Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 70, No. 12 | December 2013 for Churches of Christ In Rust Belt, evangelism boosts church

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

PITTSBURGH — In some ways, a visit to the Whitehall Church of Christ feels like a step back in time. Like many congregations birthed in the 1960s, the 110-member church meets in a brick, A-frame building. The Sunday night service — with 50 or so souls scattered entirely on the left side of the auditorium — mixes traditional hymns, prayers and a sermon. “We’re all invited to a heavenly party but must RSVP,” says the marquee sign outside the tree- Dillinger shrouded church in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh. BOBBY ROSS JR. All across America, Churches of Students at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, east of Dallas, hold hands as they pray during a recent daily chapel assembly. Christ grapple with how to appeal to contemporary culture with the 2,000-year-old good news of Jesus. The Whitehall church is no exception, Financial crisis at Southwestern but its experience offers potential lessons beyond Steel City. “What we’re trying to do is encourage HISTORICALLY BLACK Christian college seeks donations, prayers to ‘be able to survive.’ the body here to be more proactive in their evangelism,” elder Bill Nichols said. BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE be able to survive this crisis.” Southwestern has 172 students this In the past, members and leaders Jack Evans, Southwestern’s presi- semester — down 24 percent from an happily shared their faith — if asked. TERRELL, Texas dent since 1967, voices enrollment of 227 five years ago. “But we’re trying to get to that next outhwestern Christian College, a confidence that God will Evans blames the decline on a poor step, where folks are not willing to just historically black college associ- provide the funds neces- economy and changing societal values. be a good example and wait for the ated with Churches of Christ, sary for Southwestern “We serve a number of low-income question,” Nichols said, “but are, in faces a financial crisis. to survive and thrive. families,” he said. “It’s also a matter effect, asking the question themselves: SThe sudden loss of $500,000 a year in Asked if the college of our holding very firmly to our ‘Do you know about Jesus?’” federal funding has exacerbated long- might be in danger of Christian principles. Some people That shift means working harder to standing financial difficulties, top admin- closing, Evans replied, avoid Christian colleges because the connect with neighbors who might seem istrators told The Christian Chronicle. “That’s been an issue students want to do some things that more interested in Steelers football than Evans “This has crippled our recruiting ever since we’ve been in we just don’t condone.” spirituality and faith, church leaders said. capabilities and several vital opera- existence. … I have just worked here Originally known as the Southern “This is requiring us to step up and tional needs,” said James O. Maxwell, based on the faith that it would get Bible Institute in Fort Worth, Texas, have a conversation about Jesus with vice president of institutional advance- better, and I still believe it. I don’t live the college moved to this town 30 miles others,” said Jeffrey Dillinger, the ment. “Please pray for us that we might under the threat or the fear of closing.” See SOUTHWESTERN, Page 11 See PITTSBURGH, Page 12 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2013 452,397 Students In 2,145 Public Schools Say, Thanks A Million!

Lviv and Luhansk, Ukraine, say “thank you” The opportunity to participate is still to many the churches and individuals open and if you haven’t participated we who have participated in this project. invite you to do so. Visit online to donate The response is encouraging and we are at www.MillionDollarSunday.org. nearing our project goal. Just say Da!

September 29, 2013 DECEMBER 2013 the christian chronicle 3 Christian colleges Judge admonished are great places for voicing concern to meet a spouse on gay marriages n the fall of 1988, my brother Scott — a fel- BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Ilow Oklahoma Christian University student — cel- Judicial authorities in the Pacific ebrated his 20th birthday. Northwest state of Washington formally He took the station wagon admonished Gary Tabor — a superior we shared home to Texas court judge and Church of Christ elder — that weekend, so I had to for voicing his preference not to perform borrow my same-sex marriages. Inside Story friend Steve The recent official warning by the Lackmeyer’s Washington Commission on Judicial Hyundai John Jumao-as Conduct came on the heels of that state’s — or was Marilyn Jumao-as, a member of the Compostela Church of Christ near Cebu City, Philippines, helps voters legalizing gay and lesbian nuptials. it a Honda? distribute food to victims of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook the island of Bohol. After complaints were — for my filed, Tabor voluntarily first date stopped officiating all with Tamie Christians respond after earthquake marriages. Dillard. “It’s concerning to see My friend public officials face dis- Bobby Ross Jr. David shakes Philippines, cyclone hits India ciplinary action for their Hartman religious belief in tradi- served as the chef for our BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Compostela Church of Christ on the nearby tional marriage,” said Lori Tabor romantic dinner at the home island of Cebu. Many homes are unsafe, Windham, senior counsel of journalism professor Philip Churches of Christ are distributing food and drinking water is in short supply. with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Patterson and his wife, Linda. and assessing needs after recent natural “What is very motivating, despite all in Washington, D.C. I’d like to thank the disasters in the Philippines and India. these trials, is the caring spirit of every “In this case, the judge had an option — Pattersons, but they were out A 7.2-magnitude earthquake on the island person,” she said. “They look around their he was able to stop performing marriages of town and had no idea we of Bohol, Philippines, toppled historic neighbors, check on each other and share rather than choose between his beliefs and were there until they discov- cathedrals and shop- whatever is available. ... his job,” added Windham, who was not ered David had left Linda’s ping malls, killing more Prayer is abundant. Faith involved in Tabor’s case. “It wasn’t so easy fine china in the dishwasher. than 160 people. The is strengthened.” for justices of the peace in Massachusetts Twenty-five years later, island is home to multiple In India, Cyclone and other states, who had to resign rather Tamie and I are still together Churches of Christ. The Phailin, the strongest than officiate same-sex weddings.” — happily married with meeting place of at least storm in the region in 14 In the November 2012 general election, three (in my totally unbiased one congregation was years, forced the evacu- Washington state voters passed the same- opinion) brilliant children. severely damaged. ation of 1 million people sex marriage referendum. The measure Did you meet your hus- Church members from India’s eastern received 1,659,915 “yes” votes (53.7 percent) band or wife at a Christian in Malaysia and the coast. The storm made to 1,431,285 “no” votes (46.3 percent). university? Philippines traveled to the landfall in India’s Odisha In a private meeting after the election, If so, you — like me — island days after the Oct. John Jumao-as state, where Christians Tabor quietly informed fellow Thurston are not alone. 15 quake to assess needs The quake toppled historic buildings have faced persecution by County judges and court staff that he felt A recent analysis by and begin distributing aid. and cathedrals on the island of Bohol. militant Hindu groups in “uncomfortable” presiding over same-sex Facebook’s data sci- “Thousands are sleeping the past. marriages, court records show. Tabor ence team, titled “From in tents because their homes are either Nonetheless, the state has several asked colleagues who did not share his Classmates to Soulmates,” too damaged to return to or they are too growing Churches of Christ, said Joshua objections if they could officiate in his place. determined the top 25 traumatized to go back,” said Randall John Gootam, an evangelist in Kakinada, India, When an unidentified source leaked colleges where men and Uthe, who works with a disaster relief who has preached in Odisha. Tabor’s concern to the media, the story women are most likely to effort based in Malaysia. Another church- “The church in Berhampur suffered made statewide headlines. meet their spouse. supported nonprofit, Shepherd’s Hill greatest damage,” Gootam said just after “This was never really about publicizing The top 25 colleges where International, also has supplied relief. the storm made landfall Oct. 12, “as 35 fami- what my beliefs were,” Tabor, 67, an elder men are most likely to find a Hundreds — possibly thousands — lies lost their homes completely. ... They are of the Olympia Church of Christ since 1994, wife all are religious schools. of aftershocks followed the quake, said now living in relief camps but plan to meet told The Christian Chronicle. “It was simply See SOULMATES, Page 4 Marilyn Jumao-as, a member of the for worship this coming Lord’s Day.” See JUDGE, Page 13 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY DECEMBER 2013 www.christianchronicle.org

Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. Honor. Duty. • See a video and more photos of the Crenshaw Church of Christ in Los Angeles, the latest congregation featured in the Churches That Work series. • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out Service. God. exclusive online features. Discover a unique Bible study series that will help your students develop the heart of a servant while drawing closer to God. Each study course has been developed for students age 6-21. SOULMATES: Some find true love ... in Greek class FROM PAGE 3 there,” said Sandifer, who has been For more information visit GoodServant.org or For women, about two-thirds of the top married for 43 years. “If the only reason contact Kent Barnett, executive director of 25 colleges where they’re most likely to one goes to a Christian university is to Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting, find a husband are religious schools. meet a Christian wife, I can’t think of a at [email protected] or (325) 370-1679. Twelve institutions appear on both better reason.” lists, including three associated with Matt Jones, a member of the Juneau Churches of Christ: Harding University Church of Christ in Alaska, sent his in Searcy, Ark.; Freed-Hardeman 19-year-old daughter Katie — the old- University in Henderson, Tenn.; and est of his six children — all the way to Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma Christian this fall. Oklahoma City. “She is not married yet, but I encour- Abilene Christian University in Texas aged her to go there to be around other made the list of colleges where men are Christians as she starts out on her own most likely to meet their spouse. walk for better support, environment For anyone who has heard the old and lifestyles of both students and joke about going to a Christian college teachers,” Jones said. to get an “Mrs.” degree, the findings “It would have been cheaper for her aren’t particularly surprising. to stay here in Alaska,” he added, “but Clyde Slimp recalls meeting his I’m all too happy to make such a wise future wife, Rachel, in a New Testament investment in her and her future.” Greek class at Freed-Hardeman. Of course, some point out — wisely “I proposed to her at the same spot (a — that finding a spouse at a Christian popular bench on campus) that her dad university does not guarantee eternal proposed to her mom 20 years before, bliss. so the tradition goes on, I guess,” said Richard and JeannaLynn May work Slimp, who preaches for the Lakehoma to help couples improve their mar- Church of Christ in Mustang, Okla. riages through What God Has Joined Slimp’s in-laws, Ward and Faye Jones, Ministries. members of the Westside Church of “What we see in many couples who The Servant Leadership Series and the Religious Emblem Awards are owned Christ in Hermiston, Ore., have been meet and marry at a Christian college and administered by Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting. The MCCS Religious Emblem Awards are officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of married for 43 years. is a surprising absence of seriously America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Campfire, and American Heritage Girls. Steve Sandifer, pastoral care minis- approached pre-marriage counseling or ter for the Southwest Central Church coaching,” Richard May said. of Christ in Houston, met his future “Marrying a Christian from the same wife, Esther, in a Genesis class at Christian college you attend does not Abilene Christian. guarantee marital success,” he added. The professor, Carl Brecheen, gave a “Serious preparation is vital.” 70 1/2 years old and older... speech on why guys should want to be And not everyone meets a mate at a Bible majors and why girls should want Christian college. to marry preachers. “Interestingly, I went to two different As part of the federal legislation signed earlier this year, Congress When Brecheen asked the class why Christian universities and ended up extended the provision that allows individuals 70 1/2 and older girls were hesitant to marry preach- finding my wife (Glenda) at church,” to make charitable gifts directly from their IRA. This provision ers, Steve’s future wife replied, “Gee, said Roger Woods, minister and elder expires December 31, 2013, so time is quickly running out on this Dr. Brecheen, I don’t want to have to for the Walled Lake Church of Christ exciting opportunity. be good all the time.” in Michigan. “Hmmmmm. My parents To benefit The Christian Chronicle, contact Stephen Eck of our Estate Planning Sandifer was slow to ask her out, but could have saved a lot of money.” Office. He will be happy to answer any questions you have about converting your four years later, they married — and taxable IRA distribution into a charitable tax-free gift. Call405-425-5080 today. Brecheen performed the wedding. CONTACT [email protected]. To share “Not only did I meet my wife at ACU, your personal story, visit www.christianchronicle.org but both of our sons met their wives and search for “soulmates.” decEMBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 ALABAMA spotlight ELMORE — The Elmore Church of Christ’s elders lead an initia- tive to plant congregations in Resources offered four counties of northeastern Pennsylvania. for special needs The Antioch Initiative aims to “take the nation back by taking RALEIGH, N.C. — For years, the Jesus to the nation.” Brooks Avenue Church of For more information, see Christ has hosted a spring www.elmorechurchofchrist.com. carnival for children with special needs and their families. ARKANSAS Now, the church organizes BENTON — The Northside a separate yearly resource Church of Christ’s English- fair for the and Spanish-speaking groups special-needs were joined on a recent Sunday community. by the predominantly black “Since the Johnson Street Church of carnival is a day Christ. of fun, and chil- “It was truly a multiethnic, dren would be multicultural mingling that pulling at their resulted in beautiful praise parents/care- Oldham and a recommitment to unity,” givers to let said Jim Gardner, Northside’s RHENANA GRIMES them go to a bounce house preacher. or get their face painted ... The Northside church 10-year-old California member organizes anti-bullying event we knew we needed a sepa- planted the Johnson Street Fifth-grader Holly Grimes, 10, one of the newest baptized members of the Highland Church of Christ in Bakersfield, rate event to allow these fami- church as a “mission point” Calif., celebrates “Blue Shirt Day” — an anti-bullying event that she helped organize at her public school. lies access to resources that prior to the Civil Rights “I believe that nobody should be bullied,” Holly said. “Unfortunately, everyone is mistreated at some point, but there is they are so desperately looking Movement, Gardner said. hope. It’s how you deal with it that makes a difference. I talked to my teacher, my parents and, most importantly, to God.” for,” said Melinda Oldham, “As the lines of division Holly sees it as her responsibility as a Christian to treat others with love and respect and stand up for what’s right. who coordinates the church’s based on race continue to go Church member Lynn McDougal describes Holly as humble and delightful. “She goes right to the broken in spirit, special-needs ministry. away, it is my hope that, one the ill and the grieving with her infectious smile,” McDougal said. “I know Scripture teaches the older women to teach For more information, see day in the future, there will be the younger, but there is a lesson to be learned through ... this little girl’s display of love and compassion for others.” www.specialatbrooks.org. one church where there now exists two,” he said. WSIL-TV that the giveaway is The congregation has OKLAHOMA were distributed through the FORT SMITH — It’s 2013, so an opportunity to reach out grown to about 180 souls LONE GROVE — Small churches Montwood Church of Christ. collecting 2,013 pairs of blue and meet new people. and shares a building with can do big things, Cougan jeans for the needy seemed “One of the things that I the English-speaking Silver Collins says. KERRVILLE — “Operation Starkey” like a fashionable goal for the love is just walking around Spring church. Collins, minister for the is a mentoring ministry started West-Ark Church of Christ’s and geting to know their story, Although the groups meet 70-member Lone Grove Church by the Riverside Church of recent “Blue Jean Sunday.” finding out where they’re from, separately for worship, they of Christ, has recorded dozens Christ at Starkey Elementary In fact, 2,133 jeans were what’s going on and all those comprise one body, and a of sermons and devotionals for School, a quarter-mile south of donated for The Hope Chest, kinds of things,” Shaffer said. Hispanic member was added the church’s website. the church building. a nonprofit that began as a to the eldership, Pacheco “Though this is a smaller The church offers after-school West-Ark ministry in 2005. MARYLAND said. congregation with a limited tutoring and recently hosted “To God be the glory!” said SILVER SPRING — Elmer Pacheco, budget, we are making a a lunch for Starkey teachers, Jeannie Cole, secretary for The preacher for the Spanish- NEBRASKA difference in the Kingdom minister Jacob Hawk said. Hope Chest board of managers. speaking Church of Christ in BEATRICE — Through a project that reaches well beyond our “We plan to host a Silver Spring, uses YouTube to dubbed “Sole to Soul,” the 10th community,” Collins said. Thanksgiving meal at our ILLINOIS reach out worldwide. and Grant Street Church of For more information, see campus for underprivileged CARBONDALE — An annual give- Pacheco has placed about 140 Christ collects “gently used but lgchurchofchrist.com/videos. families as well as a Christmas away draws dozens to the video sermons on the church still wearable” shoes. adoption program where Carbondale Church of Christ. site and documented 30,000 The 45-member congrega- TEXAS Riverside families will ‘adopt’ Members donate items such viewers in 79 countries. tion gave away 150 pairs at EL PASO — Flood victims underprivileged Starkey fami- as clothing, books, electronics The Hispanic congrega- a recent giveaway and has received free food, water and lies,” Hawk said. “We also plan and furniture. People flock to tion in Silver Spring started collected 250 additional pairs mattresses from Churches of to contribute coats, shoes, etc., the church to receive them. 25 years ago with two families for an upcoming distribution, Christ Disaster Relief Effort as needs arise for students who Minister Stephen Shaffer told worshiping in an apartment. member Linda Lindell said. after recent flooding. The items need financial assistance.” 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION DECEMBER 2013

