior minister Doug Peters, Airola raises his arms to celebrate. Don’t just sit in those pews IN THE HEART of Dallas-Fort Worth, a once-shrinking congregation finds revival as it serves its community

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE agreed Deshaun Lowry, 17. “Nobody’s shadow of the Six Flags theme park uted to 12 straight years of decline in ever fighting, especially in a church. and the home stadiums of the Dallas Sunday attendance. ARLINGTON, Texas Everybody gets along here.” Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. With that turmoil still fresh in t’s a Tuesday after school, and A few years ago, dozens of Lamar As this city between members’ minds, the church hired a basketballs are flying at the High teens congregating in a Dallas and Fort new senior minister — Doug Peters North Davis Church of Christ Walgreens store parking lot after Worth boomed with — in 2001. family life center. school drew complaints of violence, new housing and As longtime members describe it, Welcome to “The Rec,” as the thefts and illegal drug activity. explosive population Peters brought a new vision for how Ibanner outside declares. That’s when the North Davis growth in the 1980s, the then-shrinking church could fulfill Two afternoons per week, the church decided to partner with the church reached a God’s will in its diverse community. 600-member church opens its doors Arlington police and school officials membership of 1,000. Peters stepped to the pulpit each for up to 120 students from nearby to offer an alternative. But by the 1990s, Sunday and delivered a simple Peters Lamar High School to hang out, “We said, ‘Let’s give them some- Arlington began to message, said Sheila Carter, wife of shoot hoops and enjoy free snacks thing better,’” said Darrell Lanford, take on a more urban feel — with a elder Bob Carter. and beverages. youth family minister. higher poverty rate and increased That message: “We weren’t “It’s a good thing,” said Christian racial and ethnic diversity. supposed to just be sitting in those Retana, 15. “It gets kids out of CHANGES AND CHALLENGES Arlington’s changing demographics, pews.” trouble.” The North Davis church building combined with ministerial and leader- The middle-class white church — “This is a good environment,” sits just off Interstate 30 — in the ship turmoil at North Davis, contrib- CONTINUED 18 AUGUST 2014 CHURCHES THAT WORK THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 North Davis Church of Christ Hurricane Katrina marked a turning point Location: Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth. MEMBERSHIP: About 600. SERVICES: Bible classes at 9 a.m. Sunday. Worship at 10:15 a.m. Small groups meet Sunday night. Wednesday night features programs designed to equip ministries and mission efforts. INTERNATIONAL: Besides its community- focused ministries, the church sends dozens of members overseas on Let’s Start Talking mission trips. North Davis also partners with organizations such as Healing Hands International and World Bible School. MINISTERS: Senior minister Doug Peters, youth family minister Darrell Lanford, worship and connections minister Bret Morris and children’s family minister Summer Morris. ELDERS: Jamie Bain, Bob Carter, Bill Dismuke, Allen Griffith, Nolan Kennedy, John David Patterson, Scott Souder, Gary Staley, Gil Vollmering Jr., Gil Vollmering Sr., Rodney Waller and Jim Wren. ONLINE: www.northdavischurch.org. Brenda Patterson and Jody Thornton greet Sunday morning guests at the A Lamar High School student shoots a basket at “The Rec,” an after-school Students sign in before playing basketball and enjoying snacks. Youth family North Davis members sing “Everlasting God” during a Sunday morning North Davis Church of Christ’s “Welcome Center.” program hosted each Tuesday and Thursday by the North Davis church. minister Darrell Lanford and volunteer Larry Minor man the registration table. worship assembly. Small groups meet on Sunday night.

CONTINUED councilwoman wrote in an email to University. and employment training for happen to their girl.” Hillcrest Church of Christ and the ‘THEY’LL GIVE YOU A LITTLE HUG’ amazing program.” comprised of commuters and The Christian Chronicle. “Spiritual Just a few of the ways the homeless people. • Members welcome immi- Woodland West Church of Christ. Back at “The Rec,” between 90 The program has no overt surrounded by aging apartment support was always apparent.” church lives out that motto: Members teach classes weekly, grants to the building each week Arlington’s Hispanic population and 120 students show up each focus on leading teens to Christ, buildings — could have relocated. In the Katrina relief effort, long- • Hearts and Hands, a coop- deliver meals monthly and orga- for FriendSpeak, a national has grown to more than 100,000 Tuesday and Thursday to play Lanford said. But winning souls “In fact, there are a lot of area time North Davis members such erative food-and-clothing ministry, nize an annual fundraiser for the ministry that helps internation- — over a quarter of the city’s total basketball. has been a natural progression congregations that have moved as Janelle Truitt believe they serves 30,000 people a year. shelter’s children’s program. ally born neighbors improve their population of 380,000, according to The Arlington Police of the outreach effort, the youth away,” Peters said. discovered their true calling. The nonprofit organization’s “It’s a very good model for a English skills by reading the the U.S. Census Bureau. Department honored the North family minister said. northdavischurch.org Instead, North Davis built a “We realized then what we were warehouse is on the North Davis homeless shelter that actually Bible. “The North Davis church has Davis church with its 2013 “We just try to meet them new family life center that opened supposed to be doing,” Truitt property. Other Churches of Christ gets people off the streets, off North Davis volunteers have been wonderful, supportive in community partner award. The where they are,” Lanford said of in 2003 and sought out new said. “Katrina put us on such a in Arlington help, too. addictions and into worked with immigrants from every activity, everything we do,” department’s official Twitter the teens. ABOUT THE SERIES opportunities to feed the hungry, high. We did everything, and we One Wednesday night a month, jobs and housing,” China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, said Carmen Rodriquez, a native account touted the church’s About 12 to 15 North Davis The Christian Chronicle launched Churches house the homeless and clothe did it from the ground up with no the North Davis church’s “ND Peters said. El Salvador, Mexico and Vietnam. of Puerto Rico. after-school undertaking as “an church volunteers, mostly That Work in 2005 to inspire Churches of the naked — to put the church’s training. Diner” invites Hearts and Hands • The church “Our favorite thing all our life retirees, greet the students, serve Christ to take an active role in their commu- vision in Matthew 25 terms. “Then when it was done, every- clients — and anyone else — to a supports the was to go on a mission trip, but snacks and offer tutoring. nities. Churches That Work should be: By all accounts, Hurricane body was like, ‘Well, what are we free, home-cooked meal. Arlington school now we have a mission trip every “We just love being with the • Evangelistic, reaching the unchurched Katrina in 2005 marked a turning doing now? We can’t stop this.’” “We’re kind of a more Anglo district’s preg- Wednesday,” said Landis Hogue, kids,” said Jim Truitt, Janelle’s at home or abroad. point. The church welcomed church, and everybody around us nancy education who with her husband, Carl, husband and a North Davis • Biblical, making Bible instruction hundreds of New Orleans evacuees ‘JOINING GOD AND OTHERS’ has a more Hispanic or African- program. helps organize FriendSpeak. “We member since 1967. “It’s some- central to their mission. Young to sleep on cots in its building. In recent years, the church has American background to them,” Members host just love it.” thing that, when you see how • United, possessing a spirit of internal The Katrina victims arrived emphasized this motto: “Joining church elder Gil Vollmering Jr. an annual Christmas banquet • Hoping to reach more much they enjoy it and what their vitality. on yellow school buses, many God and Others on a Kingdom said. “So how do we break those for all pregnant or teen mothers Spanish speakers with the Gospel, special needs are, it just pulls you • Visible, known and appreciated for wearing mud-stained clothing and Journey for the Sake of the World!” stereotypes?” and fathers in the school district the church supports Jesus and back like a magnet.” service in their community. carrying all their belongings in “Whether you call it a mission One way, Vollmering said, is and buy gifts for the parents and Carmen Rodriguez, part of a Larry Minor, a North Davis The Chronicle does not seek to endorse paper sacks, said Lana Wolff, an statement or not, it does describe to sit down together — with no babies. Hispanic church-planting team. member since 1961, said he and his or promote any one congregation and its Arlington city councilman. God’s call on us as we live out regard for race or ethnicity — and “We have such a passion The Arlington Iglesia de Cristo wife, Peggy, just try to be friendly. practices, but presents this series in an “With opened arms and a beau- the Great Commission,” said enjoy a no-strings-attached meal. for those girls,” church volun- (Church of Christ) is a cooperative The teens respond in kind. effort to highlight innovative approaches tiful smile, the volunteers reas- Peters, who soon will leave North • Members volunteer at the teer Ladelle Young, 83, said of effort of Great Cities Missions, “Occasionally, they’ll give you a to ministry and outreach. Find the series sured the hopeless and the rest- Davis to train and mentor future Arlington Life Shelter, a nonprofit the teen moms. “Some of the the North Davis church and two Church member Janelle Truitt shows off the clothing room at Hearts and little hug when they leave,” Minor online at www.christianchronicle.org. less that they were safe here,” the preachers at Oklahoma Christian that provides short-term shelter members here have had that other Arlington congregations: the Hands, a nonprofit organization that serves the needy in Arlington, Texas. said. “How do you measure that?” 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014

