An international newspaper Our mission: To inform, for Churches of Christ inspire and unite Vol. 75, No. 9 | October 2018 christianchronicle.org

NOAH DARNELL Students, faculty and staff at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., gather on the Benson Auditorium steps to grieve and remember alumnus Botham Shem Jean. Seeking justice for Botham Jean FAMILY AND CHURCH demand answers after police officer kills beloved song leader and Bible teacher.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE — and doing so under an immense media spotlight stretching from Texas all the way to DALLAS the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia. he preacher stood wearily on stage, “Somebody like Bo — why?” church member wiping tears from his eyes. Sherron Rodgers said, uttering The mayor, working to bring healing the question on everybody’s to a city of 1.3 million, sought solace on mind. “Why did it happen to a front pew. somebody like him? I’m just sad. TAllison Jean, mourning the fatal shooting of “He was a special, kind her son Botham Shem Jean by a police officer, person who would never mess wailed as the 250-member congregation sang with anybody,” she added. hymns such as “Trouble in My Way.” “He’d take off his jacket and Television and newspaper cameras captured give it to you. That’s the kind of Botham Jean the emotion — and the heartbreak — as person he was.” the Dallas West Church of Christ gathered By all accounts, Botham Jean was a to worship three days after the inexplicable devoted man of faith with a “beautiful” and killing of 26-year-old Botham Jean in his own “powerful” singing voice. apartment. He was baptized at age 10 in his native This recent Sunday was no ordinary Lord’s St. Lucia and moved to the U.S. at age 19 to BOBBY ROSS JR. Day for Christians grieving the sudden loss of attend Harding University in Searcy, Ark., A mourner hugs Allison Jean, right, mother of Botham a beloved song leader and Bible class teacher See BOTHAM, Page 6 Jean, after a prayer vigil at Dallas West Church of Christ. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OCTOBER 2018 10,000

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Sunset International Bible Institute • 800.658.9553 • www.sunset.bible OCTOBER 2018 the christian chronicle 3 What churches can do when a hurricane strikes e need God’s help.” As Hurricane Florence ‘Wbarreled toward the south- eastern U.S. coast, that was the sign not far from where a Bible lay abandoned on a Myrtle Beach, S.C., street. I read about the sign in The Post Andy Baker leads Polishing the Pulpit’s popular atrium singing at the Sevierville Convention Center in East Tennessee. Inside Story and Courier, the news- paper in Charleston, Smoky Mountains milestone S.C. As we went to POLISHING THE PULPIT, annual gathering in East Tennessee, hits record attendance of over 5,000. press with this issue BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE even though he believes in baptism Bobby Ross Jr. of The “with all my heart.” And why he’d never Christian SEViERVILLE, Tenn. be a member of the Methodist church, Chronicle, the monster ring a Friend Night” at the even though he believes in proper storm was threatening many Polishing the Pulpit confer- methodology. And why he’d never be a of our fellow Christians. ence gave the thousands of member of the Assemblies of God, even More than 1.7 million attendees an opportunity though he believes in assembling on the people in the Carolinas and to introduce people to “the first day of the week. Virginia were warned to ‘Bchurch that belongs to Christ.” Then he added: “I am not, nor do evacuate, and the homes of “Meet a friend in town — hotel I ever want to be, a member of the about 10 million were under worker, waitress, someone at Walmart Church of Christ, if by that terminology watches or warnings for the — and bring them to hear the gospel,” we mean a denomination among hurricane or tropical storm the event program urged. denominations in competition for conditions, The Associated Minister Dan Winkler began his memberships from all denominations.” PHOTOS BY GINA BOHANAN Press reported. sermon by explaining why he’d never Winkler proceeded to open his Bible Pamela Alexander, Elizabeth Pegram “Many of our members be a member of the Baptist church, See POLISHING, Page 22 and Cindy Woodley look at the program. have evacuated, but some are still in town,” said Corrie Lawson, whose husband, As one Christian rides out Florence, others prepare for long recovery Blake, serves as youth minister for the Grand Strand BY CHELLIE ISON. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE evacuate as the Category 2 hurricane “There are a lot of people that can’t Church of Christ in Surfside approached the Atlantic coast. afford to leave, and they’re going to Beach, S.C. “Please keep Videos posted by Robert Stanley Rather, he said, they wanted to be need help,” Stanley said. them covered in prayer!” show wind whipping through trees there to serve when About four hours northwest of For the churches in this and bands of pounding rain. the storm ended. Wilmington, the Carolina Bible Camp hurricane’s path, I asked The power’s out, he said, and a Speaking to The opened as an evacuation center for a few ministers who’ve neighbor’s home was damaged by a Christian Chronicle those needing a safe place to stay. been there before to offer falling tree. just before the storm At press time, relief ministries advice. “The eye should be over us in a few hit, Stanley said that associated with Churches of Christ, • Kirk Garrison is hours,” Stanley said as Hurricane he and his family were including Disaster Assistance CoC, minister for the Carrollton Florence made landfall. “It’s moving prepared for days of were preparing for a long response to Avenue Church of Christ pretty slowly.” flooding rain. They Stanley the storm and its aftermath. in New Orleans, which Stanley, a deacon of the Pine Valley were also prepared, he was at the center of relief Church of Christ in Wilmington, added, to be the hands and feet of Jesus SEE UPDATES and find links to contribute to relief See HURRICANE, Page 4 N.C., and his family decided not to by assisting their neighbors in need. efforts at christianchronicle.org. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY OCTOBER 2018 HURRICANE: Tips for churches from those who’ve been there

FROM PAGE 3 helpful in he days to come.” efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 4. “Let them know that you will still 2005. be there to serve and care after the Garrison’s tips: initial publicity of the storm passes. 1. “Get the church computers to a “The news cycle will move on to safe place.” something else, but they will still 2. “Have a contact list of all have needs. And their needs will members (cell phones) and where evolve over time.” they are going when they evacuate • David Duncan is minister for as well as a phone number for the Memorial Church of Christ there if possible. Cell service can in Houston, which became a drop when towers go off-line and relief center after Harvey. everyone is trying to call somebody. Duncan’s thoughts: Texts usually get through.” “The material damage is the 3. “After the storm, call every obvious loss in any type of storm, member to assess needs and how BOBBY ROSS JR. but that is only the beginning of the they are doing. Take notes; people The postcard-perfect beach of Myrtle Beach, S.C., pictured on a blue-sky crisis. The emotional and spiritual will ask.” afternoon in 2017, was abandoned as Hurricane Florence approached, losses are great, as well. 4. “If someone does stick around, threatening millions along the southeastern U.S. coast. “Churches need to be prepared for have them visit the homes of those members and people in the commu- who evacuated and then call them to Texas, which was active in best serve? nity to suffer with spiritual questions tell them how their house is doing. disaster relief after Hurricane “Some have facilities to house and emotional struggles such as This can alleviate a lot of worry.” Harvey last year. storm victims in a shelter setting. PTSD for years to come. 5. “Don’t underestimate the impact Peters’ tips: Others can receive items and set up “The storm is a tragedy, but of the trauma on those ‘being strong 1. “It is important for churches a donation/distribution center. churches should be proactive in for their families. It lasts for years.” in the path of a disastrous storm to “Others can mobilize members to sharing faith through deeds, words 6. “Change the Wednesday service realize that they don’t have to do house incoming volunteers/workers and hugs with people who have to prayer time, updates on members everything themselves. from outside the region in the wake previously seemed unwilling to and planning next steps.” “They can partner with others — of a storm.” share personal needs.” 7. “Be patient with well-meaning other churches, other people helping 3. “Slow down long enough to In my time with The Christian people/congregations who send you groups and even the local, county, consider spiritual and emotional Chronicle, I’ve covered hurricanes in their broken stuff.” state or federal governments. needs as well as the physical needs Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico 8. “Gift cards are better than used “Realizing that different groups of those devastated by a storm. and Texas. clothes, etc.” bring a variety of gifts to the table “As you hand them food or Once again, my colleagues and 9. “Have a point person who can is important. It is a time to set aside clothing, also look them in the eye I will be watching developments walk people through the reme- differences and partner with those and ask how you can be prayerful closely and updating readers on diation process and government willing to serve their neighbors.” for them. And then stop in that losses and needs among Churches programs.” 2. “Start praying early. Ask God moment to put a hand on their of Christ. If you have news to share, • Doug Peters is senior to reveal how you and your congre- shoulder and pray. please don’t hesitate to let us know. minister for the Grace Crossing gation can best be used. How has “Let them know you have support Church of Christ in Conroe, God strategically positioned you to groups and ministries that may be CONTACT: [email protected].

Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. The Christian Chronicle® encourages feedback The Christian [email protected] that promotes thoughtful and respectful discussion. Chronicle® is Digital News Editor: Chellie Ison Letters and comments should not exceed 300 words if published monthly Our mission: Inform, inspire, unite [email protected] possible and may be edited for length and clarity. and is served by Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton Comments to the print or online editions are a national Board A subsidiary of Oklahoma Christian University [email protected] considered to be letters to the editor and may be of Trustees that is Lead Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan published. Please include name, city and state of charged with the christianchronicle.org [email protected] residence, as well as home congregation. responsibility for Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon policy and gover- Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal nance. All trustees, Mail: P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Melinda Wilson publication but a newspaper with news and opinion editors and staff are Delivery: 2801 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and active members of Churches of Christ. Staff Accountant: Louise Beyer reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. facebook.com/ChristianChronicle News Intern: Elise Miller Advertising contains commercial messages from Trustees: twitter.com/CofCnews those who purchase the advertising space. Deon Fair, chairman TO SUBSCRIBE: See www.christianchronicle.org, News coverage, opinion columns, reviews, letters to Ed Biggers • Alfred Branch • Dwain Chaffin President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon email [email protected] the editor and advertising do not necessarily represent Monte Cox • Billy Curl • John deSteiguer • Erin Engelke [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. the views of or constitute endorsement by the James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal Editor: Erik Tryggestad LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: editors, the staff, the Board of Trustees of The Christian Barry Packer • David Seat • Brian Simmons [email protected] [email protected] Chronicle or Oklahoma Christian University. Harold Redd • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 CALIFORNIA spotlight MALIBU — Is the Bible meant to be read as history or literature? Is it the verbatim word of God? Walking to feed the hungry An in-depth study of ways to under- CHICAGO — Sixteen members of the stand and engage Scripture is drawing a Northwest Church of Christ participated standing-room only crowd of young and in Chicago’s 33rd annual Hunger Walk, a old members and dozens of students to the three-mile fund- University Church of Christ. The Sunday raising walk that Bible class, taught by Al Sturgeon, John helps feed the Wilson, John Barton and Dave Lemley, is needy. averaging 70 to 80 attendees. The group “This class has generated enthusiasm raised nearly throughout the congregation and has $2,500 for the sparked continuing conversation around church’s food the written word and its role in our lives,” pantry. church member Rick Gibson said. “The “That money class offers an ‘open table’ conversation will be used to where anyone can bring their questions purchase food, and even doubts to the table without facing including holiday judgment. No question is out of bounds.” food, for the 50 to PHOTO PROVIDED BY PATRICK ODUM 60 families who Some of the Hunger Walk FLORIDA we feed every participants from the church. JACKSONVILLE — About 400 men and women week through mobilized to take specific steps to improve our pantry,” said minister Patrick Odum, their marriages during a recent weekend one of the walkers. workshop offered by the San Jose Church In all, more than 14,000 people packed the of Christ, volunteer Trent Wheeler said. city’s lakefront for the recent Hunger Walk, The workshop featured Al and Lisa organized by the Greater Chicago Food Robertson of the “Duck Dynasty” family. Al Depository. The charity supports a network Robertson is an elder and former minister of soup kitchens, pantries and shelters. for the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. OHIO WESTERVILLE — A recent three-day garage sale by the Spring Road Church of Christ raised $6,000 to buy Bibles for distribution in India. Children sold snacks and drinks and raised enough money to buy three bicy- cles for ministers in India. The money was given to Rick Johnson, a missionary supported by the church. “Rick makes annual trips to India to preach SHANE COFFMAN and support local projects,” said Dan Arnold Albert Lemmons makes a point at the 25th annual with the Spring Road church. Donations to Prayer Enrichment Workshop at the Calhoun church. help Johnson meet his goal of 10,000 bicy- cles can be sent to the West Freeway Church LOUISIANA of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas. CALHOUN — Attendance at the Calhoun Church of Christ’s recent 25th annual TEXAS Prayer Enrichment Workshop averaged 60 ABILENE — Even at age 101, to 75 per session, minister and elder Keith Lloyd Boyll shares his HATTON PHOTOGRAPHY Roberts said. insights with the Minter About 25 volunteers organized the three- Lane Church of Christ. Doughnuts — and spiritual growth day workshop, which is designed “to For years, he sat on the Spiritual growth and service, not to mention doughnuts, are on help train and motivate God’s people to front pew. But even as his the menu at God’s Girls, an annual event hosted by the Southwest pray more effectively so we can win more health keeps him at home, he Church of Christ in Ada, Okla. The recent gathering drew 200 girls people to Christ,” Roberts said. sends his “Flashes of Light” and adult leaders. “It is such an encouragement to be reminded that Along with Roberts, presenters were to the senior adult Bible class Boyll we are all sisters in Christ and are not alone in life, no matter what we Albert Lemmons, Shane Coffman, Dale each week. The writings may be facing,” Southwest member Michelle Osborn said. Walker and Les Ferguson Jr. detail his observations and experiences. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION OCTOBER 2018