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN DUBLIN, IRELAND A congregation in Dublin, Ireland is seeking a family to work with us in spreading the gospel and strengthening the faithful. There is exciting work to be done and much potential for growth. If you are interested in further information about the church, its vision for the future and the type of person we are seeking, go to: http://www.bibleanswers.ie/ireland

STEVE MEEK Tennessee church launches ‘A New Day’ on the air David Young, senior minister for the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, Tenn., warms up for the cameras during the first taping of “A New Day.” The television show, produced by the 1,600-member church, airs Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on two local stations. The goal of the program is to show the people of Middle Tennessee that “there is a church in Murfreesboro that loves Christ, MULTIPLE FACULTY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE loves Scripture and loves them,” said Renee Webb Sproles, vision coordinator for the church. as early as Fall 2013 in excellent departments of the following fields:

BAUGH CHAIR OF PREACHING BIOLOGY Children from small Georgia church NURSING answer call for Bibles for Uganda Academic rank for these open positions will be negotiable based on education and experience according to University BLAKELY, Ga. — Children in this south- policy, which requires all full-time faculty to be active members west Georgia town set tables, took of the church of Christ and all faculty (Visiting, adjunct, etc.) out the trash and cleaned dishes to to be committed to Christ-infused curriculum, co-curriculum, earn money to send Bibles to the East and community. A doctoral degree or ABD is preferred for African nation of Uganda. all faculty ranks, with advanced ranks available for those The children, who attend the with demonstrated excellence in teaching, publication, or Hentown Church of Christ, collected professional leadership. Positions are full-time, ten-month posts. $175 in one month, said church Applications will be accepted until filled, with review beginning member June Winkler. One 4-year- immediately. old even mopped his grandmother’s kitchen to help, she added. Additional details are available at www.oc.edu/hr. Inquiries and The church, which averages about applications should be directed to Karen Sorensen, Box 11000, 50 in weekly attendance, added its own Oklahoma City, OK 73013. contributions and sent $675 to help with PHOTO PROVIDED

The University is a Christian higher learning community transforming lives for Christian the effort, coordinated by the Centerville Children who attend the Hentown Church of faith, scholarship, and service. We are 60-years-young and located in a city recently Church of Christ in Tennessee. Christ raised $175 to send Bibles to Uganda. named to many top-ten lists for vibrant culture, a growing economy, and many beautiful amenities. OC is known for legacies of excellence in many fields of study including accounting, where our CPA pass rate often has been the top in the state; three decades of engineering now in three ABET-accredited fields with exceptional industry relationships; and 100% medical school placement rates for our renowned biology programs. OC faculty Chronicle editor wins national award offer many fields of distinctive undergraduate and graduate learning environments in the arts, humanities, sciences, biblical studies, and much more! The university’s Honors OKLAHOMA CITY — Bobby Ross, who joined the Chronicle’s staff Program has the highest per capita National Merit Scholars among sister schools and a leading percentage among CCCU campuses. Recent graduate acceptances include Ross Jr., The Christian in 2005, also was a finalist — alongside Stanford, Harvard (Law), Florida State University, University of Texas, and University of Chronicle’s managing journalists for publications including California Los Angeles. Our suburban setting provides for easy access to internships in industry, healthcare, professional sports, and many other fields of endeavor in which the editor, won first place The Washington Post — for the associa- university is known for outstanding undergraduate programs. Our 200-acre campus is in the magazine tion’s Supple Religion Feature Writer of surrounded by beautiful walking trails and located fifteen minutes from a medical research center, world-class energy corporations, and unique arts and entertainment. reporting category in the Year Award. the Religion Newswriters “I am so blessed by the opportunity Association’s 2013 to combine my love for journalism with www.oc.edu/hr national awards contest. Ross the ministry of the Chronicle to inform, Second place went to inspire and unite Churches of Christ,” Jaweed Kaleem of The Huffington Post. Ross said. DECEMBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

Job Opening: Child Placing Program Director After 25 years, you know you get good music from us! Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed. The Children’s Home of Lubbock RAY WALKER’S “SONG BOOK SONG SERIES”

1 DALLAS SING SONG 6 PRECIOUS 9 10,000 WITH Administrative position that supervises, budgets, plans, and manages all aspects DEDICATED TO RAY WALKER MEMORIES RAY WALKER of the foster care and adoption services at The Children’s Home of Lubbock. • A Wonderful Savior • O They Tell Me Of A Home • There Were Ninety And Nine • At The Cross • Rock Of Ages • Flee As A Bird Role Expectations: • I Know My Name Is Written There • Salvation Has Been • A Mighty Fortress • Oft We Come Together Brought Down • Ring It Out • Experience with Special Needs Adoptions • Jesus And Shall It Ever Be • Just A Little Talk With Jesus • Angry Words • Experience working with children and families in the foster care program • Earth Holds No Treasures • His Yoke Is Easy • Holy, Holy, Holy • Management experience with child placing case managers And Many More Songs • O Happy Day And Many More Songs And Many More Songs • Texas Child Placing Administrator License or capable of testing for the license 2 I AM BOUND FOR 10 WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER Credential Requirements: (Masters Degree preferred) THE PROMISED LAND • I Stand Amazed In The Presence • At Calvary • Masters Degree in Human Service field and 2+ years full time child placing experience OR • An Empty Mansion • Onward Christian Soldiers • Masters Degree and 3+ years full time child placing experience OR • Anywhere Is Home • Soldiers Of Christ Arise • Bachelors Degree and 4+ years full time child placing experience • The Sinless Summerland • I Need Thee Every Hour • Licensed Texas Child Placing Administrator or capable of becoming licensed • Footprints Of Jesus • I Know Whom I Have Believed • Faith Is The Victory • Jesus Saves And Many More Songs Volumes And Many More Songs Contact: 3 I COME TO THE 11 RAY WALKER Vickie Russell AT WATERVIEW GARDEN ALONE 1-13 Vice President of Children’s Services • I Come To The Garden Alone • Joy To The World • Why Keep Jesus Waiting? • As The Life Of A Flower PO Box 2824 [email protected] • Lift Him Up • O Spread The Tidings Round Lubbock, TX 79408 806.762.0481 extension 234 • One Step At A Time 22 or More • Write My Name On The Roll • There Is A Habitation • Lead Me To Calvary “Manifesting Christ through excellence in child care.” • Are You Dwelling In The Sunlight? Songs per CD! • Waiting The Boatman’s Call And Many More Songs And Many More Songs 4 I LOVE TO TELL 7 THE LORD’S 12 SING ON YE THE STORY MY SHEPHERD JOYFUL PILGRIMS • This World Is Not My Home • We Praise Thee O God • Above The Bright Blue • Glory To His Name • O How I Love Jesus • Brightly Beams • I’ll Fly Away • Jesus Loves Me • There’s A Rainbow • Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand • Victory In Jesus • Bring Them In 5 • It May Be At Morn • Seeking the Lost • I’ll Be Somewhere Listening • Beyond This Land Of Parting • If That Isn’t Love WORRY LESS • The Old Rugged Cross And Many More Songs And Many More Songs And Many More Songs 5 SOFTLY AND 8 THERE IS ROOM 13 NO TEARS TENDERLY IN THE KINGDOM IN HEAVEN MORE! • Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims • O Worship The King • Swiftly We’re Turning Live • When He Comes In Glory By And By • It May Be Far, It May Be Near • Angels Are Singing Full Range of Retirement & Care Options • I Know That My Redeemer Lives • In The Sweet By And By • Crossing The Bar • The Great Redeemer • Whiter Than Snow • No Tears In Heaven • My Name Is Written There • How Beautiful Heaven Must Be • We Saw Thee Not • By His Wonderful Grace • He Gave Me A Song www.ChristianCareCenters.org • Lead Me Gently Home Father And Many More Songs And Many More Songs And Many More Songs

Christian Care CALL FOR CATALOG Senior Living Community Ask Us About Our Special 972-686-3000 9.99 Funeral, Wedding, 4 8.00 & Lakewood Village * Add $5.60 to your total for postage * Children’s Music! Senior Living Community 1-3 @ $9.99 each 817-451-8001 Quantities of 4 or more @ $8.00 $5.60

000700 Home Health & Hospice 100885 Dallas/Fort Worth & N. Texas 000813 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2013 AUSTRALIA spotlight HEALESVILLE — Fifty-three youths and young adults “searched the Scriptures for their true identity” during Protected by angels the recent Revive Camp near the Australian city cap-HAITIEN, Haiti — Two physicians from of Melbourne, organizers Johnson City, Tenn., traveled to this said. Speaker Benny Caribbean nation to perform potentially Tabalujan explored life-saving surgery on a teenager. Ephesians 1, sharing The teenager, Jean Wilson (also “how God answers our known as Lobe), suffered constant Tabalujan deepest fears by reas- headaches from a subdural hematoma suring us of our accep- — a mass of blood collecting in his tance, blessedness and inheritance.” head, pushing against his brain. The hematoma was the result of a July 4 BELGIUM injury, when Wilson fell out of tree. Solwaster — Christians from Belgium Wilson is one of the youths served by and the Netherlands gathered to dedi- Emmaus House, a church-supported cate a new Bible camp and mess hall. ministry in Cap Haitien, Haiti. It’s a Five years of planning, fundraising, transition home for young adults who construction and collaboration among grew up at the Cap Haitien Children’s Dutch and Belgian Christians made Home. Hunter and Jillian Kittrell, who Ardennen Bijbelkamp (Bible Camp oversaw the children’s home, transi- of the Ardennes) a reality, said Luk tioned into the new ministry earlier this Brazle, a missionary in Ghent, Belgium. PHOTOS VIA www.howellsinmoz.blogspot.com year. The Northwest Church of Christ Scott Raab, a missionary in the in Broomfield, Colo., Netherlands, said church members Women are armed for ministry in Mozambique supports the work. will use the new facility throughout the Women and their daughters load into a car for a ride to the Provincial Flying surgeons from year. Brazle added that the camp will be Women’s Conference in the southern African nation of Mozambique. the U.S. to Haiti was “another great tool for training Christians Christian women from the two Churches of Christ in the city of easier than obtaining a in Western Europe, young and old.” Montepuez initiated, scheduled and organized the event, which drew medical visa for Wilson 66 women from 17 towns and villages in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado to have the procedure INDIA province. The Armor of God was the theme, and the women used done in the U.S., Jillian Christians in this metropolis Kittrell said. MUMBAI — props to demonstrate the shield of faith, belt of truth, sword of the Wilson of nearly 12 million souls report growth Spirit and other pieces of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6. “We honestly couldn’t among churches. One congregation in Members of a mission team working among the Makua-Metto have asked for it to have gone any the suburb of Nala Sopara had more people in Mozambique provided transportation home for the women better,” she said of the surgery. As he than 50 people in attendance for its one- who attended from outside Montepuez. recovers from the procedure, Wilson is year anniversary. studying to keep from falling behind at Mark Hooper, director of Asian school. missions for Missions Resource Network, town, sharing the Good News through “Diane taught the women, and I “He has always dreamed of becoming visited the region to conduct a three-day songs, skits, distributing flyers and one- taught the men,” Marcus Reese said, a radiologist,” Jillian Kittrell said. Now disciple-making workshop. Other church on-one conversations. “and we both helped teach the children. “he is even more determined to see members have scheduled a mentoring The ministry was part of a Discipleship “The four struggling house churches that dream come to reality. He is one of workshop in the city of Aurangabad, Weekend organized by church members out there recently combined to form the most determined students we have about six hours east of Mumbai. including Franco Verardi, a vocational one larger church, so they are excited at Emmaus House, for sure.” minister in Italy, and Titus Robison, the about starting new ministries.” In a recent Facebook post, Wilson son of missionaries who grew up in Italy wrote, “Father God, thank you for your and works with churches there. URUGUAY amazing and boundless love for me. “We wanted this weekend to be a time MONTEVIDEO — Women active in ministry ... You never sleep or slumber but are of intense Bible study and discovery,” in this South American nation and constantly watching over me, commis- Robison said. “We wanted the Word neighboring Argentina met for the first sioning your angels to guard and to speak to them in regard to what it Women’s Missionary Renewal. protect me.” means to be a true disciple of Christ.” Laura Valdez of Argentina and Wilson thanked the Kittrells and “all Rosalinda Walker of Uruguay organized the other people, friends and friends PHOTO PROVIDED PAPUA NEW GUINEA the event, which featured speakers of friends who, though they don’t even Christians in Italy enjoy Discipleship Weekend. Yaneyanene — Marcus and Diane Reese, Michelle Goff of Iron Rose Sister know me, were praying for me during missionaries in this nation of 7.1 million Ministries in Colorado and Jessica that hard time.” ITALY people, north of Australia, traveled Esparza of the Siempre Familia Church Ascoli Piceno — Twenty Christian youths to this remote village on four recent of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas. The To sponsor Wilson or other children at Emmaus spent an afternoon in this central Italian Sundays to help train Christians. group plans to meet again in 2015. House, see emmaushousehaiti.org. DECEMBER 2013 AROUND THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