ghana, liberia and zimbabwe are receiving the power of the 2014 solar event

Thank you for helping the light of the sun spread the Light of The World. sunset international bible institute would like to thank the 100’s of churches and individuals for helping meet the goal of providing 2000 solar-powered hand-held audio players loaded with the gospel (the entire bible and 400 hours of bible teaching) to ghana, liberia and zimbabwe, africa, in 2014. They will use the power of the sun to teach about the son. Thank you for helping god’s powerful light and word reach further and deeper in more remote and powerless places. sunset international bible institute • 800.658.9553 • www.sibi.cc AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 ATTORNEY LORI WINDHAM discusses Hobby Lobby, liberty and the role of Christian education ‘Religious freedom matters to everyone’

BY ROBIN SAYLOR | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE that the government cannot interfere in the special relationship between a olitical science and Bible classes church and its ministers. have influenced the career of It was one of the rare cases where “separation of church and state” Lori Windham, a member of the was used to protect the integrity of legal team representing Hobby Lobby churches. It’s the kind of case that before the U.S. Supreme Court. will be added to law school textbooks. Windham, who grew up in Churches of I’m honored that I was able to be part of such an important decision. Christ and enrolled at Abilene Christian University in Texas, said that her professors What was the most fascinating taught her how to argue effectively and case? In addition to Hobby Lobby and the pushed her to study her Bible and develop Amish case, I handled a goat sacrifice her faith. “I’ll never forget Sunday night www.becketfund.org case in Euless. That was probably my devos, worship in the amphitheater and Lori Windham speaks on MSNBC’s “Hardball” about Hobby Lobby’s challenge to the most controversial case to date. Spring Break campaigns,” she said. contraception mandate of the Affordable Care Act. At press time, the U.S. Supreme Court This client was a Santero who had not ruled on the case. See updates and reaction at www.christianchronicle.org. sacrificed goats in his garage as part After ACU, she earned her law degree of a religious ceremony. The ques- from Harvard University and joined the Fund and do religious freedom work date their way of life. The Amish were tion was how far a city could go in Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Now, full time. I jumped at the chance, and I actually facing jail time for following restricting religious exercise in a as senior counsel, she is part of the team have been doing this work ever since. their religious practices, but we got person’s own home. We relied on a the town to dismiss all the charges. Texas religious freedom law that had representing Hobby Lobby’s challenge What do you consider the most While the case was going on, I spent never been interpreted by the courts. of the Affordable Care Act contraception pressing religious liberty issue a lot of time in lamp-lit farmhouses We won, and since that time, the mandate. The case is important, Windham facing our nation today? talking to Amish men and women same law has been used to protect The breakdown of the bipartisan about their way of life, how they other religious groups, including a said, because it asks whether or not coalition supporting religious understand the Bible, and the steps child wearing a religious symbol in people give up their religious freedom freedom. In 1993, President Clinton they take to protect their communities public school and Christian minis- when they open a family business. and an almost unanimous Congress from modern society. (Also, eating tries housing the homeless. Windham and her husband, Matt, attend enacted the Religious Freedom their cookies. Did you know you can Restoration Act, designed to protect pay a lawyer in cookies?) I’m grateful Anything you would like to add? the Fairfax Church of Christ in Virginia. Americans of all faiths. to be part of cases that allow me to I’ll always be grateful to Abilene In recent years, support for that meet and learn about communities Christian University for a strong How did you get into the area of act and other religious freedom so different from my own. Christian education. religious liberties law? measures has splintered along Christian education, especially The relationship between church partisan lines. Religious freedom What has been the most memo- higher education, is critically and state has always fascinated me. shouldn’t be a Republican issue or a rable and/or significant case in important because it wrestles with It’s been a puzzle Christians have Democratic issue, but an American your career? tough questions about faith and how struggled to solve since the first issue. If we lose the consensus Hobby Lobby will probably go down it applies to and interacts with many century. that religious freedom matters to as the most memorable. A couple of different areas of study. We don’t have all the answers, but everyone, that sets the stage for a years ago, we handled a case involving After I graduated and went on I believe that the U.S. Constitution is host of different problems. hiring rights for religious schools. It to a secular law school, I realized a great blueprint for how to respect went to the Supreme Court but did how much I missed studying our religious belief while also promoting What’s your favorite part of your not get a lot of press coverage because laws through the lens of a rich faith freedom for those who disagree. job? the issues were pretty complex. We tradition. ACU is doing God’s work, While at ACU, and again in law When we win! In all seriousness, won a unanimous decision, and it was and I’m blessed to be part of that school, I took internships focused on I love it when I can spend time with the first time that the Supreme Court community. this issue. I was a research assistant my clients, hearing their stories. An had decided this particular issue. studying this issue during law school, Amish community in upstate New Although it wasn’t popular or sexy ROBIN SAYLOR is editor of Abilene Christian and when I graduated, I had the York ran into problems with a local from a media perspective, it upheld University’s website. See an expanded version of opportunity to come to the Becket building code that didn’t accommo- an important constitutional principle this interview at blogs.acu.edu/acutoday. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT AUGUST 2014 FICTION: Author’s priority is ‘to honor God with my writing’ FROM PAGE 3 brainstorms with her. Her son, Jacob, runs her website. serenabmiller.com. The road to publication was not easy, though. For decades before she got her first contract, Serena Miller submitted articles and short stories to various periodicals. She attended conferences and workshops, includ- ing activies sponsored by the non- profit Romance Writers of America, and sought publishers and agents. While this training was valuable, Serena Miller said she heard a lot of advice that, if she wanted to sell books, she would need to include explicit sex scenes. For the preach- er’s wife, this was not an option. “My first priority has always been to honor God with my writing,” she said. “I also want to write books that a 15-year-old can share with her JACOB MILLER MISSION PICTURES INTERNATIONAL OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY, OVU.EDU grandmother. And I want to leave Steve and Serena Miller stand in front Tom Everett Scott and Thomas Serena Miller with the Distinguished people with hope.” of the meeting place of the Sunshine Kapanowski star as father and son in Alumnus of the Year award from Ohio She almost lost hope herself at Church of Christ in Portsmouth, Ohio. “Love Finds You at Sugarcreek.” Valley University President Harold Shank. one point. She considered quitting. Her husband urged her to continue. place in Ohio’s Amish country, 2 million copies told us that it had three children, now grown). “I told her, ‘No. You are a writer. where a mysterious stranger, Joe followers already.” It was the fact that she didn’t have Write. No matter what happens, do Matthews, takes refuge with his The June 1 premiere of the movie a college degree. She thought that what you’re good at,’” Steve Miller son at a farmhouse inn run by three broke ratings records for family writing “was the kind of profession said. “She kept on, and I’m glad elderly Amish women. friendly UPtv, drawing 2.2 million where you had to be really, really she did.” Their niece, police officer Rachel viewers. It was the “strongest smart, or really, really educated, or Eventually, she found a publisher. Troyer, suspects Matthews is a premiere of any original movie in have some kind of magic,” she said. The offers — and deadlines — fol- criminal and tries to uncover his the network’s history,” according to She attended Ohio Valley lowed. She’s won a RITA Award, secret as she fights her own grow- a news release from the network. University, in Vienna, W.Va., for only given by the ing feelings of affection Filming took place in Sugarcreek, one year. Nonetheless, the univer- Romance Writers for him. Ohio, about three and a half hours sity, associated with Churches of of America and con- The story was per- from the Millers’ home in Minford. Christ, recently named her its 2014 sidered the highest fect for Chevonne Serena Miller was on set often, at Distinguished Alumnus. award in the romance O’Shaughnessy, a Los the invitation of the filmmakers. The university’s president, Harold genre, and a Carol Angeles film producer. “So many scenes were exactly Shank, said he is pleased to see Award for Historical Her company, Mission what I had imagined when I wrote Scriptures spoken in a television Romance, presented Pictures International, it,” she said. movie based on Serena Miller’s by American Christian produces and distrib- In addition to Scott, the film also book. Though she wasn’t at Ohio Fiction Writers. She’s utes family-friendly stars Kelly McGillis, whose role Valley long, the university is “proud been nominated for films, some of them as an Amish woman in the 1985 to have had a small role in her edu- the Christy Award, faith-based, including Harrison Ford film “Witness” made cation,” Shank said. given to novels of “The Ultimate Gift,” her one of Miller’s favorite actors. “Serena is a person who has excellence written from “Seven Days in Utopia” “There’s a line where Kelly entered the romance novel world, a Christian worldview. and “To Save a Life.” McGillis says, ‘We won’t compro- with all of its worldly qualities, Not bad for a 64-year- “We’re listening mise when it comes to doing God’s and yet she is holding fast to her old preacher’s wife to what buyers are looking for,” will,’” Miller said. “That’s become Christian convictions, which is very from “out in the boonies,” as Serena O’Shaughnessy said. “The main my battle cry. I’ve become a lot admirable,” he added. Miller calls her rural home. thing that is working in the interna- more tough in my faith.” Though she took a different, more tional market is family-friendly films winding path than many writers, FROM BOOK TO FILM with a female main character. So the COLLEGE DROPOUT, ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Serena Miller’s later-in-life success “Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, ‘Love Finds You’ series has that. And Part of what kept Serena Miller came without compromise. Ohio” is one in a series of romances with “Love Finds You at Sugarcreek,” from writing for so many years was As her husband said, “She’s slow published by the now-defunct there was also an element of sus- not just life, church and mother out of the gate, but she’s fantastic in Summerside Press. The story takes pense — plus the fact that it had sold duties (she and her husband have the back stretch.” AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23