Dallas West Church of Christ member Sherron Rodgers, right, says she can’t make Friends, relatives and fellow Christians pray at a vigil in memory of shooting victim sense of Botham Shem Jean’s shooting death. “It was just cold-blooded,” she says. Botham Shem Jean. The vigil hosted by the Dallas West church drew hundreds. BOTHAM: ‘The No. 1 answer I want is: What happened?’ FROM PAGE 1 floor and then mistook Botham tem takes the right course and that ally on Sunday nights. “You just where he often led worship in cha- Jean’s home for her own. After Botham’s name is redeemed,” said can’t think of how this could happen pel and served as a ministry intern entering through his slightly ajar the prime minister, who indicated to him. I mean, all he did was go to with the College Church of Christ. door, she confused him with a bur- he has known Allison Jean for a long work, go to church, help people. Officer Amber Guyger, who lived glar and opened fire. time and praised the “incredible job” “We’re going to make sure that in the same apartment complex as But for the victim’s mother, a she did raising her son. his name is lifted up. We’re going to Botham Jean, was charged Sept. former top government official in St. make sure that we get answers to 9 with manslaughter and booked Lucia, many perplexing questions THE PERFECT STORM what happened,” the minister added. into jail before posting bond. Lee remain. The narrative about how Back at the Dallas West Church “We won’t allow this to be just Merritt, an attorney for the victim’s her son died doesn’t make sense. of Christ, minister Sammie L. Berry brushed to the side and move on to family, voiced frus- “The No. 1 answer I want is: What titled his hastily pre- the next case. He meant too much tration that Guyger happened?” said Allison Jean, who pared Sunday sermon to his family. He meant too much to remained free for was joined at a news conference “Navigating Through this congregation, to his college, to nearly 72 hours after Sept. 10 by attorneys and Allan the Perfect Storm,” the place where he worked.” the 10 p.m. Sept. 6 Chastanet, the prime minister of St. taking his main text Allison Jean told the congrega- shooting. Lucia, a nation of 178,000 people. “I from Acts 27. tion at a prayer vigil Sept. 8 — a “This officer is abso- have asked too many questions and “Our hearts are Saturday — that her middle son “did lutely getting special been told there are no answers yet.” saddened,” Berry everything with a passion,” includ- treatment,” Merritt At the microphone, Allison Jean told The Christian ing serving the Lord. Guyger Berry said, demanding was flanked by Botham Jean’s Chronicle in an inter- “I can never give up because I increased transparency in the investi- older sister, Allisa Findley, and his view before the assembly. “Our emo- know that Botham is singing with gation by the Texas Rangers and the younger brother, Brandt. Noting tions are just swinging all over the the angels, and I want to be in that Dallas County district attorney’s office. that Botham Jean was her middle place. We don’t know what to think. choir,” she said. “I want to see my “She shouldn’t have left that scene child, the mother said, “I stand in We have a lot of questions.” son. I want to look upon his face.” without being in handcuffs that day.” the middle to represent Botham.” Berry, described by the victim’s When Botham Jean was born in According to an arrest affidavit Botham Jean’s death refocused mother as Botham Jean’s “Texas 1991, his mother said, “God gave me filed by Texas Ranger peace officer national attention — and even father,” said the church would work an angel.” David L. Armstrong, Guyger worked international attention, given the St. to support the family and make sure While much of the national con- her shift Sept. 6 — a Thursday — Lucia connection — on police shoot- that justice is served. versation focuses on race, she said and then returned home. At the ings of unarmed black males by “Bo was an outstanding young Botham Jean “never saw color. He apartment complex’s multi-level white police officers. man,” Berry said of Botham Jean, never saw race. He wanted all of us garage, she parked on the wrong “I’m really hoping the justice sys- who had started preaching occasion- to unite, to be together.” OCTOBER 2018 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. Attorney Lee Merritt, with Allison Jean to his right, speaks to the news media at the Dallas West Church of Christ after a prayer vigil in memory of Botham Shem Jean.

‘LET US PULL TOGETHER’ Turning his attention to those was just what I needed because I worked together to support mis- Before leading the church in singing whose loss was greatest, Bonner feel like, as mayor, I’m in the perfect sions in St. Lucia and Kenya. “Our God, He Is Alive” that Sunday, said, “I want you to know, Jean fam- storm,” he said. “His theology — his philosophy — Jeremy Bonner compared Botham ily, your son was the spiritual tip of The mayor drew cheers when he was to get as good a job as he could Jean to famous men of the Bible. the spear. God rest his soul. God agreed with Berry that “we all need and to make money to be able to “He was the epitome of, ‘Send me, have mercy on him.” to be like Bo.” give,” said Bush, who came to wor- and I’ll go.’ He was found working Mayor Mike Rawlings, who earlier “God bless you,” Rawlings said as ship with the Dallas West church like David. He was a sweet song met with Botham he wrapped up his remarks. “Let us and comfort Botham leader like David,” Bonner said. “Like Jean’s family to pull together. We will be a better city Jean’s family. “He had Samson, he is a martyr. Like John, he express his condo- once we know the truth and once great ideas for serv- proclaimed the Lord. Like Paul, he lences, stayed for we come together and heal.” ing poor children and taught and corrected in love. And like the entire two-hour orphans in St. Lucia.” Jesus, he was loving and kind.” service. A GIVING HEART Bush said he prays “Amen!” voices in the congrega- At the end, Rawlings Tommy Bush, a retired execu- the charged officer tion responded. told the congregation tive minister, works with a small knows Jesus. “Was he the best of friends? No. Rawlings he came not in an congregation in Romance, Ark., an Bush “I just hope that she That would be an understatement,” official capacity but as unincorporated community about 20 has the indwelling Bonner added. “He was the best of a citizen, “wanting to soothe some of miles west of Searcy. presence of Christ,” Bush said, break- brothers. He was a son. And most my hurt because the city of Dallas is Bush, 70, served as a professional ing into tears, “because Botham will importantly, he was a servant of the hurting so bad. mentor to Botham Jean his senior be the first one in line to give her a Most High God.” “To be able to sing with you, to year and helped him land the job hug and welcome her home.” “Amen!” the church said again, be able to pray with you, to be able with PricewaterhouseCoopers. erupting into applause. to listen to this wonderful sermon The two became close friends and EXPANDED COVERAGE: christianchronicle.org 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION OCTOBER 2018

otham Shem Jean’s shooting death brought a huge outpouring of condolences. Jean, 26, grew up on the ‘This world has lost a light in the dark’ Caribbean island of St. Lucia Bbefore attending Harding University in Searcy, Ark. The 2016 accounting HARDING GRADUATE Botham Shem Jean graduate was a member of the Dallas West Church of Christ. remembered for his big voice and big heart. A lover of people — and beloved BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “He had a captivating smile. He loved people. He loved helping people.” — Sammie Berry Jr., minister and elder of the Dallas West church

“He cared about the Lord, and he wanted you to care about the Lord.” — Todd Gentry, Jean’s “Arkansas father” and college minister for the College Church of Christ in Searcy

“There are so many in the U.S. who have shown tremendous love to this boy. He was so loved.” — Bertrum Jean, father of Botham Jean A baby brother HARDING UNIVERSITY “You will always be my baby Botham Shem Jean leads singing during his time as a student at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., where he earned brother. I love you with all of my heart a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2016. Originally from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Jean was a member of Botham Shem Jean. Until we meet Harding’s Good News Singers, a resident assistant, an intern for the Rock House campus ministry and a leader in Sub again my love.” — Allisa Findley, T-16 men’s social club. He frequently led worship for chapel and for campus events such as Uplift. Jean’s sister, in a Facebook post the day after his death do him justice.” — Alexis Stossel, A ‘soldier of Christ’ in St. Lucia “I am in deep pain for my brother another Harding friend and friend, also for his parents and A servant at Harding “Botham was a soldier of Christ, other family members. This is so “At Lectureship one year, I asked committed to singing, song leading sad and such a loss for the Christian “He was involved in a wide variety him to lead singing one night. and teaching. (He was a) very brotherhood, especially in this of ways, primarily serving in places Because of the subject, there was vibrant young man who was well- region and the Harding University where help was a particular old loved by many and had the souls community.” — Elton Terry, needed. He had a hymn that I asked of men at heart. I can say more, minister for the St. Thomas passion for service him if he would but my heart is too heavy. All the Church of Christ in the U.S. and uplifting leaders. mind leading. He congregations on the island are in Virgin Islands He was a man didn’t say anything grief.” — Desma Charles, Jean’s of great joy. His about not knowing aunt and member of the Gros A light for his colleagues greatest service the song, but he Islet Church of Christ in St. … was constantly had never heard it Lucia “Bo’s positive spirit will not leave pointing back to before in his life. He PwC with his death. His memory God as our focus.” — Cana Moore, came up that evening and was just “It’s hard to describe Botham will continue to inspire us to be who attended Harding with Jean smiling and excited about leading except to say he was like a prince on better people. … Bo has inspired us and is now student association it. He told me he had never heard that island. He was just so loved.” — to be like Bo.” — Tim Ryan, U.S. president at Harding School of the song before, but that day, he Debbie Gentry, Jean’s “Arkansas chairman of accounting firm Theology in Memphis, Tenn. called back to St. Lucia and asked mother,” who traveled with him PricewaterhouseCoopers, where his grandmother to teach him that on mission trips to St. Lucia Jean worked “Most of all, he was faithful. … old hymn on the phone. So he He was always in service of others, shared it with us at Lectureship “He was a great song leader and a “This world has lost a light even when it wasn’t convenient for that night, and it was a truly special big part of the Caribbean Lectures.” in the dark.” — Kerry Ray, him. He was truly a gift from God, moment.” — Bruce McLarty, — Ken Dye, longtime missionary who worked with Jean at and our human words will never president of Harding to the Caribbean PricewaterhouseCoopers octoBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Malibu, California Faculty Positions for 2019–2020 Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for full-time tenure-track or fixed-term positions that may be available for the 2019–2020 academic year.

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Conductor - Orchestra/Ensembles Nonprofit Management and Service Leadership Exercise Science: Health, Disease, and Performance Organizational Behavior Integrated Marketing Communication Religion: Old Testament Kinesiology: Motor Behavior Sociology and Neuroscience Sports Medicine: Physiology and Media Production Applied Exercise Physiology

For comprehensive descriptions of the positions and to apply visit: seaver.pepperdine.edu/about/administration/dean/facultyemployment

MARS HILL BIBLE SCHOOL PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

Founded in 1947 and situated on a beautiful campus in northwest Alabama, Mars Hill Bible School is a private, co-educational school that encompasses TK-12th grades and a robust preschool program. The mission of MHBS is to encourage academic excellence and raise up committed, Christ-filled servant leaders who will make a difference in their own neighborhoods and around the world. MHBS operates with full accreditation from the Alabama State Department of Education and AdvancED.

The successful Presidential candidate will assume development responsibilities and will oversee recruiting, public relations and financial operations. He or she will also be charged with developing their vision for the school and effectively communicating that vision to alumni, parents, stakeholders, and the community. Applicants should: demonstrate experience in fundraising and development; demonstrate administrative experience in an educational setting, including the oversight of school and auxiliary finances; and reflect Christianity in all facets of life. A master’s degree and Alabama state certification are strongly preferred.

Submit application materials to [email protected]. www.mhbs.org | 698 Cox Creek Parkway | Florence, AL 35630 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OCTOBER 2018

The 40-year-old AMEN Ministry connects Christians in the United States Military with local churches of Christ both overseas and in the U.S.

Please send name, email, and other contact info to: AMEN Ministry FAMILY IS [email protected] AT OUR CORE. P.O. Box 353 Hebron, CT 06248 (860) 372-7051

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OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 22 baptized in Papua New Guinea mission BY Elise Miller | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

mid breathtaking mountain scenery, thick jungle brush and raging rivers, 22 souls gave their lives to Christ through baptism in Papua New Guinea. The baptisms were the result of a gospel campaign by local Christians along with missionaries from Australia and New Zealand. Each convert received a Bible and song book in their native language. The team raised more than $20,000 for the mission trip from 37 Churches of Christ and individual Christians across Australia. It was a mission of “incredible, remote places” and “amazing, loving people,” said team member Rosie Cronin, secretary for the South Pacific Bible College in Tauranga, New Zealand. The team also encountered people struggling with “immensely heartbreaking and difficult circumstances,” she said. Steve Collins baptizes a woman at a gospel meeting in Orouba, a village in Papua New Guinea’s Waria Valley. Australian missionaries Tom and Rens Bunt began working in the the church in Papua New Guinea. Waria Valley of Papua New Guinea In addition to serving on the trip, in 1984, returning every few years to Terri-Leigh Redding of the Point encourage believers there. Church of Christ in Brisbane, When Tom Bunt was no longer Australia, said she also learned able to make the journey, Australians about the nature of God. Steve Collins of the Warwick “I was constantly taught reliance, Church of Christ continually shown and David Payne of servitude and cease- the Heidelberg West lessly observing Church of Christ in God’s unending grace Melbourne carried on and love,” Redding the work. said. “I was humbled “Sometimes here in by the reverence and Australia we can get humility of faith and frustrated with the Cronin Dobadoba a willingness to share thinking of man and — an openness so raw long for Christ’s return for our own and rich with honesty, it could not be benefit,” Collins said. “(We) wonder mistaken for anything other than our why he has not come back yet. Heavenly Father at work.” “Then I go to Papua New Guinea The campaign also was spiritu- and see how hungry people are to ally uplifting for the local Christians come to know the Lord. I realize that who participated, said Kerri-Anne perhaps the reason he has not come Dobadoba, a member of the back yet could be because of these Boundary Road Church of Christ in ones he loves. It is his desire that Lae, Papua New Guinea, none should perish.” “It touched my heart seeing how Preparation for the trip began a year many people came to the church meet- PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROSIE CRONIN in advance. Collins said that team ings,” Dobadoba said. “Seeing God at Arthur Gtatara, an instructor at the Melanesian Bible College in Lae, Papua New members strive to meet the needs of work taught me to trust in him always.” Guinea, teaches a Saturday morning youth class on campus during the mission. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD OCTOBER 2018