PHOTO PROVIDED Julia Nelson of the Thomaston Road Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., tosses water balloons alongside children during a youth program on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Water balloons, baptism in Curacao

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela. The Thomaston Road Australia A youth mission team from the church supports the work and makes Thomaston Road Church of Christ in regular trips there. Chile Macon, Ga., tossed water balloons with In addition to teaching Bible to nearly England children on the Caribbean island of 40 children, the mission team assisted Curacao. in nightly gospel meetings. France It was “the ideal Letson McCoy, Thomaston Road’s event for the dry, hot, youth minister, led singing in Greece sunny day,” said Alford Papiamento, the local language. Lazar, minister for the “The whole group did a great job,” Italy Rio Canario Church of McCoy said, “and two of our teen guys Christ. “Hardly anyone gave a lesson while we were there. Zambia complained about the ... The ladies also did a fantastic job heat because many of coming up with arts and crafts and Lazar the kids were soaking helped to teach the children each day.” wet after missing their catch.” One day after the group returned to Spanning the globe The game was part of a week of youth Georgia, an 80-year-old woman who activities sponsored by the church in attended the gospel meetings was At Harding University we don’t just talk about global Curacao, an island of the Netherlands baptized, Lazar said. experiences, we provide them. At seven international campuses spanning five continents, Harding students spend a Religion, law topics at Russia conference semester studying outside the realm of a traditional classroom encountering different cultures, historic sites, foreign ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — “Religion and times make,” said Igor Egirev, the insti- languages and amazing architecture. Nearly 50 percent of the Law” was one topic discussed at tute’s director. Erofeev also discussed students in each graduating class have attended one or more the third annual conference of the “the reasons for frequent inspections of Institute of Theology and nonprofit organizations.” of the international programs. Christian Ministry. Phil Jackson and Jay Jarboe of Konstantin Erofeev, a Missions Resource Network gave lawyer and member of keynotes. Royce Money, chancellor of the St. Petersburg Bar Abilene Christian University in Texas, Association, facilitated a also spoke, highlighting practical applica- Faith, Learning and Living seminar on the subject tions of Christian theological education. for Church of Christ Gennady Scherbakov, an elder of the members from across Syktyvkar Church of Christ in Russia, Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 Egirev the former Soviet Union. said the conference “helped me to see Searcy, Arkansas The attorney explained “specific legal my mistakes and showed me new ways missteps that churches in Russia some- to approach human hearts.” 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 2013

Sunset Vision Workshop Ministry to open second Assurance in Uncertain Times Lessons from the Minor Prophets children’s home in Mexico Cuernavaca, Mexico — Ciudad de Angeles, tions, corporations and individuals. January 22-25, 2014 or City of Angels, a church-supported Cuernavaca has a population of • Satellite School children’s ministry in 1 million with three Administrator’s Workshop Cozumel, Mexico, will Churches of Christ and open a second children’s three missionary families. • AIM Camp Adventure home in early 2014 in “There is a great need to • Brotherhood Displays Cuernavaca, about an support orphaned children • Ladies’ Classes hour south of Mexico City. in Cuernavaca,” said Doug Foree Grove Jim McGuiggan The ministry launched Holcomb, a missionary • Prepare/Enrich its first home in Cozumel for 16 years in the city, Certification Workshop 11 years ago. The facility “and the local congrega- • Classes in: is home to 44 children, PHOTO PROVIDED tions and missionaries and the ministry plans to Gustavo, 13, listens to a sermon are eager to collaborate Evangelism house up to 80 children in Cozumel, Mexico. He is one with Ciudad de Angeles Church Growth in Cozumel. The home of 44 children served by the to meet those needs and Missions accepts children who have Ciudad de Angeles ministry. grow the church.” been orphaned, aban- The ministry seeks Bruce McClarty Trey Morgan And Much More doned or abused, according to the minis- supporting congregations for the new try’s website. Associated with Churches children’s home. of Christ, the ministry receives support SUNSET from congregations, schools, founda- website: ciudaddeangeles.org International Bible Institute World Bible School workers find John W. Smith Charles Speer ‘unforgettable blessing’ in Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe — In this southern African nation, 38 students in the World Bible School correspondence program were baptized during a recent “God Bless Africa” campaign. Chris Swinford C.L. Thomas WORSHIP LEADER Many more baptisms are expected Keith Lancaster in the weeks to come, as Zimbabwean Christians continue the work, said Kevin Rhodes, vice president for devel- www.sibi.cc/workshop opment for the Texas-based ministry, supported by Churches of Christ. Led by John Reese, WBS president, 11 campaigners conducted follow-up lessons PHOTO PROVIDED with Zimbabweans who had completed Gale Scott visits World Bible School students correspondence Bible lessons. during the “God Bless Africa” campaign. The nation of 13 million souls suffers from poverty, unemployment and nars, taught 41 classes and preached 17 political conflicts. Yet, the country is sermons in the 12-day period. home to hundreds of thousands of Campaigner Gale Scott witnessed active WBS students, Rhodes said. the baptisms of three of her own WBS The majority study through postal mail students. because of limited Internet access. “I’d heard of many of my students “People are seeking spiritual answers being baptized in the past,” she said, even though there appear to be none for “but to actually be there to see it — it’s their physical circumstances,” Reese said. just an unforgettable blessing.” Working with Zimbabwean Christians, the campaigners conducted six semi- website: www.worldbibleschool.net DECEMBER 2013 FROM THE FRONT the christian chroniclE 11 SOUTHWESTERN: College has a heritage of training ‘great preachers’ FROM PAGE 1 mater, for 43 years. east of Dallas in 1949. Southwestern’s “A lot of people are working here campus previously housed the Texas because of their dedication. We have a Military Institute. lot of alumni (on staff), and then a lot Roughly half the nation’s predomi- of people moonlight,” added Maxwell, nantly black Churches of Christ have who commutes each weekend to Kansas ties — through a minister, elder, deacon City, Kan., where he serves as minister or leader’s wife — to Southwestern, its emeritus of outreach and development leaders say. for the Roswell Church of Christ. Nationwide, there are 1,187 predomi- nantly black congregations with 213,802 A CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK men, women and children in the pews Southwestern isn’t the first college — 13.8 percent of the fellowship’s total associated with Churches of Christ to adherents, according to Churches of face serious financial difficulties. Christ in the United States, published by Unable to sustain itself as enrollment 21st Century Christian. and donations kept falling, Western Many Southwestern students transfer Christian College and High School in to another Christian college after two Regina, Saskatchewan — a pillar of years. However, Southwestern offers a Churches of Christ in Canada for 67 four-year degree in biblical studies. years — ceased operations last year. Besides training future preachers, That closing came three years after the Southwestern’s niche includes educat- BOBBY ROSS JR. decision to shut down Cascade College ing students — many from low-income The Southwestern Christian College student body and staff bow in prayer during a chapel service. in Portland, Ore. — also a financially households — who enter college need- troubled, outside-the-Bible-Belt school. ing remedial studies. While still primar- sense of solidarity, camaraderie, shared those years for us,” she added. “When Churches of Christ in the ily black, the student body includes a experience, evangelism and the training the grants got cut, the obligations are Philadelphia area still lament the loss of few whites and Hispanics. of ministers who know the black experi- still there, but the funds are not there.” Northeastern Christian Junior College Freddie Lorick, who is black and grew ence in Churches of Christ as well as Over the long term, a reluctance to bor- in Villanova, Pa., which merged with up in the Sunset Boulevard Church of the Gospel,” Foster said. row money has benefited Southwestern, Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., Christ in Columbia, S.C., earned his bach- its president said. He noted that some in the mid-1990s. elor’s degree in Bible at Southwestern. FUNDING LOSS DESCRIBED AS ‘DEVASTATING’ debt-ridden HBCUs — such as Saint At lunchtime on a recent Wednesday, Lorick, 35, spent 10 years in the Air For years, Southwestern has received Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Va. — a group of Southwestern supporters Force before attending Southwestern federal grants allocated to historically have been forced to close. gathered to pray, eat — and make and graduating as its valedictorian in black colleges and universities — “We have gone on a policy of ‘pay as phone calls asking for money. 2011. He’s now pursuing a master of known as HBCUs. you go,’” Evans said. “That’s the thing The weekly gathering of administra- divinity degree at Oklahoma Christian But just before the start of the fall 2012 that’s keeping us alive compared to tors, professors and even students is University in Oklahoma City. semester, the college received word that some other schools.” part of a special fund-raising campaign Southwestern has no-frills facilities and Uncle Sam was cutting in half two grants Southwestern ended 2011 with $6.7 with a goal of $500,000 by Dec. 31. living quarters that might impress some that had totaled $1 million a year, said million in net assets, such as its campus At press time, the effort had as “broken down,” the graduate said. Joyce Cathey, the college’s comptroller. buildings, and $498,000 in total liabili- generated $250,000 in pledges with “A student that’s going to Southwestern “Of course, that coming at a time like ties, according to Internal Revenue $124,000 received. is going there because of the history … that was completely devastating,” said Service filings. “I’ve received everything from a because they’ve heard all these stories Cathey, a 30-year employee whose three However, the college exhausted $10 donation to a $1,000 donation,” about all these great preachers, the heri- children all attended Southwestern. most of its meager endowment to help said Jimmy Butler, a 60-year-old tage of the school,” Lorick said. The grants are awarded on a five-year rebuild its administration building after aspiring preacher who is white and “As an African-American, it’s nice to basis, so Southwestern faces a total loss a 2008 fire, officials said. Christians Southwestern’s oldest student. have a home,” he added. “It’s nice to of $2.5 million, she said. across the nation made gifts to help To ensure its long-term future, have a place where you can just be com- “It was devastating because even rebuild, but the contributions were not Southwestern needs a minimum of 250 fortable. … There are so many African- with the monies we received from enough to complete the project. paying students, said Douglas Howie, American preachers that get something those grants, we were still struggling,” At other Christian colleges, it’s not vice president of business affairs. that they can’t get anywhere else.” Cathey said. “And we used those grants unusual to see senior-level administrators To some extent, the situation might Southwestern has provided one of as leverage for buying power, and then draw six-figure salaries. At Southwestern, be considered dire, Howie said. the most powerful centers of identity the vendors that we worked with were the president and five other top employ- “But I have seen how the Lord in black Churches of Christ — along sensitive to our needs and worked with ees made average salaries of about works,” he said. “I’ve seen him work with the Christian Echo newspaper, the us on multi-year-type payment plans. $46,500, according to the IRS reports. what man calls miracles before, so I still National Lectureship and the National “We could purchase, say in technol- “The people here, we haven’t had a think he’s in the miracle business.” Youth Conference, said Doug Foster, ogy, where we could not cover (the raise in 10 years or more,” said Maxwell, a church history professor at Abilene expense) in one grant year, but they’d who earned a doctor of ministry degree TO DONATE, send checks earmarked for the “Soaring Christian University in Texas. know we were in a multi-year grant, from Southern Methodist University and Within a Culture of Excellence” fund to Southwestern “Its loss would be a major blow to that so they’d make the payments due over has worked at Southwestern, his alma Christian College, P.O. Box 10, Terrell, TX 75160-9002. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT DECEMBER 2013 PITTSBURGH: A focus on reaching out FROM PAGE 1 of Freed-Hardeman University Before resident Saphrona Whitehall preacher since 1997. in Henderson, Tenn. Zees started attending the The church launched a But a separate outreach — weekly studies, she was helped recent five-week sermon series weekly Bible studies offered by the church’s food bank. with a Friends Day. Members in nearby high-rise apartment Each Tuesday and Friday, the hosted small-group meetings complexes — has resulted church acts as a branch of the to discuss the sermons and in a number of visitors and Greater Pittsburgh Community invited neighbors. even baptisms, the Food Bank, providing groceries Also, the congre- ‘When I went to minister said. to more than 100 poor families gation has started About 15 to 20 a month. Many of those resi- buying a monthly visit the church a residents of the dents live in the apartments. list of addresses of few times, I just fell low-income Baldwin The physical help and spiri- new residents who Towers gather tual concern inspired Zees to move into the area. in love with the way each Wednesday check out a Sunday assembly. Members visit they were. The afternoon. “When I went to visit the each home, congregation was Before starting church a few times, I just fell in welcome the the Bible lesson, love with the way they were,” BOBBY ROSS JR. newcomers and wonderful.” Dillinger leads a she said. “The congregation Elder Sid Hatfield leads a Sunday night prayer at the Whitehall Church of present free New prayer. was wonderful, and Jeffrey is Christ in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh. Testaments — along Saphrona Zees “I would say we such a wonderful preacher.” with information spend at least 15 After personal studies with the focus on evangelism — the guess I semi-believe that. about the church — as gifts. minutes a week putting together Dillinger, she was baptized. active kind — will lead many “But it’s only as hard as it is The “New Movers” ministry a prayer list, and I pray over She’s now a faithful member. more souls to Christ. for me to get out of my comfort has not generated an over- those names,” the preacher “It has made me a lot happier,” “The Northeast, generally, zone and go and talk to some- whelming response so far, said said. “That’s where we have she said of her conversion. is known as a harder place to body,” he added. “I don’t care if Dillinger, a 1989 Bible graduate probably bonded the deepest.” Whitehall leaders pray that evangelize,” Dillinger said. “I it’s north, south, east or west.” Texans see apartment ministries as way to reach unchurched