2014 National Christian Camping Workshop

September 23 — 26

at Fort Hill Christian Youth Camp Hillsboro, Ohio

Ministry makes a difference. THEME: Excellence In Christian Camping ——— “A Professional Approach” So does your training for it. Registration and Workshop Brochure @ www.naccamps.org

Weekly Email Blast Can’t wait for the next issue of The Christian Chronicle to reach your mailbox? Wait no longer! Send us your email address and you will receive weekly emails with links to our latest stories. The Master of Arts in Send your email to: [email protected] Christian Practice (MACP).

Ministry in today’s world requires creativity. That’s why we’ve created a unique and flexible academic experience that allows you to gain the ministry-centered training Lipscomb is known for alongside a specialty area that complements your creative interests—from conflict management and pastoral counseling, to pastoral care with FACULTY POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY the aging and theological instruction. CENTER FOR ADULT AND ONLINE STUDIES. Seeking experienced online adjunct faculty to teach From ministers and church leaders, to non-profit managers, online undergraduate courses in financial account- Bible teachers and other ministry-minded professionals, this ing and managerial finance. Qualified candidates degree will complement not only what you do, but where All candidates will have extensive professional experience and a your personal journey is leading you. must be active related master’s degree from a regionally accredited members of the institution. Preference will be given to those with a church of Christ Find out more at bible.lipscomb.edu or contact terminal degree. A CPA is required for those teach- Frank Guertin at [email protected] or 615.966.5352. and committed to Christian ing financial accounting. Candidates must have education. online teaching experience and be familiar with adult learning theory and principles. Review of applications will begin immediately. We have faith Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in your future.™ electronically to Dr. Christopher Davis at [email protected]. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014

consider including acu.edu The Christian Chronicle Graduate School of Theology in your will or estate plan Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean • ACU Box 29400, Abilene, Texas 79699-9400 The Graduate School of Theology invites applications for a tenure-track position in New Testament, beginning Fall 2015. Rank is open, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The successful candidate should hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or Th.D.) in the field. The successful candidate also must demonstrate competence in teaching and must possess a well-defined program of research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations. The committee will begin reviewing applications on July 1, 2014, and continue until the position is filled. Additional information about the Graduate School of Theology can be found at acu.edu/gst.

See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html for complete descriptions of these positions. In a letter to the appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address their qualifications for the position. They should include in the application a statement of how faith informs their teaching; a discussion of their spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone numbers of five references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities are especially encouraged. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service in Christian higher education. The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities. 130320-0714

COULD IT BE YOU who shares truth in a world where everything is relative? Could it The Heritage Circle is composed be you who gives purpose in a flurry of of those who include the Chronicle distractions? Could it be you who injects joy into lives drowning in despair? Dig deep. in their will or estate plan. Could it be you who has the courage to be a minister of the gospel?

At Heritage Christian University,Universit we believe it could be. We will equip you to Help secure the future minister to the world around you in ways you never thought possible. We will of the Christian Chronicle. encourage you in the pursuit of your dreams. And our Legacy Scholarship can help you do it tuition free. Call today to Call Stephen Eck of the Chronicle Planned learn more. Giving Office for assistance at (405) 425-5080.

HCU Office of Admissions www.hcu.edu * 256.766.6610 PO Box HCU, Florence, AL 35630 AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 camping CENTRAL FLORIDA BIBLE CAMP Eustis, Fla. — Children who trek to this faith-based camp in the Sunshine State will notice improve- ments, thanks to local Christians. Members of the Mount Dora Church of Christ in Florida installed a new metal roof on the camp’s Langford Cottage. Three volunteers also installed new light fixtures and a new deck on the Eustis Manor cabin, sponored by the Orange Avenue Church of Christ in Eustis.

k-12 schools CLARKSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Landon Lee Darnell was a graduating class of one. Darnell was the first-ever graduate of Clarksville CLIFF GANUS Christian, founded in 2007. Choral students stop to smell the flowers in Hungary Next year the Singers from the Harding University Chorus in Searcy, Ark., take a whiff or two at a garden in Szolnok, Hungary. The students spent school antici- nearly a month in Europe, singing at concerts arranged by Churches of Christ in Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Croatia and Hungary. pates four grad- In Szolnok, church member Tibor Tamas arranged for a joint concert with two local groups, said Cliff Ganus, chairman of the music uates, and the department at Harding and director of choral activities. In Vicenza, Italy, the group sang, and Earl Lavender, professor and director of rising sopho- missional studies at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., spoke. The events provided good outreach for the churches, Ganus said. more class has 16 students enrolled, school ministry in the ways that Brian and Children to prepare the meals. spoTLIGHT clarksvillechristianschool.org officials said. his wife, Mary, have,” Rose said. Seven people were baptized during Landon Lee Darnell “By being a the camp, which featured speakers speaks at Clarksville part of CCS, including Rob Touchstone of The Hands-on Kenya mission Christian School’s you may not Well Coffeehouse in Nashville, NAIROBI, Kenya — Nine students from first graduation. have a plethora Tenn., and Erin Bernhardt, who Lubbock Christian University in of friends,” works with the African Children’s Texas spent six weeks in this East Darnell said, “but the friends you do Choir and is producing a movie, African nation as part of a new have are one-of-a-kind. Clarksville “Imba Means Sing.” missions internship. Christian is not just a school — it’s a The program allows student to Christian family teaching each other SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE apply their education in practical about God.” TERRELL, Texas — Students sang in 22 ways, coordinators said, working PHOTOS PROVIDED cities in 28 days during a recent with single mothers, widows and GREAT LAKES CHRISTIAN Brian Borden speaks in chapel — as a fundraising tour for this Texas orphans. Students volunteered in BEAMSVILLE, Ontario — He spent his teenager and recently at Great Lakes. college. schools and medical clinics and weeks nurturing young minds to The tour, named after pioneering worked on agricultural projects. serve Christ — and his weekends HIGHER EDUCATION preacher J.S. Winston, began in preaching the Gospel. Dallas and ended in El Paso, Texas. Brian Borden retired from Great The road-weary students sang Lakes Christian High School after FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY renditions of hymns under the 44 years of service — the past 20 HENDERSON, Tenn. — Hundreds direction of Stephanie Booker, the as principal. During his tenure, he of campers prepared 155,520 college’s new choral director. preached for Churches of Christ meals for the hungry during the nearly every Sunday, chief adminis- annual GO! Camp sponsored by TO SUBMIT ITEMS for consideration for Partners, trator Don Rose said. Freed-Hardeman. email [email protected]. PHOTO PROVIDED “Few people I know have The university partners with Contributing writer James A. Maxwell assisted with LCU students Hannah Sutton and Taylor committed so much of their lives to nonprofit Feed My Starving this month’s news briefs. Castleberry share a laugh in Kenya. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS AUGUST 2014 1000 Church Challenge to Save & Take 1000 More Orphan Children Off the Street