AUSTRALIA Kaunas Church of Christ in Lithuania. HOBART — On the island of Tasmania, But the work was worth it to give Christians gathered to discuss the kids their first Bible camp expe- “Defending Gender: Affirming God’s rience, Rancev said. Fifteen of the Role for the Sexes” during the 24th camp’s counselors Eastern Short Lectureship. came from Kaunas “The topic’s sensitivity and infamy and 10 came from the need no introduction in the wake of U.S. he added. heightened tensions in our current “This year we had political climate,” said James Young of 25 teenagers from the Eastern Shore Church of Christ, Kaunas,” Rancev said. which hosted the event. “The church, “Most of them partici- as an institution of God, should be Rancev pated in the camp for immune to whatever human concep- the first time. Some tions are in vogue. ... Lectures spoke of them were from a Kaunas daycare to the specific calling of Christians center that serves teenagers from The Christian Chronicle is searching in their unique, God-given roles, poorer families. The camp made a cutting through the relativist noise of strong impression on them as they for a new Chief Executive Officer. contemporary debate.” experienced God’s love.” After 22 years of exceptional service, Dr. Lynn McMillon has ECUADOR UKRAINE announced that he will be stepping down as the President and Chimborazo — A 50-member medical Kremenchuk — Doug Berry labored mission team served more than from 2002 to 2008 to win souls in this CEO of The Christian Chronicle by May 31, 2019. 1,000 patients during a weeklong industrial Eastern European city of The Board of Trustees seeks a highly qualified candidate for the campaign — at the base of the 232,000 on the Dnieper River. world’s tallest mountain. Many young people role of President and CEO to oversee and manage the No, that’s not Mount Everest in were baptized, but in day-to-day operations of the newspaper and work in harmony Nepal. It’s Mount Chimborazo in the years since, many with its award-winning staff. Ecuador. Everest is the tallest if “have drifted away you measure from sea level, but from the church,” For full details of the role and job description, visit: Ecuadorans prefer to measure from Berry said. The city the center of the planet — which has only one Church gives Chimborazo the edge since of Christ of mostly www.christianchronicle.org the earth isn’t a perfect sphere and retirees, he added. Berry If you know of someone qualified for and potentially interested is widest at its equator. Berry plans to The church members worked return to Kremenchuk early next in this important role, please forward this information to him among Ecuador’s indigenous year to work with a Ukrainian or her and send your nomination to us at the address below. Quichua people, said Kent Marcum, preacher and plant a new Church of coordinator of Operation Ecuador, Christ. See christianchronicle.org Individuals interested in the role are strongly encouraged to which oversaw the mission. for more details. submit a resume and cover letter by Dec. 15, 2018, to: “On the Sunday before we began the village-by-village clinic, we UNITED KINGDOM worshiped with several hundred CUMBERNAULD — Alan Highers, a long- [email protected] brethren in a rented school gym,” time attorney and judge in Tennessee Marcum said, “listened to preaching and a renowned author and preacher, or and singing in three languages and taught at EQUIP, a program participated in the Lord’s Supper, sponsored by the 60-member The Christian Chronicle trying to imagine the moment Cumbernauld Church of Christ. c/o CEO Search Committee when we will all be present around Highers taught subjects including God’s throne in one understandable church history and minor prophets. PO Box 11000 language as the Bride of Christ.” “There was a wonderful spirit of friendliness and hospitality,” Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 LITHUANIA Highers wrote in a recent issue of MOLETAI — More than 100 teens, The Spiritual Sword, a church-asso- The Trustees and staff appreciate your prayers for this search process including four from a juvenile deten- ciated publication that he edits. and for the mission of the Chronicle to inform, inspire and unite. tion center, learned about Jesus at a “One man in the class lived on camp sponsored by Churches of Christ one of the outer islands,” Highers in this northern European nation. wrote. “To attend the class he Hosting the four youths required caught a ferry, then boarded a train a lot of time and paperwork, and a and finally took a bus to reach the supervisor from the detention center meeting place. He followed the had to be present at the camp, said same routine to return home, yet he Vladimir Rancev, a missionary with the never missed a day!” OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 IN THE JUNGLES of Papua New Guinea, a Christian university student experiences the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators. A Bible for every tribe, every tongue BY LYnn mcmillon | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE companies made, but to get to Anguna you had to take a canoe down the river. or Rett Parker, Mum’s the word. We spent most of our time in the It’s many words, actually — an entire houses of the missionaries, but we language of them, spoken by villagers would often go on forays with the in the Madang province of Papua New villagers out into the bush so that they could show us how they do FGuinea, a Pacific nation just north of Australia. things like harvest food and fish and And soon, the people who speak Mum will be get materials for houses. able to read God’s Word in their own language. We also spent time in Madang, the Parker, a senior at Oklahoma Christian regional capital, which had a popu- University, spent his summer interning with lation of a little under 30,000. There Pioneer Bible Translators, a nonprofit working we did most our work in PBT’s to translate Scripture into the world’s 1,600 Papua New Guinea office. languages that don’t have a complete Bible. What were your duties with PBT? For Parker, a native of Broken Arrow, Okla., I was an intern, so my specific duty the journey to Papua New Guinea began when was to see what God was calling me he enrolled in a Beginning Greek class as a to do in life — and whether or not freshman — because he needed the hours. Pioneer Bible Translators factored This summer he learned the reality of into those plans. The organization the words “it never happens like that” — a brings people into the field and gives them a taste of how translators work. favorite phrase of one of his mentors. My coach and I tried very hard to be “I got malaria even though I took all my an encouragement to the missionaries, meds,” he said. “It rained so long and hard that PHOTO PROVIDED and we were generally able to help out we left Anguna (one of the villages where he In a village of Papua New Guinea, Rett Parker learns about Bible translation. with various things they needed. worked) two days later than expected. Over a dozen outings with nationals that we planned expand in all the people groups. in for periods of time. What can you tell us about the got canceled, often without us knowing why.” I heard about PBT when my Additionally, PBT has a strong people you encountered? Beginning Greek professor, Dr. support staff in Papua New Guinea, The Papua New Guineans were He viewed the challenges as opportunities to Grant Testut, brought a recruiter so I got see all the various roles very excited and honored to have two learn — and to let go of the “strong Western from the organization into class one that they play to help the Scriptures white people visiting, so they often obsession for control,” he said. day. The recruiter told us about the impact people, from finance to took us out to show us how they did As graduation approaches, he’s preparing work that PBT does and the help literacy, even internet work. various things, from harvesting yams for graduate school and considering his that they need. I didn’t act on that Plus, it seemed like it would be and sago (a starch extracted from options. Regardless of where he ends up — experience until a year later, when really cool to be out in the jungles of palm stems) to cutting and skinning on a far-flung island or in suburban America, I really caught their vision at a Papua New Guinea. trees for houses. It was incredible Discovery Weekend they hosted. — all the knowledge they had about he hopes to live a life of ministry. Is that what happened? Where the jungle. Even the little kids could How did you end up in Papua did you work? go out and cut limbum bark off the Tell us about Pioneer Bible New Guinea? I spent most of my time in two trees for flooring. Translators. How did you get Pioneer Bible Translators takes a different villages, Aringana and Many of the people we worked connected with them? strongly holistic approach to their Anguna, learning from the mission- with were involved in the translation It’s a Bible translation organization ministry, so there are several different aries stationed there. work, so they were inquisitive that works with the other translation jobs and needs that they have. The villages all had houses on and eager to push the translation organizations to finish translating I am interested in Bible transla- stilts, made almost entirely from through. They had learned how to the Bible into all of the approxi- tion specifically, and in Papua New material from the jungle. Many used work through the text and ask the mately 7,000 languages in the world. Guinea PBT has a strong emphasis morata (leaves woven over a branch) questions that struck at the meaning Pioneer Bible Translators focuses on many different methods of Bible for their roofs. The paths along the of it so that they could bring that on languages that don’t have a Bible translation — both in the villages of villages were often incredibly muddy meaning into their own language in or a church, and their goal is to see the bush language groups and in the because of all the rain we got. their translation work. networks of churches using the towns. They even have people who You could get to Aringana by They were relatively used to white Scriptures to grow, multiply and work from the United States and fly following a dirt road the logging See BIBLE, Page 14 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DIALOGUE OCTOBER 2018 BOSS. MBA.MAcc. Be the boss of your life, schedule, and career with a MBA or Master of Accountancy degree. 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RETT PARKER Villagers and traditional dancers in Papua New Guinea celebrate Pioneer Bible Translators’ release of the Gospel of Matthew in their native tongue, Mum. BIBLE: Translation is demanding but doable FROM PAGE 13 the Mum language (roughly 1,000 people coming around, so they people, a quarter of the language weren’t surprised at all that we didn’t group), book sales weren’t as high as like their sago or couldn’t walk as we hoped. Although reports from the fast at they could. missionary team now indicate that the The missionaries were all so books are selling well as the transla- Become the Christian leader God wants you to be. With affordable classes passionate about bringing God’s word tors go and speak to the villagers, so just one day a week, you can get the knowledge your calling demands. to the people, but that didn’t stop them we know that they people can learn from being a wonderfully fun group. to care, just like we can, but it takes ONSITE OR ONLINE They joked and laughed and bonded. intentional work and relationship. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY They were as serious about having OC.EDU/GST the joy of the Lord as they were about What did you learn from this advancing his kingdom. They also experience? opened up their lives to us, giving us I learned a lot about the process wisdom and guidance on all sorts of of Bible translation. It is long and things, not just missionary work but complicated because of the necessity also our daily Christian walk. of ensuring a solid translation that the native speakers can understand, yet How did the villagers respond to one that remains faithful to the orig- the work of PBT? inal Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. In one sense, the Papua New I learned that a myriad of other Guineans were overjoyed to have the things come up around Bible trans- Bible brought into their language. lation, including literacy work; In another sense, however, nomi- Scripture impact; financial, legal and MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING - ONSITE OR ONLINE! nalism is prevalent there, too — a logistical work; and a whole lot of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE belief that there are no real abso- handyman work. lutes. So many times, while they But I also learned that’s it’s not Advance your career with an accelerated MSE or MSCS degree designed for would show excitement, I watched some giant, insurmountable task. you, the working professional. Earn your degree in less than two years while the leaders of the translation team Without downplaying the creativity, balancing your busy work and family schedules. struggle to really pull in involvement analysis, and tenacity that goes into from the wider community. it, Bible translation is doable. And I OC.EDU/PRO Though we had an amazingly large learned that it’s something I can do. group of people show up when we dedicated the book of Matthew into Website: pioneerbible.org OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

Missionary Help Needed

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God is on the move in the Muslim world. www.MRNet.org We are praying for God to raise up workers we can prepare [email protected] for ministry among God-seekers around the Mediterranean Rim. We are asking God for the work force, for partner churches who will share in this vision, and for individuals who will actively pray for expansion of His Kingdom.

Will you pray with us? Please go to www.medrim.org and complete the simple signup to join the prayer movement.

IS GOD CALLING YOU? LET’S TALK! • [email protected] 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OCTOBER 2018

College of Arts and Sciences experience in finance and commitment to ongoing professional development Dr. Gregory Straughn, Dean, ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 is acceptable. Information about the department is available at acu.edu/coba. The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication invites College of Education and Human Services applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty member to join six colleagues Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, Dean, ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 in an ACEJMC-accredited program in a state-of-the-art facility. About 150 The Department of Teacher Education invites applications for a students are enrolled in advertising/public relations, convergence journalism tenure track faculty position as assistant or associate professor. An earned or multimedia majors within the department or in an interdisciplinary graphic doctorate in the field of education with an emphasis in one or more of the design/advertising major. Students in the advertising/PR major spend two following areas is required: special education, reading and/or ESL. Must semesters working at Morris+Mitchell, a student-run agency. The ideal provide evidence of exemplary practice in K-12 settings. Applicants should candidate will have academic credentials and professional experience for demonstrate a strong background in effective teaching strategies for diverse teaching public relations courses in the ad/PR major. Though not required, populations; ability to create and enhance collaborative partnerships with applicants who bring a second area of interest in sports communication, public school personnel; and strong potential for continued professional social media or film are particularly encouraged to apply. A terminal degree service and scholarship. Commitment to the mission of preparing Christian is strongly preferred, but applicants who are ABD will be considered. teachers to serve in diverse settings is fundamental. Information about the Research and service expectations support the university’s status as a premier department can be found at acu.edu/education. comprehensive university. Information about the department is available at acu.edu/jmc. School of Information Technology and Computing Dr. John Homer, Director, ACU Box 29304, Abilene, Texas 79699-9304 College of Biblical Studies Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean, ACU Box 29400, Abilene, Texas 79699-9400 The School of Information Technology and Computing (SITC) invites applications for an open-rank position in any of the following fields: computer The Department of Marriage and Family Studies invites applications science, information technology and information systems. Start date is Spring for a tenure-track faculty position in a COAMFTE-accredited M.M.F.T. program 2019, or when the best candidate is available. Preferred applicants will have a beginning in Fall 2019. The candidate will teach MFT courses, supervise Ph.D. and ability to teach in one of the foregoing fields, or a master’s degree graduate interns, mentor student research and serve on committees; should with significant industry and teaching experience. Primary responsibilities will possess a well-defined program of research as evidenced by peer-reviewed include teaching undergraduate students in the SITC, mentoring students, publications and presentations; and be able to integrate spiritual issues service assignments, and research. Rank, tenure eligibility and salary will be with teaching and therapy. The candidate must hold the Ph.D. in marriage determined based upon qualifications and experience. Information about the and family therapy or a closely related discipline, exhibit competence as a SITC can be found at blogs.acu.edu/sitc. classroom teacher, demonstrate eligibility for licensure as an LMFT in Texas; hold Approved Supervisor or Supervisor Candidate status with the AAMFT; and hold a degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program. The ideal candidate See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions for complete descriptions of these will be collaborative, culturally competent, and focused on mentoring diverse positions. In a letter to the appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address students to become excellent clinicians and researchers. Information about the their qualifications for the position. They should include in the application a department is available at acu.edu/mft. statement of how faith informs their teaching; a discussion of their spiritual College of Business Administration journey; a curriculum vitae; transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate Dr. Brad Crisp, Dean, ACU Box 29300, Abilene, Texas 79699-9300 work; and names, addresses and phone numbers of five references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The Department of Accounting and Finance invites applications and nominations in writing for an instructor or full-time, tenure-track faculty Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities are member to join the College of Business Administration beginning in Fall especially encouraged. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches 2019. The candidate will be expected to teach upper-level finance courses, of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and be active, faithful mentor students, and accept departmental, college and university committee members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ assignments. To support ACU’s mission as a teaching institution, the candidate and deeply committed to service in Christian higher should exhibit excellence as a classroom teacher. COBA is accredited education. The mission of ACU is to educate students by AACSB International and faculty members are expected to maintain a for Christian service and leadership throughout program of intellectual contributions in the form of peer-reviewed academic the world. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate presentations and publications. A terminal degree in finance or a related in employment opportunities. field is preferred; a master’s degree combined with significant professional

180309-1018 OCTOBER 2018 Currents the Christian chronicle 17

PHOTOs by erik tryggestad and sunset international bible institute Ed-Mark Delacion, right, receives solar player No. 10,000, provided by Sunset International Bible Institute, from Chris Swinford, the Lubbock, Texas-based institute’s vice president of advancement. Surrounding photos show other recipients in the Philippines, Africa and Central America. The Gospel in 10,000 boxes SUNSET INTERNATIONAL reaches a milestone in its distribution of solar-powered players that read Scripture and teach Jesus.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE him to an outhouse and told him to use “the good paper” in the box. Baguio, Philippines The “good paper,” Swinford discovered, ilipino Christians gasp as Chris was the Good Book — copies of the New Swinford tells them what he found in King James Version of the Bible, sent to the a box in an African village. village by a mission society. Speaking to a packed auditorium Some of the pages were torn out. at Philippine Bible College, Swinford (That’s when the Filipinos gasp.) talks about a church he once visited “You know, those were Bibles,” Swinford Fin the West African nation of Liberia. It’s one told the Liberians. “They were horrified, of 85 countries where the West Texas native but none of them knew.” Few of them could has preached through his work with Sunset read their own language, much less English. International Bible Institute, a Lubbock- Back in the U.S., “I’m sure there was based ministry that trains and equips somebody who had a plan to say, ‘We’re Churches of Christ around the globe. going to send a box of Bibles to every The Liberian village had little electricity village,’” Swinford says. But paper, English and no plumbing, Swinford tells the Filipino Bibles weren’t what they needed. Christians. The church’s leaders pointed CONTINUED 18 OCTOBER 2018 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Republic of the Philippines