BY bobby ross jr. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE be more natural, more easy to children came. occur,” he added. In the summer, the Jordan and Sara Bunch are Nationwide, apartment church suspends its Sunday moving to Austin, Texas, to dwellers “represent a dispropor- evening services for “acts of serve as missionaries — to an tionately high number of non- community.” apartment complex. churchgoers,” said Kent Smith, Members organize block Working through a Dallas- a domestic missions expert at parties, grill hamburgers and based ministry called Apartment Abilene Christian. “Yet compar- serve watermelons and home- Life, they’ll welcome new atively few churches — with made ice cream. They offer tenants, make “care visits” to a few notable exceptions — bottles of water and ice pops to residents experiencing difficult focus on apartments.” children at the park. situations and organize regular In Port Arthur, Texas, about “It has been a slow process,” get-togethers such as barbecues, 250 miles east of Austin, about Houck said. “The longer we pool parties and fall festivals. 500 families live in government- are involved, the more we are From the standpoint of the subsidized apartments near the trusted. The idea is to build complex owners, they’ll make Park Central Church of Christ. trust and see where God leads, the apartment community a PHOTO PROVIDeD BY JORDAN BUNCH But none attended the church. but sometimes that is more better place to live and belong Jordan and Sara Bunch hope to lead fellow apartment dwellers to Jesus. “When we would walk frustrating than it sounds.” — and, if successful, improve through the complexes, it was He added: “There is always a the resident retention rate. news with people.” time ministry will be supported difficult to get folks to acknowl- fear that folks are just coming “For us, it’s an opportu- In a housing development, a by the Highland Oaks Church edge us or talk to us,” pulpit for what we can give them. But nity to incarnationally share person might drive straight into of Christ in Dallas. “You share minister Jeremy Houck said. we feel that the opportunity the Gospel with people,” said the garage and never come in a pool, a fitness center, a dog “This caused us to get creative to share compassion with our Jordan Bunch, 26, who earned contact with a neighbor, he said. park. There’s just all this in the ways that we invited neighbors is worth the danger.” a master’s degree in domestic “In an apartment community, shared space. them to come meet us.” Future plans include renting missions at Abilene Christian you all share a mailbox. You “That shared space and Now, the church hosts an an apartment and using it as a University in Texas. “It gives share a parking lot. Your neigh- just general proximity to one annual “Trunk or Treat” event place for outreach and commu- us a platform for relationships bor’s door may be 10 feet from another creates an opportunity with free hot dogs, soft drinks nity-building — just as the where we can share the good yours,” said Bunch, whose full- for relationships that might and popcorn. Last year, 1,000 Bunches intend to do in Austin. DECEMBER 2013 FROM THE SECOND FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 JUDGE: Tabor opts to stand on his principles FROM PAGE 3 wedding professionals in at least six about me not wishing to perform same- states have run headlong into state sex marriages.” antidiscrimination laws after refusing However, the publicity over Tabor’s for religious reasons to bake cakes, stance resulted in complaints to state arrange flowers or perform other ser- judicial authorities, who launched an vices for same-sex couples, the Wall investigation. Street Journal reported. According to the judi- Legal fights have been cial commission’s official ‘I chose not to admit waged in Colorado, Illinois, report, Tabor “reasoned that I engaged in New Mexico, New York, that since judges are not Oregon and Washington required, but are only misconduct, but I state, and some experts permitted, to perform mar- agreed that they think the underlying ques- riages, he believed he was tion — whether free speech within his rights to person- could find that my and religious rights should ally decline to perform actions raised an allow exceptions to state same-sex marriages as long appearance-of- antidiscrimination law — as those seeking to have could ultimately wind its their marriages solemnized fairness issue.” way to the U.S. Supreme had access to another judge Court, the Journal said. without delay.” Judge Gary Tabor “In states that don’t rec- However, the judicial ognize same-sex marriage authorities determined that by express- or civil unions, this is less likely to be a ing his concerns, Tabor “appeared to problem,” Windham told the Chronicle. express a discriminatory intent against “But in states where there are same-sex a statutorily protected class of people, unions, then some Christian business thereby undermining public confidence owners might be at risk. in his impartiality.” “This is a developing area of law, so At the same time, the investigation it’s too early to tell how showed that Tabor “has a reputation for these cases are going being a fair and impartial jurist, and one to turn out,” added who is hard-working and well-informed Windham, a member of The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home in law,” according to the report. the Fairfax Church of “I chose not to admit that I engaged Christ in Virginia and Houseparent Position in misconduct,” Tabor told the a graduate of Abilene Chronicle, “but I agreed that they Christian University in Is your current job fulfilling your spiritual passion to serve God? could find that my actions raised an Texas. “I am hopeful that Windham Are you a faithful married couple yearning to serve in ministry full time? appearance-of-fairness issue.” courts and state legisla- Of the admonishment, he said, “It still tures will strike a balance between mar- There are children in New Mexico who need a place to live. Children who have allows me to stand on my principles. I riage laws and religious freedom.” been abused and or neglected. They need a comfortable, loving don’t hold any animosity. I’d like to just and safe place to heal, thrive and grow. put it behind me.” REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE LAW A 1968 graduate of Oklahoma RELIGIOUS LIBERTY VS. GAY RIGHTS? Christian University, Tabor was first Help Mark Johnson, the Olympia church’s elected as a superior court judge in these children preaching minister, describes Tabor as 1996 — after 19 years as a deputy pros- realize a dedicated Christian and public servant ecuting attorney. of strong character. Along with Thurston County’s other their dreams. “He’s always around the church help- seven judges, he had been on a rotation ing with anything he can,” Johnson to perform marriages every eight weeks. said. “He’s looked to for advice in a lot Tabor said he understands completely Consider working at The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home as Houseparent’s. of different areas, not just in legal areas that a judge must enforce the law. We offer a very good benefit package. Call or email us for a job description. but in spiritual areas. He’s a trooper, He noted that he regularly instructs If you think you can live in a culture that is all about the children, loving and he relates well to people.” juries that they must decide cases based them and helping them heal, we would love to have you work with us. Washington state’s marriage law on the evidence presented and follow exempts ministers, rabbis, imams and the law even if they disagree with it. Please send your cover letter of interest and your resume(s) to: other clergy from having to perform “That’s just our system,” Tabor said. “So Everett White, Executive Director [email protected] same-sex weddings, according to the if an issue arose that came before me as a 5700 Winter Haven NW Seattle Times. judge on this law, I would be required to Look us up on our website: Albuquerque, NM 87120 As more states permit gay couples to follow it as it exists, and it would not be a www.acch4kids.org marry or form civil unions, however, personal statement by me.” 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2013

Lubbock Christian University Named Private University of the Year

Since 2005, Lubbock Christian University has been sending select students for internship placements in our nation’s capital through The Washington Center. From the halls of Congress to the labs of the FDA or to the offices of the International Justice Mission, our students have gained significant work experience in a variety of sectors and have consistently been exemplary ambassadors for Christ and for LCU. We are honored to be chosen by The Washington Center from more than 450 public and private colleges and universities across the nation as “Private University of the Year.”

®

Believe. Belong. Be Blue. 800.933.7601 or 806.720.7151 | w w w. LC U . e d u

ChristianChronicle_TWCAward.indd 1 10/15/13 3:59 PM DECEMBER 2013 Churches That Work the christian chronicle 15 Learning and loving in L.A. THE CRENSHAW CHURCH OF CHRIST educates and nurtures its senior members to provide role models for a new generation.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE stories behind the lists of names be dismayed by all the names,” isn’t exactly Sunday best. and youths. Its humble building in the book’s first chapters. Moore says. The names tell But it’s not Sunday. constantly is abuzz with activity LOS ANGELES It’s part of a two-year study stories — some of them sordid. It’s Saturday — 8:30 a.m. — even at a weekend hour when ou’re never too old to — that’s right, a two-year study But God uses those stories to Bible literacy and a lifelong many Angelenos are still in bed. learn about Zilpah and — through the Old Testament, accomplish his divine plan for love of learning are corner- “It’s a spiritual joy for me to get Bilhah. highlighting how it relates to mankind — redemption through stones of the 50-year-old up on Saturday morning and be Just ask the 20 senior the New Testament. the blood of his perfect Son. Crenshaw church, which meets around some beautiful brothers members of the Crenshaw Zilpah and Bilhah, Moore “That’s the good news about next to a busy intersection in and sisters,” says Thomas C. Church of Christ, crowded explains, were the two hand- Christ,” Moore says. “White, south Los Angeles. Webb, 70. “You know, the Old around tables in the congrega- maidens of Leah and Rachel, black, rich or poor, he puts The 500-member congrega- Testament can be a frightening tion’s fellowship hall. Bibles the sisters who married Jacob everything back together.” tion offers weekly, in-depth thing,” but the class’ teacher, open, pens scrawling, they swipe and then competed to produce Moore strides among the classes for seniors in addition to Rodney Elpheage, and Moore, their fingers across the pages the most heirs. The result — 12 tables as he de-mystifies the Old Bible studies on Sunday morn- who assists him, show through of 1 Chronicles, taking notes sons by four mothers, the tribes Testament for the seniors. His ings and Wednesday nights. The Scripture that “God is the same as Tyson Moore, the church’s of Israel, listed in 1 Chronicles. attire — a high school sweatshirt church has specialized minis- then as he is now.” assistant minister, tells the “As you read Chronicles, don’t from 1992 and jogging shorts — tries for men, married couples CONTINUED

erik tryggestad Troy Andrews raises his hands as he and fellow members of the Crenshaw Church of Christ in Los Angeles sing “I Love to Praise His Holy Name.” The church has two Sunday morning services. 16 DECEMBER 2013 CHURCHES THAT WORK THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 17 Learning and loving in Los Angeles

Billy C. Curl, minister and elder of the Crenshaw Church of Christ, takes a Gerald Taylor teaches a young adult Bible class. He and his family travel more Church members prepare the Lord’s Early on a Saturday morning, senior members of the Crenshaw Church of Christ take notes during an in-depth Bible Tyson Moore builds a wall in front of the congregation as he preaches about prayer request from Lemuel Johnson as Sunday morning worship concludes. than 40 miles every Sunday to worship with the Crenshaw Church of Christ. Supper for the church’s second service. class surveying the Old Testament. After the class, the church treats seniors to a banquet at Marina del Rey. the barriers that keep Christians from serving and interacting as they should.

CONTINUED One of the church’s two elders, Curl, meanwhile, was overseas the church, its community has “There’s nothing like says. Others wish only to asso- now stands at the front of the the seniors — including a recent ‘WE STARTED TO LOVE EACH OTHER’ Curl, 71, has served as lead evan- breaking more racial barriers. transformed into a hub of African- Crenshaw,” she says. “I’ve been ciate with those who believe and auditorium, arms raised as he banquet in the seaside community Crenshaw Church of Christ At 7:30 the next morning, the gelist for more than four decades. For six years, he served along- American culture, lined with jazz around the country, but I always worship exactly as they do. praises God. of Marina del Rey. church’s auditorium — which Raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, side white missionaries in the and blues clubs. The church now come back home.” “We have enough religion to Moore, 39, grew up in Los There, Berry performed a bears the tell-tale irregularities of with 11 siblings, he attended African nation of Ethiopia. is predominantly black — and hate one another,” he says, “but Angeles and believes that “black rousing rendition of Al Green’s multiple expansions — fills with Southwestern Christian College, a Eromo Kelbisow, an Ethiopian, hurting for parking spaces. ‘NO MORE WALLS!’ not enough to love one another.” men, especially in L.A., are an “Let’s Stay Together,” and Bryant church members and guests. historically black college associ- met Curl in 1966. Curl, who plans to retire soon, After minister of music Paul From the audience, one church endangered species.” Gang moderated an “oldies music” Some come from the neigh- ated with Churches of Christ. “I wanted to know more about wants to see the congregation Berry leads the church in a member shouts, “Go on, Tyson!” violence and incarceration have trivia contest. Thomas Webb, the borhood, Leimert Park. Others He’s a trailblazer — albeit a the church that raise and spend more of its funds chorus of “I Love Another yells, “No more walls!” deprived children of fathers. 70-year-old Bible come from far away, including reluctant one. In 1963, he and sent white and on education, missions and local to Praise His The barriers in Moore’s Moore credits his own faith class student, Carla Dean, who leaves her roommate Larry Bonner became black missionaries outreach. But planning and Holy Name” that sermon once kept Troy Andrews to growing up in the church, knew every home in Rancho Cucamonga, the first black full-time under- together,” he says. programs can’t replace the biblical nearly shakes the from serving Christ, the 24-year “surrounded by strong men.” answer. Calif., at 6:45 a.m. and drives 50 graduates at Abilene Christian Baptized a year focus and personal touch that he building’s rafters, old says after he leads a closing He wants the Crenshaw church Bryant says she miles west for Sunday worship. University in Texas. Curl applied later, Kelbisow credits with filling the pews. Moore steps to the prayer. Once a promising base- to provide the same for a new will “shoulder tap, “I’ve tried other churches,” to the then-all-white school at the moved to Los “People ask, ‘What did you do to pulpit. His sermon ball player with a signing bonus generation. The church sponsors back push, arm she says. “This is home.” The suggestion of Southwestern’s Angeles and grow?’” Curl says. His response: topic: zoning laws. from the Chicago White Sox, conferences and accountability twist, whatever PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD ministers take biblical truth and president, A.V. Isbell. attends the “We started to love each other.” Los Angeles’ alcohol ruined his chances of groups for men and the STAR it takes” to get Kelbisow Johnson Bryant “break it down into language I About the same time, church Crenshaw church. That love engenders loyalty, complicated major-league fame. program, which rewards children church members Location: South Los Angeles, in the ABOUT THE SERIES can not only understand but can members in Los Angeles planted Now he serves as a missionary even among Christians who ordinances are a perfect example He found the Crenshaw who get good grades in math and involved in the ministry. Her Leimert Park neighborhood. The Christian Chronicle launched use in my daily life. They get it.” the Crenshaw congregation in to his home country, making work under the glaring lights of of the kind of “zoning” Christians church after viewing Moore in a science. service to seniors flows from the MEMBERSHIP: About 500. Churches That Work in 2005. Churches That As the Christians take their Leimert Park. Its early members trips and planting churches with nearby Hollywood. practice in their daily lives, he YouTube video. He used to sit in Personal relationships with pattern of service she sees from LEADERSHIP: Elders Billy C. Curl and Thomas Work should be: Evangelistic, reaching the seats, Billy C. Curl circulates largely were Asian, Moore says, support from Crenshaw. Kendra C. Johnson, a says as he builds a physical wall the back of the building, thinking mature Christians are vital, her church’s leaders — and from Davis. Deacons Aaron Brumfield, Edward unchurched at home or abroad. Biblical, among the pews, shaking every and the church’s first elders were “There’s no hierarchy here” Crenshaw member and part of in front of the church — using that his tattoos and taboos would Moore says. That’s one reason Christ’s service to all mankind. Charles, Victor King and Myron Perryman. making Bible instruction central to their hand. Gray-haired and soft- white. In 1965, racially charged except Christ, he says of the the cast of the sitcom “Tyler blocks labeled “Religious,” keep him from finding accep- the congregation spends time and “I believe you do what you can MINISTERS: Billy C. Curl and Tyson Moore. mission. United, possessing a spirit of in- spoken, he knows everybody’s riots ravaged the neighborhood Crenshaw church. “The people Perry’s Love Thy Neighbor,” “Spiritual,” “Social” and “Moral.” tance here. Moore taught him resources nurturing its seniors. while you can for who you can,” MISSIONS: The church sponsors Hands ternal vitality. Visible, known and appreci- name — and where most of their of Watts, about 10 miles south- are very friendly, and the says she watches Sunday Some Christians don’t serve at otherwise, and the church’s To show their appreciation, she says, “because you don’t Across the Sea Ethiopian Mission. ated for service in their community. Read kids go to school and which of east of the church building. The worship is very simple.” sermons through the Internet church because they believe they seniors treated him like a son. church members including know what tomorrow holds — or ONLINE: crenshawchurchofchrist.com the series at www.christianchronicle.org. their relatives is in the hospital. whites and Asians began to leave. Since Curl began preaching for when she can’t be there. “don’t pass the social test,” he Baptized March 11, 2012, he Regina Bryant host activities for this afternoon, especially in L.A.” 18 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2013

WHEN ELDERS CARE Missionary families make sacrifices. They live in strange cultures, away from relatives and friends. Their kids don’t know where to call ‘home’. The dollar value bounces. They face physical and spiritual isolation. Yet their calling trumps their personal preferences. They need to know you care. You support them. You communicate with them. You pray for them. We’re here for you too.