Caring for Orphans TY FORD in 9 countries At Deer Run, campers ‘see God in his creation’ for over 15 years! Young men and women form a circle and pray at Camp Deer Run, a Christian camp in the piney woods of East Texas. Each summer, Deer Run serves about 1,200 campers from Texas and surrounding states. Campers range in age from 9 to 17. The camp, established in 1958, hires 50 college students to work as summer staff. “Campers see God in his creation and feel his love through care of our summer staff,” director Ty Ford said. “In all things, we pray that God is glorified and that the story of his son is shared in our lives and lessons.”

Away from the su ering and into a loving Christian Mars Hill Bible School retires children’s home! Your congregation can make this happen for pennies per week per family. For us, just last bus donated by supporter crumbs o our table… For them, the di erence FLORENCE, Ala. — Since 1947, big yellow school buses have transported chil- between life and death. dren from various towns across northwest Alabama to Mars Hill Won’t You Please Save ONE? Bible School, thanks to the gener- osity of Charlie and Frances Morris. Whether you are in the leadership or just attend, you can Charlie Morris served on the help us make this challenge to your congregation. school’s first board of directors. Morris, owner and operator of an Please contact Tim at [email protected] or at 406-257-0868 automobile business, saw the need Details at: orphanslifeline.org/1000churchchallenge.html to transport students from a wide area to get the school established. Submit this form. We will send an information packet right away! He agreed to provide buses for the ------school, a practice he continued for PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAUREL SEWELL Name Phone 45 years. Relatives of the late Charlie Morris Address “My husband and I benefited from gather to retire the last bus he donated. that gift as we each rode on some of City, State, Zip those buses throughout our elemen- The last bus provided by Morris, Email tary and high school days,” said who died in 1998, was retired Church you attend Attn: Laurel Sewell, wife of Milton Sewell, recently. A number of the Morrises’ chancellor of Freed-Hardeman descendants gathered at the school Send To: Orphan’s Lifeline International • 135 Kelly Rd. • Kalispell, MT 59901 University in Henderson, Tenn. for pictures with the bus. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

Minister WantedWanted P O Box 2070 FREE RENT and UTILITIES

The Ypsilanti church of Christ, located Cullman, Alabama 35056 [email protected] RETIREMENT OPPORTUNITY in Ypsilanti, Mich.,is seeking to fill our vacant 256-734-6720 Tiny congregation, beautiful mountain community. minister position: this includes pulpit, class and evangelistic duties. We are a diverse Will furnish a nice 4 BR, 2 BA mobile home and congregation with a current average Sunday House Parents Needed! Seeking couple of great faith with love for teens to serve utilities in exchange for sound Christian a.m. attendance of 130. leadership in lessons and songs. If you desire to be considered for this position, 14—18 year youth. Childhaven provides excellent salary and benefits, and hires Pleasant climate, friendly people. please submit your resume with three sermons (audio and/or video) to: both husband and wife full time. Become a part of an outstanding and supportive Charlie or Billy McCarty Church of Christ, PO Box 487 ypsicofc@ gmail.com team! For more information, contact Executive Director, Dr. Jim Wright, at phone Reserve, New Mexico 87830 For further information contact: or email address above. To learn more, visit www.childhaven.com! Bob Bowen (elder) at (734) 482-6213. Phone (575)-533-6574

Pulpit Minister Needed Thechurch of Christ in Wheeler, Full-Time Minister Texas, is searching for a pulpit minister. We are a congregation of 120 The King of Prussia Church of Christ in Our preference is a married man with members located in Louisville, Ky. Pennsylvania is seeking a passionate, some experience as a full-time preacher, We are searching for an doctrinally sound, and Biblically-driven with a Biblical degree and a deep experienced, mature, evangelistic congregational minister who is spiritually mature, knowledge of the scriptures. Our 125- pulpit minister to work as a team Spirit-led and dedicated to equipping and member congregation is diverse in back- with the elders, youth minister, encouraging the elders, deacons, ministry leaders ground and age. We have many young deacons, and various ministry and church members to ministry, maturity, and families who will be a major focus of our leaders. The appropriate candidate missions; caring for the church, leading the mutual efforts. We have three elders. See will be an active leader in the areas online classified for more details. of ministry to promote programs congregation in outreach to the community and Houseparent Position designed to lead and develop motivating participation in our missions efforts throughout the world. others to grow spiritually and Please contact: Stacy McCasland The Albuquerque Christian become leaders as well. We are Contact the search committee chair, Andrew 806 886-4000 Children’s Home is all about the searching for a biblically grounded Cooper, at: [email protected] [email protected] man with a minimum of 5 years children--loving them, helping preaching experience. A bachelor’s them heal and teaching them about degree in Bible or a related field is God’s love. We are looking for a desired. Salary is negotiable based on experience and education. Full-Time Minister Full-Time Minister married couple who are Compensation includes a home faithful members of the church of located on the church property. The Richmond church of Yucaipa Church of Christ Christ to come and work as Christ in Kentucky is looking We are a medium-sized congregation Houseparents. Benefits included. Visit wtcoc.org to learn more about for a family/youth minister to with an average Sunday morning us and the position. motivate, teach, and encourage attendance of 120. We are looking to If you are interested, send your Christian development that hire a full-time minister who is a family Send cover letters and resumes to: cover letter of interest and fosters unity among our youth man and is evangelistically motivated. Watterson Trail Church of Christ and families. We desire to hire a man who believes resume(s) addressed to our 9607 Watterson Trail Learn more: www.richmondcc.org in the restoration principle and that the Executive Director, Everett White. Louisville, KY 40299 Serious inquiries send email to: Bible is ultimate truth. ATTN: Minister Search [email protected] Please send to the email address: Or email: For additional information, please contact: We would like to have a man in the Jack Shupe at (909)797-1919 or [email protected] [email protected] position by August 1, 2014. Dan Campbell at (909)224-6114 www.acch4kids.org