Luzon Russia Baguio Manila China India

Mindanao Australia

POPULATION: 104 million; RELIGION: 83 percent Catholic, 5 percent Muslim, 7.5 percent evangelical or other Christian, 2.3 percent Iglesia ni Cristo, 2.2 other. Brian Garnett of Sunset International Bible The solar player distribution took place during the Heritage Bible Lectureship at Philippine Filipino Christians unbox and examine the Longtime church leader Dodoy Sameon After filling out cards with their contact information, Filipino Christians line up for Chris Institute distributes solar players in Baguio. Bible College. The lectureship highlighted the launch of a new ministry training program. settings on their new solar player. shows off his new solar player. Swinford of Sunset to take photos of them with their solar players. CHURCHES OF CHRIST: Missionaries from Restoration Movement churches entered in 1901. After World War II, Christians who served in the ‘There have been few times in my life when I have recognized something so powerful,’ church elder says of solar-powered Bible reader U.S. military helped plant churches. Now the islands are home to more Churches of Christ than CONTINUED to have 2,000 players distributed among from ministries including World Sunset raises $500 for each player “There have been few times in my kindergarten teacher, plans to play the He and his wife, Janet, run a busi- any other nation in Southeast Asia or Polynesia, weren’t what they needed. the Philippines’ 103 million souls. Bible School and NewLife Behavior — a cost that covers equipment, trans- life when I have recognized some- audio Bible during her students’ rest ness and operate a ministry center with nearly 1,000 congregations and at least 20 Swinford, a former missionary “If you won’t use it, don’t take it,” he Ministries. There also are two hours lation of Bible lessons into languages thing so powerful,” he said, “some- time. Another woman who received a in their city. They also make regular Bible colleges and ministry training schools. to Ukraine, knew he’d done it, too tells the Filipino Christians. “If you’ll of a cappella hymns — a feature many including Spanish and Amharic thing that is so potent in its potential player a few days earlier says she’s been trips into the rural mountain commu- — sent boxes of Sunset’s training just use it to listen for yourself and recipients note as their favorite, along (spoken in Ethiopia) and transporta- to change the world.” playing the tracts for her young son. nities of their island, Luzon, to teach materials, in books and on CDs, to you won’t share the Good News with with lectures on Christian evidences tion. Churches of Christ that provide Originally the devices were intended and evangelize. Having a solar player far-flung reaches of the earth, not anyone else, don’t take it.” by Ed Wharton and a lesson on evan- money for the players make a substan- SCHOOL TEACHERS AND HAIRDRESSERS solely for preachers, Swinford says, they can leave with Christian fami- knowing how useful they’d be. That rarely happens, he says. gelism by Jerry Tallman. tial investment in their brothers and BECOME EVANGELISTS “and then we found that women lies in the mountains “multiplies our “It makes you think about a lot of Workers with Sunset estimate that One of Sunset’s supporters once sisters overseas, Swinford says. At the Philippine Bible College, after shared them greatly with everyone preaching capacity,” he says. the mission work we do,” he says. each solar player in its 10-year lifespan jokingly referred to it as “God in a box,” “There are villages in Africa with Swinford describes the solar players’ around them. Young people take them The day after the solar player “We do it with ourselves in mind.” will be heard by at least 100 people. a term that makes Swinford wince. His a $500 missionary that teaches the features, he and his coworkers open to all their friends.” distribution, Sunset workers worship

sunset international bible institute And, in some cases, generation was taught to “think outside Bible,” he says. “We suitcases full of small, For example, he says, a hairdresser with the Midtown ‘IF YOU WON’T USE IT, DON’T TAKE IT’ many more. the box,” he explains, and not to put have preachers who cardboard boxes, each in Nigeria plays Bible lessons for her church. As the power of the son, from the sun: A little Seven years after that trip to Liberia, Ministers in Ethiopia artificial boundaries on God’s word. take them to seven or bearing a player, as clients as she works. Multiple baptisms service concludes, more than 1 billion people worldwide, about 13 Swinford holds up a small, blue box reported 136 baptisms Actually, the solar player represents eight congregations the Filipino church have resulted from the effort. Swinford presents percent of the globe’s population, live without — about the size of two, back-to-back in the two months some out-of-the-box thinking, Swinford and play them. members form four long Another Nigerian, Aweye Silvanus, the 10,000th solar reliable access to electricity, according to data iPhones — as he speaks to hundreds after distribution of the says. Sunset’s president, Truitt Adair, “Is it worth $500? lines to receive them. received a solar player after he went player to Ed-Mark from the World Bank and United Nations. The of members of Churches of Christ from players there. and Richard Cravy, director of tech- When it’s winning The Sunray Church blind. As he travels from his home Delacion, a member of vast majority live in rural parts of sub-Saharan across the Philippines during the first Habtu Zemech, an nology, were searching for ways to souls in a village in of Christ in Texas, a to a hospital in the city of Calabar, the Instruction Street Africa and South Asia. About 17 percent of the annual Heritage Bible Lectureship. Ethiopian whose East distribute the institute’s curriculum Africa or a village in congregation of hard- he plays the lessons on the bus for Church of Christ in Zemech Kendall Silvanus Ramos world’s population cannot read or write. Sunset It’s a solar player, a self-contained African Mission part- beyond the reach of its Lubbock campus Central America it’s working farmers and his fellow passengers and tells them the Philippines’ capital, International Bible Institute launched its speaker connected to a hard drive that ners with Sunset, says that his coun- and its nearly 80 associate and exten- worth immeasurably more.” other dedicated Christians, provided about Jesus. At the hospital, he uses Manila. He hopes to plant a congre- multi-continent Solar Event in 2014, offering bears a complete, spoken-word Bible. In trymen will walk for 20 miles — sion programs around the globe. They That’s a belief shared by the Sun 80 of the players, Swinford tells the the solar player as he visits patients, gation in his rural home village. Papyrus Solar-Powered Audio Bibles throughout the past four years, workers with Sunset instead of the usual 10 — to hear needed a device that didn’t require the Valley Church of Christ in Gilbert, church members, because “they are and crowds gather to listen. Delacion was baptized just a few Churches of Christ in Africa, Latin America and have distributed them to members of Bible lessons from the solar player. user to know how to read — and one Ariz. After learning about the solar willing to invest in you as a Bible “Jesus has actually told us not to years ago as he completed his mechan- the Philippines. Each solar player can operate Churches of Christ who have taken In Kenya, a crippled man named that wasn’t dependent on electricity. players, the 400-member congregation teacher, as a preacher.” cease preaching the Gospel,” Silvanus ical engineering degree. His class- for 11 hours. A solar panel charges the unit in them to more than 50 countries — from Isaac sold sheep and goats to pay for After his experience in Liberia, raised $25,000 in one collection for the The smiling Christians spread across says. “In Acts 5:42, it says we should mate, Jaydee Tangunan, invited him to six hours. It can play as it charges. Workers with Cuba to camps of South Sudanese refu- a bus ticket to the capital, Nairobi, to Swinford says he realized the value of project. That amount astounded Ken tables in the auditorium to unbox the not cease preaching. Brethren, the sent church and studied the Bible with him. Sunset have translated the Bible lessons included gees in Ethiopia. The players are in the receive a solar player. such a device. Grypp, one of the church’s elders. devices. Each recipient fills out a card were going out daily from house to With the solar player, “he’s going to with the player into languages including Spanish nations of Latin America, Europe, Asia He was the first in line. “I had to ask for forgiveness with their contact information before house, preaching the Gospel of Christ.” be able to reach out to his family with and Amharic and are working to produce and Africa — including Liberia. ‘IS IT WORTH $500?’ because my faith was a mustard lining up again for a Sunset worker to robust Bible knowledge,” Tangunan future players with material in French, Arabic, Now Swinford and his coworkers ‘GOD IN A BOX’ To meet their needs, Adair and seed,” Grypp said as he presented take their picture with the player. A TOOL FOR PIONEERS says of his friend. “This is a very Portuguese, Creole, and Telugu, says Jeff Rader, have come to the Philippines to speak In addition to the Bible, each solar Cravy found the Papyrus Solar- Adair with the funds in 2014. As she distributes the players, Sunset In the Philippines “there are more important tool. He’s going to be a visual communications director. at the lectureship and to distribute the player contains a memory card with Powered Audio Bible. With God’s help, he added, the solar worker Penny Kendall hears stories churches here than preachers,” pioneer in his province.” SOURCES: CIA World Factbook, “Churches of Christ Around the players — including solar player No. 325 hours of Bible curriculum taught The cost, however, was much player could do as much for the Gospel from the Filipino Christians about how says JoJo Ramos, a member of the World” by Mac Lynn, interviews. Globe via Wikimeida Commons. 10,000. By the end of the year, they plan by Sunset instructors and partners higher than a box of Bibles. as Gutenberg’s printing press in 1439. they plan to use them. One woman, a Midtown Church of Christ in Baguio. website: sunset.bible/solar 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE currents OctoBER 2018 A seeker finds his voice The Power of the Cross A shy, spiritual mechanical engineer — not a preacher — is the The Catholic Church believes that when Adam sinned perfect recipient for solar player No. 10,000, fellow Christians say. (Genesis chapter 3) his trespass caused a reign of death that ruled over all men. That view is correct (Romans 5:17). BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE to attend the church services even The Christian churches do not believe God would hold without Jaydee,” Dumawa says. “I blameless men accountable for Adam’s sin, therefore they thought that was really special. And so do not believe Adam’s trespass caused death to reign over MANILA, Philippines e seems like an unlikely we started to study the Bible together.” anyone. That is why the Christian churches refuse to teach candidate to receive Sunset Delacion says, “I saw the loving that little babies must be baptized to take away Adam’s sin. That view is absolutely reasonable, true, and correct. International Bible Institute’s nature of Christ” in his friend, and by How can both views be valid? Because there was a Man of great love who 10,000th solar player. studying the book of Acts, “I decided had all power and authority to immediately annul Adam’s transgression by accepting the And his country seems to be baptized, to be obedient.” like an unlikely place to give it. In the years since his baptism, he’s responsibility for his trespass himself. His name is Jesus. Jesus abolished Adam’s reign of H death and established the reign of eternal life by giving up his own life on a cross to die as After all, Ed-Mark Delacion isn’t a continued to study the Bible. He has a sacrifice in the place of all other men. Jesus’ cross took place about 33 AD. However, the preacher. He’s a mechanical engineer regular studies with Tangunan, though cross was an established fact in the mind of God before the foundation of the world in Manila, the burgeoning capital of they serve in different congregations. (1 Peter 1:18–20). All of this is revealed in Romans 5:12–21, and it is clearly explained the Philippines, home to a growing “Ed-Mark is a very shy brother,” in this book. When you read the first part of the verses in Romans 5:15-21, it describes middle class of techno-savvy young Dumawa says. “He doesn’t talk much, Adam’s sin and the terrible consequences of his trespass. However, the last part of each professionals. There’s a 7-Eleven on but when he talks he makes sense.” verse explains how the cross annulled Adam’s trespass, forgave all men from all sin, (if every corner, it seems, alongside He’s eager to perform whatever they will accept forgiveness on God’s conditions), and offers all men eternal life. McDonald’s and Jollibee, a Filipino tasks the church needs, Dumawa fast-food chain. Most have free Wi-Fi. adds. He’s also an encourager who Available on: eBook, NOOK Book, Kindle; or in print version But that changes just outside city finds ways to incorporate others limits, says Delacion. Some rural areas into his work for the Lord. (October 4) from CrossLink Publishing, Amazon, remain largely off For Delacion, Barnes & Nobel, Walmart, or any book store. the grid, unplugged solar player No. from the noises of 10,000 will serve modern life. as his voice, his That, he says, is friends say. The where he wants to hundreds of hours plant a church. of Bible lessons The 28-year-old it contains will Delacion grew up, help him bring like most Filipinos, the Gospel to his in a Catholic home. home village. April 20 - 25th, 2019 As he moved to the Tangunan, who 75th Annual city to study engi- also has a solar St. Louis, Missouri neering, however, player, explains: $179 per person he felt his faith “In the Philippines, slipping away — there are young an all-too common professionals who trend among the erik tryggestad are not trained From Tragedy to Triumph: country’s youths, In Baguio, Philippines, Jaydee Tangunan, in Bible schools ministers here say. left, visits with Ed-Mark Delacion after — like me, like Exploring Man’s Fall and He studied for Delacion receives solar player No. 10,000. Ed-Mark — and his licensure exam we want also to God’s Call to Redemption with fellow student Jaydee Tangunan, a participate in the mission work. We preacher for the Nagcarlan Church of want to teach. We want to be able to Christ in the Philippines’ Laguna prov- encourage others.” Register online at: ince. Occasionally, Tangunan invited The solar player enables them to his classmates to study at the nearby do exactly that, says Tangunan, who meeting place of the Instruction Street listens to Bible lessons as he drives nationallectureship.net Church of Christ in Manila. through Manila’s heavy, often grid- or by mail: Tangunan soon learned that his locked traffic. friend was a spiritual seeker. “It’s got years of Bible school 75th Annual National Lectureship So did the Instruction Street lectures in it,” Tangunan says. “So if PO Box 328, St. Peters, MO 63376 church’s minister, Phillip Dumawa. we are unable to go to Bible school, “After passing the engineering then the solar player is essentially a licensure exam, Ed-Mark continued Bible school in itself.” OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21

CLAIRE DAVIDSON-FREDERICK At Lipscomb event, students ENGAGE the contemporary call to racial justice and healing The recent second annual ENGAGE Youth Theology Initiative at Lipscomb University in histories of both the church and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and what it means to Nashville, Tenn., involved a racially diverse group of 26 high school students from eight live a life of Christian leadership and service, program director Claire Davidson-Frederick states. The students explored the contemporary call to racial justice and healing, the said. Among the participants were students from 13 Churches of Christ in six states.

MINISTRY TRAINING HIGHER EDUCATION FAULKNER UNIVERSITY spoTLIGHT MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Faulkner’s LIBERIA BIBLE COLLEGE HARDING SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Kearley Graduate School of Theology MONROVIA, Liberia — Kenneth Bolden, MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Harding School of was recently accredited by the Repairing the camp director of Liberia Bible College, Theology recently celebrated 60 Commission on Accrediting of the SAFFORD, Ariz. — Ambassadors for presided over recent graduation years of theological study on the Association of Theological Schools. Christ campus ministry students ceremonies held at the Smythe Road school’s campus in Memphis. The accreditation is one that recently spent three days repairing Church of Christ. In his introductory remarks, vice Faulkner now shares with prestigious the water system for the Arizona This was the first graduating president Jim Martin reminded seminaries such as Harvard Divinity Church of Christ Bible Camp. class in a joint venture between guests, “HST exists to make a School and Yale Divinity School. The system was destroyed when Liberia Bible College and Sunset difference.” “ATS accreditation represents the lightning-caused Frye Fire burned International Bible Institute in The simple but an institution’s alignment with the across 48,000 acres in summer 2017. Lubbock, Texas. heartfelt program highest standards in academic excel- “We hope to have the system up and Five graduates received associ- began with an lence and scholarship in theological running in order to collect water all ate’s degrees in biblical studies. Dan address by former studies,” said Scott Gleaves, dean winter for the camps next summer,” Goodyear, Sunset’s dean for West dean Evertt Huffard, of Faulkner’s V.P. Black College of said Jessica Knapp, associate campus Africa, presented diplomas. who spoke in chapel Biblical Studies. “We went through an minister. about the school’s arduous, four-year self-evaluation of history and relevance our programs in order to assess our Martin in the 21st century. alignment with the high educational The audience of 80 later and effectiveness standards of ATS.” adjourned to Harding’s Oliver and Norma Rogers Research Center for FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY light refreshments, as former dean HENDERSON, Tenn. — Long-awaited work Philip Slate spoke about the school’s to restore Old Main on the Freed- focus since 1958 on global missions. Hardeman campus has begun. Three representatives of the Offices, classrooms and restrooms school’s initial graduating class of will be renovated. An elevator will August 1959 attended. Finis Caldwell, be installed on the south side of Old LENIN COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY Mac Lynn and Corene Stevens, wife Main where a 1950s addition joins the JESSE WARREN Kenneth Bolden, center, poses with some of the late Alvin Stevens, received a original building. The elevator will Jacob Bowles, Quentin Koppenhaver of the Liberia Bible College graduates. round of applause from guests. reach all five levels of the building. and Taylor Usry work at the camp. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS OCTOBER 2018

GINA BOHANAN GINA BOHANAN GINA BOHANAN Adam Faughn leads songs before an evening keynote session at the Melvin Otey speaks on “Eternity 101” Jason Rollo speaks about “Eight Sins Polishing the Pulpit conference, held at the Sevierville Convention Center. in a packed nightly keynote session. Christians Are Starting to Ignore.” POLISHING: Sermon ‘was true to Scripture’ FROM PAGE 3 The family stayed in a mountain instruction,” he added. teens and topical areas such as evan- and explain why he wants to “belong cabin and, like many attendees, Kelvin Pugh, minister for the gelism and technology. to the church that belongs to Christ.” mixed spiritual endeavors with Collinsville Church of Christ in In putting together the program, The message found a receptive tourist activities such as the Hatfield Illinois, said he looks forward to the the main focus “is that each speaker audience among the crowd that gath- & McCoy Dinner Feud. fellowship and variety of classes at is known for teaching and practicing ered recently at the edge of the Great The week-long conference at Polishing the Pulpit. sound doctrine,” Webster said. Smoky Mountains — in the home- the Sevierville Convention Center “I think people are mostly looking Polishing the Pulpit is not a town of Dolly Parton grew out of three for the truth, and it polemic event, he — for the 24th annual preachers — Allen doesn’t matter who said, but it doesn’t Polishing the Pulpit. Webster, Mark Howell you are,” said Pugh, shy away from con- “I think he laid and Floyd Bailey — noting the racial diver- troversial issues. it out,” said Chris getting together to sity of attendees. “We just try to teach Butler, minister brainstorm sermons a “You know you can what the Scriptures for the 60-mem- quarter-century ago. hear sound, biblical say and look at the ber Philadelphia This year, Polishing preaching and get issues,” Webster said. Church of Christ in Butler the Pulpit hit a record Pugh great information Nelson “This year, we dealt Webster Mississippi. “It was attendance of more from the Bible from with everything from true to Scripture. If you want to fol- than 5,000 men, women and children your classes,” he added. “Whether it’s transgenderism to gay rights to racial low Jesus, that’s what you have to from 40 states and 13 other coun- a white brother teaching or black or tensions to things that our people teach and believe. tries, according to organizers. Hispanic, it doesn’t matter as long as are dealing with just as part of their “Obviously, I don’t think you should “The mantra is ‘Renew, Recharge, the truth is being taught.” communities. ever be ugly in the way you say it or Refresh,’ and that really sums up Tanesha Nelson, whose husband, “But we also dealt with instrumen- the way you present it,” said Butler, a our goal,” said Webster, minister for Curtis, preaches for the Henderson tal music and women’s roles and Memphis School of Preaching gradu- the Jacksonville Church of Christ Church of Christ in North Carolina, elders’ roles and things like that,” he ate. “But I think you have to be faith- in Alabama and one of the confer- said she likes “the classes, the added. “I think it’s helping churches ful to it, and I just don’t know how you ence’s four directors. “We want to lessons, the fellowship — getting to sort through some things in a non- could preach another version.” encourage the leaders of the church know new people in all walks of life, judgmental environment where they and members of the church to all races.” just come in and say, ‘What does the ‘RENEW, RECHARGE, REFRESH’ continue to serve faithfully, worship With 175 speakers and 600 class Bible say about these issues? How Butler came to Polishing the Pulpit faithfully and evangelize the world. sessions, Polishing the Pulpit are other churches or elderships with his wife, Amber, and their chil- “So it’s a combination of features special tracks for preachers, dealing with the change issues that dren, Jack, 11, and Analynn, 7. encouragement, motivation and elders/deacons, women, children/ they’re facing?’” OCTOBER 2018 PARTNERS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 Why we support

bobby ross jr. Marlea Hedden teaches a world missions class where children at Polishing the Pulpit interact with missionaries from all over the world. THEOLOGICAL DIVIDE know very few of the names,” Cope Philip and Patricia Slate The water park at a main hotel is said. “For me, it’s like showing up at closed during Polishing the Pulpit a family reunion and realizing you id you know that 111 donors domestically, like the Northeast.” because “all the directors and over- don’t recognize anyone. (individuals, couples and Instead, the pair served for 10 years seeing elders oppose mixed swim- “I’m sure that’s how they feel if families) have contributed to in the British Isles, where they helped ming because of the Bible’s teach- they look at the Harbor booklet,” he DThe Christian Chronicle for plant the Wembley Church of Christ. ing on modesty (1 Timothy 2:9), added. “Perhaps some of that is geo- 20 consecutive years — or more? They spent seven years in London our responsibility to avoid being a graphical. It’s a long way from East Philip and Patricia Slate are and three at Oxford University, where stumbling block to others (Romans Tennessee to Malibu. among them. Philip Slate studied while the couple 14:3), and our need to avoid putting But more than that, The couple of 60 years met on a worked with a small church. ourselves into the path of temptation it reflects a diversity blind date. Patricia (Pat) later quoted During their time in Europe, “I used (Matthew 5:28; 6:13).” within Churches of the book of Ruth at their wedding, the Chronicle first to inform me about The conference program also Christ, including saying, “Where thou goest I will go.” what’s going on in the brotherhood points out that “suits and dresses different visions of Little did she know that meant Asia, at large,” Philip Slate said. He and his are usual for worship services.” what it means to South America, Africa and Europe. wife continued to use it — through “PTP would probably be a totally be a Restoration Philip Slate began preaching at age six decades of teaching, preaching and different group than who would movement.” 16. The Tennessee native attended evaluating missions in 40 nations. Peyton Cain attend a Pepperdine or an Abilene Four teenage friends Lipscomb University, where he found “Peter said, ‘Love the brotherhood,’ lectureship,” Webster said. “It’s from Texas — Megan Cain, Peyton his first copy of the Chronicle lying and I feel that we need to know what’s more of a self-sorting situation Cain, Caleb Hahn and Emily Sisco — on a table in the student center. The involved in the brotherhood,” Philip where people at churches that are attended Polishing the Pulpit. newspaper, along with The California Slate said. “So it’s been my chief supportive of Pepperdine probably They said they appreciate the Christian, influenced his decision to means of knowing what’s going on in wouldn’t be supportive of PTP and deep Bible study as well as the late- work wherever the Lord needed him. the world. I have used stories from The vice versa. There just wouldn’t be night youth events such as movies He married Pat shortly after Christian Chronicle in my sermons and much fellowship because there’s not and putt-putt golf. graduating in the spring of 1957. They classes to try to broaden other people’s much agreement. There’s significant “We get more classes that are began a lifelong partnership of sharing views of the church. I think it’s good disagreement on significant issues.” actual instruction rather than feel- the Good News. They taught Bible for people to know they’re part of a Mike Cope, director of Harbor: good lessons,” said Peyton Cain, 18, classes in North Carolina — during worldwide brotherhood.” The Pepperdine Bible Lectures, a member of the Houston-area Katy the second week of their honeymoon. The Slates worship with the which each spring draws 2,400 Church of Christ. “It really does “We did expect to do church work Germantown Church of Christ in members of Churches of Christ to refresh you ... to know that this is in an area that was not saturated,” Pat Tennessee, and they make sure a copy Malibu, Calif., offered a similar take. what you need to do as a Christian. Slate said. “We talked about that before of the Chronicle always is available in “When I look at the speakers at And then you go and try to live the we married, but we were thinking more the church library. Polishing the Pulpit, I realize that I best Christian life you can.” 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS OctoBER 2018 Job Listings

Preacher Position Opening The Angleton Church of Christ, located 20 miles from the Gulf Coast and 45 miles south of Houston, Texas, is looking for a full-time pulpit minister. Our congregation is averaging 100-120 in attendance each Lord’s day. We are led by a Christ-centered eldership commited to the spiritual and numerical growth of its members and spreading the good news of the gospel message far and wide. Preference will be given to an energetic and well-rounded family man with minister experience who graduated from a preaching school or university associated with the church of Christ. He must love the Lord, be doctrinally sound and commited to a traditionally led worship service patterned after the first-century-based church. He must be capable of inspiring members of the church and a diverse community around them. He must be able to relate to all ages in a spiritual-based worship service. VIDEO STILL VIA www.facebook.com/Regenharmony Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. During the 56h annual Teenage Christian Conference in Texas, young believers sing Those interested in applying should email a copy of their resume with at least (3) references to: for the ReGenHarmony album “Inhalation,” a new project of The Acappella Company. [email protected] Young vocal group hopes to MOUNTAIN Minister Needed Is there a congregation ready COMMUNITY to send a minister to work in revive interest in a cappella OPPORTUNITY south-central Pennsylvania? BY chellie ison | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE songs “The Greatest Commands,” Small church needs a sponsored “All Praises Be” and “Magnificat.” Tiny congregation looking for sound worker for a growing community. ejuvenating a cappella music, “There’s something about that poly- Christian leadership. Retirement or See online ad for more info. reviving its appeal to a phonic form that is so accessible and other support needed. Chambersburg Church of Christ younger generation, that’s the compelling to students,” he said. “It Church of Christ PO Box 221 goal of the newest project by might be a hurdle to pick out the alto Chambersburg, PA 17201 The Acappella Company. line of a traditional SATB (soprano, Attn: Billy McCarty (717) 261-0835 (leave msg) RReGenHarmony, a singing group alto, tenor, bass) block chords, voices PO Box 487, Reserve, NM 87830 [email protected] made up of young people ages 13 to moving in parallel motion, but give (575) 533-6574 www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds 25, is set to release its first volume, the harmony part its own unique “Inhalation,” in the coming months. rhythmic identity and all of a sudden “ReGenHarmony isn’t just the students will sing it with ease.” Full-time Youth Ministry Opportunity name, it’s the mission The recording features the voices statement,” Anthony of nearly 80 students from across the Southwest Church of Christ in Pueblo, Colo., is seeking a full-time youth Lancaster, director of nation who gathered in August for minister with a loving and supportive wife to minister to a youth group of the project, told The the 56th Annual Teenage Christian 25+/-. Qualified individuals should possess a Bible degree (youth ministry Christian Chronicle. Conference, hosted by the Denver preferred). Applicants with a degree in another area of study will be considered “We want to regen- City Church of Christ in Texas. if they have significant field-related work experience. The candidate should erate the passion for Sarah Baker, 19, a member of possess strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational harmony in students, the Poteau Church of Christ in and that encompasses Lancaster Oklahoma, was one of the singers. skills. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate Biblical soundness, spiritual maturity, the social, musical and She believes the style will really and an obvious love for children/youth. Email resumes to: spiritual sense of the word.” appeal to a younger crowd. [email protected] The project seeks to introduce a “The style of music is a little new generation to the fundamentals different,” Baker said. “They’re not [email protected] of four-part a cappella singing. your basic hymns. It’s not music that is Leading the project is Lancaster, his traditionally thought to be ‘churchy.’” sister and vice president of Acappella The members of ReGenHarmony Ministries, Melissa Lancaster, and hope the new group of young singers Aaron Shotts of Abilene Christian will appeal to a young audience, Visit our online listings at University’s Singing School. showing them that a cappella music Many of the group’s songs have is relevant — even in 2018. what Anthony Lancaster called a christianchronicle.org/classifieds “polyphonic texture,” with each part See videos from ReGenHarmony and other consisting of its own independent a cappella groups in our weekly “Voices Only” melodic line, like the well-known feature at christianchronicle.org. OCTOBER 2018 People THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 a pocket-size new testament and a sharpshooter medal saved the life of a Church of Christ member in the trenches of France during World War I. A century later, his grandson remembers God’s protection. Beautiful, shrapnel-stopping words of life

BY KEN BECK | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

LEBANON, Tenn. century-old, khaki-covered paperback New Testament with a hole torn through its pages makes a mighty case for the power of prayer and divine intervention. The family heirloom, plus a cross-shaped medal Aand a disfigured metallic slug, are treasured by Andy Austin, a member of the Stanton Church of Christ. They testify to the legacy of his grandfather, Thell Ross Neal, a Marine whose life was spared by the Good Book 100 years ago in the trenches of France during World War I. “Without the word of God I wouldn’t be telling this story,” said Austin, who was a year old when his grand- father died. One of his earliest childhood memories, burned clearly in his mind, centers on his mother and her sisters all hugging and crying while holding the tiny New Testament they pulled from a trunk. “Mama really loved him and talked about him a lot,” Austin said. “I feel like I know him from what she and my grandmother told me.” Neal was born March 5, 1891, in the Smith County community of Grant, Tenn., about 12 miles east of Lebanon. In his early 20s he moved to Winterville, Miss., to work with his brother, Mack, on a cotton farm. Known affectionately as “Daddy Ross” to his children and grandchildren, Ross Neal labored beside his brother until 1918 when America entered what would soon become known as “The Great War.” PHOTO PROVIDED Mack Neal, who was mar- Ross Neal volunteered for ried and had a daughter, got the U.S. Marines in 1918. a summons to go to war. His brother, who was single, offered to stand in for him. In New Orleans on Feb. 10, 1918, Ross Neal signed up for the Marines. The 5-foot-8,134-pound Tennessee volunteer traveled to the newly opened Paris Island training facility in South Carolina. The hunting he did as a youth served him well, and he earned a medal for sharpshooting before he boarded the USS Henderson and sailed for France. The 27-year-old saw battle in Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Soissons and Marbache. He saw friends get gravely injured. While visiting one in a hospital, someone gave him a KEN BECK paperback New Testament. Doctors who treated Ross Neal after the Battle of Saint-Mihiel credited this New Testament and medal See SHRAPNEL, Page 26 with saving the young church member’s life. A piece of shrapnel remains intact in the pages. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE People OCTOBER 2018 OCTOBER 2018 People THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

ken beck Liz Austin Baines and Andy Austin hold a photo of their grandfather, Ross Neal, and the small New Testament with the sharpshooter medal that saved his life.

Rhine River, living with a German family during the occupation. He received multiple medals for his service, which ended in February 1922. Five months later he and Frakes married and spent their honeymoon in an antebellum man- sion in Lebanon, Tenn., that later became Ligon- Bobo Funeral Home, where both of their funerals were held. Neal worked as supervi- sor of a cotton farm and Ross Neal’s New Testament, like many given to soldiers during World War I, bears messages from President Woodrow Wilson and Gen. John J. Pershing. operated a general store in Bigley Bend, Miss. But his health rapidly declined. When the family returned SHRAPNEL: Soldier took his brother’s place in World War I to Lebanon in 1938, he was practically disabled. FROM PAGE 25 ‘Neal, help me!’ monia from spending nights in the Frakes, a native of Gallatin, Tenn., “He kept having these On Sept. 15, 1918, his division “He leaned over to help him up trenches, he was told. had met the young man five years spells that would come fought German troops in the Battle and another shell came and a shower “Then they saw the hole in his before he joined the Marines. Both on him,” Austin said. of Saint-Mihiel. of fallen branches fell on them. He pocket,” Austin said. “It was a sol- were attending a gospel meeting “Nowhere in his military records “Before we started our attack one reached to get a better grip and emn moment when they saw that hosted by the Silver Springs Church does it say it, but Mama believed he of the officers said, ‘Neal, put that another shell went off and he was hit. quarter fragment of shrapnel that of Christ near Mt. Juliet, Tenn. was exposed to mustard gas, and sharpshooter’s medal in your pocket. He felt it hit his right hand first. He had penetrated the New Testament “The moment they met they fell that affected his nervous system. ... It offers a shiny target,’” Neal told The was hit in several places and passed but had been stopped by the medal in love,” their grandson said. “They “Later on his doctor told my Nashville Tennessean as he recounted out from a concussion. over his heart. kept in touch while he was working grandmother, ‘He needs to be kept the ordeal in 1946. “I pushed the “When he came to he was in a field “Everybody was stunned. The doc- in Mississippi, and he came home to in constant motion.’ So they put him metal back in my blouse pocket hospital lying on an examination table tor told him, ‘If you hadn’t had that visit. They talked about getting mar- in a rocking chair every day, and behind a copy of the New Testament.” in a tent. When he asked about his Bible, we wouldn’t be talking to you ried, and then the war broke out.” Mama Ross and the five kids took The Germans mortars rained “a friend, they told him he was dead.” right now.’” After the near-death experience, turns rocking him every day until shower of shrapnel,” said Austin, While he had cuts on his hand, Neal returned to the battlefield and he fell asleep at night.” remembering details from his arm, side and leg, Neal was told THE PAIN OF THE POSTWAR YEARS served until the war ended on the mother’s retelling of the battle. “His by medics that they found nothing Back in Tennessee, Laura Etta 11th hour of the 11th day of the ‘BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH’ good buddy on his right got hit and serious. But the soldier felt a strong Frakes had been praying fervently on 11th month of 1918. He concluded The family worshiped with the fell to the ground, and he hollered, pain in his chest. It likely was pneu- her knees for Ross Neal’s safe return. his time in Europe stationed on the Lebanon Church of Christ, now the 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE People OCTOBER 2018 OCTOBER 2018 People THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

Family & Youth Minister Evangelist Search

The Liberty, Mo., Church of Church of Christ in Meadville, Pa., is looking for an evangelist to work with us. Christ, a congregation that aver- We are a small congregation of about 35, aged 258 in 2017, is seeking a located in Northwest Pennsylvania with Family & Youth Minister. For a an eldership in place and looking to grow detailed description of the posi- the Lord’s body in this rural community. We are committed to sound doctrine. If tion and instructions on how to you are interested in being a part of this apply, please follow the link to great work, please send a resume with a our website: cover letter explaining your interest and needs to: http://www.libertychurchof North Meadville Church of Christ christ.org/who-we-are/our- Attn: Elders staff/family-youth-minister/. PO Box 1356, Meadville, PA 16335

ken beck Liz Austin Baines and Andy Austin hold a photo of their grandfather, Ross Neal, Bible Chair Director and the small New Testament with the sharpshooter medal that saved his life. Eastern Oklahoma State College Church of Christ Bible Chair is Rhine River, living with a German College Hills Church of Christ. The family during the occupation. Neals’ granddaughter, Liz Baines, seeking a director starting with the 2018-19 school year. Monthly He received multiple medals is a third-generation member of compensation includes salary, housing and some bills. for his service, which ended in the congregation and helps in a February 1922. Five months later he children’s class just as her mother, and Frakes married and spent their Frances, did for decades. Call today! honeymoon in an antebellum man- When World War II arrived, “the sion in Lebanon, Tenn., church knew Daddy (918) 448-8933 that later became Ligon- Ross’s story, so the Bobo Funeral Home, elders gave every male [email protected] where both of their member who was in funerals were held. World War II a pocket- Neal worked as supervi- sized New Testament,” Full-Time Pulpit Preacher sor of a cotton farm and Austin said. Oregon Youth Minister Arnold, Maryland Ross Neal’s New Testament, like many given to soldiers during World War I, bears messages from President Woodrow Wilson and Gen. John J. Pershing. operated a general store in Ross Neal died Dec. The Southwest Church of Christ in Tigard, Bigley Bend, Miss. But his 7, 1954, exactly 13 years The Annapolis Church of Christ in Ore., is seeking a man with ministry experi- health rapidly declined. after the attack on Maryland is looking for a well-rounded ence.We are a congregation of 500, in a When the family returned Pearl Harbor. He was suburb of Portland. We have an active youth preacher who is capable of inspiring group of around 50 teens (grades 7-12). Deep SHRAPNEL: Soldier took his brother’s place in World War I to Lebanon in 1938, he 63. He was laid to rest in members of the church and the community faith in the Lord and ability to communicate was practically disabled. PHOTO PROVIDED Lebanon’s Cedar Grove around them. The church has elders and the Savior’s love for all is a must, as well as Frakes, a native of Gallatin, Tenn., “He kept having these Ross and Laura Neal Cemetery. deacons. Interested men should mail or proven skills in organization of classes, camps, had met the young man five years spells that would come married July 19, 1922. “Mama used to tell email a letter of introduction, resume, recent activities, and mission travel. Beautiful Pacific before he joined the Marines. Both on him,” Austin said. me, ‘My Daddy stood in sermons, and examples of recent classes Northwest, 90 minutes from the ocean and were attending a gospel meeting “Nowhere in his military records for his brother,’” Austin said. “She taught. For full job description, go to: 90 minutes from the mountains! Salary will be hosted by the Silver Springs Church does it say it, but Mama believed he never explained what she meant, but commensurate with experience. of Christ near Mt. Juliet, Tenn. was exposed to mustard gas, and now I know she meant that he laid annapolischurch.org/preacher Please email a resume to: “The moment they met they fell that affected his nervous system. ... down his life for his brother. He put in love,” their grandson said. “They “Later on his doctor told my his life on the line in World War I for John Lewis, (443) 977-6124 [email protected] kept in touch while he was working grandmother, ‘He needs to be kept his brother. Atten: Youth Minister Search in Mississippi, and he came home to in constant motion.’ So they put him “I know that I wouldn’t be here if [email protected] visit. They talked about getting mar- in a rocking chair every day, and God hadn’t put the Bible between that ried, and then the war broke out.” Mama Ross and the five kids took shrapnel and my grandfather’s heart. After the near-death experience, turns rocking him every day until He intervened between life and death Neal returned to the battlefield and he fell asleep at night.” right there, and from that life I got Classifieds start at $325, discounts offered to smaller congregations. served until the war ended on the life, and I have a wonderful family. Contact Tonya Patton at: [email protected]. 11th hour of the 11th day of the ‘BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH’ “It’s a sacred thing to us. If you Deadline for next two issues: Oct. 5 and Nov. 2. 11th month of 1918. He concluded The family worshiped with the can’t see God’s hand in this story, his time in Europe stationed on the Lebanon Church of Christ, now the you’re blind.” 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE october 2018 Newsmakers Showcasing the moments of your life Milestones and the lives of loved ones.

Memorial Ray D. Fullerton Jr. 1921-2018

Ray D. Fullerton Jr., 97, passed from this life on Aug. 26, at home in Jarrell, Texas, PHOTO PROVIDED surrounded by his wife and family. On Sundays when he has enough energy, Bryan Perrin worships with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Byron Fullerton and Jerry Fullerton, Special Request The Perrin family is so thankful for the FACEBOOK.COM wife Mary Margaret Fullerton, son-in-law outpouring of cards and support they have Hugh Fulford, pictured with his Terry Sandefur and foster daughter Barbara Bryan Perrin received on this journey. Your prayers wife, Jan, has preached for 60 years. Moses. He is survived by wife Ronda Ful- are certainly making a difference and lerton; sister Martha Ann Spradling; four #1 on Mayo’s heart transplant list — his doctors are saying they are amazed RETIRING: Hugh Fulford children; seven grandchildren; 11 great- Bryan Perrin! he is not in cardiac ICU by now. Their officially retired in 2000 after grandchildren, one nephew and two nieces. Thank you for praying specifically for financial needs continue. Bryan’s medical 42 years of full-time ministry Ray was born on Jan. 31, 1921, in Tyler, the Lord to meet the Perrins’ health and journey has left them with only the with congregations in Kentucky, Texas, to R.D. Fullerton Sr. and Ruth Wig- financial needs. The journey of patient money from his minimal social security Tennessee, Alabama and Texas. gins Fullerton. He was the oldest of four endurance continues! As has been shared disability check and your support. Now, at age 80, he’s retiring again children and grew up in Kingsville, Texas. previously, after much prayer and six major The Rochester Church of Christ is asking from “regular, every Sunday” After graduating from high school, Ray surgeries, Bryan has come from Kentucky you and your church family to continue preaching after serving the attended Texas A&M and the University of to Minnesota to await a heart transplant at to pray for the Perrins, encourage them Mitchellville Church of Christ in Texas where he earned a bachelor’s degree a Mayo Clinic hospital. Because of Bryan’s with cards, and help them financially. If Portland, Tenn., in recent years. in 1942. Afterward, he enlisted in the U.S. rare blood type, it could still be months you need your check to be tax deductible, Army and completed officer candidate before he receives a match. please write it to the Rochester Church of NEW ELDERS: Sid Dowell, Mark school. He and Mary Margaret Baucom The family has been in major transi- Christ with a note indicating that your gift Garrett, Frank Houston, Allen Lay were married on Aug. 31, 1943, in Corpus tion this entire year. In August Bryan was is for the Perrins. Otherwise, you may write and John Keller, Northwest Church Christi. Shortly thereafter, he was sent moved to the “Gift of Life Transplant your check straight to the “Perrin Family of Christ in San Antonio. overseas. Six weeks after D-Day, he and House,” which happens to be across Benefit Fund.” Thank you! his unit, the 50th General Hospital, entered the street from the Rochester Church of Mail your gifts and/or encouraging cards NAMED: Scott McDowell, as vice France. He served as the hospital’s person- Christ and just a few blocks from Mayo. to: Rochester Church of Christ, 632 2nd president of student nel officer until World War II ended. Someone needs to be with Bryan 24/7, with St SW, Rochester, MN 55902-2931. life at Abilene After the war, Ray and the family moved to a family member staying with him at night. You can keep up with the Perrins’ Christian University Abilene where he became an instructor in the The family has moved in with the local ongoing updates of their journey at: in Texas. McDowell business department at Abilene Christian Col- preacher, Steve Sikes and his wife Patti. http://gigattaattgig.blogspot.com/ previously served lege and supervised two boys’ dorms while as senior vice taking post-graduate classes. In 1950, he president of student returned to the University of Texas where he N.Y., where Ray preached until they returned Charles “Charlie” Craddock, 82, May 2, life at Lipscomb earned a master’s in business administration. to Texas in late 1976. They settled in George- Murrells Inlet, S.C. University in In 1952 he began his life as a town and continued their ministry Nashville, Tenn. McDowell full-time minister. He preached for with Ray preaching in Troy, Leander Birthday Lori Hadley, as the Lovelady Church of Christ, the and the Briggs and Strickland Grove head of school Highlands Church of Christ and the communities. After retiring from the 93rd: Vennie Walker, Sept. 10, Altus, Okla. at Mount Dora Belton Church of Christ. In 1957, ministry they joined the Georgetown Christian Academy the family moved to Goldsboro, Church of Christ where Ray was ac- Anniversaries in Florida. Hadley N.C., where they established the tive in mission work for many years. succeeds Brad Goldsboro Church of Christ. In On July 3, 2002, Mary Margaret, 77th: A.F. and Doretha Fitzhugh, Oct. 1, Moser, who was 1967 Ray moved his family to his wife of 59 years, died. Through Houston. 70th: Richard and Mabel Taylor, named president North Ryde, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, mutual friends he met Ronda Huntsberger at Sept. 1, Florence, Ala. of Clarksville Hadley where he was involved in establishing the the Georgetown Church of Christ. They were Christian School Macquarie Church of Christ and the Mac- married on March 11, 2006. Ray’s children 65th: Dwain and in Tennessee. Jeremy Smith, as quarie School of Preaching. extend their love and thanks to Ronda for the Barbara Evans, director of sports information at Upon returning to the United States in 1972 love, joy and care she brought to Ray during Sept. 19, Houston. Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ray and Mary Margaret settled in Vails Gate, their 12-year marriage. Ala. Smith, a 2007 alumnus of Faulkner, preached for the Submit your wedding announcements, birth announcements, memorials or tributes to Greensboro Church of Christ in [email protected] or call (405) 425-5071. Submissions start at $25. Alabama for the past seven years. OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29 When an Angel needs gas Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. — Hebrews 13:2, New International Version MONROE, La. met an angel today. She called the church about an hour before it was time to start worship. (For preachers, that’s a really important time, you know!) IHer request was small: some gas to get back to Texas after a funeral. In the Word I wish I had had a better atti- tude. I told her where to meet, at NOAH DARNELL a gas station close to me. I grum- Christians at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., light candles and sing hymns in honor of Botham Jean. bled on the way. Who believes this story? I certainly don’t. I editorial frowned. Why did she call me? There are hundreds of churches in the phone book. As the world watches, may we point to the Light And who plans a trip without John Dobbs the funds to get back home? et the spirit of the Lord, just let it rise they’ve received from fellow members of the I sat there for about five among us. Let the praises of our king ...” Osceola Church of Christ in Arkansas. minutes. So self-important, I thought I’d just That snippet of the contemporary So powerful was her testimony that one CBS leave soon if she didn’t show up. I had things to hymn “Let it Rise,” led by Botham anchor said, “Thank God she has that church.” do, and this imposition was just an interruption I Jean during Sunday worship at the Dallas West Stanley J. Hubbard, minister for the Kingsley could do without. Church of Christ, played across thousands of Terrace Church of Christ in Indianapolis, Then she drove up. I got out and pumped her speakers as National Public Radio reported on spoke to us about Coleman’s life. As terrible as gas. And while I pumped she talked with me. Her the funeral for the 26-year-old Christian. the duck boat tragedy was, he said, it focused grandmother had died. She grew up in Monroe, but On television sets, computers and mobile worldwide attention on the fragility of life — and moved to Texas several years ago. She had to be devices around the world, millions of souls the amazing gift God gives us in each other. back in Texas for work Monday. We talked about watched brief glimpses of Jean leading “10,000 Now the world turns its attention to Botham church and struggles .... and the gas tank was full. Reasons” (“Bless the Lord, oh my soul”) at his Jean and our faith community. We’re crushed She said, “Would you pray for me to have a safe alma mater, Harding University. News stations and confounded by the act of violence that took trip home?” as she held her hand in my direction. across the country carried footage of students his life. At his memorial service, we particularly I took her hand, prayed for her, pretty much at the Searcy, Ark., university holding candles were moved by the words of Dane Felicien, a ashamed of my own attitude about the whole and singing “Magnificat” (“My soul magnifies fellow believer from the Caribbean. situation. the Lord”) in honor of their fallen alum. “Botham was a worker of the Lord,” Felicien I asked her what her name was. “It starts with a solo voice and turns into said. “Botham wanted everyone to be saved She said, “Angel.” a chorus,” a reporter with WFAA in Dallas through the blood of Jesus Christ. I said, “I believe it.” posted on social media, describing the “Botham was not perfect. No one is perfect. I’m a little ashamed to share this story, but I Harding students as they sang “The Greatest The Bible teaches us that God, who is rich in also think it is an encouragement to remember Commands.” love, mercy, grace, gave us salvation through who Jesus called us to be. For the second month in a row, we’ve the death of his only son Jesus Christ for So as not to take credit, funds given at Forsythe reported on tragedies that thrust our fellowship the whole world ... to any who would choose Church of Christ for benevolence created the into the harsh glare of the media spotlight. Last humility to God’s word and a repentant heart. opportunity for me to bless Angel in the name of month it was the Missouri duck boat tragedy, “That is what Botham, a child of the most Jesus. which claimed the lives of three Christians from high God, would have wanted you to know.” I’m grateful. I hope I’m growing. I know I two Churches of Christ — Steve and Lance Amen. We pray that the harsh light of the needed to meet Angel this morning. Smith of Arkansas and Ray Coleman of Indiana. TV cameras may point souls to the marvelous As she talked about the terrible loss of her Light of our Savior. JOHN DOBBS ministers for the Forsythe Church of Christ in Monroe, husband and her son, Pam Smith told CBS It starts with a solo voice and turns into a La. Read his blog, “Out Here Hope Remains” at johndobbs.com. News about her family’s faith and the support chorus. 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION OCTOBER 2018

from our readers Christian ministries can cooperate Scripture should guide our TOO MANY OF OUR CHARITABLE efforts operate with a scarcity mindset. God calls us to do better. decisions on fellowship ATLANTA children. We gladly accepted. benefitted from helping both minis- I am concerned about Wayne hould Christian ministries view Then Georgia Agape hired Donald tries. Providing free workshops Newland’s Views piece in the each other as competition for to serve as their resource develop- gave us an opportunity to reach September issue (Page 31). a limited pool of donations and ment coordinator. With her years our ministry goals with parents I appreciate his call for volunteers? Views of experience working with at-risk and volunteers from the other two Churches of Christ not to draw SWe know they parents, their chil- ministries’ large, local unnecessary lines of fellowship. shouldn’t. But they dren and our state’s client base. Unfortunately, he did not do. A lot. department of family Too often, the suggest any principles to guide us What if replacing and children services, ministries Christians in making such decisions, and so this scarcity mindset she was an ideal fit launch or oversee are some might extend his message to with a truly coopera- for the position. asked to take on tasks mean that we continue fellowship tive ministry model “I learned that for which God has with a church whose teaching or actually makes all of Georgia Agape had not really gifted them. practice is unscriptural. our ministries more a desire to expand Instead of partnering, 1 John 5:7-11 says that if people Donald White effective? Thereasa Winnett the variety of training we try to do every- who have held the teaching of Three ministries here opportunities they were providing thing on our own, and a lot of what Christ come to us having left that in Atlanta decided to make an inten- for current and prospective foster we attempt just isn’t done well. teaching, we should not “take them tional effort to find ways they could and adoptive parents,” Donald Changing how we normally do into our house or welcome them” help each other recently. said. “I remembered the response ministry isn’t always easy. It’s best because to do so would signal our The ministries: from the parents who attended our to look for areas of natural overlap approval of what they teach. • Teach One Reach One most recent Hope For the Family when adopting a cooperative The great majority of Churches Ministries: I founded this ministry, workshops.” ministry model. Then, try to find of Christ do not and should which is dedicated to providing free She spoke with LaQuisha White, the strongest areas of each ministry. not draw lines of fellowship on resources to other ministries in the director of social services for Agape. Not only does this model help us matters within the boundaries U.S. and around the world that help They contacted me, and the three of serve better, it also saves money. of Bible teaching. Thus, these children and teens build stronger us worked together to see how we In our experience, partnering gave churches do not break fellowship faith foundations and reach their could use the talents and resources us access to people, skills and on such differences as whether godly potential. God gave us to help opportunities that or not a church has a Sunday • Atlanta Inner City Ministries our community. Too often, the ministries we wouldn’t have night service, uses wine instead (AIM): an urban ministry program The result: a had otherwise. We of grape juice in communion or connected to the Lakewood Church workshop titled Christians launch or believe that our sings a song between the bread of Christ in Atlanta. “Helping Hurting oversee are asked to take ministries were and the cup, to name a few. • Georgia Agape: a faith-based Children Heal: A strengthened — and This same majority of churches, not-for-profit that provides services New Paradigm for on tasks for which God has neither our funding however, holds that they should for foster care, adoption and Christian Foster and not really gifted them. nor our volunteer not extend full fellowship to unplanned pregnancy counseling Adoptive Parenting.” bases were nega- churches they believe to be and assistance. White recalled, Instead of partnering, tively impacted. violating the teaching of Scripture Although our ministries have similar “Our parents were we try to do everything In economic — those that teach baptism is goals, it would be easy for us to work enthusiastic about terms, you could not necessary to salvation, those independently of each other — and having someone on our own, and a lot of call it “ministry that use women to lead in the compete for the time and finances of provide part of their what we attempt just bartering.” With a public worship even though Paul, Christians in the Atlanta metro. ongoing training Christian mindset, through the Holy Spirit, wrote that For us, the cooperation began who was able to put isn’t done well. though, the coop- “as in all the congregations of the with Sharalyn Donald, a volunteer together research, erative model views saints, women should remain silent who oversees AIM’s Hope for the best practices and, each ministry as in the churches” (1 Corinthians Family Christmas outreach program most importantly, the faith piece in a part of the body with specific 14:33-34). Some churches from for parents in at-risk circumstances. ways they could understand and use strengths and needs. our fellowship have begun to use (Donald’s husband is pulpit minister immediately. And as we learn from 1 Corinthians instruments even though Paul says for the Lakewood church.) “More than anything, foster 12, Christ’s body is made up of many to “sing” and does not authorize Donald reached out to Teach One parents need practical methods to parts, each with unique gifts to be instruments (Ephesians 5:19). Reach One to see if we would be parent hurting children. Being able used to serve the others. Since these practices do not willing to provide a class that could to tell prospective foster and adoptive match the ways of the early introduce the parents to the concept parents they will receive this type Thereasa Winnett is the founder of Teach One church, approving them would of God as the ultimate parenting of free training increases the likeli- Reach One Ministries, online at teachonereachone. greatly weaken our claim that we expert. The goal: giving attendees hood they will want to foster and also org. She and her family worship with the East Cobb follow the teaching and practice of practical, research based, biblical improves their retention rate.” Church of Christ in Marietta, Ga. Read her blog at the New Testament church. things they could do to help their Teach One Reach One, in turn, www.parentinglikehannah.com. STAFFORD NORTH | Oklahoma City OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31

Minster Search Assistant Minister - Johns Island, S.C. Minister Search CALENDAR Duarte Church of Christ is looking The Church of Christ on Johns Island, S.C., is The Bellevue Church of Christ in Bellevue, for a faithful minister with knowledge currently taking applications for an assistant Ohio, is looking for a minister. Current minister Oct. 4-7 CenterPeace (e3) minister to work with the elders and senior min- is returning to the Mid-Western Children’s Home and experience. We prefer he be mar- in Cincinnati to continue God’s work. We are Conference. Highland Oaks Church, ried to an involved wife. Interested ister of a growing congregation. Ideal candidate must be spiritually knowledgeable and willing a small congregation of 40 to 45 members Dallas. [email protected]. located in north central Ohio. We can provide persons should submit resume or to perform the duties of a minister to include See centerpeace.net. an excellent opportunity for a young man want- recorded sermon to: preaching, teaching, evangelizing and minister- ing to get started in the ministry for Christ or for Oct. 9-12 Abundant Living ing to the flock. Candidates must also have a Duarte Church of Christ someone that wants to continue to preach and Branson Retreat. Branson, Mo. degree in theology or be a graduate of a Bible spread God’s word. Contact Kay Gowen at Gowen@ 1330 S Highland Ave school/training. Resumes can be mailed to: Duarte, CA 91792 Phil Mundy (419) 635-5757, harding.edu. See abundantliving Johns Island Church of Christ, Attn: Elders [email protected] seniors.com. S J Brown (626) 482-1097 2850 Murraywood Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455 Dennis Rogers (419) 554-9879, Oct. 20-21 70th Anniversary & [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Homecoming. Germantown Church of Christ, Germantown, Tenn. See gtcoc.org. Full-Time Minister FULL-TIME MINISTER - Guyton, Ga. Full-Time Campus Minister Oct. 24 Renew: A Gathering for The Highway 30 Church of Christ is looking for Church Leaders. Franklin, Tenn. See The Brighton Church of Christ is a well-rounded, full-time minister with a strong Robinson and Center Church of Christ renew.org. searching for a full-time minister. We faith, who is doctrinally sound and capable of in Conway, Ark., is seeking applicants for Nov. 5-11 Pan American are located 20 miles north of Ann inspiring members of the church and community. the full-time position of Campus Minister Lectureship. Majesty of the Seas Arbor, Michigan. Please submit re- We are a socially and ethnically diverse con- with a starting salary in the $50,000 to Cruise, Havana, Cuba. (800) 533-7660. sume with audio/video of three recent gregation of about 40 faithful members led by $60,000 range depending on various sermons to: a Christ-centered group of men. We prefer an See lectureship.org. energetic family man experienced in the factors, along with employer-paid health Nov. 9-11 PeacePrints Parent Brighton Church of Christ ministry, sound in the Scriptures, able to teach insurance and other benefits. Interested Retreat. Watchtower Ranch, Strawn, Attn: Search Committee and who is zealous about personal evangelism. parties should respond by email Texas. [email protected]. 6026 Rickett Rd A home is provided with salary. Email resume, ([email protected]) for job qualifications See centerpeace.net/parents. Brighton, MI 48116 references and a digital copy of a recent and more details. Nov. 12 Festival of Trees Gala. sermon to Charles W. Mancil at: [email protected] [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2018. Christian Care Senior Living Communities. Dallas, Texas. Contact Holly Titsworth at HTitsworth@cccinc. Pulpit Minister/Evangelist Faithful Gospel Minister Search net. See christiancarecenters.org. Full-time Pulpit Minister Jan. 17 Training Involvement Valley Church of Christ in Spokane Valley, The Jasper Church of Christ is seeking a full- Wash., is seeking a pulpit minister/evangelist for Ministers. Athens Church of Christ. time minister. The position has pulpit, teaching New Road Church of Christ a congregation of approximately 100. We have and community outreach responsibilities as well Athens, Texas. Contact Travis Irwin, three elders and four deacons. We are looking as ministering to the saints with the eldership. (423) 920-3060, [email protected]. 3100 S New Road for a seasoned minister who can preach, edify, Candidates must have a zeal and enthusiastic See churchinvolvement.com. Waco, TX 76706 and work in harmony with us to reach lost souls desire to preach the gospel with challenging Jan. 18-19 3rd Annual Church in our region. If you have the qualities, experi- biblical doctrines. Ideal candidates will have a Involvement Conference. ence and desire to be a part of our congrega- college degree or school of preaching certifica- www.newroadchurchofchrist.org tion, please forward your resume with character tion with several years of experience. Athens Church of Christ. Athens, references to: Texas. Contact Travis Irwin, (423) Send resume and cover letter If interested send resume to: Valley Church of Christ Jasper Church of Christ 920-3060, [email protected]. See in confidence to: churchinvolvement.com. [email protected] PO Box 831 [email protected] Jan. 18-19 Medical Missions valleycofc.org Jasper, Texas 75951 Seminar. International Healthcare Foundation. Springdale, Ark. (501) 268-9511. See ihcf.net. CHILDREN’S MINISTER Jan. 18-20 PeacePrints Parent A large Church of Christ in Houston, Retreat. Watchtower Ranch, Strawn, growing with young families, is hiring Texas. See centerpeace.net/parents. two experienced Children’s Ministers for Jan. 20-25 Gospel Meeting. Elementary and Preschool. This church Quartzsite Church of Christ. has a beautiful new Children’s Wing! Huge Quartzsite, Ariz. Contact Gerald building. Friendly, sweet congregation! Molzahn at [email protected]. For a complete job description and to See quartzsitechurchofchrist.com. apply, forward your resume to our search committee: FULL CALENDAR: www.christianchronicle.org. To include your event for $25, contact Sandy Swann [email protected]. [email protected] 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE REVIEWS octoBER 2018 ‘An Interview with God’ mixes real-life F. LaGard Smith takes on ‘the struggles with surreal journalism

f you could ask God one question, what would it be? queen of evolutionary problems’ That’s the intriguing notion posed by “An Interview with God.” The faith-based film, written and produced harles Darwin threw down a challenge have to find each other amongst all the other by Ken Aguado and directed by Perry Lang, had a that Christians — with varying degrees of life forms and be able to reproduce healthy, Ilimited, three-day run in theaters across the U.S. recently. success — have tried to address. fertile offspring of two genders also with I was blessed to witness a very special piece of “If it could be demonstrated that functioning sex organs. Christian cinema with believable characters and a chal- Cany complex organ existed, which could not This book can be read on two levels. One is lenge to think about life’s big questions. possibly have been formed by numerous, as a challenging, extensive literature review of On Film The film focuses on Paul Asher successive, slight modifications,” In Print evolutionist arguments — all of whom (Brenton Thwaites), a religion colum- Darwin said, “my theory would abso- join Darwin with no explanation or nist who recently returned home to lutely break down.” reasonable mechanism to support the New York after being embedded with If from within Churches of Christ development of the first fully func- U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Asher’s we had someone to take up that tioning, fertile males and females from marriage is crumbling and his veteran gauntlet, we might look to scientists. asexual reproduction. friend suffers from Post Traumatic But it is the penetrating mind of a On another level, you don’t have to Stress Disorder. Asher also is under non-scientist scholar and legal expert understand all the science to get the severe stress from his experiences over- who has risen to the occasion — F. central theme: It’s impossible. Lynda Sheehan seas, with covert suicidal ideations. LaGard Smith, bestselling developer Latayne C. Scott Even people who aren’t on the Then he encounters a man who claims of “The Daily Study Bible” franchise same page theologically as Smith to be God. He grants Asher three half- and literary combatant against various acknowledge the effectiveness of hour interviews on consecutive days. “The Man,” as cultural issues. his treatment, such as talk show host Chris he’s identified in the script, is portrayed by longtime In “Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem: Arnzen (“Iron Sharpens Iron Radio”) who TV regular David Strathairn (who portrayed Edward R. Exposing Evolution’s Fatal Flaw — The says of the book, “He very convincingly Murrow in “Good Night, and Good Luck”). Origin of Sex,” Smith identifies as Darwinism’s Asher accepts the offer and attempts to conduct the responds to Darwin’s Achilles’ Heel something interviews as a professional, dispassionate journalist. challenge. Under what that is routinely overlooked But, time and again, The Man turns each question in a evolutionary circum- by many of us who are personal, caring way as he tries to meet the reporter’s stances, he asks, did the firmly convicted Biblical needs. God, Asher learns, is kind, concerned, humorous two reproductive-ready Creationists and advo- and humble yet deeply genders develop? cates of Intelligent Design thoughtful. The columnist Or, in the words of (even published authorities finds himself challenged Darwin, where did the among us) in our interac- on many levels, often “complex organs” of tions with our opponents leading him to consterna- genitalia come from? on the origin of life.” tion. Through the inter- This is the “queen of Evolutionists regard views, Asher also begins evolutionary problems” creationists as believing to realize that many people as some evolutionists in myths and tall tales. surrounding him are giving have termed it. Lower Smith’s relentless inves- him support through this life forms basically tigation leaves the reader difficult time. cloned themselves with with the inescapable It’s so easy for me to just slight variations toward conclusion that the most live in the minutiae of each more complex forms, improbable fairy tale of day, so it felt really good evolutionists would say. all is the never-existing to be challenged to think Smith argues — with “missing link” between about the big questions in copious documenta- asexual life forms and GIVING FILMS/ASTUTE FILMS life posed by this film. “An tion and no satisfactory resultant two-gender sexual Interview with God” delivers deep and clear, complete yet response from evolution- species that could produce simple thoughts on God acting in our lives, his wonderful ists — that a leap from F. LaGard Smith. Darwin’s Secret “after their own kind.” plan for his children, and his great concern and love for asexual to sexual repro- Sex Problem: Exposing Evolution’s us. The movie also embeds the power of prayer as the duction could never have Fatal Flaw — The Origin of Sex. Latayne C. Scott is the award- characters seek answers to their stress and problems. happened. He shows that Bloomington, Ind.: WestBow Press, winning author of more than two The movie’s website, aninterviewwithgod.com the first two fertile candi- 2018. 364 pages. $24.95. dozen books and thousands of shorter offers a trailer, a free discussion guide and more. A dates of opposite sexes published works. Her latest books are novelization, available in paperback and digital, is the would first have had to “evolve” through the co-authored “Leaving Mormonism: Four Scholars Tell Why perfect way to rethink the film’s themes. mitosis separately and purposefully toward They Changed Their Minds” (Kregel, 2017) and “A Conspiracy of the distinct maleness and femaleness of func- Breath” (TSU Press, 2017). She worships with the Mountainside LYNDA SHEEHAN is lead administrative assistant for The Christian Chronicle. tioning genitalia. Then, literal “strangers in Church of Christ in Albuquerque, N.M. Learn more at latayne. She worships with the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. the night,” these two impossibilities would com. Photo of Latayne Scott by Elizabeth Darnell. OCTOBER 2018 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 Smith’s critique of Darwin: a unique Chinese artist, activist offers provocative view of ‘Humanity’ perspective — fraught with flaws became interested in the work of Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei after I visited he thesis of “Darwin’s Secret Sex comprehensive scheme that Smith does more to an exposition of his work in Buenos Aires, Problem: Exposing Evolution’s Fatal imply than state. Argentina, where I serve as a missionary. Flaw — The Origin of Sex” is that the very • The biblical alternative advocated is built upon IHis work is not simply beautiful; it is also nature of sexual reproduction in the living misunderstandings that violate the book’s own provocative. It calls on the Tworld renders it impossible for species to claims to succeed in exegesis (drawing beholder to take action. What we're evolve into other species, and therefore In Print out a passage’s intended meaning) over Much of his work highlights reading serves as indisputable evidence that God eisegesis (importing one’s beliefs into a the international refugee himself has directly and instantaneously passage). crisis, which he justly calls a created every species that has ever lived. For example, the book’s assumed defi- “human crisis.” The author, F. LaGard Smith, is a lawyer nition of creation fails to account for uses His book, “Humanity,” who attempts to take on science by “ignoring of the Hebrew verb bārā’ (“create”) that gathers quotes from inter- religious assumptions” and arguing on the refer to events that include natural agents, views and speeches he has basis of his understanding of science, for causes, and processes (Psalm 102:18; given through his years of which task he has read numerous scientific 104:30; Isaiah 43:1, 7, 15; 45:7; Ezekiel activism. From these cita- writings — especially popular-level books. Daniel Gordon 28:13, 15; Amos 4:13). Also, the book’s tions you can perceive his Jonathan Hanegan As to the audience, Smith tries to cast discussion of soul in chapter 12 fails to high view of human beings, a wide net, inclusive of scientific specialists and do justice to the Bible’s references to animals as his rejection of borders, fences and walls, and those who do not know much science. souls (for example, Genesis 1:20-21, 24, 30; 2:19; his call to solidarity with all refugees. The book has some commendable strengths: Levitcus 11:10, 43, 44, 46), as well as Paul’s clear, As a Christian who works with refugees, I • It expresses concern for the well-being of though often disguised, statement about the could not help but think that many people of young people and the role of education and world- mortality of humans’ “soulish” (psychikos) bodies faith are openly indifferent to the 65 million view in their formation as persons. (1 Corinthians 15:44). Resurrection of the dead is refugees worldwide who search for life, hope • Smith brings rightful criticism of those who not the same thing as the immortality of the soul. and a home today. In a stunning condemna- would turn a biological theory (evolution) into a • The book confuses biblical interpretation and tion of “First World” indifference, Weiwei philosophy of how people should live. inspiration, and, with this error in logic, identifies says, “We have to give every refugee essen- • Although often obscured by its rhetoric, the by name Christians who read the Bible differently tial protection. The tragedy is not only that book at times possesses the virtue of wonder at the and impugns their faith (“low view of Scripture,” people have lost their lives. The tragedy is natural world. Smith’s discussion moving from flat- chapter 13). In fact, on the matter of faith and the people who, in worms to damselflies to Norway rats to Argentine biblical interpretation, the book is willing to side the very rich nations, lake drakes might remind readers of the nature with an outspoken atheist (Jerry Coyne) against have lost their tour that Job experiences in Job 38-41. fellow Christians who read the Bible differently. humanity.” The book also possesses many weaknesses: This should give readers serious pause. If the New • Its length, repetitiveness and “Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem” Testament were organization will likely tire and For readers not well- offers a unique perspective: the written today, I am confuse readers. acquainted with the nature of sexual reproduction sure the Christian • The overly-polemical rhetoric requires the fixity of species. For this tradition would more insults scientists than invites issues, the book might uniqueness, the book might go on the have included refu- reasonable discussion. give false hope. shelves of readers who study a range gees along with the • It is hard to know what to make of of Christian perspectives on science. orphans and widows Smith’s self-description. In his intro- For readers not well-acquainted as the most vulner- duction, he writes that he is “often wrong but never with the issues, the book might give false hope. able in our society. Ai Weiwei with in doubt.” Not even young-Earth creationists uphold the fixity While many long for Larry Warsh (editor). • The imprecisions in scientific concepts of species, but uphold instead “the fixity of kinds” the America of their Humanity. Princeton, (including species, speciation, fossils) cast doubt — the belief that God created distinct “kinds,” that youth, “the poor of N.J.: Princeton on whether the issues are understood clearly. each kind (for example, the “Cat Kind”) includes Jesus Christ” wander University Press, 2018. • The book never offers a comprehensive, coherent numerous species within it, that kinds are fixed the earth not looking 168 pages. $12.95. story that integrates the individual positions that and cannot evolve into other kinds, and that species for handouts, but Smith takes with all of the known scientific data. within a kind can evolve into other species that also for the recognition of the human dignity Readers will understand that Smith believes remain within that kind. endowed to them by their Creator. in the fixity of species (that species are fixed Readers of this book, whether persuaded or not, Weiwei’s art and activism inspires me to and do not evolve into other species), mutability can take opportunity to be prompted into further continue my fight for refugees with a much within species (change can occur within exis- learning, as well as into greater love for neighbor higher view of human beings and in the name tent species) and the divine, unmediated, instan- and enemy alike. of Jesus Christ, who was once a refugee. taneous creation of all species. What readers will not understand, for example, is how the entire DANIEL GORDON has a Doctor of Ministry in Science and Theology Jonathan Hanegan works with the Redeemer Church of fossil record, all known genetic analyses, and and teaches Bible, ethics and faith-science relations at Lipscomb Christ in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He blogs at www. the geographic distribution of species fit into the University in Nashville, Tenn. He blogs at danielgordonblog.com. tallerteologicolatinoamericano.org/jonathan. 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION OCTOBER 2018 A college drop-off, a Carr and a car, prayers Minister for the President and a call to love everybody SEARCY, Ark. from how I grew up. f I can help somebody, as I pass “This has been a 40-year friend- We are seeking a minister to work with our current pulpit minister with the intention along, if I can cheer somebody, ship,” Jimmy Carr said as we looked of transitioning into the full-time minister position. This minister will work with our with a word or song. If I can through photos in his office. He’s current pulpit minister and elders to serve the West Olive Church of Christ by providing show somebody that he’s trav- met an impressive group of people a balanced ministry of preaching, teaching and assisting the elders in implementing our ‘Ieling wrong, then my living — Gen. Colin Powell, former vision to help the congregation grow to its full potential in membership and spiritual shall not be in vain.” Insight independent counsel Ken growth in Christ. We are a congregation of 450 members in a growing community west That was one of Martin Starr and (of special interest of Phoenix, Ariz. Luther King Jr.’s favorite to both of us) Willie Taggart, General Requirements: The ideal candidate should be a married, middle-aged man with songs, often performed by the newly anointed head at least ten years of experience. He should be of strong personal faith and be doctrinally Mahalia Jackson. It reminds coach for Florida State. sound and well grounded in the Scriptures. He should have an evangelistic heart to share me of Paul’s charge to his Jimmy Carr also has a the Gospel with those who are lost. young disciple in 2 Timothy 4: silver plate in his office — a Principal Responsibilities: Responsibilities of this position include preaching, teaching “Preach the word; be community service award and participation in the life of our church family. prepared in season and out from the Arkansas Martin Hamil R. Harris How to Apply: of season; correct, rebuke Luther King Jr. Commission and encourage — with great for promoting multicultur- Those interested in applying should mail a copy of their resume with picture and at patience and careful instruction. For alism at Harding and in Searcy. least three references to the attention of: the time will come when people will not “It is critical that all of us get West Olive Church of Christ put up with sound doctrine. ... But you, along,” Carr said, “especially in the keep your head in all situations ...” church. We are an example to the Attn: Elders I pondered those words a lot as I entire world.” 10935 W Olive Ave drove my daughter from Memphis, True to his friendship (and his Tenn., to Harding University. As we last name, I guess), Jimmy Carr Peoria, AZ 85345 made our way through Arkansas’ helped me find a car — an inexpen- capital, I thought about the Little sive, used one for my daughter. He Rock Nine and their struggle to knew the owner of a dealership. My integrate the all-white Central High grateful daughter quickly became School in 1957. Sixty-one years later, the Uber of Harding University. in that same city, I pulled up to the There was a real finality to it. I Clinton National Airport with my cried as I let her go and watched African-American college senior to her walk back to her apartment with pick up her roommate — who was her fellow students of many races. flying in from South Korea. Lord, I pray we’ve taught them well. The next day, in Searcy, I was sitting I drove back to Memphis on in the office of Jimmy Carr, professor Highway 64. I listened to sports and senior vice president for Harding. radio and a Christian station where We’ve known each other since the fall an announcer read an on-air petition of 1978 when we both were members calling for “prayers for our President.” of the Call Street It really struck me — the chal- Church of Christ in lenge and the power God gives us Tallahassee, Fla. to love everybody, especially those He’s white. I’m who might be different from us in black. We don’t agree their views, in their beliefs, in their on politics. skin tone. We all need prayer. But we’re friends. I ate at a restaurant on Beale His brother, Street, the home of the blues. My John, was my blonde-haired waitress disappeared Jimmy Carr former minister in for a while, and I learned that she’d Tallahassee. Now my daughter lives just found out her great-grand- on Dr. Jimmy Carr Lane, which mother died. I grabbed her hand, was named after their father, an and we prayed right there. educational pioneer at Harding. The My living shall not be in vain. younger Jimmy Carr’s uncle, Lewis Ross, was an elder of the Gateway HAMIL R. HARRIS preaches for the Glenarden Church of Christ in Pensacola, Fla. Church of Christ in Maryland. He was a longtime Ross welcomed me to that majority- writer for The Washington Post and now freelances white congregation — so different and teaches at Morgan State University in Baltimore. OCTOBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

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