Dr. Dottie Schulz, co-director, Missionary Care Mark Brazle, co-director, Missionary Care

your global link www.MRNet.org • Toll Free 1.888.641.2229

Full-Time Minister Needed Houseparent Director of Development Church of Christ Married couples are invited to apply JOB OPENINGS For 59 years Christ’s Haven has for houseparent positions. A high in TEXAS! provided group foster care for Williamsburg, VA school diploma or GED is required, abused neglected and abandoned and some college as well as a children. The agency is currently Stable congregation of 150+ mem- minimum of one year of child-care or looking for a Development Director. bers, 4 elders and 18 deacons… related experience is preferred. This person must have a minimum Seeking a full-time minister to join Individuals must be at least 23 years of five years of fundraising our efforts. We’re looking for a man old and be Christians with a stable experience including extensive desiring to plant some roots for his marriage and family unit. We require experience in the cultivation, family and grow with us. Current applicants to pass a background check solicitation and stewardship of minister retiring after 17 years. and drug test. Exceptional time major donors. They must possess management and detail-oriented skills facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, are required, as is the ability to exhibit Powerpoint and they must be Required: Strong biblical back- successful home management skills on familiar with donor databases. The ground, and 5 years of pulpit ex- a continuous basis. Successful FIND OUT MORE AT new Director must be able to see perience. Experience with a wide candidates will ensure the physical and christshaven.org/employment projects to completion and manage demographic ranging from families emotional safety of youths in our care; a development, staff set goals and with young children to retirees. Provide a loving Christian home OR CALL 817.431.1544 delegate responsibility. The Director environment; Provide a Christian must have a bachelor’s degree, but example and work to instill Christian a master’s degree is preferred. Visit our website for more Band Together values and beliefs in youths; Transport The Director must be a CFRE or information and application. youths to and attend Church of Christ willing to pursue certification. wcocministersearch.org worship services in the area. Tag Along DECEMBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19

BY LYNN mcmillon | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE culture. There may have been some culture shock at the beginning, but it amela Hendrix loves foreign languages. is essential to “become all things to all men.” The evolution is gradual and you There’s only one thing this franco- don’t notice things changing. However, phone loves more — living as a mis- I think our ties to people in the States sionary in Lyon, France. are just as strong as ever, and it is hard PShe credits her parents, V.M. and Lois being so far from those we love. Whitesell of Edmond, Okla., with instilling in her What have you found to be most the love of mission work. As far back as she can effective in winning people to Jesus remember, her parents took short-term mis- in France? sion trips. After their children were grown, the Personal relationships. Haven’t you noticed that people are Whitesells moved to London and worked with drawn to you when they see in your the Wembley Church of Christ from 1982 to1989. life peace and joy? Not to mention what She graduated from Lipscomb University in happens when you show them genuine love. You don’t see many of those quali- Nashville, Tenn., where she studied French, ties in a godless world. German, Spanish and Italian. After graduating Another thing that helps is to notice in 1976, she spent two years as an intern with when folks are facing major changes missionary Doyle Kee in Geneva, Switzerland. (like the birth of a child) or rough Photo provided times. That is when they are more A year before her graduation, in nearby Lyon, Pamela Hendrix overlooks Lyon, a city of 2 million souls in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. open to thinking about God. We must Arlin and Judy Hendrix and Max Dauner had then be compassionate to help where launched a French-speaking congregation. After we can, and also be bold in sharing the the death of Hendrix’s first wife, he and Pamela Good News of Jesus. Meanwhile, when A conversation with they are not listening, we must be ever married in 1988, and she joined the mission loving, regardless of their response. work. Now their four children and seven grand- In France, our teaching takes a long children are scattered across four continents. time because people know almost One family does mission work in Zambia. nothing about the Bible. That’s where Pamela Hendrix patience comes in. Arlin and I love to see Sponsored by the Poplar-Warner church MISSIONARY TO FRENCH-SPEAKING world talks about her faith-filled people encounter Jesus for the first time. in Guthrie, Okla., since 1998, the Hendrixes heritage and the need for relationship-based evangelism in Europe. have extended their mission work beyond Do the local people ever stop thinking of you as American and Lyon, conducting marriage seminars in France, no idea I would end up spending most also have varying educational and finally think of you as one of them? Switzerland, Belgium and the islands of of my life as a missionary. None of us social backgrounds. That variety lends No, I believe that people still consider Mauritius and Guadeloupe. Though Lyon is their knows what paths God will lead us to interesting cross- me American, even if I home, Arlin Hendrix says, “Our mission is to down, do we? Today Arlin and I cannot cultural communication am a “mixed breed.” I imagine leaving France, because there challenges, as one can ‘In France, our teaching cook French, and I cook proclaim Jesus to both Christians and non-Chris- are so few practicing Christians. imagine. takes a long time because American. Our home tians throughout the French-speaking world.” people know almost looks French, and we Describe the church in Lyon. After living abroad for have very few things How did you decide to do mission My husband started working in so many years, do you nothing about the Bible. out that are written in work? Lyon in 1975, where the vast majority feel more connected That’s where patience English. I try to dress When I was growing up, my parents considers Christianity merely as there than to your home French. Some say that I enjoyed hosting visiting missionaries. part of their cultural heritage. Many country? comes in. Arlin and I love speak and write French I loved hearing their stories. I was Catholics here do not believe in God, Well, I guess I do. A dead to see people encounter more correctly than the inspired by their work “on the front and someone trying to live his faith is giveaway is when I have French, but I still have an lines” where people do not have easy rowing against the tide. When Arlin to search for words in my Jesus for the first time.’ accent that betrays me. access to God’s Word. arrived in Lyon, he could not find a native English language. In addition, my family went on several church without a hierarchy, so he and a It is strange when I catch Pamela Hendrix What discourages you overseas evangelistic campaigns, which few others started meeting together. myself daydreaming in most in your work? had a major impact on my spiritual Today the Church of Christ of Lyon French about people back home who To not see more results from “our” journey. By my teen years I was sensi- has Sunday attendance of about 40. don’t speak a word of French. work. That desire is only human, but this tive to God’s calling. It’s nice to have a good blend of ages, All culture is transient, and living is God’s work, not ours. We keep telling Right after college graduation, I babies to retirees. We like that it is very overseas I cannot keep up with the ourselves that God is asking us to sow, moved to Geneva as a two-year mission culturally diverse — nine nationali- changes in American culture. So I feel and he is the one who gives the harvest. intern. Naturally, at that point I had ties and seven mother tongues. They more comfortable today in the French See HENDRIX, Page 20 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DIALOGUE DECEMBER 2013

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ohio Valley University seeks a highly qualified individual for the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs. As the chief academic officer of the University, the VPAA reports directly to the President and leads the faculty and academic support staff. The qualified candidate will hold a doctorate degree in an appropriate field. The qualified candidate will demonstrate a distinguished record of collegiate level instruction and clear understanding of effective pedagogical technique. The qualified candidate will possess the following: a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ along with membership in a Church of Christ; passion for breaking new ground; ability to think strategically, to anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate these into the organizational plan; sound leadership and decision making abilities; exceptional capacity for managing and leading people and PHOTO PROVIDEd building a team; ability to develop and empower top-notch leaders; finds satisfaction Pamela Hendrix teaches a Bible class for women on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. in working hard and meeting challenges. Screening of candidates will begin immediately. Please submit applications and nominations by January 15, 2014. HENDRIX: Missionary prays for seekers Email formal letter of nomination or a formal letter of interest and a CV to [email protected]. FROM PAGE 19 times of crisis, just like people. Arlin It is truly hard to walk by faith and not and I pray we will have the strength to by sight. How many Bible stories have stay the day France experiences war or we read about those who persevered? We a social uprising or a depression. think often of Noah, Jere- miah and Jesus himself ‘It is truly hard to walk Do you have a favorite who didn’t see results by faith and not by sight. scripture? Why is it Have you considered including during their lifetimes. special to you? The Christian Chronicle in your I thank God, though, How many Bible stories My favorite scripture is that he does bless Arlin have we read about those Psalm 37: “Trust in the will or estate planning? and me in so many, Lord and do good. Delight many ways. For one who persevered? We yourself in the Lord and He thing, we get to teach think often of Noah, Jer- will give you the desires of all over the French- your heart.” speaking world. In emiah and Jesus himself, That does not mean that The Heritage other countries we are who didn’t see results God gives us everything privileged to see results. we want. But if my heart Circle recognizes That helps us keep on during their lifetimes.’ is lined up with his, if keeping on. my true delight is God, those who include Pamela Hendrix then the desires of my the Chronicle in Do you find that heart will merge with people are truly looking for God God’s will. Complete trust in God is of their will or estate and you just have to find them? great comfort in periods of suffering planning. We cannot say that the French people when, like Job, I do not understand the are spiritually minded. Most of our reasons why. friends close their eyes to a higher being. Because of centuries of abuse by What would you like people to the Catholic church, this country has remember about you? been fiercely secular since the French My closest friend in France had to Call Stephen Eck of the Chronicle Planned Giving Revolution. help me with this one! Office for assistance at (405) 425-5080. However, we can say that there are What she wants you to remember some people out there who are truly about me is my complete trust in God, looking for God. Shouldn’t it be the even when life hits me over the head prayer of each one of us that God will with a club. In spite of my discourage- open our eyes to those who are seeking? ment at times, she still sees my desire Historically, nations turn to God in to remain joyful in our Lord. DECEMBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 HIGHER EDUCATION spoTLIGHT OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY VIENNA, W.Va. — A video produced by Radio returns to LCU Abbie Hamilton, who plans to attend OVU, received the most votes in a LUBBOCK, Texas — After a 20-year hiatus, recent contest sponsored Lubbock Christian University has a by meetmycollege.com. campus radio station — one that can be As a result, Hamilton heard around the world. won a $10,000 The university launched ChapRadio scholarship. recently as part of its expanding She is the daughter communications degree program. of Doug Hamilton, The station is located on campus in minister for the Camp the Diana Ling Center for Academic Hamilton Hill Church of Christ in Achievement. Pennsylvania. From the 1960s to 80s the univer- “The Church of Christ network sity hosted KLCC, available on campus proved stronger in the voting than the only. The new station can be streamed votes of the world,” Doug Hamilton through the Internet at www.lcu.edu. said, thanking fellow Christians for helping his daughter’s cause. OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA CITY — Mike O’Neal, presi- dent emeritus of Oklahoma Christian, recently was named chancellor of the JUDSON COPELAND University of Rwanda, the umbrella institution for all state universities in She speaks, and sings, at Oklahoma Christian the East African nation. “Duck Dynasty” star Missy Robertson, right, sings “Amazing Grace” alongside her daughter, Mia, O’Neal will not get and mother, Peggy West, at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City. involved in the day-to- Robertson, sans bearded husband Jase Robertson, was the keynote speaker for “She Speaks: day operations of the A Dinner with Missy Robertson,” during a Women’s Day program at the university’s annual JERRY SHELTON institution, according to lectureship. The sold-out event drew 800 women. The Robertsons are members of the White’s Student disc jockey Lindsey Miller of Frenso, the Rwandan govern- Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. Calif., hosts a program on the new ChapRadio. ment, but will be an advocate for its vision O’Neal and advancement. trial date — many for crimes they did K-12 schools Denver; and Miami. Tim Archer, director O’Neal said his role not commit. Gash and a team of current of Spanish-speaking ministries, hosts will be largely ceremonial, presiding and former Pepperdine students began both programs. The ministry hopes to at graduation ceremonies and other working with the Ugandan judiciary to MOUNT DORA BIBLE SCHOOL expand to cities including New York events. He agreed to take the posi- reform the juvenile justice system and MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Students at the and Los Angeles. To listen to episodes tion on the condition that he would be secure the freedom of those who were Children’s Home and Bible School online, see www.lealabiblia.com. able to help move higher education unjustly imprisoned. were honored with the Beacon of Hope in Rwanda forward, he said. He will In March, he became the first Award by the Lake Cares Food Pantry. continue to live in Oklahoma. American to argue a case in the The award recognizes organizations SENIOR CARE Ugandan Court of Appeals. for outstanding service to the food PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY pantry. Students at the school fed more CHURCH OF CHRIST CARE CENTER MALIBU, Calif. — Jim Gash, professor than 18,000 people in their community CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Claudia of law at Pepperdine, received the last year. Cornillie-Watters, a resident of this International Lawyer of the Year Award nonprofit senior living center, cut the from the International Law Section of ribbon to open the newly constructed the State Bar of California. MEDIA MINISTRY main entrance and renovated wing of Gash, an elder of the University the facility’s Nursing Center. Church of Christ that meets on HERALD OF TRUTH The $2.5 million investment in renova- Pepperdine’s campus, earned the award ABILENE, Texas — This media ministry tions, new construction and infrastruc- for his recent work on behalf of impris- recently launched two programs — ture improvements completes Phase 1 oned juveniles in the African nation of “Lea La Bible” (“Read the Bible”) and of a complete makeover of the facility. A Uganda. “Esperanza Para La Vida” (“Hope for second phase will begin immediately, the In 2010, Gash became aware of PHOTO PROVIDED Life”) — to reach Spanish speakers in nonprofit’s officials said. Ugandan juveniles being held for up to Pepperdine law professor Jim Gash talks to a U.S. cities including Seattle; Omaha, For more information, see www. two years in a remote prison until their group of imprisoned juveniles in Uganda. Neb.; Boston; Tampa, Fla.; Dallas; cofccc.org. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE DECEMBER 2013 Newsmakers Part-time Song Leader