Bilingual Children’s Minister - Foster Parents Full-Time Preacher Miami, Florida Potter Children’s Home and Family Ministries in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has The Church of Christ of Tooele, been serving children and their families for 100 years. We are seeking foster The Sunset Church of Christ is a parents for our on-campus Foster Care home for boys. In addition to the daily du- Utah, has an opening for a full- 500-member bilingual church located in ties required in running a household, the foster parents will provide appropriate time preacher to work with the Miami, Fla. We are seeking a bilingual structure and supervision, transportation, participation in planning meetings and other activities congregation in Tooele County, individual to oversee our Children’s that support the work. Couples must be faithful members of the church of Christ. They should Utah. also meet the state of Kentucky’s requirements for foster parents, have a strong marriage, and Ministry in both English and Spanish. be in good physical health. This is a live-in position with both parents hired. Salary is based on Please send resume to: For more information: experience. Benefits are provided. (305) 271-8141 For further information see our website: Church Of Christ www.potterministries.org [email protected] If you are interested contact: Tom Doty, Minister of Family Services, by phone at Box 426 Applications accepted through August 31st. 270-843-3038 or by email at [email protected]. Tooele, UT 84074 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE AUGUST 2014 Newsmakers Showcasing the moments of your life and the lives of loved ones. AWARDED: Sherri Mazur, a Milestones 2014 graduate of Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law Memorials Lee J. Watkins He is preceded in death by his “little in Montgomery, Ala., second- bride,” Marian, and survived by best trial advocate in the nation Gerald C. Cleveland Lee passed away on Mother’s Day, two daughters: Marilyn Watkins of at Baylor University’s Top Gun May 11, 2014, at the age of 102. Sarasota, Linda Lee Giddens (Steve), Competition. Jacob Sims, a stu- Gerald C. Cleveland, 78, a retired Born on May 4, 1912, in Madison, of McKinney Texas, two grandchil- dent at Mobile Christian School school principal and minister, went to Tenn., he was a graduate of dren, and three great-grandchildren. in Alabama, the National Merit be with our Lord Nov. 20, 2013. Goodlettsville High School and David Scholarship from the University of Gerald was born on March 13, Lipscomb College, class of 1932. Scott Arthur Bostic Alabama. 1935, to Omar and Zula Cleveland in He began his career working for Cottondale, Texas. He was united in Tennessee Power & Light and then Scott Arthur Bostic was born Feb. 18, RETIRING: Bobby marriage to Carolyn Kay Hollaway on moved to Panama to work with his 1936, in Paris, Texas, to Leon Bostic Dockery as pulpit March 29, 1957, in Baytown, Texas. uncle at Standard Fruit Co. When and Euphemia Clement. He was the minister for the Gerald graduated from Paradise High World War II broke out, the govern- eldest of three, followed by brothers Baldwin Church of School in 1953. He received a bach- ment decided that he could best serve Donald and Ronald. Christ in Fayetteville, elor’s degree from Abilene Christian in Panama as a Merchant Marine. After high school, Scott pursued a Ark., after 43 years of College and a master’s degree from He and his wife, Marian, were degree in biology service. Sam Houston married in Panama, and after the war at PrairieView Dockery State. Gerald they settled in Sarasota, Fla., in 1948, College near ANNIVERSARIES: served as the opening one of the first Western Auto Houston. He 58th: David and Marion Tyree, second mayor stores in Florida. He later owned two enrolled in the Dallas. 60th: Burt and Sammye of the City of businesses, retiring at age 75 from ROTC program, Baggott, Nashville, Tenn.; Ed and Paradise, as prin- Watco Sales. and after gradu- Barbara Berlin, Charlotte, N.C. cipal in Santa A dedicated Christian, husband and ation in 1957, he 61st: Zann and Lexie Ray, Benton, Fe I.S.D., and father, he gave the Lord credit in all joined the ranks of Ky. 67th: L. T. and Joan Barber, he ministered things, from establishing the first church Army officers as a Bethany, Okla.; Don and Shirly for Christ in in Panama to being an integral part second lieutenant. Genrich, Albion, Neb. Whitewright, in the establishment of the Fruitville, During a brief League City, Galveston, Hitchcock, South Trail and Central Churches assignment in Michigan, he met Bobbie BIRTHDAYS: 99th: Mary Frances Santa Fe, Cottondale and Crafton – of Christ in Sarasota. His greatest Jean Rogers at a social event. She McHam, Bryan, Texas. 97th: Ethel all Texas cities. He also held gospel desire was the furthering of the Lord’s wouldn’t give out her phone number, McCallie, Nowata, Okla. 95th: meetings in Barry and Quincy, Ill., Kingdom. He but fortunately she was listed in the Elzora “Susie” Rowe, Pensacola, Fla.; Baytown, Texas, Pagosa Springs, served faith- phone book. Knowing she was the love Trudie Wright, Livingston, Texas. Colo., Cody, Wyo., and spoke at the fully as an of his life, he married Bobbie in 1960. 92nd: Shirley Genrich, Albion, Neb. Grand Teton Family Gathering in elder for many She accompanied him on tours of duty 89th: Mabel Perry Taylor, Florence, Wyoming. years and was in Europe and across the United States. Ala. Those left behind to cherish his part of several Some tours of duty carried Scott memory are his wife of 56 years, campaigns to the to places too dangerous for a young PASSAGES: Gerald Austin Carolyn Cleveland, of Paradise; his Caribbean as well family. When his assignments in Korea Beasley, 93, April 19, Oklahoma daughter, Patti Kay Tax and husband as a supporter of and Vietnam were completed, Bobbie City. Lawrence “Larry” Bosworth, Joe of Paradise; his son, Jerry Don missionaries in breathed a sigh of relief. Lt. Col. Bostic 90, March 22, Jewett City, Conn. Cleveland and wife Lidia of Santa Fe, Ireland, Spain and retired from the Army in 1977, then Pearl Boyce, 96, May 27, Wichita, Texas; his daughter, Lori Kay Rhodes Trinidad. settled his family in East Lansing, Mich. Kan. Phyllis Chambers, 83, and husband David of Grand Prairie; He loved the Lord with all his heart He received his master’s in education June 9, Edmond, Okla. Almarie eight precious grandchildren: James, and lived a long and faithful life as a administration from Michigan State (Payne) Denham, 91, May 31, Eric, Jacob, Miranda, Ashley, Victoria, true example of that love. University and briefly pursued a career Paragould, Ark. Doris Elder, 86, Jonathan and Katie; his sister, Georgia Lee was a longtime and loyal as an educator. Soon his professional June 10, Greeley, Colo. James Ruth Morris and husband Hulen supporter of World Christian interests led him to become a logistics Timothy “Tim” Eldridge, 47, May of Paradise; and numerous nieces, Broadcasting in their efforts to preach analyst for the federal government in 10, Nashville, Tenn. Ernest “Ernie” nephews, cousins and a large host of the Gospel to the entire world through Battle Creek, Mich. For 17 years, Scott Gill, 85, May 27, Corbin, Ky. Carlos friends. His hobbies were reading, the building of radio towers in Alaska made the daily, 120-mile commute Martinez, 45, May 22, San Pedro gardening, building bird houses, writing and Madagascar. that put food on the table and wore out Sula, Honduras. Hubert “Hugh” children’s stories and poems, doing Memorials may be made in his name two Ford Escorts. In 1989, Scott was Glenn Minor, 85, May 7, Madison, things for others and playing with his to World Christian Broadcasting, 605 named the Defense Logistics Agency’s Ala. Rex Owens, 88, April 12, Fort grandchildren. Bradley Ct., Franklin, TN 37069. Employee of the Year. Worth, Texas. Alice Sheppard, 86, May 23, Austin, Texas. Vivia Continued on next page Simmons, May 30, Pheonix, Ariz. Larry W. Tubbs, 58, June 16, Licking, Mo. AUGUST 2014 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 29

July 10-12 Campus Ministry United Workshop. Park Plaza Church of Christ, Tulsa, Okla. www.campusministryunited.com. Milestones continued July 13-16 Caribbean Lectureship. Montego Bay, Jamaica. which game he was talking about. youth worship, and found a special www.caribbeanlectureship.com. Scott Arthur Bostic Beyond the details of his role in Vacation Bible School. July 13-18 Sound Doctrine Continued personal accomplishments, Scott Scott loved to create elaborate Summit. Lewis Street Church of was committed to serving God, displays full of form and color, Christ, Little Rock, Ark., Scott always had a positive atti- especially through service to and the kids loved them. At a (501) 666-2074. tude; he was personable, smiling, young people. Throughout his school where Bobbie worked, July 13 25th Anniversary, and loved to laugh. He enjoyed adult life, he demonstrated a Scott set up a special class to Church of Christ , Hilton Head, discussing events of the day, espe- profound desire to be a person teach chess to the students. He S.C. (843) 686-2323, www.hilton cially if the discussion was over a through whom God’s love could wanted the next generation to headchurchofchrist.org. good meal. shine. Wherever his military develop the thinking skills they July 19-25 Tahoe Family He had an unshakable faith in service or professional career took needed to succeed. Scott always Encampment. Contact the fundamental goodness of him, he found a church, and he found a way to use his talents [email protected]. people, and he was generous to got to work. and interests to serve in God’s July 24-27 Campus for Christ those in need. He served first as deacon, then as Kingdom. He truly lived a lifetime Conference. Lipscomb University, Anyone who knew Scott knew elder, of the Holmes Road Church of service, and he served as long Nashville, Tenn. See www.campus of his love of sports, especially of Christ. When Scott taught youth as he was able. crosswalk.org. golf. If it wasn’t golf, Scott was worship there, he would stay up Scott passed on May 9, 2014. He July 23-27 Global Reunion discussing Michigan State foot- late on Saturday nights painting is survived by his wife, Bobbie, 2014. (405) 590-2331, www. ball, basketball, the Detroit Lions, watercolor art to be given to his and their three sons: Michael, intermissionministry.org. or the Tigers. Many times he most attentive student. Scott led Roger, and David and daughter- July 24-27 Angel Fire In-Depth would ask, “Did you watch the singing in the Wyoming Avenue in-law Simple, who all loved him Symposium. Angel Fire, NM. (918) game?” and people had no idea Nursing Home ministry, taught dearly. 645-8114, www.johnwsmith.com/ AngelFire.html. Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. June 26-30 Houston Area Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Campaign for Christ. M. O. Campbell Center, Houston. Go to www.houstonchurchesofchrist.org; email [email protected]. July 30-Aug. 3 Pepperdine Family Camp. Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. (310) 506-6602, www.pepperdine.edu/ familycamp. Aug. 1-2 31st Annual American Indian Missions Seminar. Church of Christ in Gallup, N.M. (505) 722-2937, www.gallupchurchof christ.com. August 1-3 100th Anniversary, Church of Christ, Tabernacle, N.J. (609) 268-0576 or www. weplantandwater.org. Aug. 8-9 National Meeting of Hispanic Preachers and Leaders. Northside Church of Christ, Benton, Ark. See www.XIIreunion- nacionaldepredicadores.com. Aug. 9-10 70th Anniversary, Highland View Church of Christ, Oak Ridge, Tenn. (865) 483-7471, www.highlandviewchurch.org. August 22-28 Polishing the Pulpit. Sevierville Events Center, Sevierville, Tenn. (877) 338-3397 or www.polishingthepulpit.com.

SEE MORE at www.christianchronicle.org. 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2014 editorial A respected voice in Christian media falls silent ur fellowship needs Christian journalism. Among Churches of Christ, which follow the Obiblical pattern of congregational autonomy, news services perform the vital task of delivering information that unites us, occasionally concerns us and demon- ERIK TRYGGESTAD strates that we are not alone. Volunteers teach Bible class in San Pedro, Belize, during a mission trip to the Central American nation. Rocky Mountain Christian has served this role nobly for 42 years. The Colorado-based newspaper was founded by Jack Carter, Roy Lanier Jr. and Max Hughes. Carter’s son, Don’t just show love ... say the words Ron Carter, served as its longtime editor. His children, Bret Carter and Julie Oehlert, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the most calloused, protective emotional armor. have continued the work. greatest of these is love.” Come out of yourself and give yourself to We were saddened to learn — 1 Corinthians 13:13 others in love. We all are hungry for it. To that the May-June 2014 issue is be loved, to be shown love and to be told we the Rocky Mountain Christian’s hree of the simplest — yet most are loved moves mountains that often eclipse last. The paper has been “a profound —words that can be uttered communication in any relationship. respected voice of teaching and are “I love you.” Let not the words “I love you” be local news for churches in the western states,” said Lynn These words are a necessary In the Word scarcely uttered, and you will find McMillon, president and CEO of The Christian Chronicle. Tingredient in a healthy, balanced rela- that these three words may open the While we’re sorry to learn that an important voice tionship of any nature. Unfortunately, door for even better deeds. Don’t be of Christian journalism will fall silent, we certainly these words have been cheapened by afraid to use the three words that understand the challenges of producing — and mailing a society that has confused love with God says with the sacrifice of his son. — news to people of faith. We’re encouraged by the so many other things that are as far Our Father repeatedly expresses editors’ words in the final issue: “Like all things in this from love’s nature as east is from west. his love for us in countless ways — in temporary world, it is just a matter of time before the Yet the words “I love you” still capture spite of the fact they we are not lovable final word is printed. All things have a beginning and all the essence of any genuine relation- on our own. As Paul says in his letter things have an end, except for the kingdom of God.” ship. Simple as they are, these words J.K. Hamilton to the Romans, “God demonstrates his We’re equally encouraged that Bret Carter will affirm, bring security and warmth. own love for us in this: While we were continue to produce articles and editorials on his blog, Some argue, “I’m just not the type to say still sinners, Christ died for us.” www.nosmallcommotion.blogspot.com. ‘I love you,’ I just show it in other ways.” Since God never hesitates to express his Rocky Mountain Christian will be remembered as an Though it is certainly important to show love for us, what is holding you back? I chal- important voice of New Testament Christianity. As we love, it may be equally vital to accompany lenge you to tell someone today that you love grapple with the ever-changing landscape of news media, loving deeds with words. them. They will be blessed, and so will you. we thank you, dedicated readers, for your unyielding No matter how hard the outer shell of a support of our efforts to deliver — in print and online — person’s personality, there is something about J.K. Hamilton is minister for the Church of Christ at information that informs, inspires and unites. the words “I love you” that can penetrate the Mountain View in Dallas. He blogs at jkhamilton.org.

Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages editors, the staff, the Board of [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Trustees of The Christian Chronicle Advertising Assistant: Kelcy Nash discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or Oklahoma Christian University. Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck or less and may be edited for length and clarity. Our mission: Inform, Inspire, Unite [email protected] Comments to the print or online editions are consid- The Christian Chronicle® is www.christianchronicle.org Administrative Assistant: Lynda Hayes Sheehan ered to be letters to the editor and may be published. published monthly and is served [email protected] Please include name, city and state of residence, as well by a national Board of Trustees Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon as home congregation. that is charged with the responsi- Mail: P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 [email protected] bility for policy and governance. Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 Editor Emeritus: Bailey McBride The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal All trustees, editors and staff are facebook.com/ChristianChronicle [email protected] publication but a newspaper with news and opinion active members of Churches of Christ. twitter.com/InformInspireCC content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns TO SUBSCRIBE: and reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon See www.christianchronicle.org or Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch [email protected] email [email protected] Advertising contains commercial messages from Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow Editor: Erik Tryggestad or call (405) 425-5070. those who purchase the advertising space. News W. L. Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore [email protected] coverage, opinion columns, reviews, letters to the Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: editor and advertising do not necessarily represent Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] [email protected] the views of or constitute endorsement by the Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor AUGUST 2014 opinion the christian chronicle 31 Special Blessings: Church plays a loving LETTERS ‘Do something,’ but what? Why are you criticizing Matthew West role in ministering to child with autism for calling us to get up and do something he biggest gamble you’ll ever take is when him through the various routines of class activities — about the things that make us question you have kids.” I’ve heard our minister, Gary including prayer time and crafts based on Bible verses. God? (Editorial, Page 27, July) ‘TBradley, say it more than once from the pulpit Mayfair also offers a Parents Night Out for fami- I love his challenge. It moved me from of the Mayfair Church of Christ. lies who have children with special needs. We are my social media activism for life to actu- Why? Because “you never know how they’re grateful for this respite care. It is one of the ally volunteering in a pro-life ministry. It going to turn out,” he says. He is right. Views most useful things that churches can do for was time for me to put my time, energy Joseph was our first child, and my the community, because it often is difficult and money where my mouth is. husband Chris and I really didn’t keep and expensive to find care. Laurie Barbee | Davenport, Iowa up with the developmental milestones. At What means the most to me are the Joseph’s second birthday, our pediatrician people who offer to pray for our family. I doubt that Matthew West intended suggested we check into his speech delay. I encourage my fellow Christians to to solve the world’s problems with a few One of the first specialists we visited welcome the families of special-needs chil- minutes of song, but he is making a point suggested that Joseph might have autism. dren. I know it can be difficult to approach that we all need to do something to make We were floored. We knew absolutely someone with a disability. People on the a change in this world. We need to stop nothing about autism, other than the movie Jana Miller autism spectrum may have unexpected sitting around saying how bad everything “Rain Man.” We hoped to find some other outbursts, cover their ears, or exhibit other is. We need to get up and make that con- diagnosis — anything but autism. unfamiliar behaviors. Ask them how best you can nection that will allow us to “do some- We endured a year of long waiting lists to see serve them. Show compassion. Be willing to learn thing” about what is broken in our world. various specialists to determine the exact diagnosis. new ideas and accept those with differences. Catherine Rochell | Harlingen, Texas He also began early intervention services, including Always remember to watch what you say around occupational therapy and speech therapy. people with autism. Whether or not they can speak, I encourage all those who were troubled When we finally received the confirmation that they usually understand what is being said. They by the editorial — and who insist that doing he had autism, it was one of the most difficult, soul- share our feelings and emotions. something is always better than doing crushing times of our lives. Joseph interacts with his younger brother Carson, nothing — to read “When Helping Hurts,” Five years have passed since that day. We have age 4, in such a sweet and loving way as they play which was linked in the editorial. The book learned much more about autism, and we know that with blocks or have bath time together. Carson is does not encourage us to do nothing. It it is not a closed door. typical and loves his big brother tells us how to do something that is con- There is hope and there is help. dearly. structive rather than destructive. Those Autism spectrum disorders Chris is a full-time dad and is so who think that “doing something” with affect one in 68 people, usually patient with both of our boys. I don’t good intentions could never be destructive males, according to the Centers for know how we would have done this are those who need to read it the most. Disease Control and Prevention. without him. Chris takes Joseph to We have a group who went through a Children do not “outgrow” autism, his speech therapy sessions and five-week class on the book recently in but studies show that early diag- attends local autism workshops. His preparation for a short-term mission trip to nosis and intervention lead to tireless support has enabled me to Nicaragua. The book did not cause us to significantly improved outcomes. lead our local autism networking cancel the trip and do nothing. It prepared Autism usually results in group, Making Connections, part of us to do something in the right way. impaired communication and the Autism Society of Alabama. Clark Coleman | Charlottesville, Va. social interaction along with repet- My faith has grown stronger as itive behaviors. In Joseph’s case, I have learned to trust in the Lord, I think you have a very valid point. The he is mostly nonverbal, although taking one day at a time and not idea is not to do nothing, but to research he repeats certain words and PHOTO provided worrying about the future. what that “something” should be and not phrases from TV shows. He can Chris and Jana Miller with sons Joseph I am not sure what the future holds simply react out of emotion. ... read, write and do math. and Carson. for Joseph. We want to give him the Often, our help is more to alleviate our Sometimes people ask, “How do flexibility and support he needs to uneasy feelings about what is going on you know what Joseph wants since he can’t talk?” reach his full potential. God created each of us in his rather than an informed desire to attack But I just know. He makes it pretty clear what he image, and everyone is special — especially those the root of the problem and to find a solu- wants, even though he doesn’t use words. with special needs. I know that my purpose is to help tion that honestly helps long term and Our church family has been extremely under- Joseph and to help spread awareness and under- does not simply treat the symptoms. standing. Our elders have prayed for us on multiple standing for everyone affected by autism. Do we want to give medicine to reduce occasions and asked what they can do to help. Our I love seeing Joseph smile, knowing that he’s the symptoms of the sickness or are we children’s minister, Randy Fowler, worked with us happy. I know that he has a good time at church. willing to study what will actually combat to create a Special Blessings class for Sunday morn- When he draws, he always draws happy faces. the disease? I know it is really hard to ings and Wednesday nights. Marilyn Torrice teaches, That is pretty awesome. understand, but the American way of solv- assisted by a group of loving volunteers. Now Joseph ing everyone’s problems is not always the learns God’s Word in a classroom that accommo- JANA MILLER and her family attend the Mayfair Church of Christ in God way. dates his needs. Marilyn uses picture cards to prompt Huntsville, Ala. Kim Solis | Toluca, Mexico 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE REVIEWS AUGUST 2014 A stingless death: Psychologist offers a fusion of ideas he term fusion describes because it produces two kinds of of prayer as a posture “where we do the sounds or tastes created anxiety — “basic anxiety,” our fear not possess anything but receive our when different musical styles of survival, and “neurotic anxiety,” lives as gift.” or flavors are merged — each our fear of negative self-concept. Beck, as the chair of the recognizable, but creating a new In America, where — for the vast psychology department at ACU, style altogether. majority of people — basic needs are writes as a behavioral scientist Richard Beck, a psychology met, we more likely expe- finding revelation about human professor at Abilene In Print rience anxiety over self- behavior in theological discourse. His Christian University, prac- concept. Such anxiety leads blog, experimentaltheology.blogspot. tices a little literary fusion in us to repress the reality of com, was the dress rehearsal for the his third book, “The Slavery death, using our time and material in the book. of Death.” The book resources to hide our own Despite the clear writing and mixes early church leaders’ faults and needs. welcoming tone, the book is almost ideas (scholars call this Beck asserts that such exclusively theoretical. Beck “patristic thought”), existen- repression frustrates a basic explains clearly some difficult tial psychology and modern tenet of Christian life: “A concepts, and his fusion of patristics, theology. Mark Parker society without need offers no psychology and modern theology Such a combination, he occasions to serve each other is fresh and dynamic. But the theo- says, serves to prompt “continued or bear one another’s burdens.” The retical discussion limits readership interdisciplinary reflection and fear of death, therefore, is the root of to those individuals and groups conversation.” social and personal brokenness. HHHHH comfortable with the abstract. Beck begins with a call to reverse The third strain in the fusion is Richard Beck. The Slavery of Death. The focus on the cross is also our view of sin and death to align modern theology. Using the term Eugene, Ore.: Cascade Books, 2014. praiseworthy, but Beck under- with early church thinking — which “eccentric identity,” Beck argues that 132 pages, $17. plays the resurrection of Christ, his he identifies as Orthodox. Catholics Christians must get their identities enthronement and the power of our and Protestants tend to see death as not from what they possess (which tempts us to various kinds of idol- future resurrection. a result of sin. Orthodox Christians death will take away) but from some- atry in the vain attempt to relieve Neglecting these themes dimin- say — as does Beck — that death thing external to ourselves, namely our anxiety and spiritual guilt. ishes both the book’s theological and the fear it produces drive us to the cross of Christ. When the three strains are power and connection to much of sin, since we make self-preservation Beck also explains the “principali- brought together, Beck’s fusion the New Testament. our highest goal. Death, therefore, ties and powers” and how systems crescendos to declare the cross Overall, Beck is to be thanked for is the basic human problem that and organizations call us to identify of Christ as the counterpoint to making connections between his God is acting to remedy. ourselves in relation to them. He the anxious, sin-laced cacophony academic study and the work of God The second strain in this fusion calls such identification to things created by our fear of death. “The throughout history — fusing them is psychology, where “death” other than the cross idolatry. If our cross becomes the logical endpoint into a song worth hearing. means literal death, but broadens self-identity is not in the cross, then of the eccentric identity,” he writes. to include loss — a psychological “our identities are being driven deep He emphasizes spiritual practices Mark Parker is young adults minister for the Grand death, as it were. The fear of death down by death anxiety,” he says. such as singing and thankfulness, Central Church of Christ in Vienna, W.Va. He teaches is the foundation of human behavior The fear of death, therefore, but of particular note is his framing ministry and leadership at Ohio Valley University. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY: AUTHORS FROM CHURCHES OF CHRIST

ADDICTION FOR MINISTERS CHRISTIAN ETHICS for women Mac and Mary Owen. Chris McCurley, Randy Harris. Life Nancy Eichmain. Never Let Go: God’s editor. Fit for the Work: Confessions Beyond the Story of Healing Pulpit. Bowie, Texas: of an Everyday Masquerade: Being Hurting Lives. Batavia, Start2Finish Books, Disciple. Abilene, Texas: Genuine in an Artificial Ill.: Lucas Lane Publisher, 2013. 141 pages. $15.99. Leafwood Publishers, World. Nashville: Gospel 2013. 302 pages. $14.99. 2014. 160 pages. $13.99. Advocate, 2013. 126 Eleven preach- pages. $9.99. Mac Owen, former ers, including Jeff Originating as lec- elder of the White’s Ferry Road Jenkins of the Lewisville Church of tures delivered by Harris, a profes- This 13-week study seeks to help Church of Christ in West Monroe, Christ in Texas and Neal Pollard of sor of theology and ethics at Abilene women find their reality in Christ La., and his wife are leaders in the the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Christian University, this book — not in the world. Topics include national Celebrate Recovery addic- Denver, share their expertise. outlines seven principles of fair play, people-pleasing, true giving and tion support program and appear on Chapters are titled “The Preacher justice and peace. These basic ethics hospitality. Each chapter ends with a DVD series that is part of the pro- and …,” and cover topics includ- are not enough for Christians, who questions and a description of a trait gram. In this book, they share their ing relationships, criticism, sin and must instead embody “the subver- of the Pharisees, who sought to hide story of addiction and recovery. finances. sive ethic of cruciformity,” he writes. behind supposed perfection. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

This CD and associated book contain twenty-four beautiful songs from thirteen psalms assuring us that God answers when we cry out to him. They encourage us to trust in the Lord through ONLY times of trouble, $7.99 regardless of circumstances. EACH! These recordings flawlessly capture the message found in the words and music of the authors and composers who have endeavored to maintain the relevance of the original text.

A Timeless a cappella project Winkler Publications www.TimelessPsalter.com 116 Belmont Place, Madison, AL 35756 www.timelesspsalter.com/BSAK/Samples.mp3 www.winklerpublications.com | 888.986.4242

Director of Residential Programs Position Hope Harbor Children’s Home & Family Ministries in Claremore, Okla., is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Residential Programs. Position becomes available as of July 2014. The successful candidate will provide supervision and training of a multidisciplinary team of professionals including house parents, on-site counselor, and admissions coordinator and will participate in establishing direction for long-term program development and growth. Candidates must possess a master’s

Experience in intervention and leadership in residential care or a degreerelated in setting a mental preferred. health field Knowledge and be licensed and expertise or license in trauma- eligible. informed care also preferred, but not required. For more information, contact Ralph Richardson, Ph.D., at (918) 343-0003, Ext. 230, or e-mail [email protected]. To learn more about Hope Harbor, visit our website at www.hopeharborinc.org. 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION AUGUST 2014 To nurture students, Christian higher learning Homeschooling must remain true to founding principles of faith ducation — focused on the Bible of Christ to examine more closely the We at the Chronicle are preparing to do a special and traditional liberal arts — is trends and philosophy of their work. advertising section focused on homeschooling. Eat the heart of the Restoration Having studied trends in Christian Movement. education for most of my profes- As Alexander Campbell called sional life, I am firmly convinced If you would like to advertise in our homeschool segment, followers of Christ to reject that no institution can be true to its please contact Tonya Patton for information. manmade creeds and embrace the founding principles if its trustees are simple truths of God’s Word, he not resolute in nurturing the faith of [email protected] also encouraged them to pursue students. Trustees Insight 405-425-5071 higher education, founding Bethany must have the vision College in West Virginia. of transforming Many more schools began during lives through Bible the 19th century, but few had the study and Christian financial support to sustain their virtues. operations. Some survived, however, Whenever and thrived, including Lipscomb and academic excellence, Freed-Hardeman in Tennessee. national reputation The early 20th century saw the or athletics takes beginning of Abilene Christian Bailey McBride over as the principal University and Harding University. concerns of trustees, In the late 1930s, George Pepperdine institutions begin to slip away from Come Join Our Dynamic devoted his fortune to founding a founding principles. college that has become a premier An institution’s Christian prin- Campus Community! university in southern California. ciples are no stronger than the Others followed, providing Bible Christian commitment of the faculty. training hand-in-hand with career Faculty members who are mere Ohio Valley University is currently seeking highly qualified candidates who desire preparation and guidance for “church-goers” weaken the institu- to have a strong, positive influence on the lives of young people in the following Christian living. Among them are tion’s faith. Church members who areas. If you believe working in an intimate, growing Christian University setting Faulkner University, Florida College, are cynical about core values erode sounds like your next career move, we invite you to apply today. All candidates must Heritage Christian University, those values. Professors who are be active members of a church of Christ congregation. Lubbock Christian University, convicted firmly about the lord- Associate Dean of Student Life Ohio Valley University, Oklahoma ship of Jesus are models of faith and Seeking an individual to serve as an Associate Dean of Student Life. Bachelor’s Christian University, Southwestern service for students who seek direc- degree in a related discipline required, master’s degree preferred. Minimum Christian College and York College. tion and guidance. three years related work experience in supervising personnel. Minimum These institutions believe that an For at least 20 years, faculty and two years related work experience in leadership training and development. education worth having begins with administrators at our higher education Preference will be given to candidates who have extensive experience working knowing God. They willingly accept institutions have engaged in dialogue with female students. Candidate will assist the Dean in all facets of student life responsibility for guiding students about the relationship between faith administration including maintaining a vibrant Christian campus culture, student to mature Christian values, or, in the and learning. Faculties wrestle with housing, international student services, and the enforcement of student behavior words of Don Morris, a former pres- showing the relationship of their disci- policies. Send letter of application, resume, and the names and addresses of ident of ACU, “completing the work plines to a Christian view of the world. three professional references BY JULY 20, 2014 to [email protected]. of the Christian family.” Professors strive to profess Christ as In the history of American higher clearly as they profess a philosophy of Professor of Information Technology (IT) education, most private schools their discipline. Seeking an individual to serve as an Assistant or Associate Professor of began with a foundation in Christian Christian higher education fills a Information Technology at the undergraduate level. Expectations include a principles and connection to a reli- vital role in preparing women and commitment to excellence in teaching, advising and mentoring IT majors. gious group. Chapel, regular Bible men for productive lives of faith and Master’s degree and professional certification(s) required; teaching experience study and close supervision of social service. The culture of Christian preferred. Send letter of application, curriculum vita, statement of teaching life were characteristic of Harvard, colleges helps youths experience philosophy, and the names and addresses of three professional references Yale, Princeton and many private genuine transformation. They gain BY JULY 20, 2014 to [email protected]. universities. But time and worldviews a vision of a fallen world desperately radically altered the mission and in need of Christ.

Ohio Valley University is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity as defined by federal and state law curriculum of these schools. I urge parents, grandparents, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, religion, sex, Almost no institution of higher aunts and uncles to encourage or disabled veteran/Vietnam era veteran status, in its admissions policy, programs, or activities, educational education remains true to its students — young and old — to policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment founding principles or to the religious consider seriously the value of practices and programs. organization that created it. That Christian education. sobering fact must prompt every institution associated with Churches COntact [email protected]. AUGUST 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

The 38-year-old AMEN Ministry connects Christians in the United States Military with local churches of Christ both overseas and in the U.S. Please send, name, email, and other contact info to: AMEN Ministry [email protected] 135 Larchmont Drive Hendersonville, NC 28791 828-891-4480

Coming This Fall East Texas Christian Academy's Board of Directors is currently seeking candidates for Head of School. Since 1855, Gospel Advocate’s goal has always been to serve God and Established in 1979, ETCA is a private Christian school His people and to further the growth of the church. Times may have in Tyler, Texas, serving grades PK - 12 with an annual changed, but our aims haven’t. Use Companion’s easy year-long study enrollment of approximately 300 students. ETCA is with Foundation’s quarterly focus to help your Bible class grow. New accredited by NCSA and AdvancED. Candidates must be active and faithful members of the Church of Christ G56563 for fall: Foundations has new larger type to make it easier for your class and must possess a Master's degree in Education. to read. Companion provides great tools for teachers and gives another Interested applicants should submit a resume and any

perspective on the same topics found in Foundations. additional relevant information to: $12.99 East Texas Christian Academy

$3.45 For more information, or to order: ATTN: Shellie Arnold, Board Chair 1-800-251-8446 I www.gospeladvocate.com 2448 Roy Road Tyler, Texas 75707

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].

A heavenly GOOOOAL! INSIDE World Cup 2014: Former CALENDAR...... 29 NATIONAL...... 5 missionaries root for their CHURCHES THAT OPINION...... 28 adopted homelands as WORK...... 17 PARTNERS...... 25 DIALOGUE...... 21 PEOPLE...... 28 Christians around the world INSIGHT...... 34 REVIEWS...... 32 Vol. 71, No. 8 | August 2014 | www.christianchronicle.org use soccer as ministry. 1, 15 INTERNATIONAL...... 8 VIEWS...... 31

box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100

change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OKLAHOMA CITY OK PERMIT # 276

A DINNER WITH NIKA MAPLES

OCTOBER 6, 2014 www.oc.edu/shespeaks

Our caring, expert faculty includes Oxford-educated professor Dr. Jim Baird, who specializes in Christian evidences and philosophy of religion. He is a local pulpit minister and a highly-sought speaker for services and special events around the world. In your lifetime, you may not need to save humanity from a flood. But you do need deep study to become the Christian leader God wants you to be. With regionally accredited programs and affordable classes just one day a week in the Oklahoma City metro, you can get the knowledge your calling demands.

Master’s degrees in:

Christian Ministry Divinity Theological Studies www.oc.edu/GST #OCisHome