The Church of Christ in Forest Hill Texas, is AWARDED: Paul Jacoby, Milestones Ohio Valley University’s head seeking a part-time Song Leader, which may develop into a full-time ministry. The applicant must Showcasing the milestones in your life or the lives of loved ones. volleyball coach, with the know music and have the ability to work with a Spirit of Excellence Award, structured leadership, salary is based on experience. Memorials marriage. They were also recently presented honoring faculty or staff If interested, send resume to: the Christian Service Award by Oklahoma members who go above the Walter Perry Bryan Christian University for their 78 years of call of duty, at the annual Church of Christ in Forest Hill Walter Perry Bryan, Jr., born August 16, ministering to churches of Christ, unending President’s Club dinner. Attn: Rick Broadus 1913, passed away October 15, 2013, at the passion for mission work, faithful church Jacoby 3916 Forest Hill Cir. age of 100, with his wife, Ruth, leadership, and exemplary lives HONORED: Ken Hope for 30 Forest Hill, Tx 76140 and other family members at as parents of three sons, five years as preaching minister for the Centerville 682-225-6541 his bedside in Edmond, Okla. grandchildren, and nine great- Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas. Terry [email protected] Walter was a minister of the grandchildren. Alan Jones for 25 years as minister to the gospel for over 73 years, minis- Walter worked tirelessly from Southside Church of Christ in Hopkinsville, Ky. tering in numerous congrega- the inception of the idea to The Rawlins Church of Christ tions of churches of Christ the completion of establishing NEW ELDERS: Robert in Wyoming is seeking an individual, in Oklahoma and Vermont. Oklahoma Christian University Stokes and Anthony Carter, couple, or team who is/are supported He was active in missions in and served on numerous boards the Short Street Church of and looking for a mission field. Togo and Ghana, West Africa; and committees for the univer- Christ in Tifton, Ga. Australia; and Alaska, traveling extensively sity. He particularly enjoyed his work with Tiny congregation of 10 looking to to those mission areas. Christian youth camps. NEW MINISTERS: Van rebuild in an area of 10,000+. He and Ruth were recently honored He also loved music, including the clas- Gilbert, the Hendersonville We have a building and residence, by Oklahoma Christian University and sics and a capella vocal music, as well as Church of Christ in debt free. Faulkner University for their 75 years of photography, astronomy, and fishing. Tennessee. Charles King, Gilbert the Kingman Church of If interested, call Entries should be submitted to: Christ in Kansas. Steve Schinnerer, the Cave 307-321-2812 [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. Springs Church of Christ in Arkansas. David for more information. Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Chisholm, the Gwinnett Church of Christ in Lawrenceville, Ga.

ANNIVERSARIES: Monroe Church of Christ - MI 60th: Wayne and Seeking Joan Brower, Full-Time Minister Pleasant Hill, Mo. 59th: Clyde and Congregation of 80, negotiable salary, Glenda Schinnerer, home/utilities/health ins/home phone/inter- Edmond, Okla. net/cell & gas allowance/other amenities included. Reg days off as well as for vac, BIRTHDAYS: 95th: meetings, bible lectures/camps etc. Donald Blachly, www.gwinnettcc.org Contact: Charles Ingram Ministry Opportunities Available Carmichael, Calif. David Chisholm and his 90th: Harold wife, Rachael. 734-652-3369 [email protected] Culewell, Bella The New Mexico Christian Children’s Home Vista, Ark.; Zoe Culewell, Bella Vista, Ark. 93rd: (Portales, NM) has an opportunity for full-time ministry Bessie Blachly, Carmichael, Calif. available. PASSAGES: Darlene C. Blakey, 83, Oct. 11, North Bend, Ore. Courtney Book, 24, Oct. 17, Houseparents Caribou, Maine. Wilema England, 95, Oct. 11, Salary, housing, utilities, groceries, and benefits included. Decatur, Texas. Lafayette “Buddy” Fantroy, 61, Oct. 6, Evergreen, Ala. Frederic “Fred” Tuition at University A: $1929 per course Medical insurance fully paid. Tuition at University B: $2850 per course Keith Farrier, 91, Aug. 29, McPherson, Kan. Training Provided. Karen Lyn Lassiter, 52, Oct. 21, Cochran, Ga. Tuition at SIBIGS: $225 per course Conrado Mapalo, 84, Sept. 22, Quezon City, Philippines. Rondel O. McBride, 74, Oct. 14, Start working toward your MBS master’s degree from Sunset today! Wichita Falls, Texas. Evelyn “Faye” Morris, 49, Call David at (575) 356-5372 or (575) 749-0785 Oct. 5, Paducah, Ky. Frank Howard Pierce, 82, www.sibi.cc [email protected] Visit our web page www.nmcch.org or Sept. 19, Garland, Texas. Walter Jack Sikes, email [email protected] 86, Oct. 8, York, Neb. John Ware, 66, Oct. 13, Edmond, Okla. Charles Wilburn Westbrooks, 92, Oct. 11, Murfreesboro, Tenn. DECEMBER 2013 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 23

Nov. 3 50th Anniversary, Lakehoma church in Mustang, Okla. Contact (405) 376-2883 or www.lakehomacoc.org. Nov. 2-9 Pan American Lectureship. Guatemala City, Guatemala. Contact www. lectureship.org or (800) 533-7660. Nov. 24-28 75th Annual Southwestern Christian College acu.edu Lectureship. Terrell, Texas. Contact (972) 524-3341. College of Arts and Sciences college and university committee assignments. The candidate should possess a well-defined program of research as Jan. 17-18 32nd Annual Medical Dr. Gregory Straughn, Dean evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations; Missions Seminar. Hosted by IHCF ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 demonstrate competence in the integration of theological African Christian Hospitals. Marriott DFW The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Airport South Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas. See and spiritual issues with therapy; must hold the Ph.D. in Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position marriage and family therapy or a closely related mental www.ihcf.net/seminar. as assistant professor of animal science. It is seeking health discipline; exhibit competence as a classroom teacher; Jan. 22-25 Sunset Vision Workshop. a visionary animal scientist with the earned Ph.D., demonstrate eligibility for licensure as an LMFT in the State “Assurance in Uncertain Times.” Sunset Ph.D./D.V.M. or D.V.M. (from an AVMA-accredited institution of Texas; and hold Clinical Membership and Approved International Bible Institute, Lubbock, with M.S. in animal sciences or closely related field). Supervisor or Supervisor Candidate status with the Texas. Contact www.sibi.cc/workshop or Information about the department is available at AAMFT. Information about the department is available (800) 658-9553. acu.edu/agenv. at acu.edu/mft. Feb. 2-6 Freed-Hardeman University The Department of Engineering and Physics invites College of Education and Human Services Lectureship. “The Patience of Hope: applications for two tenure-track assistant/associate First and Last Things in Thessalonians.” professor positions for its new and rapidly expanding Dr. Donnie Snider, Dean Henderson, Tenn. Contact (731) 989-6000 engineering program. The engineering program started in ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 or www.fhu.edu/lectureship. Fall 2012 and has approximately 85 students in the freshman The Department of Teacher Education invites applications Feb. 7-8 Women of Hope Conference. and sophomore classes. Applicants should have especially for two tenure-track assistant/associate professor positions. strong skills in teaching, scholarship and research. Ideal Candidates should have an earned doctorate in the field of “A Living Hope.” Embassy Suites, candidates will have a Ph.D. in engineering or a closely education with an emphasis in one or more of the following Murfreesboro, Tenn. See www.hhi.org/ related field, and experience in teaching and research. areas: special education, gifted education, reading, and/or womenofhope. Candidates with an M.S. degree also will be considered. ESL and must provide evidence of exemplary practice in K-12 Feb. 21-23 Challenge Youth Previous involvement with ABET accreditation would be settings. Applicants should demonstrate a strong background Conference. “For I am the Lord Your helpful. Only applications arriving by Dec. 1, 2013, will be in effective teaching strategies for diverse populations; the God”. Gatlingburg Convention Center, guaranteed full consideration. Expected start date is ability to create and enhance collaborative partnerships with Gatlinburg, Tenn. Contact Larry August 2014. Information about the department is public school personnel; and strong potential for continued Davenport: [email protected], available at acu.edu/engineering. professional service and scholarship. Commitment to the mission of preparing Christian teachers to serve in diverse (256) 710-7671 or www.cyconline.com. College of Biblical Studies Feb. 23-26 Southeast Institute of settings is fundamental. Information about the department Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean is available at acu.edu/education. Biblical Studies Lectureship. Knoxville, ACU Box 29439, Abilene, Texas 79699-9439 Tenn. Contact (865) 691-7444 or www. The Department of Marriage and Family Studies invites See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html for wedopreaching.com. applications for a tenure-track position as associate professor March 7-8 New England Church complete descriptions of these positions. In a letter to of marriage and family therapy and program director with the appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address Growth Conference. “Disaster Relief a specialization in medical family therapy. A new master’s for the Soul.” Manchester, Conn. church. their qualifications for the position. They should include program with a focus on medical family therapy is being in the application a statement of how faith informs Contact www.newenglandcgc.org or (203) launched in Dallas, Texas, with ACU at CitySquare, and their teaching; a discussion of their spiritual journey; 265-2787. the program director will be expected to reside and work a curriculum vita; transcripts of all undergraduate March 19-22 The Tulsa Workshop. primarily in Dallas. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in marriage and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone “Worth the Cost.” Tulsa, Okla. Fairgrounds. and family therapy with significant training, research numbers of five references. Review of applicants will Contact (918) 344-3402 or www.tulsa- and/or clinical experience in medical family therapy; exhibit begin immediately and continue until the position is workshop.org. significant administrative skills, competence as a classroom filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified teacher and researcher, eligibility for LMFT licensure in women and minorities are especially encouraged. April 12-17 70th Annual Churches the State of Texas; and be a Clinical Fellow and Approved of Christ National Lectureship. Hyatt ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches Supervisor with the AAMFT. Information about the of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians Regency Atlanta. Contact Hillcrest church department is available at acu.edu/mft and information in Atlanta at (404) 289-4573 or West End and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the about ACU at CitySquare is available at acu.edu/citysquare. Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service in church in Atlanta at (678) 444-4170 or The Department of Marriage and Family Studies invites Christian higher education. www.cocnl.com applications and nominations in writing for a tenure-track The mission of ACU is to August 28 -31 Acappella Worship faculty position as assistant professor of marriage and family educate students for Christian Leaders & Coral Music Conference. “I am therapy, beginning in Fall 2014. The M.M.F.T. program at ACU service and leadership Worship.” Rose City Community Church has held continuous COAMFTE-accreditation since 1983. The throughout the world. of Christ, North Little Rock, Ark. Contact candidate will be expected to teach courses relative to the ACU does not [email protected] or (501) 945-2277. postmodern theories of family therapy, cultural diversity, unlawfully discriminate in Sept. 18-21 M2Y Conference. Orlando, and MFT assessment and intervention; supervise graduate employment opportunities. Fla. See www.m2yconference.com. interns; mentor student research; and accept departmental, 130320-1213 Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE decEMBER 2013

An opportunity to practice love, share burden here are times when we as describes how this historically black love the school, its purpose and its Christians must step up for a vital college has faced one serious setback students. Even so, sacrificial workers cause. This is one of those times. after another through the years. need reasonable funds to work with. Our brothers and Just five and a half years ago, Southwestern marks its official Tsisters at Southwestern Editorial Southwestern was hit with a beginning in 1950, though its roots Christian College in Terrell, devastating fire that cost an esti- go back to 1902. The great preachers Texas, need our help. The mated $1.8 million in structure G.P. Bowser, R.N. Hogan and J.S. need is real. The need is and content losses. And now this. Winston, along with current president great. The need is urgent. More than half of predomi- Jack Evans, have given so much to Not only is there a need to nantly black churches have make Christian education possible for help, but also an opportunity ministers who studied at many young people. to practice love and share Southwestern Christian College. Southwestern Christian College their burden. We can’t simply A large percentage of African- is fully accredited by the Southern say “What a shame” and do Lynn McMillon American elders, deacons and Association of Colleges and Schools nothing. their wives also attended SWCC. and is a member of the Association of I remember the legendary Because of racial issues that often Texas Colleges and Universities. The missionary Otis Gatewood once saying have divided our churches in the college offers a bachelor’s degree in to a class I was taking under him, past, many of us may not be as Bible and religious education. “Try to have fellowship in every good familiar with Southwestern Christian Pray fervently that this important work.” Brother Gatewood’s words as we are with other Christian school will survive. have profoundly impacted me through colleges. And please help financially. the years. I may not have much, but I Now is another appropriate time can gladly share what I have. This is a to demonstrate our unity in Christ TO DONATE, send checks made out to the “Soaring time to share with Southwestern. and a true Christian spirit by helping Within a Culture of Excellence” fund to Southwestern When Southwestern recently lost Southwestern in its time of peril. Christian College, P.O. Box 10, Terrell, TX 75160-9002. $500,000 in federal grants, it suffered a Faculty and staff serve sacrifi- For more information, call the college at (972) staggering blow. The front-page story cially at Southwestern because they 524-3341, ext. 122.

Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages Board of Trustees of The Christian [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Chronicle or Oklahoma Christian Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or University. [email protected] less and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments Administrative Assistant: Lynda Hayes Sheehan to the print or online editions are considered to be let- The Christian Chronicle® is published www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] ters to the editor and may be published. Please include monthly and is served by a national Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford name, city and state of residence, as well as home con- Board of Trustees that is charged with Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] gregation. the responsibility for policy and gover- P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon nance. All trustees, editors and staff are Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal active members of Churches of Christ. Editor, President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon publication but a newspaper with news and opinion [email protected] content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman TO SUBSCRIBE: reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch National, Partners news: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org Advertising contains commercial messages from those Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad e-mail [email protected] who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, W. L. Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore International news, features: [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton advertising do not necessarily represent the views of Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] or constitute endorsement by the editors, the staff, the Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor DECEMBER 2013 opinion the christian chronicle 25 ‘No Makeup November’ catches on as teenage girls, letters women endeavor to see themselves through God’s eyes Member takes issue with word choice y sister Lauren called me unex- a common goal. We agreed to the chal- second No Makeup November. pectedly one day last year with a lenge on one condition: We wanted to As I write this, 21 states are repre- Your review (“Race and Churches of Mproposal that I couldn’t believe. invite others to join us. sented. We have moms and daugh- Christ: New book dispels myths,” Page Lauren is a team leader for Admittedly, our goal was ters both young and old committing 29, November) says that Churches of RAVE, a ministry for teenage Views lofty: Convince girls in a culture to sharing in 30 days of no makeup in Christ have, for the most part, “main- girls that tackles subjects such that is so heavy with perfec- hopes that they will take to heart what tained” a racially divided structure. as sexual purity, self-image and tion to fast from makeup for Song of Solomon 4:7 means when it That word choice is, unfortunately, gossip. She said to me, “Becca, 30 days. But as we worked says “there is no flaw in you.” misleading and has unintentional con- I think we need to do a chal- through the obstacles in our We want everyone to know that sequences. lenge as a leadership team. We own minds, we began to talk No Makeup November is not an anti- That says that Churches of Christ need to go without makeup for and share ideas. We discussed makeup campaign. It is not about the “work at” and “scheme” to keep white a month to really let God speak the way we continually speak word “no.” It is about: and black members separated. confidence into us.” I thought to girls about Psalm 139, but as • Gaining confidence, no matter Houston, where I live, has many she had lost her mind! Becca Daniel leaders in a girls’ ministry, do how often you wear makeup, so that congregations that are predominate- As it turns out, Lauren was we really believe that we are you can “praise him because you are ly black and are centered principally inspired by Brooke Ferguson, a soph- fearfully and wonderfully made? We fearfully and wonderfully made.” in the inner city, the oldest and gen- omore at Lipscomb University in knew the challenge would be hard, but • Fasting from something so that erally poorer area of town. Generally, Nashville, Tenn., who had gone without we also believed the power of commu- you are more aware and can concen- people go to church where they live. makeup for a month in the summer of nity is huge! We chose for our name a trate on what God is revealing to you. Our annual city-wide Campaign for 2012. Brooke made videos telling about spinoff of the men’s popular No Shave • Creating a community of which Christ held downtown, while attended her experience and the impact on her November. We named our effort No girls can be a part. For when we predominately by black inner-city life. Lauren was so moved by what she Makeup November. feel a part of something larger than congregations, was supported by a had seen and heard from Brooke that Even after I agreed to participate, ourselves, we really are able to learn number of predominately white con- she wanted those of us involved with it wasn’t easy at first for me to jump about ourselves. gregations, including ours. RAVE to take on this challenge, too. wholeheartedly into this challenge. That is what RAVE is all about, a I believe your review was honest At first I really struggled to embrace After all, I wasn’t a teenage girl with community of girls. We want to provide and sincere but just unfortunate in Lauren’s idea. Maybe I could just sit fresh skin. I’m a woman in my 30s. a place for girls to belong. Whether we the words you chose. this one out, I thought. After all, I am What will my friends think, I wondered? struggle with gossip, sexual tempta- Charles F. Hamilton | Houston the older sister! But God had other What will other women think of me, tion, depression, peer pressure or self- plans. He kept tugging at my heart. I especially at church on Sunday? It was confidence, that struggle is made easier Worship on a movie set? finally concluded that if it was so hard then that a revelation struck me: Aren’t when we gain strength in numbers. for me to say yes to this, it was obvi- we into beauty sometimes more to Our prayer is that through No Reader touts real cowboys ously something I needed to do. please other women in our lives, espe- Makeup November, girls everywhere Looks to me like they had a great I called Janna Beth Hunt, my ministry cially church women? will be able to answer tough questions time (see “Saddle up for Sunday partner and best friend, and told her Once we put out the word late last about how God sees them — altogether school,” Page 3, November). about the challenge. She had the same summer, we had hundreds join from beautiful, inside and out. However, there are true cowboy initial thought that I did. all over the nation. God exceeded our churches that meet in the world of “This is crazy!” she said. dreams with the participation and feed- BECCA DANIEL is a team leader with RAVE. She, cattle and horses. Perhaps a story But as we talked, we grew to under- back we received from the first year husband Nathan and daughter Fenley just relocated about the real wranglers and their stand that God could use this concept to alone. Already, before November begins, from Nashville, Tenn., to Destin, Fla. For more informa- stories would be of value, too. create a place for girls to gather under God is doing big things with this year’s tion, see ravenomakeupnov.com and raveministries.org. Carol Rister Copeland | Omaha, Neb.

I’m doing No I love No Makeup If we don’t make The worldly VOICES Makeup Novem- November! It’s a a conscious effort standards of out- ber because it’s beautiful way to to remember HIS ward “beauty” that Why are you participating been a while since see myself through truth about who we set for ourselves in No Makeup November? I’ve had that total the Good Lord’s we are, then we are ridiculous, and reassurance that I eyes, to cast down make ourselves an society needs to re- Asked by Becca Daniel, RAVE am pretty enough the enemy’s lies easy target for the alize that our true leadership team and good enough that are rampant in enemy’s lies. There beauty is found in for God even with no makeup. It our culture, to learn to love myself is too much at stake when we forget Christ alone. I’m doing No Makeup will also be an outreach oppor- in purity and to teach my daugh- HIS truth. No Makeup November November because I want to tunity to show other girls that ters that they don’t have to add to helps me remember and allows me challenge myself to stop finding my they are beautiful and don’t need themselves to be beautiful. to remind others. identity in makeup and start finding makeup to tell them that they are. Martha Rogers | Lubbock, Texas Jenna Lupo | Huntsville, Ala. my identity in Christ. Rikki Hagerty | Douglasville, Ga. Darby Riley | Ozark, Mo. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2013

EXCELLENT A STUDY OF JESUS IN ThE GOSpEl OF JOhN Christian Historical Western Fiction Jesus by IS ThE ExplANATION! A J HAWKE

$14.95 + $3.25 Postage Fred Willmon Everyone needs the explanation. Cabin On Pinto Creek “He has explained Him” (Jn. 1:18, NASV). This examination of Jesus challenges Joe Storm No Longer A Cowboy the reader with the revelation of God Colorado Morning Sky through Jesus. It is a book to read and thoughtfully consider. Paperbacks/Ebooks Order online: JesusIsTheExplanation.com available at Walking In His Footsteps Publications 1305 W. Main St. • Farmington, NM 87401 Amazon.com (800) 356-1344

Women’s Bible Study Curriculum

Written by Women in the Churches of Christ

Light My Path Ministries

www.lightmypathministries.com 405-216-8682 DECEMBER 2013 REVIEWS the christian chronicle 27 New expressions of grief offer contemplation, healing

uman beings have centuries of experi- ence with the pain of death and loss. Still, there is a continuing Hexistential struggle to cope with living life after the death of a loved one. Four recent books serve as guides to help those who face the pain of grief. Following the death of his sister, Josh Ross wrote “Scarred Faith: This is a Story About How Honesty, Grief, a Cursing Toddler, Risk-Taking, AIDS, Hope, Brokenness, Doubts, and Memphis Ignited HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHHH Adventurous Faith.” Ross Josh Ross. Scarred Faith: This Max Lucado. You’ll Get Through Mike Stavlund. A Force of Will: Alice J. Wilser. Getting Out of Bed recounts the sudden death of is a Story About How Honesty, This: Hope and Help for Your The Reshaping of Faith in a in the Morning: Reflections on his sister Jenny, who was 31. Grief ... Brentwood, Tenn.: Turbulent Times. Nashville, Year of Grief. Ada, Mich.: Baker Comfort and Healing. Abilene, As Ross, preaching minster Howard Books, 2013. 192 pages. Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2013. 195 Books, 2013. 225 pages. $14.99. Texas: Leafwood Publishers, for the Sycamore View Church $14.99. pages. $24.99. 2013. 176 pages. $13.99. of Christ in Memphis, Tenn., walks readers through the tions to grief. This book will discouraging circumstances, of his infant son, Will, who novelist, writes 15 years after events surrounding this loss, he create discussion for small Lucado points to God’s faithful- only lived a short time after the loss of her 4-year-old son, does not sugarcoat the devas- groups or classes, particularly ness beyond our pain. his birth. One of the unique Daniel, to cancer. This book tation his sister’s death caused among bereaved Christians In the first chapter, Lucado features of this book is that is written as a daily devotional to his faith. He shows a sensi- (but also a wider audience). I introduces his go-to encour- it chronicles the first year and is divided into sections that tive understanding that for was happy to contribute a copy agement for people he meets following the loss of his son. accompany one along the path some questions, there are no to our church’s grief support who are going through difficult Even though the writer is of loss and sorrow. answers. He writes, “I’ll group library. times: “You’ll get through this. filled with expected angst, Each of the 40 devotionals probably never know In Print One of the best- It won’t be painless. It won’t because of Christ he is also offers Scripture, encourage- why God didn’t heal known Christian writers be quick. But God will use this filled with hope. He writes, “We ment and prayer. At the end Jenny.” in the world, Max mess for good. In the meantime are, all of us, broken vessels of of each chapter is a thought to The first half of the Lucado, has written don’t be foolish or naive. But God’s goodness … choosing to consider during a daily walk. book centers solidly on “You’ll Get Through don’t despair either. With God’s hope and offer grace instead of The devotions speak to various the illness and death This: Hope And Help help you will get through this.” retreating to abject cynicism.” familiar aspects of grief in a of his sister, while For Your Turbulent In Lucado’s hands, these This book is valuable for gentle but helpful manner. the second half of the Times.” are not trite and light theo- someone who has lost a child This could easily become the book grapples with the Readers of Lucado logical puffs. Rather, they are who was very young. The walk book that friends may keep church’s response to John Dobbs will not be disappointed deeply rooted in the troubled through the first year of grief on hand to give to those who loss, poverty, injustice with this new title, as he life of Joseph. The questions of is revealing and very detailed, suffer losses. It has an excel- and the ongoing struggles that uses stories, fresh insights and suffering and loss are explored sometimes even tedious. There lent message, is easily read face many people in the world spiritual perspectives about the compassionately and with a are few books about grief and contains practical sugges- today. Although both explo- troubles of life and how to face focus on God’s work within written from the masculine tions for each day that will be rations are well done, they them with faith. tragedy. perspective, so this one should a blessing to those who have do seem a bit disjointed — Using the storyline of Joseph, A study guide in the back prove valuable for fathers suffered losses. I look forward someone who is seeking a book Lucado masterfully compares of the book, along with other grieving over the loss of a to sharing it with others. on grief might not feel ready to the struggles of our lives to available resources, makes young child. use the second half of the book, the plight of Jacob’s favorite this an excellent resource for For those who desire a daily JOHN DOBBS is preaching minister for while someone who would like son. From the bottom of a groups and classes. companion to encourage them the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in to read about social justice will pit to the palaces of Egypt, In “A Force of Will: The along the journey of grief, Monroe, La. He and his wife, Margaret, have not find much of practical use Joseph’s faith inspires us to Reshaping of Faith in a Year “Getting Out of Bed in the two children, one of whom died in 2008 at in the first half. look beyond our troubles to the of Grief” by Mike Stavlund, Morning: Reflections of the age of 18. Dobbs travels and presents a This is an excellent choice God who will see us through readers will find Christian Comfort in Heartache” by Bible-based seminar, “Getting Acquainted for those seeking theological them. Using true stories of loss, reflections on life after loss. Alice J. Wisler is a good choice. with Grief.” Contact him via his blog, ruminations and honest reac- death, imprisonment and other Stavlund recounts the loss Wisler, a well-known Christian JohnDobbs.com, for more information. 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE REVIEWS DECEMBER 2013 authors from churches of christ

A BRAND-NEWANNOUNCING... TRANSLATION! MISSIONS SPIRITUAL WARFARE Gary L. Green. Now What? F. LaGard Smith. Angels, Spiritual Discernment Demons, and the Devil: THE INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH BIBLE for Cultural Encounters. A Conversation with (formerly known as The Simple English Bible, New Testament) Franklin, Tenn.: Carpenter’s Michael the Archangel Available in December! Son Publishing, 2013. 78 About Celestial Beings. pages. $7.19. Murfreesboro, Tenn.: Cotswold Publishing, After 35+ years, the whole Bible (O.T. & N.T.) is finally done! Americans spend more 2012. 255 pages. $14.99. Over 2,000 brethren (and 1 Jewish rabbi) have reviewed than $2 billion annually on short-term missions, but most return and become Written by a popular speaker in it closely. The IEB has more than 17,000 very helpful notes. so absorbed in their daily lives that they Churches of Christ, this book has It’s a study Bible - a LARGE PRINT edition. fail to experience significant spiritual the unusual format of a question-and- transformation from the experience. answer interview with the archangel. Green, founder and director of the The narrator often assumes readers are Pre-order your leather-bound copy today! WorldWide Witness program at Abilene familiar with biblical stories and wis- Christian University in Texas, offers dom, but the author provides footnotes Only $60.00 (a special pre-publication price) a workbook of Scriptural studies and with Scripture references. For ques- + $10.00 shipping & handling reflection questions to help participants tions that cannot be definitely answered move from short-term missions to long- from Scriptures, “the archangel” insists from term maturity. that God does not allow him to give more information on that topic. International Bible Gary Sorrells. Make Your P.O. Box 6203 Vision Go Viral: Taking PHILOSOPHY Branson, MO 65615 Christ to Great Cities. J. Caleb Clanton. The www.IEBible.net Bedford, Texas: Creative Philosophy of Religion Enterprises Studios, 2013. of Alexander Campbell. 320 pages. $24.99. Knoxville, Tenn.: University of Tennessee Press, 2013. As director of Great 232 pages. $42. Cities Missions, a non- profit based in Addison, Texas, Sorrells Studied most often has 20 years of experience taking the as a theologian and American leader of Gospel to large cities in Latin America. the Restoration Movement, Alexander Here, he tells the story of the formation Campbell rarely is named alongside Tenure-Track Faculty Positions Available Fall 2014 and growth of Great Cities Missions and Hume and Locke in philosophy discus- presents five steps for groups planning sions. By exploring Campbell’s ideas Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is seeking well- mission work in a large, foreign city. on the existence of God, miracles, the qualified applicants for one or more tenure-track faculty positions problem of evil and morality, the author, a philosophy professor at Lipscomb commencing August 1, 2014. We are particularly interested in candidates ARCHAEOLOGY Steven Collins and Latayne University in Nashville, Tenn., seeks to with academic interest in the field of Criminal Law. Candidates must Scott. Discovering validate Campbell as an important reli- possess a strong academic background and demonstrate potential for the City of Sodom: gious philosopher. excellence in legal scholarship and teaching. Faulkner University is a The Fascinating, True Christian university and gives preference in hiring qualified candidates who Account of the Discovery BIOGRAPHY are members of the churches of Christ. Additionally, the law school is of the Old Testament’s Greg R. Taylor. Lay Down actively recruiting candidates who would add to the racial and gender Most Infamous City. New Your Guns: One Doctor’s diversity of the faculty. These positions will be full-time, 10-month, York: Howard Books, 2013. Battle for Hope and academic appointments. 352 pages. $26. Healing in Honduras. Abilene, Texas: Leafwood Qualifications: Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited institution required The quest of Collins, a biblical scholar Publishers, 2013. 240 and archaeologist, is written as an pages. $14.99. Additional details regarding these positions, including application adventure memoir, with the efforts requirements, are available on Faulkner’s website: of Scott, a member of Mountainside Church of Christ member Amanda www.faulkner.edu/jsl/facultyopening.aspx Church of Christ in Albuquerque, N.M. Madrid is a fearless woman who put The scientific data of the site’s dig is herself through medical school to

presented in layman’s terms, alongside serve the poor farmers of her home Faulkner University  5345 Atlanta Hwy  Montgomery, AL  36109 corresponding biblical backstory, so country’s jungles. Taylor, a minister for armchair travelers and history buffs can the Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa, participate in this important discovery. Okla., tells her story.

DECEMBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29

BE A PREACHER. Tennessee Children’s Home Job Openings COULD IT BE YOU who shares truth in a world where everything is relative? Could it be you who gives purpose in a flurry of distractions? Could it be you who injects joy into lives drowning in despair? Dig deep. Could it be you who has the courage to Residential Counselor. Couples needed for live-in positions as be a minister of the gospel? residential counselors, providing frontline treatment and care for up At Heritage Christian University,Universit we to eight adolescent males, ages 13-18. Good interpersonal, team, believe it could be. We will equip you to and conflict resolution skills are required. Must be willing to undergo minister to the world around you in ways extensive training in behavior management techniques in a you never thought possible. We will encourage you in the pursuit of your therapeutic environment. Must be able to adapt to two-weeks-on- dreams. And our Legacy Scholarship can one-week-off schedule. Residential counselors are part of an help you do it tuition free. Call today to interdisciplinary team consisting of case managers, credentialed learn more. 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, HCU Office of Admissions www.hcu.edu * 256.766.6610 disability, retirement and paid time off. PO Box HCU, Florence, AL 35630 To apply, call Dana Lawson 486-2274 x225 or visit us online at www.tennesseechildrenshome.org.

Just Imagine... U.S. News & World Report ranked OVU 35th 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 4th 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.

www.ovu.edu/justimagine 1 Campus View Drive | Vienna, WV 26105-8000 | 877.446.8668

Updated 01/07/10

30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION DECEMBER 2013 Church has changed, but heart remains Full-Time Minister Full-Time Minister Lanett Church of Christ Prescott Church of Christ Lanett, AL or more than 47 years, Joyce and I workers. We have a pulpit minister who in Prescott, Arkansas is soliciting applications Congregation size is about 60. Spiritually sound and have been part of the Memorial Road preaches most of the time, but at least for a pulpit minister; a college degree or degree financially sound. 2 elders and 2 deacons. Very active ladies Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. five other staff members preach occa- from a school of preaching is preferred. Salary group and youth group. We are looking for a full-time F minister that must be biblically sound, able to teach and In those 47 years, membership has sionally. The church has a wing for is $50+ and is negotiable; 4-bedroom house preach the truth, and care about people and their relation- grown from 100 to more than 2,500. elementary classes, a building for the provided. ship with God. Wife needs to be an active part of life with the congregation. We are not looking for someone with all The church’s leadership, ministries and youth and a wing for pre-school. Interested candidates should forward of the answers, but must have enough life experience to facilities have changed quite a lot. The congregation has more than 20 resume, including sermon sample, to: know what the questions are. Desire to work in the com- munity is a major plus. The foundational principles have not. adult Bible classes, which function almost Prescott Church of Christ Steve Jenkins 706-585-9229 What God wants the church to look like churches within a PO Box 578, Prescott, AR, 71857 345 Fob James Drive like is wonderfully expressed in Paul’s Insight church. Each adult Bible 870-887-3160 Valley, AL 36854 prayer for the Philippians, “that your love class has an elder family [email protected] or [email protected] [email protected] may abound more and more in knowl- and chair that helps with edge and depth of insight, so that you may organizational matters. be able to discern what is best and may be I attend a class known Highland Heights church of Christ pure and blameless until the day of Christ, as Fifty-Something in Smyrna, TN is seeking a man to fill the full-time Job Postings filled with the fruit of righteousness that Forever, and I am the position of involvement/education minister. comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory second-oldest member Highland Heights is a positive and growing congrega- and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11) of the class. There are tion with 600-700 members. There are 6 elders, Reaching more than 250,000 2 additional full-time ministers and 30+ deacons. Our church isn’t perfect, of course, probably a couple of but I believe that, for the past half- Bailey McBride people in their 50s, and Basic responsibilities include: readers each month. 1. Helping our members become more involved in Let us help you get the word out! century, it has remained a place where the rest are older. the various ministries of this congregation. believers seek to know God, to have a Still, the members stay in the class 2. Guiding our education curriculum. relationship with him and to represent and have their closest relationships 3. Encourage members to become more involved For more information: him to others, near and far. there. We have a wonderful class in our education program. [email protected] Memorial Road, initially called the member who sends e-mails with all Send a cover letter and resume’, include salary College Church of Christ, was launched prayer requests and other information expectation, to [email protected] by 405-425-5071 November 15th, 2013. on the campus of Oklahoma Christian about members. The class has many College (now University) on a Sunday strong, persistent prayer warriors. morning in July, 50 years ago. I share this personal story to suggest Three years later, as the congrega- that “external” elements of church life tion moved into its first building, we may change, but as long as the heart expressed our desire to be guided by the of the community — Christian seekers eldership (three kind men) and to serve — is set on loving God and honoring the family of God meeting there. him by the faithfulness of their lives, the Early in our life with the church, I coor- church is still the family of God. dinated the adult Bible class program. Paul communicates in many of his We had four adult classes — orga- writings that the unity of the believers nized by subject, not generations — on makes a powerful impression on the Sunday morning and five on Wednesday world, just as the godly lives of the evening when a discussion format was believers made people take notice and possible. For pre-school and elementary drew people to God. In 1 Corinthians classes, five rooms were available, and 12 and in Romans 12, he recognizes junior and senior high had three rooms. the organic unity of the church by In those days, we knew every person comparing it to a human body with at worship, and we knew each child and many parts — each with its function. could match each with his or her parents. So long as the church recognizes the Today, even with a 2,000-seat audito- supremacy of Jesus as its center and rium, most Sunday morning there are focus, so long as the church is firmly two worship services. (We often combine devoted to Jesus and his spiritual calling. services during July and Christmastime.) Today the church — not a building Instead of using songbooks, the church but the people who worship — is the sings from the music on a screen. temple of God. So the 2,500 people we We hardly know one-third of the worship alongside are the temple, just people at the worship service we attend. as the 100 who worshiped nearly half a We always are introducing ourselves century ago were the temple. to people who have worshiped with the We should all be praying for the unity church for five or six years. of the church and that the believers will Instead of three elders, the church be a light to show the way to God. has 25 and more than 30 employees, including office staff and maintenance COntact [email protected]. DECemBER 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31

FACULTY POSITIONS AVAILABLE All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christian education. ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM. Seeking a full-time program director in medicinal chemistry or an allied field. Preference will be given to applicants with postdoctor- for August 2014. The successful candidate will possess a doctorate or meet degree guidelines for al experience as well as to those with two or more years of academic experience. A professional BOC/Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (minimum of a master’s); degree in pharmacy is desirable but not required. The primary responsibilities for this position hold current national certification and be in good standing with the BOC; hold or be eligible are coordinating and teaching the medicinal chemistry portions of a Doctor of Pharmacy for current Arkansas licensure; have a minimum of five years experience as a BOC-certified curriculum in both departmental and interdepartmental courses. Engagement of students in athletic trainer; hold a clinical instructor educator certificate with board of certification; and research and the establishment of an active research program will be supported. demonstrate teaching, research, scholarship and service consistent with institutional standards. Submit a letter of interest and curriculum vita to Dr. Kenneth Yates, chair, at Responsibilities include planning, evaluating and directing the curriculum; advising students [email protected] or Box 12230, Searcy, AR 72149. in both their education and clinical experiences; maintaining certification of the program with the CAATE; coordinating work with the athletic program; oversee and direct the education and DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS. Seeking a clinical work of all athletic faculty and staff; teaching responsibilities in the CAATE accredited full-time faculty member. The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. and hold the certificate program, clinical responsibilities in athletic training facility, and direct supervision of students of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Candidates as a preceptor. Additional responsibilities will include serving on university and departmental with a master’s degree will be considered. Clinical supervisory experience and experience work- committees and other departmental duties as assigned. ing with adult populations with communication disorders are highly desirable. Submit a letter of application and vita to Dr. Kenneth Turley, exercise and sports sciences Submit a letter of application and curriculum vita to Dr. Dan Tullos, chair, at chair, at [email protected]. [email protected].

CARR COLLEGE OF NURSING. Seeking clinical director for the Master of Science in DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS. Seeking a full-time faculty member. The successful Nursing/family nurse practitioner track as an assistant/associate professor of nursing beginning candidate will possess a minimum of either a doctorate or completing doctoral work. Teach- January 2014. The successful candidate should maintain an active, unencumbered nursing ing experience is preferable. Responsibilities will include teaching general courses as well as license; be eligible for RN and APRN licensing in the state of Arkansas; have a minimum of upper-level courses in mathematics as they are available. a graduate degree in nursing; be currently, nationally certified as a family nurse practitioner; Submit a letter of application and curriculum vita to Dr. Ronald Smith, chair, at rgsmith@ and have work experience in a primary care practice. Ph.D., D.N.P. or related doctoral degree harding.edu or Box 10764, Searcy, AR 72149. is required; an experienced, qualified applicant currently pursuing a doctoral degree will be considered. Responsibilities include administrative responsibility for the program outcomes, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM. Seeking program director. The successful working collaboratively in shared governance with administration and faculty of the College of candidate will have a doctoral degree, eight years of clinical experience in the OT field, Nursing and College of Allied Health, teaching online courses, and participating in program administrative experience, and three years in a full-time academic appointment at the post- development and implementation. The College of Nursing encourages applicants who are will- secondary level. ing to facilitate exceptional student distance learning environments, value mentoring and advis- Submit a letter of interest to Dr. Rebecca Weaver, dean of the College of Allied Health, at ing students, and are willing to engage in service for the University, profession and community. Box 12287, Searcy, AR 72149. Applicants will be expected to pursue scholarly interests and engage students in these activities. Seeking full-time faculty member for Master of Science in Nursing, family nurse practi- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM. Seeking one full-time and one half-time faculty tioner track for spring 2015. The successful candidate should maintain an active, unencum- positions. The successful candidate should possess a minimum of a master’s degree in physician bered nursing license; be eligible for RN and APRN licensing in the state of Arkansas; have a assistant studies or similar field. Three years of clinical experience and one year of teaching minimum of a graduate degree in nursing; be currently, nationally certified as a family nurse experience preferred. PA applicants should be NCCPA certified and eligible for licensure as practitioner; and have work experience in a primary care practice. Teaching experience is a physician assistant in the state of Arkansas. Applicants with other clinical training should preferred. A candidate with a Ph.D., D.N.P. or related doctoral degree is required, and an expe- have corresponding professional certification and be eligible for professional licensure in the rienced, qualified applicant currently pursuing a doctoral degree will be considered. Responsi- state of Arkansas. Responsibilities include participating in the teaching of the program’s core bilities include teaching graduate nursing courses, working collaboratively in shared governance curriculum; advising and mentoring students; assisting with the hands-on practical training of with administration and faculty, teach online courses, and participate in program development students in various clinical skills needed in clinical practice; maintaining clinical competency and implementation. through practice at the program’s affiliated clinic site; conducting scholarly activity in the facul- For either position, contact Dr. Susan Kehl, graduate director, at [email protected], Box ty’s area of expertise; and engaging in service to the college, university and community. 12265, Searcy, AR 72149, or 501-279-4941. Submit a personal statement of teaching philosophy, three letters of professional reference, a transcript of professional degree training along with any other graduate or professional degrees COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. awarded, and curriculum vita to Dr. Michael Murphy, chair, at [email protected] or Seeking a full-time faculty member. The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. or equivalent Box 12231, Searcy, AR 72149. ADDITIONAL OPENINGS ANTICIPATED Due to increasing enrollments and anticipated retirements, Harding expects to have additional openings in behavioral sciences, music, theater, American history, graphic design, Spanish, oral communication and English. Individuals interested in any of these positions should contact Dr. Larry Long, provost, at [email protected] to obtain more information about specific open- ings. These openings will be filled as funding is approved. INSIDE box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100

CALENDAR...... 23 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. CURRENTS...... 15 U.S. POSTAGE PAID DIALOGUE...... 19 OKLAHOMA CITY OK INSIGHT...... 30 PERMIT # 276 INTERNATIONAL.....8 LETTERS...... 25 NATIONAL...... 5 Rust Belt revival OPINION...... 24 Pennsylvania PARTNERS...... 21 Learning, loving in L.A. church finds new PEOPLE...... 22 An international newspaper for Churches of Christ Churches That Work features life in apartment REVIEWS...... 27 Vol. 70, No. 12 | December 2013 Los Angeles congregation. 17 ministry. 1 VIEWS...... 25 Judge, church member admonished for voicing concern on gay marriages, Page 3 | www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070

www.oc.edu

DR. N. T. WRIGHT Author of Simply Christian & Paul and the Faithfulness of God McGAW LECTURE SERIES

MARCH 24, 2014 One of the foremost scholars of our time, Dr. Wright will discuss how Christians can engage our families, friends and neighbors in a world that’s skeptical of the truth found in the Bible .

More info at www.oc.edu/mcgaw

COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES • GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY