Bring Back Our Girls’ ABDUCTIONS in NIGERIA Send Christians to Their Knees, Offering Prayers for Victims of Human Trafficking Worldwide

Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 71, No. 7 | July 2014 for Churches of Christ

JON OWEN Christina Kadzamira, a native of the African nation of Malawi, and minister Buddy Bell pray for kidnapped girls in Nigeria during a vigil at the Landmark Church of Christ in Alabama. In Africa, in America, ‘bring back our girls’ ABDUCTIONS IN NIGERIA send Christians to their knees, offering prayers for victims of human trafficking worldwide

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Christ in Montgomery who organized sell them in the market, by Allah.” the prayer vigil. Education “would “Kidnapping” doesn’t describe this aughters of Africa knelt in the empower them to make unconscionable act, said Afangideh, a sanctuary of an Alabama church a difference in their native of Nigeria and science professor on a gray Friday evening, plead- generation and among at Faulkner University. “This is enslave- ing in prayer for the release of their people.” ment and human trafficking. American more than 200 girls, stolen in the night. Instead, the girls Christians should let it be known that Alongside their American sisters and abducted from their this is not acceptable.” brothers, they petitioned God for an end boarding school in It happens in America — not just Africa to tyranny and oppression worldwide, Chibok, Nigeria, sit in See BRING BACK, Page 16 for an end to the poverty, mistrust, Muslim chador cloaks, Afangideh greed and hate that drive people to treat reciting verses from FAITH FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING the powerless around them as property. the Quran in a video released by their 11 GIRLS FROM CHURCHES OF CHRIST AMONG ABDUCTED...... 16 video still via news.naij.com “All these girls are guilty of is desiring captors, Boko Haram. FORMER MODERN-DAY SLAVE SHARES HER STORY ...... 17 A video released by Boko Haram shows education,” said Uduak Afangideh, a In another video, the terrorists’ leader CHURCHES BATTLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE U.S...... 19 kidnapped Nigerian girls in Muslim chadors, member of the Landmark Church of proclaims, “I abducted your girls. I will EDITORIAL: DOING ‘SOMETHING’ ISN’T ENOUGH...... 27 praying in an undisclosed rural location. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014 DA!

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

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

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

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

hundreds of thousands of students. And now, public universities. let’s say “Yes!” Just say “DA!” EEEASTERN EUROPEANM MISSION facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt 800-486-1818 MillionDollarSunday.org JULY 2014 the christian chronicle 3 Five ideas Pro-Russian gunmen seize church in Ukraine to improve BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Church members spent three hours the graduation in spite of the turmoil in removing the congregation’s belongings Ukraine,” Ferguson told The Christian Sunday night During Sunday morning worship, armed from the building as the armed men stood Chronicle. “They never expected something men seized a building used by a Church and watched, Paziura said. like what happened ... during worship.” don’t like Sunday night of Christ and a ministry training school in They left behind a televi- Another ministry training school, the services,” said a minister the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlovka. sion, washing machines and Ukrainian Bible Institute in Donetsk, is ‘Ifriend, whose congrega- The men, who call themselves soldiers refrigerators. closed until further notice, said director tion draws 250 for morning of the Russian Federation, interrupted the “It was just very shocking Jay Don Rogers, currently in Canada. worship but only 100 for the worship service “and demanded we leave,” and stressful,” Paziura said. The school is associated with Sunset evening assembly. said Olga Paziura, a member of the Central “Some girls lost conscious- International Bible Institute in Lubbock, “Our Sunday night Church of Christ, which meets in the ness (or) started crying.” Texas. Recently, Rogers received a report attendance building. “After much negotiation, we were Paziura None of the church mem- that about 20 armed men broke into the Inside Story is plum- given two hours to remove contents from bers were injured. school’s facility and searched its dormi- meting,” a the building that we wanted, and (they told The day before, seven students graduated tory and classrooms. The facility was different us that) the rest would be destroyed.” from the institute’s two-year program, said unoccupied and nothing was taken. preacher The building also is the home of the Howell Ferguson, stateside coordinator for said. “We go Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine, Bear Valley. The school’s director “went UKRAINE IN CRISIS from 130 in an extension program of the Bear Valley to bed Saturday night feeling good and CHURCH-SUPPORTED MINISTRY HOUSES REFUGEES...... 12 the morning Bible Institute of Denver. relieved that they were able to accomplish JESUS: “THE MOST STABLE THING IN OUR COUNTRY’ ...... 27 to 30 at night.” In many — Bobby Ross Jr. but certainly not all — Churches of Christ, the Sunday night gathering has a glorious past, a lackluster present and an uncertain future. In our fellowship, the tradition can be traced to jason leger the earliest days of the Moments after a tornado destroyed their home on May 20, 2013, Jason Leger snapped this photo. The remains of Leger’s home are at the far left. American Restoration Movement, which began on the U.S. frontier in the 1790s and called for Christians of all denominations to follow After the disaster the Bible only. “Multiple meetings on family that survived killer tornado gives advice — and Bibles Sunday were common from the beginning, including BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE gets a Bible. That’s the rule. some in the evening for A year ago, torn, soggy Bible pages prayer and Bible study,” NEWCASTLE, Okla. were strewn across a massive field of said John Mark Hicks, a he Bible bookshelf is back. And the debris here. A tornado spun up just down Restoration scholar and pizza’s here, too. the street, collapsing the 2,100-square-foot theology professor at In this Oklahoma City suburb, just home as the Legers — Jason, Kala and Lipscomb University in south of Will Rogers World Airport, children McKenzie, Madison, Jett and Nashville, Tenn. Tabout 20 teenagers are busy doing what Hutton — huddled and prayed in a tiny “Revivalism in the late they do on Thursday nights — making concrete shelter. 19th century and the rise of themselves at home. They drift in from The May 20, 2013, storm intensified as it better lighting encouraged playing basketball in the backyard and smashed through Moore, Okla., toppling Sunday evening gatherings grab slices of pepperoni. two elementary schools and killing 24 for evangelistic preaching, Along with a small group of adults, the people — 10 of them children. and then shift work during youths search the shelf for the paperback Members of the Legers’ congregation, the WWI and WWII encouraged PHOTO PROVIDED Bibles bearing their names, scrawled in Southwest Church of Christ in Oklahoma Sunday evening offerings Jason and Kala Leger, with their four children, silver marker on the spine. Everyone who City, helped the family sift through the See SUNDAY NIGHT, Page 4 stand in the doorway of their rebuilt home. attends a devotional at the Legers’ house See DISASTER, Page 14 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY JULY 2014 SUNDAY NIGHT: Five ideas to make it better FROM PAGE 3 Sunday evening,” Jenkins added. “Our for those who missed, including the people love the flow of our Sunday Lord’s Supper,” Hicks added. “This morning services, and more people became standard in the 1940s.” stay around and visit afterward.” In wider Christian circles, Sunday Sunday night attendance? It’s up as evening services also have a long much as 75 percent. history, but they are disappearing, 3. Eat lunch, then meet again evangelical trends guru Thom S. Rainer earlier in the afternoon. suggested in a recent blog post. The Walnut Street Church of Christ The LifeWay Christian Resources in Cary, N.C., replaced its Sunday night Director of Residential Programs Position president and CEO explored possible assembly with 2:30 p.m. services twice Hope Harbor Children’s Home & Family Ministries in Claremore, Okla., reasons why, from the disappearance a month. “This has worked extremely is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Residential of “blue laws” mandating Sunday store well,” member Dennis Billingsley said. Programs. Position becomes available as of July 2014. The successful candidate closings to an increasing emphasis 4. Enjoy a night of rest. on family time to ministers lacking The Broken Arrow Church of Christ will provide supervision and training of a multidisciplinary team of professionals the “desire, energy or commitment to in Oklahoma meets most Sunday including house parents, on-site counselor, and admissions coordinator and will prepare a second and different sermon.” nights, with one Sunday night a month participate in establishing direction for long-term program development and If your Sunday night assembly is still set aside for small groups. going strong, that’s wonderful. Praise But once a year, the congregation be licensed or license eligible. Experience in intervention and leadership God! plans a “Day of Worship and Rest.” growth. Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a mental health field and in residential care or a related setting preferred. Knowledge and expertise in But if you — like the ministers I quoted That Sunday begins with an extended trauma informed care also preferred, but not required. — are frustrated, here are five ideas: morning worship assembly lasting 1. Organize small group about an hour and 45 minutes. But no For more information, contact Ralph Richardson, Ph.D. at meetings. Bible classes or other church events (918) 343-0003, Ext. 230, or e-mail [email protected]. This typically involves members gath- are planned that day. To learn more about Hope Harbor, visit our website at ering in each other’s homes for food, “We began doing this out of a realiza- fellowship and faith-oriented activities, tion that our church calendar frequently www.hopeharborinc.org. such as prayer and Bible study. conspires against already overcommitted “We have consistently had more members of our church family,” minister people in attendance on a given Sunday Tim Pyles said. “We urge people to seek night in small groups than we ever had times of Sabbath and stillness before when the church met together at the God and maintain margin in their lives, church building,” said Alan Phillips, and then we make it virtually impossible an elder of the Lake Cities Church of for them to actually accomplish this by a Christ in Trophy Club, Texas. “We relentless whirlwind of services, activities have also found that relationships are and events.” strengthened, shepherding is more 5. Replace the sermon with a effective, visitors are less intimidated, service project. and more prayer takes place.” Some churches dub this approach 2. Move Sunday school to Sunday “We Are The Sermon.” night. “It makes sense to me to hear the The Spring Meadows Church of Word in the morning and live it out Christ in Spring Hill, Tenn., has in the afternoon/evening,” said Jamin enjoyed success with this. Speer, a member of the Stamford “We decided to ‘throw the clock Church of Christ in Connecticut. away’ on Sunday mornings,” minister A friend from my home congregation Dale Jenkins explained. “Our services balked, though, at my ideas. typically last an hour and 30 minutes, “No one should be expected to attend though that is not a form.” on Sunday night if they have something This approach allows more time for more important to do than worshiping singing, the Lord’s Supper, preaching God,” my friend said. and special-focus assemblies, Jenkins My friend makes me smile. said. “We don’t feel rushed,” he said. “Then we moved our classes to SEE VOICES, Page 29, for more perspectives. www.christianchronicle.org Get the latest news, including updates on the turmoil in Ukraine and Nigeria, on your smartphone, tablet or desktop. Find online- exclusive classified advertising. Find links to church-support ministries and nonprofits. See expanded photo galleries and videos. MAY 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELLE J. GOFF Nearly 100 Hispanic women enjoy Ladies Day hosted by Maryland congregation Women and children pose for a photo at a recent Ladies Day hosted by the Spanish-speaking Sister Ministries spoke on the topic of Christian relationships. Nearly 100 women from the congregation of the Silver Spring Church of Christ in Maryland. Michelle J. Goff of Iron Rose Washington area, North Carolina and New York participated in the seminar.

COLORADO MISSOURI suspect, John Quinton, as he tried spoTLIGHT LAKEWOOD — Reg Cox, minister for the WENTZVILLE — The Crossings Church — to get away, the television station Lakewood Church of Christ, has made a a Church of Christ — raised more than reported. He reportedly fell into the name for himself as a “community cata- $400,000 on a recent weekend. baptistery at one point. lyst,” as he likes to describe his role. “A large chunk of that is going directly A Ray of light A former longtime staff member toward church and campus ministry TEXAS LAUREL, Md. — Michael Ray, minister for at Abilene Christian University in planting,” said Wes Woodell, a church SAN PEDRO — The San Pedro Church of the Laurel Church of Christ, died May Texas, Cox told the Denver Post that planter who works with Crossings. Christ has begun a bilingual children’s 14 after a six-month battle with colon he relishes bringing together church Minister Robert Cox and other leaders Bible hour as an outreach. and liver cancer. He was 49. leaders to tackle challenges, such as “did a great job leading members to give Children will learn greetings, numbers In 2012, the helping turn around a struggling neigh- sacrificially,” Woodell said. and colors in Spanish, teachers James Laurel church borhood elementary school. and Dawn Brents and Amy Galindo told was featured To see a video with Cox, recorded OKLAHOMA the Christian News of South Texas. in a Christian during a recent ACU visit, see www. TAHLEQUAH — The South College Church “Biblical concepts will be inter- Chronicle christianchronicle.org. of Christ hosts a community meal each woven into the curriculum as the chil- Churches That Tuesday evening. dren become fluent,” according to a Work feature. GEORGIA The meal draws between 75 and 150 written description of the outreach. Ray, a SMYRNA — The Central Church of people each week, said Max Ellis, a “They will learn through songs, Lipscomb Christ in Smyrna and the Macland church member and one of the orga- lessons, puppets, games, guest University Road Church of Christ hosted a recent nizers. Not only does the meal serve speakers and, on occasion, videos.” graduate and “Purity Day” for 117 middle and high those in need, but it also helps the Kentucky school girls. church to be known and appreciated in WASHINGTON native, came “Finding Your Happily Ever After in the community, Ellis said. Also, some SEATTLE — More than 450 people to the Laurel God’s Kingdom” was the theme. who eat stay for a Bible class. attended the dedication of the 43-year- church in 2003. “Statistics are running high for teen old Holgate Church of Christ’s new Ray wrote pregnancy, drugs and alcohol abuse, TENNESSEE building in Seattle’s Central District. occasional FACEBOOK.COM social media bullying, ‘sexting’ and NASHVILLE — A homeless man saved the Neighborhood residents, sister congre- stories for Michael Ray preached for self-mutilation,” Central minister’s wife day for the Woodland Hills Church of gations and city officials joined the recent the Chronicle, the Laurel Church of Christ. Heather Scarborough said. “Thus, Christ recently. celebration, minister James A. Maxwell including one Purity Day was born.” Eric Ledbetter had been staying at said. The 28,000-square-foot building on Cliff Holladay, a Maryland minister Speaker Hannah Colley Gisselbach the church and called authorities after seats 650 and features a commercial who was paralyzed in a beach accident focused on topics such as modesty, witnessing a man break a back window, kitchen, fellowship center, administrative and later died. Ray’s survivors include how to find a mate, self-esteem, bearing WKRN reported. suite, classrooms, elevator and space to his wife, Susan, and their three children, good fruits and “mean girl syndrome.” An officer arrived and tackled the accommodate future ministry plans. Elizabeth, Alex and Jeff. 6 140143-0514 THE CHRISTIANCHRONICLE O c a u m r

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BOBBY ROSS JR. Mexico Jonathan Charley, a member of the Milton Church of Christ in Massachusetts, leads singing at the New England Lectureship. The lectureship drew more than 300 participants. Nicaragua Panama Lectureship brings together United States Christians in Massachusetts Sharing God’s love Spring break is a much-anticipated time of no class, no tests BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE independent,” said Davis, who moved and no papers. Students at Harding University celebrate this here four years ago after serving Texas TAUNTON, Mass. and Oklahoma congregations for two break in a number of ways, including traveling to several U.S. s Maurice Davis points out, decades, “and everybody is more focused states and foreign countries on mission trips. Many students Massachusetts — one of the on their own ministry at spend their week going out into the world, showing love nation’s least religious states — their location than seeing is a mission field. the benefit of us all work- to others, and sharing the good news about Jesus. Make a In fact, none of the 50 states has a ing together and seeing difference with your spring break at Harding University. lower ratio of members of Churches the greater good we could of Christ than this one, a Christian accomplish.” Chronicle analysis found. Aiming to create better The state’s 28 churches and roughly fellowship and relation- 2,300 men, women and children in ships among the region’s Davis the pews represent a tiny fraction of Churches of Christ, Massachusetts’ 6.6 million total residents. Davis helped revive the New England Yet even those Christians — separated Lectureship, a once-annual event that Faith, Learning and Living by miles and sometimes race — often had disappeared. do not know their brothers and sisters at The recent lectureship, held at a hotel Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 other congregations, said Davis, minister 40 miles south of Boston, drew 300 Searcy, Arkansas for the Milton Church of Christ. church members from 10 states. “The congregations are isolated, See NEW ENGLAND, Page 8 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JULY 2014

States with the MASSACHUSETTS: Lectureship touts Bible basics lowest, highest ratios of church adherents The Christian Chronicle compared the number of adherents (members plus children) of Churches of Christ in each state with each state’s total population to determine where the fellowship’s numerical presence is weakest and strongest. To see the statistics for all 50 states, visit www.christianchronicle.org. Lowest MASSACHUSETTS Adherents: 2,306 Population: 6,646,144 Residents per adherent: 2,882 BOBBY ROSS JR. BOBBY ROSS JR. Utah Jonathan Charley, left, and Dave Russell, right, both members of the Milton Church of Christ in Phillip Morrison from the Roxbury Church of Adherents: 1,126 Massachusetts, sing with a choral group at the New England Lectureship in Taunton, Mass. Christ teaches a teen class at the lectureship. Population: 2,855,287 Residents per adherent: FROM PAGE 7 of the Soul” and “Sunday Morning” by a Boston Movement — were “here for a long 2,536 That attendance topped the 250 who mostly black choral group. time, and they are still a presence.” came last year when the three-day event “It gives some of the white churches “Our part of the tradition has become Minnesota was resurrected. a taste of that culture,” Mullen said. “It rather sectarian,” he said of mainstream Adherents: 2,475 “Back to Bible Basics” served as the really is encouraging.” Churches of Christ. “Right now, we tend Population: 5,379,139 theme for the 2014 lectureship. But at least one person complained to come together in ever smaller combines Residents per adherent: “This breaks isolation,” said Tony about the group’s clapping. As Davis sees with those we are most comfortable with.” 2,173 Black, who preaches for the Melrose it, working through such issues is a part Several ministers at the lectureship, Church of Christ, north of Boston. “It gets of creating unity. however, said their congregations are us all together.” “One of the good things growing and finding New Englanders about having something more spiritually hungry than ever. Highest ‘WE WANTED EVERYONE TO FEEL COMFORTABLE’ like this is, we’re coming “Every Sunday, somebody new visits Tennessee Six Massachusetts congregations — a together,” he said. “We’re the church,” said Mullen, reporting that Adherents: 212,610 mix of predominantly black and white listening to a diversity of Fall River’s attendance is up about 40 — to Population: 6,456,243 Churches of Christ — sponsored the lec- preaching, a diversity of around 120 — since last year. “I have prob- Residents per adherent: tureship. Besides the Milton and Melrose singing, and we’re begin- ably about seven Bible studies going.” 30 congregations, those sponsors were the ning to see, ‘We’re all the People seem more receptive to the Mullen Roxbury Church of Christ, the Blue Hill same. We worship God the Gospel, agreed Johnny E. Thomas Sr., Arkansas Church of Christ in Mattapan, the Fall same way.’ But even here, it has taken minister for the Blue Hill church. “The Adherents: 83,565 River Church of Christ and the Lawrence time to get everybody comfortable and thing is, getting the members to have the Population: 2,949,131 Church of Christ. supporting of the work.” faith and confidence that they can bring Residents per adherent: “We decided ... that whatever we created somebody to Christ,” Thomas said. 35 was going to be a lectureship that featured ‘EVERY SUNDAY, SOMEBODY NEW VISITS’ As a result of a heavy emphasis on evan- black and white speakers,” said Davis, the Roman Catholics — many nominal — gelism, the 130-member Milton church is Alabama director. “And to the best of our ability, we and those with no faith at all dominate baptizing 20 to 25 people a year, Davis said. Adherents: 112,744 were going to make it an equal number Massachusetts’ religious landscape. “We just need people to pray for us,” he Population: 4,822,023 because we wanted to be able to reach out Robert Randolph, minister for the said. “But we also need people to be avail- Residents per adherent: to all groups that make up the congrega- Brookline Church of Christ in Boston, able to come and do mission efforts here. 43 tions here, and we wanted everyone to feel points out, too, that “the independent “One of the things we’re trying to do at comfortable with the speakers.” Christian Churches have made some real our congregation,” he added, “is position SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau 2012 population Mike Mullen, minister and elder for inroads in Massachusetts with several ourselves so that next summer we can estimates and 2012 edition of “Churches the Fall River church, said he enjoys the strong church plants in the state.” host interns, from the Christian colleges, of Christ in the United States” directory diversity, including the singing of hymns Randolph also notes that the International to help start preparing ministers to serve published by 21st Century Christian such as “Here I Am To Worship,” “Home Churches of Christ — once known as the Massachusetts.” JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Come Join Our Dynamic Campus Community! BE A PREACHER. COULD IT BE YOU who shares truth in a Ohio Valley University is currently seeking highly qualified world where everything is relative? Could it candidates who desire to have a strong, positive influence on be you who gives purpose in a flurry of the lives of young people in the following areas. If you believe distractions? Could it be you who injects joy working in an intimate, growing Christian university setting into lives drowning in despair? Dig deep. sounds like your next career move, we invite you to apply today. All Could it be you who has the courage to candidates must be active members of a church of Christ congregation. be a minister of the gospel?

Full job descriptions are available for download at www.ovu.edu/jobs At Heritage Christian University,Universit we believe it could be. We will equip you to To apply for dean or faculty positions, send letter of application, curriculum minister to the world around you in ways vita, statement of teaching philosophy and the names and addresses of three you never thought possible. We will professional references BY JULY 1, 2014, to [email protected]. encourage you in the pursuit of your dreams. And our Legacy Scholarship can help you do it tuition free. Call today to Director of Financial Aid Dean of the College of Business learn more. Seeking experienced Director of Financial Seeking an individual to serve as the Dean Aid to serve as the administrator for the of the College of Business. Master’s degree student financial aid staff and full oversight in a business discipline required, doctorate for coordinating, awarding, disbursing, and preferred. Administrative experience required HCU Office of Admissions returning federal, state, and institutional with a minimum of five years of teaching www.hcu.edu * 256.766.6610 financial aid programs for the university. experience at the college level. PO Box HCU, Florence, AL 35630 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ensuring institutional compliance with Professor of all Title IV regulations; directing the annual completion of the Federal Fiscal Operations Information Technology (IT) Seeking an individual to serve as an Assistant Report and the Application to Participate or Associate Professor of Information (FISAP); administering the student work Technology at the undergraduate level. study program. Must have excellent writing, Expectations include the commitment verbal and interpersonal communication to excellence in teaching and advising/ skills. This position reports to the Executive mentoring IT majors. Master’s degree Vice President. Bachelor’s degree with and professional certification(s) required, at least 3 years of experience working teaching experience preferred. within a financial aid office required; master’s degree preferred. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae/resume Professor of Mathematics and the names and addresses of three Seeking an individual to serve as an professional references BY JULY 1, 2014 to Assistant or Associate Professor teaching [email protected]. mathematics at the undergraduate level. Primary teaching responsibilities will be for Vice President of Development upper division math courses. Expectations include the commitment to excellence in Seeking Vice President of Development to teaching and advising/mentoring math lead comprehensive, non-profit, institutional and math education majors. Master’s fundraising and development campaigns. degree and teaching experience required, Successful candidates will serve as “player doctorate preferred. coach” in this role and report directly to the President. Baccalaureate degree and professional fundraising credentials required, master’s degree preferred. Candidates must demonstrate successful fundraising experience and be adept at managing and motivating a team of fundraisers. Send letter of application, curriculum vita/resume and the names and addresses of three professional references BY JULY 1, 2014 to [email protected]. 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

candidates, and make recommendations to the Board.

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

JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 ECUADOR spotlight QUITO — Christians gathered in this South American capital to celebrate a young congregation’s inaugural Mustard seed grows worship service in its new building. Members of the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Neb., helped lay the in the Marianas foundation for the building of the Pisuli SAIPAN, Mariana Islands — Robert Martin Church of Christ, which meets in the journeyed to a land “where America’s Pisuli neighborhood on the north side day begins.” That’s a common saying of Quito. The U.S. church members also in the Mariana Islands, a U.S. terri- participated in the worship service. tory in the Pacific Ocean, home to “There were nearly 120 in attendance, about 54,000 souls. Situated west of the including representatives from eight International Date other Ecuadoran churches, offering their Line, the islands encouragement and blessings to this new are 14 hours work,”said Rusty Campbell, a missionary ahead of the U.S. with Operation Ecuador. east coast. Martin’s day EL SALVADOR began extra early AGUA ESCONDIDA — A four-year-old Church — 3:20 a.m. — of Christ in this Central American nation when his plane www.pblcoc.org hosted a gospel campaign, attended by arrived in Saipan. Robert and Mary 78 people. The congregation had 27 Nonetheless, Martin have served in members when it was Christians were the South Pacific for planted and has since waiting to greet nearly 50 years. grown to 51, minister him, saying Santos Ayala said. “Welcome home, brother Robert.” Church members from Martin and his wife, Mary, lived Quezaltepeque, Zaragoza on the island and helped establish a and San Juan Opico Church of Christ there before leaving assisted in the campaign, the work to fellow missionaries Steve said minister Alexander Vice and Joey Treat and their families. Castellanos Castellanos. Sixty-seven Christians attended Sunday The attendees “were very edified to MARTHA LEESON worship and heard Robert Martin preach. be united in this evangelistic activity,” During his visit, he taught courses from he said. “The Word has been seeded, Christian students serve sister school in Africa the Pacific Islands Bible College. and the fruit will come.” Kennedy Barnett holds a child’s finger during a weeklong trip to the Ateiku International “Boy, the church has grown from that Church of Christ School in Ghana. A team of 20 students and five sponsors from the school’s mustard seed beginning in our living NIGERIA sister institution, Dallas Christian School, made an annual visit to the campus. The team commis- room to a strong church in the Lord,” IKOM — An annual, three-day gath- sioned two water wells, poured concrete at the Christina Adcock and Sons Christian Hospital, he said. The Forest Park Church of ering called The Great Workshop drew volunteered during a night shift at the hospital, hosted a sports camp and distributed shoes. Christ in Georgia supports the work. 468 preachers and church leaders to this town near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. The workshop featured “rich RWANDA remembering motivates me toward a “To my knowledge, this lectureship fellowship, Bible lectures, inspirational KIGALI — Kwibuka means ‘remember’ in brighter future,” Hixon said. was virtually the first attempt by the songs and devotionals,” said Sylvester Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s language. The church-supported effort works Korean preachers to prepare a long- Imogoh, minister for the Ugbogbo Recently, Christians in Rwanda with Rwandans in education, commu- term, scheduled, fixed lectureship Church of Christ in and around the globe nity development and faith-based initia- series,” said Malcolm Parsley, a longtime Igarra, Nigeria. remembered the geno- tives. See www.rocpartners.org and missionary in South Korea. “Watching Eleven people were cide that claimed 800,000 www.kwibuka.rw. the mature attitude of my Korean baptized. In addi- lives in this East African brothers, I feel extremely pleased.” tion, 2,496 Bibles were nation, proclaiming that SOUTH KOREA purchased and 135,000 their nation “would not SEOUL — Church leaders in this Asian THAILAND gospel tracts were be defined by the horror nation are preparing for a July lecture- KHON KAEN — The Khon Kaen Bible distributed to attendees. perpetrated by hate,” ship — a follow-up to a lectureship in Institute hosted a recent family camp in “Several reasons make said Bryan Hixon, who January attended by 11 Korean evan- Thailand’s northeastern Chaiyaphum Imogoh Hixon these workshops ‘great,’ lives in Kigali with his gelists and one church elder. Workers Province. Imogoh said, “and these gospel materials family and serves as part of Rwanda with the Bible Correspondence Center More than 450 people, representing that the preachers get to go home with Outreach and Community Partners. hosted the event and prepared the 42 churches from across the country, is not the least of such reasons.” “I kwibuka with you, Rwanda, because schedule. attended. Four people were baptized. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD JULY 2014 Ministry houses 50-plus refugees from ongoing conflict in Ukraine KOLENTSI, Ukraine — A ministry associ- The camp has room for 100 people. ated with Churches of Christ is hosting A friend in Slavyansk — a city in more than 50 refugees — most of them eastern Ukraine — contacted the Kellys women and children — from the turmoil about housing children and caretakers in eastern Ukraine. from an orphanage there. A Baptist The Christians who church across the street, which works work with Jeremiah’s with the home, was seized by pro-Russian Hope, a ministry for separatists, the Kelleys’ friend said. The Ukraine’s orphans and couple arranged to take in 38 people. at-risk youth, are doing “Instead ... a steady stream of refu- their best to accommo- gees arrived on our property,” Andrew date the unexpected Kelly said. Jeremiah’s Hope, with a staff guests, said Andrew of five, currently is hosting 57 refugees. Kelly Kelly, who co-directs the The Christians are praying for peace nonprofit with his wife, Jenny. in Ukraine’s troubled east — and for the However, “if we get more refugees, families who remain in Slavyansk, where we cannot handle sorting through aid, Ukrainian troops have exchanged artil- cooking, cleaning and watching the lery fire with separatists in recent weeks. dozens of kids without parents who “We are praying for the nightmares to came with just a couple of caregivers,” pass,” Andrew Kelly said. “Those night- Kelly told The Christian Chronicle. “We mares come every night for these chil- need manpower, help and finances as dren, who have seen what no human soon as possible.” should have to see — war.” Jeremiah’s Hope owns a Christian camp in the community of Kolentsi, about related devotional, Page 27. For more an hour north of Ukraine’s capital, Kiev. information, see www.jeremiahshope.org. Christians in Kenya defy cultural barriers, build a new home for an ‘uncleansed’ widow

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE of the University of Nairobi, in a journal RN TO BSN PROGRAM article about widowhood and remarriage Mama Bonyo had resigned herself to in Kenya. ONLINE. ON YOUR SCHEDULE. a life of homelessness and poverty. When members of the Oduwo Church In just 16 months, earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing A widow for 10 years in a rural village of Christ learned of Bonyo’s ordeal, of western Kenya, she had refused to they “decided to cross this dreaded with a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle! OC’s RN to undergo a ritual known as cultural bridge and did the BSN program offers all nursing core courses and prerequisites “cleansing” to disconnect her unbelievable,” said Charles online. The program’s strong servant leadership focus will help from her husband’s spirit. Ngoje, a minister and director you develop your skills and expand your opportunities in a In some sub-Saharan of the Winyo Mission Center cultures, a widow is forced in nearby Rongo, Kenya. profession that’s requiring more nurses to have a BSN degree. to have sex with a “cleanser,” The Christians solicited often from outside the contributions from church OC Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission community, to break the bond members in Kenya and the on Collegiate Nursing Education. Get more info between the woman and her U.S. and used the funds to late husband. Otherwise, she build a house for the widow. and apply for free at www.oc.edu/RN2BSN, or call will be haunted by his spirit, it Upon seeing the completed Rhea Ann Lee, BSN Coordinator, at 405.425.1926. is believed. Without the ritual, PHOTO PROVIDED house, Bonyo fell to her knees the woman is not permitted to Mama Bonyo falls to and thanked God. remarry or own property. her knees upon seeing Ngoje thanked the contribu- Apply for free at www.oc.edu/RN2BSN Although such rituals “are her new home. tors, who “made it possible intended as ways of showing for this church to wrestle public respect for the dead ... they down a monster that has held many expose the widows to psycho-emotional widows and orphans captives, locking and physical indignity” — and possibly them in shackles and chains of poverty HIV/AIDS — writes Samson O. Gunga, and hopelessness.” JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13

the sOn shines and gO d reigns in ghana, liberia and zimbabwe

pOwered by the sOn Sunset is using the power of the sun to teach about the Son. a multi-continent effort is providing hand-held solar-powered audio players to reach a remote and powerless world with the gospel of Christ. Thank you for playing a part in this major solar event! sunset international bible institute • 800.658.9553 • www.sibi.cc 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT JULY 2014 JULY 2014 FROM THE SECOND FRONT the christian chronicle 15 Help that helps DISASTER RESPONDERS and survivors share what they’ve learned

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE the replacement costs. Also, “use your volunteer help in places that are not end gift cards — not 8-track tapes. covered by insurance,” she says. Be ready to transition from relief to recovery. AFTER THE DISASTER — SHORT-TERM And bathe your efforts in prayer. • Update your website. It may not SThe Christian Chronicle interviewed seem important, but the Internet is a relief specialists who serve Churches vital link when cell phone towers are of Christ and church members who down, says Dale Hoggatt, a deacon of have survived fires, floods, tornadoes the 26th and Connecticut Church of and hurricanes. They offer advice Christ in Joplin, Mo. No website? Set TED PARKS for Christians who live through — or up a Facebook group to disseminate Volunteers prepare boxes of relief supplies at the headquarters of Churches of Christ JASON LEGER ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD respond to — natural disasters. information quickly. The remains of the Legers’ home after the Jason Leger, far right, leads a devotional at his family’s rebuilt home. Members of the The names of regular devo attendees — and Disaster Relief Effort in Nashville, Tenn., after the 2010 Tennessee floods. They’re useful in tornado. The storm shelter in the foreground Southeast Church of Christ had input in the design of the house, which includes a large, visitors — can be seen on the new Bible • Tents and tarps. the early days for storing supplies in a company, generating profits for addi- careful using volunteer labor, as some of likely saved their lives. open family room and kitchen. The Legers host weekly devotionals on Thursday nights. shelf at the Legers’ home in Newcastle, Okla. BEFORE THE DISASTER • Have a plan. There’s little time single location and covering damaged tional relief work after Hurricane Sandy. their hard work may have to be redone. for an elders’ meeting after a disaster property, Hatfield says. • Pray without ceasing. Pray with • Bible studies that last. Many of the strikes, says Laura Cremeans of After a tornado destroyed most of responders and victims. “If you’re not Bible studies conducted in the relief tents DISASTER: ‘You can see, everywhere, how they made this house for us’ Churches of Christ Disaster Response Hackleburg, Ala., one church member praying about the disaster,” Williamson didn’t produce long-lasting fruit, Hatfield Team. Make sure your church has supplied a trailer that he converted says, “then you become like a business.” says. Instead, people helped by the FROM PAGE 3 • Make sure the lights in your storm host the weekly devotionals, using the She’s equally impressed with the new emergency contacts and a basic plan. into portable showers. It was a huge congregation as they rebuild see long- remains. Volunteers from Oklahoma shelter won’t explode under pressure. church building or other members’ house, which includes a spacious living Mike Baumgartner of Disaster help, says Mike Lane, minister for the AFTER THE DISASTER — LONG-TERM term Christian influence in their lives. Christian University and Churches of Theirs did. homes. Eight months after the storm, room and open kitchen — perfect for Assistance CoC recommends that Hackleburg Church of Christ. Another • Make the transition. “Do they still • Don’t neglect your congregation. Christ across the nation assisted in the • Insurance doesn’t cover everything, close to Valentine’s Day, they moved large groups to fellowship. There’s even churches have coordinators for volun- trailer was converted into a food pantry. need food, or do they need sheetrock?” “A disaster takes a toll on your church,” cleanup and demolition of the house. including the removal of trees if they’re into their rebuilt home. a bathroom with exterior access for the teers, supply distribution and incoming For several weeks “we were the main asks Williamson. Pick a focus, such as Williamson says. Some volunteers may Jason Leger, a deacon of the not on your house. “Even if there is a car When she first visited, “I got goose- youths who play basketball. requests for aid. Make sure your grocery store,” elder Wade Hood says. helping people to refurnish their homes. feel like they’re doing more to help than Southwest church, says he’s gained a in the tree, it’s not covered,” he wrote. bumps,” says Aron Wynn, a Southwest “You can see, everywhere, how they congregation has access to generators • Don’t send clothes. Or do. Old Have resources available to help victims others. Churches, like families, can tear lot of disaster wisdom in the past year. • Gift cards are “invaluable for peace of member who has attended the devo- made this house for us,” Wynn says. and hookups for recreational vehicles. clothes take up space, sorting time and apply for grants and file insurance claims. themselves apart in such high-stress He shared advice on his Facebook page mind,” he says. As families wait for insur- tionals for 15 years. After the storm, Though the new locale still seems a • Review your insurance. Don’t usually get thrown away, most of the • Mind the codes. Your city may situations. Or, the minister says, “the as the storm’s anniversary approached. ance payments, gift cards keep them from “it was heartbreaking to see their life bit unfamiliar, “the same atmosphere merely estimate the value of your relief experts say. But Carl Williamson, adopt new, firm building codes as recon- struggle can strengthen us.” • “Take photos of all your wall-hung dipping into their own cash reserves. strewn everywhere. But she was inspired is present,” says Steve Spor, another church’s property, says Rick Hatfield, lead evangelist for the Gateway Church struction begins, says Kirk Garrison, photos,” he wrote. Many don’t exist As they moved from a hotel to tempo- by the family’s response — the way they longtime devo devotee. “It’s a totally an elder of the Central Church of of Christ in Holmdel, N.J., sold several minister for the Carrollton Avenue FIND MORE TIPS and join the conversation. Share your digitally and can’t be replaced. rary housing, the Legers continued to praised God during TV interviews. different house, but the same God.” Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Estimate truckloads of donated clothes to a local Church of Christ in New Orleans. Be disaster relief experiences at www.christianchronicle.org. Joplin, Mo., tornado, May 2011 Hurricane Katrina, August 2005 California fires, October 2007 Southeast tornadoes, April 2011 Tennessee floods, May 2010 Hurricane Sandy, October 2012 WHAT HAPPENED: A mile- What Happened: A WHat happened: Raging WHat happened: A WHAT HAPPENED: Two WHat happened: A wide tornado tore Category 5 hurricane fires, visible from space, storm system pro- days of torrential Category 3 storm through Joplin on a in the Gulf of Mexico burned more than duced more than 350 rain caused the claimed more than Sunday afternoon, caused destruction 500,000 acres. Nine tornadoes in a four- Cumberland River in 280 lives in seven killing 161 people and from Florida to Texas. people died, and at day period. Hardest hit Nashville to crest at a countries, causing mil- causing $2.8 billion in More than 1,800 peo- least two families from was Alabama, where level not seen since lions of dollars of dam- damage. Two mem- ple died in the storm, Churches of Christ in two Churches of Christ 1937. Storms claimed age in New York and bers of the 26th and which flooded the city southern California lost lost their buildings. 20 lives in Tennessee, New Jersey.

Connecticut Church of ERIK TRYGGESTAD of New Orleans. BOBBY ROSS JR. their homes. ERIK TRYGGESTAD WHAT HELPED: A church PHOTO PROVIDED six in Mississippi and TED PARKS WHAT HELPED: “The REBECCA YOUNG Christ died. WHAT HELPED: “Self- WHAT HELPED: An infor- in Texas sent heavy four in Kentucky. hurricane created WHAT HELPED: “Our volunteers and donors are what kept us contained” crews that brought their own equipment and had mal task force, representing multiple congregations, helped duty tents, which helped workers organize supplies, said WHAT HELPED: As the floodwaters rose, the Bellevue Church huge evangelistic opporunties,” said Carl Williamson, lead energized to work 14- to 16-hour days in 100-plus degrees,” food to share were useful, said Kirk Garrison, minister for the in planning and coordination, said Gilbert Oropeza, a mem- Chandra Clark, a member of the Central Church of Christ in of Christ served stranded motorists. Lipscomb University evangelist for the Gateway Church of Christ in Holmdel, N.J. said Dale Hoggatt, a deacon of 26th and Connecticut. Some Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ in New Orleans. ber of the Canyon View Church of Christ in San Diego. Food Tuscaloosa. A loaned forklift also was useful. provided shelter for those forced to evacuate. Churches of Transitioning from short- to long-term recovery has helped workers had to go out “blindly” to find people to help, but “I WHAT DIDN’T: Used clothing, bent folding chairs and broken boxes, cleaning supplies and disposable masks were useful as What didn’t: In addition to useful donations, the church Christ Disaster Relief Effort, based in Nashville, set up 20 dis- in this effort. Church members have provided furniture and think some people had richer experiences — and really got to tables were of little use and difficult to store. However, “what Californians wiped away the ash from their homes. received “old 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, tattered and dirty tribution centers at churches across Tennessee. “One of the helped remodel the inside of 200-plus homes since the storm. see Joplin’s spirit — when they offered the help to strangers.” worked way outweighed the ultimately minor irritations of WHAT DIDN’T: In the early stages of recovery, churches received clothing and dilapidated furniture,” Clark said. “That just made most amazing things is the churches working together,” said The church also has a strong focus on counseling victims. The church kept its minister, Richard Chambers, at the build- what didn’t,” Garrison said. “We will be eternally grateful for all furniture, washers and dryers. Fire victims were unable to use more work for all of us.” Church members also got conflict- Howard Howell, family minister for the Pennington Bend What didn’t: Although they ran out of diapers, “We had more ing as a familiar face for volunteers and those seeking aid. the love that was showered down on our church after Katrina.” these things until their homes were rebuilt, Oropeza said. ing information from federal emergency workers, she said. Church of Christ in Nashville. M&M’s than we could use,” Williamson joked. 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT JULY 2014 11 girls from Churches BRING BACK: Enslavement a global threat FROM PAGE 1 for women on a global scale. Egle, a member of of Christ among the or nations plagued by unrest. The U.S. State the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, Department estimates that up to 27 million people founded Eternal Threads, a nonprofit that sells fair- worldwide are the victims of modern-day slavery. trade items crafted by women in a dozen countries, abducted in Nigeria Human trafficking, the illegal trade of human beings including Afghanistan, Madagascar, India and Nepal. for the purpose of exploitation — including forced In Nepal, profits from the sale of items including BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE labor and prostitution — is the third-largest interna- red thread bracelets support anti-trafficking initia- tional crime industry, behind the sale of illegal drugs tives, including 13 border stations where as many as Among the nearly 300 students taken from a and weapons, according to the United 200 girls per year are rescued from boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria, were a dozen girls Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. traffickers. Workers with Eternal from Churches of Christ. From 600,000 to 800,000 people Threads’ partner nonprofit in Nepal “Only 53 of the girls came back home, one of them are trafficked across international intercept traffickers as they attempt being a member of the Lord’s church,” minister Yusuf borders per year — and 14,500 to to take the girls to India and sell Buba told The Christian Chronicle, “but 11 of our 17,500 of them are trafficked into the them into slavery. members are still in the forest.” U.S., the State Department reports. “The trafficking of girls is one of The girls come from four of the 18 Churches of Christ More than 70 percent are women. the great evils in the world,” Egle in the Chibok area, said Buba, who has struggled to The abduction of an estimated 276 said, “and I believe strongly that maintain a preacher training school in the predominantly female students from a government- Christians are the ones that should Muslim Borno state of northern Nigeria. Boko Haram, run secondary school in northern be fighting this evil.” the terrorist group that abducted the girls, has attacked Nigeria’s Borno state sparked a both Muslims and Christians throughout the region. Boko massive social media campaign. THANK YOU FOR CARING ... NOW GO FIGHT Haram seeks to establish an Islamic state in northern Human rights advocate Malala Afangideh’s daughter, Salem, is Nigeria and condemns what it calls “Western education.” Yousafzai, First Lady Michelle Obama JON OWEN joining that fight. “We are still worshiping, but some churches have and celebrities from Sean Combs to About 50 people prayed for Nigeria The third-year law student at disappeared as the community they are planted in is Sean Penn released photos of them- during a vigil in Montgomery, Ala. Faulkner is spending her sum- wiped out by Boko Haram,” he said. Other churches selves holding signs reading “Real mer interning with Free, Aware, have died “because of lack of preachers.” Men Don’t Buy Girls” and “#BringBackOurGirls.” Inspired, Restored (FAIR) Girls, a Washington- Church members in Nigeria’s predominantly Christians involved in the fight against human based nonprofit that provides crisis response, Christian south are praying for their brethren in the trafficking say they’re glad to see awareness of the prevention education and a transitional home for north — and for their troops. In the western city of global problem, but discouraged that it took such a survivors of human trafficking. Ilorin, three members of the Amilegbe Church of horrific act to bring it to light. “I have always been totally horrified by the lack Christ serve in the military and are deployed in the “A great man once said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a of empowerment to girls — and especially the way north, battling Boko Haram, said church member threat to justice everywhere,’” Afangideh said, refer- that the Nigerian culture makes young girls more Ifalola Oluwatosin. The congregation hosted a prayer encing words written by Martin Luther King Jr. from easily susceptible to being trafficked for sex and vigil for their country. an Alabama jail cell, not far her current home, in 1963. labor,” Salem Afangideh said. “This Biodun Owolabi also asked for prayers. “In the same vein,” she said, “enslavement anywhere was a driving force behind my deci- Weeks after the abductions, the in the world is a threat to freedom everywhere.” sion to go to law school and become director of Western Nigeria Christian a human rights attorney.” College traveled to the northern city of ‘THIS COULD HAVE BEEN OUR SCHOOL’ Growing up in Nigeria, she remem- Jos for the 25th anniversary lectureship The abductions are “close to my heart,” Afangideh bers telling a male classmate about at the School of Biblical Studies. During said. “This could have been our school or my her plans, only to hear him say, “But the lectures, he heard explosions. No father’s school in Uyo, Nigeria.” you are a girl. Learning how to cook Owolabi one at the school was injured, but they The church member and her husband launched a Salem and dress nice will serve you better.” soon learned that bomb attacks by Boko Christian school in Calibar, Nigeria, in 2003. Afangideh Fortunately, she has strong female Haram in Jos had killed 118 people. Her father, Okon Mkpong, is an influential leader role models in her mother and aunt, Such attacks have become a part of life in Nigeria, among Churches of Christ in West Africa and she said. After graduation, she hopes to get experi- said Brad Blake, a church member in Vicksburg, Miss., founder of the Nigerian Christian Institute. ence prosecuting traffickers and providing services for who lived in northern Nigeria from 2001 to 2008. In 2010, Mkpong was kidnapped and held by victims. Eventually, she wants to return to Nigeria and “Yet, evangelists, church leaders and faith-filled sisters armed mercenaries for 12 days before his release. work with a nonprofit that fosters human rights. continue to live faithfully without fanfare,” said Blake, who His wife, Afangideh’s mother, died a month later — “As I go through this path, I have felt so lonely a lot worked with a non-governmental organization, now known likely due to stress, said another daughter, Idongesit of times,” she writes on her personal blog, “Warrior as Hope Springs International. “Christians in Nigeria are Mkpong-Ruffin, who also works at Faulkner, serving Princesses.” The sudden awareness of human traf- actually serving as a model for Western believers in deep- as chair of the computer science department. ficking encourages her and reminds her of the words ening our trust in God despite circumstances of abducted The trials have convinced the sisters of the need from 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God chose the weak things of girls, burnt villages and martyred disciples.” for Christian education in Nigeria. the world to shame the strong.” In Chibok, Buba and fellow church member fast and “We go home every opportunity that we have,” “So thank you for caring. It has spoken volumes,” pray for a day when peace will reign and newly trained Mkpong-Ruffin said. “We work with local congrega- she writes to all of those who have sent social media preachers will abound. Until then, “we are pressed but tions in various ways by teaching, working with messages to “bring back our girls.” we are not afraid,” he said. “If am killed for Christ, I youth groups, ladies’ lectureships.” “Now, go find ways to actually and practically fight know my crown waits for me.” Other Christians, including Linda Egle, advocate against injustice. Awareness is just the first step.” JULY 2014 Currents the christian chronicle 17

From modern-day slave to slave for Christ

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

PHASE 4 FILMS Jamie Chung stars in “Abduction of Eden,” based on the real-life story of Chong Kim. A victim of human trafficking, Kim worships with the Airport Freeway Church of Christ in Euless, Texas. CHONG KIM ESCAPED captivity and became a crusader against human trafficking hong Kim had a secret. captivity as a doped-up sex slave forced time she visited the Highland church. military uniform. She was pregnant, but that to perform countless tricks. “There was not one feeling I ever got “What I did not know back then,” wasn’t her secret. Everybody Certainly, no one knew that she that they judged me.” Kim said, “was that you could buy an knew about the baby. Her struck a driver on the head with a authentic military uniform in Army unborn daughter was what stiletto heel and swiped a car outside BEATEN, RAPED AND HELD HOSTAGE surplus stores.” Cbrought her to a Christian maternity a Las Vegas casino in a Growing up in Oklahoma and Texas, Kim dated the man for a few weeks. home in West Texas. harrowing escape from a Kim endured physical and sexual abuse. She fell in love with him. When he She had worked as a prostitute, but domestic human traf- Even at church, a clergyman inappro- invited her to travel to Florida and meet that wasn’t her secret, either. She freely ficking ring — a frantic priately touched her. his parents, she excitedly accepted. shared that part of her story, even effort to save her baby She eventually ran away from home Instead of going to Florida, though, he seeming to enjoy the shock value. from being born into that and ended up in the foster care system. drove her to an abandoned house in rural But the young Korean-American lifestyle. “That’s what gave me a conflicting view Oklahoma. After opening the passenger feared revealing the full truth. Feared for To the folks at about God,” she said in a recent inter- door, he grabbed her by the neck. her safety. Feared for her family’s safety. Christian Homes of view with The Christian Chronicle. “He’s Inside the house, he handcuffed her Kim No one at Christian Homes of Abilene Abilene and the nearby supposed to be an almighty God, but all and snatched a phone from a briefcase. knew about her abduction by a man she Highland Church of Christ, all that these bad things were happening.” “I’ve got her,” he reported. thought was her boyfriend. mattered was that Kim was a troubled At age 19, Kim was living in the Dallas “From that point, I was beaten. I was No one knew about the untold hours soul in desperate need of love and grace area when she and her girlfriends went raped. I was held hostage,” Kim said. she spent handcuffed and chained to a — in desperate need of Jesus. out to a club. “Then I got sent to Nevada, where we doorknob. “I never felt such compassion,” Kim “That guy is checking you out,” one were held in a storage container. That’s No one knew about her years-long said of the hugs she received the first of her friends said of a man wearing a CONTINUED 18 JULY 2014 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Christians bring hope — and freedom — to trafficking victims

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “The main thing people in the U.S. church need to realize is that our world is changing DALLAS fast, and Satan is working hard,” said hink of Katie Pedigo as a modern-day Brandon Edwards, outreach and evange- abolitionist. lism minister for the Lewisville Church of A Church of Christ preacher’s Christ, north of Dallas. daughter who grew up to become an “We have gangs that are now selling Tattorney, Pedigo wages a daily battle against women and children for sex,” added sex slavery — in the heart of the Bible Belt. Edwards, who volunteers with the It’s a fight that surprises some Christians. International Justice Mission, a human “A lot of people think that if it’s sex rights organization. “Why? Because a child trafficking, then it’s happening overseas, and a woman can be reused over and over it’s happening in India or Thailand or again. Drugs and guns run out.” somewhere else,” said Pedigo, executive Neglected children make easy prey for traf- U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT PHASE 4 FILMs NEW FRIENDS NEW LIFE director of New Friends New Life, a faith- fickers and pimps, said Ron Clark, minister The North Texas Trafficking Task Force In “Abduction of Eden,” a movie based loosely on Chong Kim’s life story, teens and young women are held captive in a Nevada warehouse. Supporters of New Friends New Life, a Dallas nonprofit that helped 700 exploited girls and based nonprofit that works to restore and for the Agape Church of Christ in Portland, executes a warrant at a massage parlor sus- Screenwriter Rick Phillips proposed the project after Kim began speaking out about her experience on talk shows. “I agreed, and we started women last year, point to the abuse endured by many who work in the sex industry. The empower victims. “So it’s important for us Ore., which works with law pected of operating as an illegal sex front. going back and forth over the screenplay,” Kim said. The dark, disturbing film can be viewed on Netflix or purchased on Amazon and iTunes. organization began as a grassroots ministry of the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas. to realize that it’s happening right here, in enforcement agencies and every city in our country.” helps victims leave the sex Once known as Amy’s Friends, New trade. Agape’s ministry and Friends New Life grew out of a grassroots Sunday assembly offer a “safe ministry that started 16 years ago when place” for victims and service a woman in the sex industry became providers, Clark said. ‘If we dwell on the evil, we allow it to defeat us’ involved in a women’s Bible study at the “The street kids we work Preston Road Church of Christ. with who have been in this, Clark “The average age that a girl enters the sex sometimes boys, have done CONTINUED “I felt like God was waking me up from “The unplanned pregnancy is just the He, his brother Tim Spain and fellow ‘COULD IT HAPPEN TO AN AMERICAN?’ and sexual situations and directed by trade in America is between 13 and 14 years this as an attempt to get food, clothing, where the trafficking started.” my addiction to drugs and alcohol and most obvious,” Statler said. “While they ACU alumnus Brian Keenan became Kim’s ordeal happened in the mid- Megan Griffiths, the film stars Jamie old,” said Pedigo, who has a 14-year-old safety,” he said. “They are being exploited The traffickers injected Kim and other everything else,” she said. consider adoption for their unborn child, friends with Kim and showed her love 1990s, but not until 2003 did she find the Chung and Beau Bridges. daughter and a 12-year-old son. “It’s not OK for basic human rights resources they sex slaves with cocaine, methamphet- As she saw it, God was telling her, “If it also gives us the opportunity to help — sometimes tough love. She refers to courage to speak out. A New York Times critic cited the for your daughter, not OK for mine, to have deserve. Even if they do it for drugs or amines and morphine. you continue to live this life, the child them deal with other issues, including them as “the three disciples.” At that time, she was working as a legal movie’s “excruciating vision of under-age to endure that trauma and the abuse that alcohol, we still believe it is exploitation.” The slaves were held in a warehouse. you are carrying will die in your hands.” homelessness, chronic unemployment, Even as she tried to manipulate them advocate for a courthouse. One day, she women conscripted into sexual slavery by comes with that.” In Wichita, Kan., Carpenter Place — a They were blindfolded and trucked to As a kid, she watched James Bond alcohol or substance addictions, mental and — after giving up her daughter for was invited to a training session on human a criminal enterprise from which there is Across the nation, individual members girls’ home associated with Churches of trailer parks, apartment complexes and movies with her father. While staying health issues and family estrangement. adoption — drifted back into drugs and trafficking — a term she did not recognize. seemingly no escape.” and ministries associated with Churches of Christ — partners with ICT S.O.S., a local hotels to meet clients. at a casino, she hatched a plan to crawl “Our goal,” she added, “is to use the prostitution, they never abandoned her. “I thought it was a session on traffic Now a speaker, writer and film consul- Christ increasingly are taking up the fight to organization that fights human trafficking. “We had to shower and get ready through ceiling vents and escape. adoption experience to “They took a chance no tickets,” she said. tant, Kim is married to Christopher Tracy, bring hope — and freedom — to trafficking ICT is Wichita’s airport code. in less than 10 minutes before the “I know I haven’t been to church,” she transform both her life and one else did,” Kim said. A Russian woman described her expe- a U.S. serviceman, and has a 14-year-old victims, The Christian Chronicle found. “We’re just trying to do anything we can to customers came in,” Kim said. “I had to prayed to God. “I’ve been a bad girl. But for her child’s life. With birth “They wanted to show me rience as a trafficking victim, and Kim son, Anthony. Such efforts honor a God who makes help,” said Ben Zickafoose, Carpenter Place’s pretend I was a 13-year-old Japanese girl. the sake of my child, I’m praying for time.” mothers, that often means that there were godly men bawled. She lives in the Dallas area and — setting captives free a priority throughout CEO. “We have had victims pulled off the “It’s almost like someone had electro- She made it outside, stole the car and we plant seeds that may and that godly men do not “Could it happen to an American girl?” when not traveling to share her story the Scriptures, said Wade Hodges, the streets and put into our program. It’s just such cuted my brain,” she added. “When I’d raced into the desert. take years to take hold and exploit, do not hurt and someone asked. — worships with the Airport Freeway Preston Road church’s a prevalent, sad situation.” see the customers come in, knowing they flourish.” do not abuse women.” “No, only to foreigners,” the Russian Church of Christ in Euless, Texas. senior minister. Sara Pybus, a member of had requested a child — even though ‘I’M A PROSTITUTE’ At first, Kim told her Kim was baptized while replied. Human trafficking can be a heavy, “I think we’re a lot more the Bering Drive Church I wasn’t a child — made me sick to my Back in Oklahoma, Kim flipped housemother, Jo Andrews, living at Christian Homes Kim gasped. depressing topic. Nobody knows that aware than we were five of Christ in Houston, volun- Statler Tim Spain stomach. They’d say, ‘Thank you for through the Yellow Pages and came that she would not go to of Abilene, but it took “I’m sorry,” Kim heard herself say, “but better than Kim. years ago,” Hodges said of teers with Free the Captives, letting me see you,’ and I’d want to vomit.” across the adoption listings. church. But later, she changed her mind. years, she said, before she gave her life I have to disagree with you.” But she leans on her Savior for strength. domestic human trafficking. which fights trafficking in the At some point, Kim decided that rising A 1-800 number for Christian Homes of After Bible study one day, a former fully to God. “Who are you?” the other woman “If we dwell on the evil, we allow it to “This is a hard thing to nation’s fourth-largest city. through the ranks as a madam might be Abilene caught her attention. Abilene Christian University student She credits the seeds planted with her demanded. “What’s your expertise?” defeat us,” she said. “If we say, ‘Lord, I’m teach and preach about in a “This is a cause that requires a means to escape the operation. “I had no idea where Abilene was, but named Carl Spain offered her a ride home. eventual decision to become a slave for “It happened to me.” equipped however you want me,’ that’s Sunday morning atmosphere Hodges God’s active help,” Pybus said. Cukrowski But when she found herself pregnant, I knew they helped pregnant women,” “What do you do?” he asked. Christ. Those words marked the beginning of how we fight this. It’s God. It’s God.” because it so dark,” he The cause has found she could not imagine her baby being Kim said. “I’m a prostitute,” she replied. “I guess if there’s a lesson, it’s to Kim becoming a national crusader against God, she said, “found me in my added. “But because of Katie’s leadership, a receptive audience among Christian born into slavery or sold in a black Most of the women who seek help He hit the brakes. do your best to love people where human trafficking. darkest hour. Even in the aftermath of more and more churches in our community university students. In West Texas, recent market adoption. through the Texas-based ministry — now they’re at,” said Tim Spain, now youth Kim’s experience inspired the 2013 the violence, he never let go.” are addressing it.” Abilene Christian University graduate Katie In a recurrent dream, she heard a baby known as Christian Homes & Family ‘GODLY MEN’ DON’T ABUSE WOMEN minister for the Troy Church of Christ movie “Abduction of Eden,” which can be Victims range from runaways to illegal Cukrowski, 22, got a job as the door girl at a crying. But when she looked inside the Services — face at least two crises, said Despite his initial shock, Spain told a in Tennessee. “I think when you do that, viewed on Netflix. SEE A VIDEO of Chong Kim sharing her story at immigrants to Internet users — frequently strip club and went undercover to investigate. crib, all she saw was blood. Sherri T. Statler, president and CEO. friend he felt God calling him to help Kim. then God’s love is shown through you.” Rated R for strong language, violence www.christianchronicle.org. teens — who succumb to cyber predators. See TRAFFICKING, Page 20 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CURRENTS JULY 2014 TRAFFICKING: ‘Can’t sit back and not do anything’ FROM PAGE 19 In a paper for a class, Cukrowski described meeting one lost soul who seemed more interested in connecting on a personal level than staring at the faith naked bodies all around him. “I really think the church could reach We have out to lost, lonely people,” Cukrowski told the Chronicle. future At Harding University in Searcy, Ark., recent graduate Bailee Searcey, also 22, in your led a campus anti-trafficking organization called “HUmanity.” Last summer, she organized a one-day human trafficking seminar at the North Davis Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth. BOBBY ROSS JR. “I can’t sit back and not do anything Katie Pedigo serves as executive director of about this, knowing the absolute depri- New Friends New Life in Dallas. Check out vation and horrible, horrible circumstances they’re in,” Searcey said. Meredith Dank and colleague Kate Dallas police rescue anywhere from Villarreal wrote. Lipscomb University. 100 to 120 child sex trafficking victims In just seven urban areas studied, a year — many of them runaways who underground commercial sex represents found they had only one commodity to a nearly billion-dollar industry — from a sell, said Sgt. Byron Fassett, who super- massage parlor in Seattle to a high-end vises the department’s high-risk child escort service in Dallas to a makeshift For an education in more than 145 victims and sex trafficking unit. brothel in California to a clandestine “When they run away, despite what a Internet site, as the Urban Institute’s areas of study with a placement rate lot of people think, they can’t exist on the Dank and Villarreal described it. street,” said the 33-year police veteran, Shining more light on the industry at graduation consistently well above whom New Friends New Life honored can motivate communities to help more recently for his work fighting trafficking victims escape the shadows of sex traf- 90 percent. and Internet crimes against children. ficking, the researchers said. “Whether you’re a 16-year-old child or “We need more resources and a 10-year-old child, you can’t rent cars,” mandates for law enforcement and Fassett added. “You can’t rent hotel service providers not only to find, arrest And for an education in character rooms. You can’t get jobs. You can’t and convict traffickers, but also to open banking accounts. So, as a result, provide services for those who want to and faith that takes you even further. they’re forced to depend on adults. And leave the life but have few alternatives,” that’s generally how it starts.” Dank and Villarreal wrote. This past spring, the North Texas Across the highway from Southern Trafficking Task Force — comprised of Methodist University and the George W. 17 law enforcement agencies — executed Bush Presidential Library and Museum, search warrants on 10 massage parlors New Friends New Life occupies a suite suspected of operating as fronts for illegal in a high-rise Dallas office tower. sex and harboring undocumented aliens. Last year, New Friends New Life pro- Such operations “locate and rescue vided access to education, job training, victims of human trafficking and bring interim financial assistance, mental health www.lipscomb.edu those responsible to justice,” David services and spiritual support to more M. Marwell, Homeland Security than 700 trafficked girls and sexually Investigations special agent in charge, exploited women and their children. said in a statement. “However, the best “We feel like we’re screaming it way of attacking human trafficking is by from the rooftops every day: It’s hap- increasing public awareness.” pening,” Pedigo said of sex trafficking A recent study commissioned by the and exploitation. “It’s happening to U.S. Justice Department found “an American girls on every street corner, underground commercial sex economy every bus stop, every mall in our city, in America that is diverse, organized and we need to open our eyes, and we and lucrative, extending far beyond need to know it’s happening, so we can the typical street corner,” researcher fix it and get it out of the shadows.”

ADM-14-010 - ChristianChron Gen LU Ad.indd 1 5/23/14 12:39 PM JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL senior Khalil Lowry talks about his desire to serve those in need of a father ‘I hope to give back more than I have been given’

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE How do you express your faith? and he saw me. He said he liked the In many different ways. I go to church cross on my necklace. t’s a good thing Khalil Lowry plans to every Sunday. I participate in many My hate went away. It was amazing major in business management when he church activities, such as retreats, Bible because I could tell God was working in enrolls at Lipscomb University this fall. studies and serving the less fortunate that situation. whenever I get the chance. Making it as a hip-hop sensation isn’t in I have tried to be a good example of What advice do you have for next Ihis future plans. a Christian man to the younger boys year’s senior class? That much is clear from a YouTube video in the youth group. Last year I signed Invest in godly friendships. Get in which he and his adopted father, Adam up to be in Chapel Practicum at school, involved in service projects with those and I was accepted. Chapel Practicum friends to help build those friendships Paa, sing and rap an invitation for a potential is a class of juniors and seniors who are while you help others. date to accompany Lowry to the junior/senior considered “leaders” on our campus. The most important suggestion I have banquet at Greater Atlanta Christian School. I did not think I was going to get is to read the Bible. No matter how I’m The song, a corny send-up of Rebecca in, but I had faith anyway. Once I was feeling, when I read my Bible I always Black’s “Friday,” was voted one of the top three accepted, my life was changed forever. feel better. The Holy Spirit is always We planned chapels for 800 students working. You can’t let people or school invitation videos at Greater Atlanta Christian, in the high school almost three times get in the way of you finding your life a K-12 school associated with Churches of a week. None of us would have gotten purpose through Christ. Christ. And it earned Lowry a date. through it without the grace of God. But he thinks he’ll stick to the business world I love proving to others that God is Do you have a favorite Scripture? instead of the music industry — for now. real by sharing stories and moments Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans that would not be possible without him. I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans Lowry was 5 years old and living in Abilene, to prosper you and not to harm you, plans Texas, when he met Paa, a student at Abilene What experiences have strengthened to give you hope and a future.’” Christian University who gave him rides to your faith? Mario Lozano This verse always speaks to me church. After graduation, Paa married Susan One of my first faith-strengthening Khalil Lowry will study business at Lipscomb because it just proves that he will always experiences was when I was on a church University in Nashville, Tenn., this fall. be with you — no matter what you are Jones. A few years later, the couple adopted retreat and saw an older guy crying. going through. Lowry with the approval of his mother. This was not an ordinary guy. This What challenges your faith the most? I have been at a place when I felt like The family moved to Atlanta, where Adam was a guy who was known for his My faith is most challenged when I was going through life alone. Then my Paa serves as a counselor for GACS and Susan mischief and corruption outside of something bad happens to me, my youth minister gave me this verse, and Paa works for a drug and alcohol rehabilita- church. When I saw this, I instantly felt friends or my family. my mind set was completely transformed tion center. something inside of me, and I had no One situation that defi- into a mindset that Jesus idea what it was. nitely challenged my faith ‘My passion is to serve would have. In May, Lowry graduated from GACS, where Eventually, I realized God was filling was when I got a phone I recommend this he played football for four years. He is an active the room with his spirit and was call from my mom back in underprivileged kids verse to anyone that is member of the North Atlanta Church of Christ restoring our broken hearts again. Texas. She told me that my who may not have a struggling with doubt or youth group, participating in mission trips and This experience strengthened my faith closest cousin had been negativity. in ways I would never have imagined. taken to the hospital — father figure in their Bible studies. He volunteers with shelters and and had died. lives. I want to be a How do you hope to nonprofits that serve inner-city Atlanta. What do your non-Christian friends It was an utter disaster. fulfill your Christian think about Jesus? I started to resent God. good example of what mission in life? Why are you a Christian? Honestly, I really try to associate with In fact, I hated him with a a Christian man is I hope to give back I had always believed in God, but I did people that I know are Christians. I can burning passion. I wanted more than I have been not know the impact of giving my life to only think of a few of my friends who nothing else to do with him. supposed to look like.’ given. the Lord. I had heard many tremendous are not Christians — and they never Then I learned that my My passion is to serve stories of how God transformed some- have much to say about Jesus. cousin hadn’t died, but had Khalil Lowry underprivileged kids one’s life for the better. The only reason those of my friends suffered from seizures and who may not have a When I was a freshman in high school who aren’t Christians don’t believe was in critical condition. When I finally father figure in their lives. I want to be a I realized I needed to take the next step. is because of something bad that got to see him in the hospital, my aunt good example of what a Christian man I knew that’s who I wanted to be in my happened to them. They blame Jesus said he could barely see anything. Yet, is supposed to look like. life — forever. for that tragedy. I was standing 10 feet away from him, My mission is to be like Jesus. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014 JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 HIGHER EDUCATION spotlight OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY VIENNA, W.Va. — About 100 members of Coaching legend the Ohio Valley University community gathered recently to celebrate the retirement of Philip Sturm. Don Meyer dies at 69 Sturm taught history at OVU for 44 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Garth Pleasant, years. He also was the first person to former longtime basketball coach at sign on as a student when the Christian Rochester College in Michigan, was college was founded in 1960, the sitting in church May 18 when he Parkersburg News and Sentinel reported. received a text. The text informed him “The remarkable influence this man that coaching legend Don Meyer — his has had on this college, his friends and friend — had died at age 69. thousands of students is limitless,” OVU “As I finished reading the text I real- President Harold Shank said. ized the church was singing ‘Victory in Jesus,’” Pleasant wrote on Facebook. “The legacy this man has left is matched by few in this world. He touched countless thousands. I so miss my friend, but I rejoice for him. Love you, Coach, and thanks for the memories.” Meyer, a member of the Aberdeen Church of Christ in South Dakota, coached at Lipscomb University from 1975-1999. For expanded coverage, see www.christianchronicle.org.

OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY Philip Sturm receives congratulations. OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA CITY — Doug Peters will serve as Oklahoma Christian University’s first Baugh Chair of Gospel Preaching. His selection comes after Benton and Paula Baugh, members PAUL WHITE of the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston, ACU honors McCaleb for 50 years of service donated $1.7 million to Bryan McCaleb, left, congratulates his father, Gary McCaleb, after catching the ceremonial first LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY establish an endowed pitch from him at a baseball game at Abilene Christian University in Texas. ACU recently honored Philip Hutcheson, athletic director for preaching chair at Gary McCaleb with a “Home Run” celebration in recognition of his 50 years of service to the Lipscomb, and Don Meyer in a recent photo. Oklahoma Christian. university. Both father and son were baseball lettermen for ACU’s Wildcats as student-athletes. Meyer coached Hutcheson at Lipscomb. Peters has 27 years of experience in ministry Peters and preaching, including served as chancellor until his death. from 1972 until his death. teach preachers income-generating the past 13 years as pulpit minister for In a 2007 Christian Chronicle inter- He was active in the Christian educa- activities. These include fish farming; the North Davis Church of Christ in view, Long said the school had remained tion movement of Churches of Christ free-range poultry; kitchen gardening; a Arlington, Texas. true to the founders’ and one of the originators of an annual tomato greenhouse; baking and the sale original vision: “When conference that led to the creation of bread; and the sale of water from I spoke in chapel the of the National Christian School NGCS’s well. K-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS first day of school, I Association. Students are encouraged to pass the said, ‘This will be God’s training on to their communities. The GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN school. This will be RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT holistic approach provides the means NORCROSS, Ga. — Jesse C. Long Sr., who an excellent school. for making a living on earth combined served as Greater Atlanta Christian This will be a school of with preparation to go to heaven, School’s first president from 1963 to winners.’” Long HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL administrators said. 1998, died May 15 after an extended Long had served as an NAIROBI, Kenya — Healing Hands Healing Hands International provides illness. He was 81. elder of the Campus Church of Christ International is partnering with the technical expertise and initial financing After retiring as president, Long on Greater Atlanta Christian’s campus Nairobi Great Commission School to for these activities. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE JULY 2014 Newsmakers Showcasing the moments of your life and the lives of loved ones. NAMED: Greg Glenn as Head of School Milestones for Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tenn. Mark Benton as presi- Memorials author and worked several years for the worked in family businesses from the dent of Jackson Christian Hallmark Company in Abilene. time he was a young child and returned School in Jackson, Tenn. L. Arnold Watson Arnold and Ruby Mae spent countless to work in the family grocery store in hours travelling the globe together. He Mont Belvieu after graduation from ACU. AWARDED: Oklahoma L. Arnold Watson, 94, of Abilene, was an avid golfer and a dedicated cross- His early career included 18 months with Christian University Texas, passed away Saturday, April 12. word puzzle enthusiast. Exxon and 10 years with U.S. Steel. awarded Heath Jones, Arnold was born in Wilder Canyon, Arnold is preceded in death by his Doug always had a passion for serving professor of music, and Jeff Simmons, chair Idaho, on April 24, 1919. As a young parents, Lawrence M. Watson and the Lord and dedicated his later career Glenn child, his family moved to Sand Hollow, Dorothy Alice Watson, and his wife of to ministry with Missouri Street Church of the Department Idaho, where 74 years, Ruby Mae Watson. of Christ in Baytown, Texas (12 years), of Management and Arnold grew He is survived by three sons — Outreach Church of Christ in Mont Marketing, with the up on a potato Lawrence Watson and wife Linda of Old Belvieu, Texas and Impact Houston Faculty Leadership farm. He gradu- Hickory, Tenn.; Lorin Watson and wife Church of Christ (27 years). He served Award; Jeff Price, director ated from Notus Patsy of Abilene; Jerre Watson and wife as song leader (since age 16), counselor, of gaming and anima- High School in Rita of Arlington, Texas; two daughters education minister and as champion of tion, the Gaylor Chair of 1937, where he — Ann Ezell and husband George of the poor. Doug was a founding member Distinguished Teaching played trombone Wilmore, Ky.; Linda Arnett and husband of the Impact Church, which focuses its Award and Richard in the band, Jim of Nashville, Tenn.; brother Lloyd ministry on giving significance to the Wright, associate profes- Benton basketball and Watson and wife Betty of Long Beach, poor and to the homeless. sor of New Testament, the baseball. He then Calif.; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grand- Doug became better equipped to serve Jack and Barbara Rowe attended Abilene children; one great-great grandchild; through earning postgraduate degrees Distinguished Scholar Christian College two nieces; four great-nieces; one great- in biblical and related studies and in Award. in Texas for two nephew; and many friends. marriage and family therapy. Doug’s years, where he met his wife, Ruby Mae ministry focused on people that society RETIRING: Sylvia Cooper White. The couple was married on April Douglas Arthur Williams disregards. The Lord taught Doug to see as the bookkeeper for the 30, 1939, in Abilene. After spending all people as having eternal value and past 28 years at Christian time preaching in Idaho and California, Douglas Arthur Williams, 72, of Mont significance. That lesson enabled Doug to Academy of Greater St. Arnold received his bachelor’s degree Belvieu, Texas, fought an aggressive be God’s instrument to impact lives for Louis. Cooper in 1943 from Pepperdine University in form of cancer for almost two years and good, to heal and to extend compassion Los Angeles. In 1958, he received his left us to be with the Lord on Thursday, in ways that only God can do. He spon- NEW ELDERS: Dan Greathouse, Joe master’s from Harding Graduate School May 15, 2014. Doug was born on March sored a recovery house and saw many Hendrix and Jim Marsh, Hilton Head of Theology in Memphis, Tenn. 26, 1942, in Barbers Hill, Texas, to Katie lives changed as a result of the grace Island, S.C., Church of Christ. Arnold lived a life dedicated to faith Ingre and Solomon Ross Williams. Doug provided through that program. and served numerous Church of Christ was proud to tell others that his great His greatest blessings in life include his NEW MINISTER: Corey Stacy, Church of congregations across the country as grandmother family and the countless people whose Christ in Monroe, Wis. pulpit minister — including the Dearborn was the first lives were touched by the Lord through Church of Christ Michigan, the Highland person born in his service. Doug was known as a man of ANNIVERSARIES: 69th: Dee and Audra Street Church of Christ in Memphis Barbers Hill. his word. Martin, Dallas. 66th: Donald and Virginia and the Northside Church of Christ and He was the He was preceded in death by his Worten, Lubbock, Texas. 62nd: Lloyd and Russell Avenue Church of Christ in youngest of parents and three brothers. Doug is Patricia Overby, Dill City, Okla.; Larry and Abilene. He served as minister of educa- five brothers survived by his loving wife, Bethul Tricky Arnold, New Lexington, Ohio. 61st: tion for the Richardson East Church of including Paul, Williams of Mont Belvieu, Texas; sons Joe and Carolyn Deem, Stuart, Fla. 60th: Christ in Texas. Everett, and Stanton Williams and wife Kelly of Bob and Crystal Andrews, Greenville, Arnold spent the latter part of his Rollie Williams, Keller, Texas, and Thayne Williams Texas. 58th: Harold and Dolores Jones, career in fundraising in Amarillo, Texas, and Clay Fouts. and wife, Shawna, of Mena, Ark.; and Amarillo, Texas. and Atlanta. In addition to full-time One of 22 graduates in his Barbers Hill by grandchildren Maclaine, Garrison pulpit work, Arnold was the featured High School class of 1960, he also gradu- and Jarrett, all of Keller, Texas, and BIRTHDAYS: 99th: Katie Long, Altus, Okla. speaker at gospel meetings all over ated from Abilene Christian University in Mason, Alexa and Kaylee, all of Mena, 95th: Grace Dempsey, Altus, Okla. 94th: A. the United States and led tour groups Texas with a degree in business admin- Ark. He’s also survived by his brother, F. Fitzhugh, Houston; Dee Martin, Dallas. through the Holy Land. Arnold directed istration in 1964. After seven years of Paul Williams, and wife Susie of Mont 90th: Retha Gorhum, Jasper, Texas. the Church of Christ exhibit at the pursuit, he married Bethul Rice Williams Belvieu and sisters-in-law, Maydell 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. He was on August 28, 1964, and was proud to call Williams Brill of Baytown, Texas, and PASSAGES: Norman Atchley, 88, Feb. a much-sought-after speaker, a published Bethul his wife for almost 50 years. Doug Doris Williams of Houston. 22, Mountain View, Mo. Ernest Allen Clevenger, 84, April 22, Nashville, Tenn. Elmo Hall, 83, May 13, Oklahoma City. Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. Madge Miller, 91, April 28, York, Neb. Justin Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Byron Roberts, 78, May 9, Jeffersonville, Ind. Lee Watkins, 102, May 11, Sarasota, Fla. JULY 2014 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 25

June 19-21 Midwest Evangelism Workshop. Decatur, Ill. Civic Center. Contact (217) 428-1236 or continued. www.morningsidecoc.com. Milestones June 20-21 Parents of Missionaries Retreat. Homewood Suites, Fayetteville, FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO MY MINISTER, MENTOR AND DAD Ark. Contact [email protected] or (817) 267-2727 or www.mrnet.org/POMRetreat June 21-25 Red River Family Billy C. Lawrence Encampment. Red River, N.M. Contact www.rrfe.org or (806) 468-7676. becoming a minister; how he and Jerry became “his” dog when I moved away June 22 75th Anniversary, Echo Hoover, a high school friend, shared from home. Meadows Church of Christ, Oregon, preaching responsibilities for a small I also remember the day I got onto a Ohio. Contact (419) 639-9928 or church near Paducah that did not have a plane in San Francisco heading for Texas [email protected]. full-time minister. to go to school. The rest of my family all June 26-29 Spiritual Growth William Woodson, a longtime professor gave me hugs, but Dad gave me a hand- Workshop. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, at Freed-Hardemen University, was a shake — a strong, confident and affirming Fla. Contact (352) 357-6616 or major influence and mentor early in Dad’s blessing that held all the words of “I’m www.spiritualgrowthworkshop.com career. He held various minister jobs over proud of you, you’re now ready to face June 29 - July 1 Summer Celebration the past half-century: Chowchilla, Calif. the world and I love you”. at Lipscomb University. “Reviving the (1963-1965); Eugene, Ore. (1965-1967); Dad, there are very few times during the Mission: Insights from Joshua.” Contact Taft, Calif. (1967-1972); Eureka, Calif. week when you don’t cross my thoughts. www.lipscomb.edu/summercelebration. (1972-1990); Cypress, Calif. (1990-1996); Every time I stood and saluted our coun- July 10-12 Campus Ministry United He stood at the dugout or sat in the Burbank, Calif. (1996-2000); and his try’s flag when I was on active duty with Workshop. Park Plaza Church of Christ, stands nearly every home game I can current position in Eureka. He delighted the Air Force I thought of you, for it is Tulsa, Okla. Contact Lynn Stringfellow at remember. He drove a 1967 Mercury in receiving the Teacher of the Year in you that I learned patriotism. Every (918) 312-7914 or Cougar promised to me when I was old award more than once as the Instructor time I see a display of postcards I think www.campusministryunited.com. enough, but sold it when I drove it at age of Biblical Studies for the Southern of you because you always asked about July 13 25th Anniversary, Church 15 without a license. He always wore California School of Evangelism in my travels (“adventures,” you called of Christ on Hilton Head Island, S.C. a brown hat and coat in the northern Cypress. them). And I will never be able to walk Contact (843) 686-2323 or www.hilton- California coast winter months when I asked once about his career choice and into a Barnes & Noble or a Starbucks headchurchofchrist.org. picking me up from school. why it was important to him. His reply coffee shop without thinking of you, July 24-27 Campus for Christ He shared with me the works of still speaks volumes: “It’s not a job — it’s because books and coffee will always be Conference. Lipscomb University, Chaucer and Tyndall, Emerson and my life.” Admirable and exemplary, to two icons of your character. Maybe you Nashville, Tenn. Contact Thoreau, the music of Don Quixote and of say the least. should consider retirement in a Barnes www.campuscrosswalk.org. Handel’s Messiah, all with equal passion There are many more things that come & Noble store? No son can ever really June 26-30 Houston area Campaign and appreciation. He always smiles deeply to mind when I think about Bill Lawrence express in words the value of a blessed for Christ. M. O. Campbell Center, when greeting family and friends as well — including how he went toe-to-toe with father, for you have truly been an exem- Houston, Texas. Contact www.houston as new acquaintances, treating all as trea- coaches, teachers, college professors plary blessing to me and to my family all churchesofchrist.org or Gary Smith at sures of life. He is more critical of the and administrators and other ill-willed our lives. You are a genuine, passionate, [email protected]. words from his mouth than the foods he people on my behalf over the years; focused, servant of Jehovah Almighty. July 30-August 3 Pepperdine Family would put in it. “Always try a different how he would take my siblings and me I am honored to be called your son, but Camp. Pepperdine University, Malibu, food once” is an operational creed — to the beach on his twice-a-month trips even more, so blessed to call you my Calif. Contact (310) 506-6602 or even for frozen poor boy sandwiches. to Klamath Falls and Crescent City to brother in Christ. www.pepperdine.edu/familycamp. Truth is paramount, honor is foundation, minister to sister congregations; how he All my love and admiration this August 1-2 31st Annual American compassion for all is necessary. A positive buried my dog after it was killed when I Father’s Day and always. Indian Missions Seminar. Church of Christ “never give up” attitude is ever-present. couldn’t bury him and how my next dog — Lane in Gallup, N.M. Contact (505) 722-2937 or “Always give your best” and “Never stop www.gallupchurchofchrist.com. learning” are his mottos. “Always live for August 1-3 100th Anniversary, God” is his life. FATHER Church of Christ in Tabernacle, There are many things that come to by Wayne Dunaway N.J. Contact (609) 268-0576 or www. mind when I consider Billy C. Lawrence, weplantandwater.org. a Church of Christ minister for 52 years, F is for faithful ... to God and His word. August 6-10 Pepperdine Family Camp. currently serving in Eureka, Calif.: How A is for attention ... children need to be heard. Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. Contact his father, Carl Lawrence, wanted him to T is for tough ... if that’s what it takes. (310) 506-6602 or www.pepperdine.edu/ pursue a career in teaching; how Orville H is for honest ... when he makes a mistake. familycamp. Washam, a minister in his hometown of E is for example ... in word and in deed. August 9-10 70th Anniversary, Paducah, Ky., was Dad’s inspiration in R is for righteous ... the father they need. Highland View Church of Christ, in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Contact (865) 483-7471 or www.highlandviewchurch.org. Entries should be submitted to [email protected], or call (405) 425-5070. Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014

Providing compelling reasons why God’s word is our only authority today, and NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION why additions to Scripture, including subjectivism, must be rejected. “...well-written and timely...scholarly, well- illustrated and practical. The Lord’s THE MISSION OF church needs these lessons.” --J.J. Turner “We preach a ‘First-Century Gospel,’ yet we live in the 21st century. We need to know the Gospel. We need wisdom to approach our world. David Gibson did this. Get this book. Read this book. Use this book.” --Charles Hodge “...a refreshing, straight-to-the-point book that pulls many postmodern issues back to biblical truths...excellently written and easy to read...As a reader you can feel the passion and concern Gibson has for this subject. This book could easily be used to teach in a congregational or a small-group setting.” --From a review by Will Tidwell in the Gospel Advocate.

13 chapters, 215 pages, Paperback: $19.95, E-book: $9.99 Order from: Xlibris 1-888-795-4274 ext. 7879 or from www.amazon.com OCTOBER 16-18, 2014 Divorced Christian: God May Want You Remarried! A must read for all with failed marriages and their families MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE “This is the best book ever written on the issue... THE TRUTH You closed all loopholes.” --Charles Hodge, author, On the Banks of ABOUT Onion Creek DIVORCE AND Go to www.globalmissionsconference.org to see the speakers, the “You have done a really good job of placing breakout sessions, and the opportunities to discuss together on REMARRIAGE before the reader a wide, well-documented... important mission topics. Register Now! Be sure to notice and mass of material.” register for children’s classes, meals and Fellowship opportunities. --James Woodroof, former minister, College A Politically Incorrect church of Christ, Searcy Arkansas, author, View of Marriage, Divorce, The Divorce Dilemma and Remarriage Call 800.311.2006 for more information. in Today’s Church “A preacher told me I could not marry again. The contents of The Truth About Divorce and A comprehensive missions gathering of churches of Christ to advance Remarriage, checked by the Bible, convinced domestic and global outreach. Planning is led by a Steering Committee me that he was mistaken.” of missions leaders across the nation Conference features include: Weldon Langfield --Name Withheld •International Presenters • Practical Missions Sessions Available at Amazon.com as well as 21st Century Christian, Harding • Missions Exhibits and Networking University, Gospel Advocate, Mars Hill, ACU and Ohio Valley University Bookstores • College Students – World Missions Workshop 159 Pages • Hardbound • $21.95 • Plan this into your 2014 Vacation Weldon Langfield Publications 7850 White Lane, E212 Bakersfield, CA 93309 JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27 editorial Resist the urge to ‘do something’ o offense, Matthew West, but sometimes the worst thing we can do is “something.” N West is a contemporary Christian artist whose hits include “My Own Little World” and “Hello, My Name Is.” After meeting a young woman serving orphans in Uganda, he penned the song “Do Something.” Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in PHOTO PROVIDED poverty, children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me. “Time to preach the Gospel,” says Sasha Prokopchuk, standing in front of a government building in Donetsk. So I shook my fist at heaven, said, “God, why don’t you do something?” He said, “I did. I created you.” Amen! So what should we do? The lyrics don’t include many suggestions. (Granted, it’s asking a lot of a four-minute song Jesus: ‘The most stable thing in our country’ to tackle the complex issues of extreme poverty and human “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the our ministries were not as stable as Ukraine’s trafficking.) Instead, West focuses on his desire to make a name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching politics, businesses or other new enterprises. difference: I don’t want a flame, I want a fire. I wanna be the them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with The recent conflicts — and the severance of one who stands up and says, “I’m gonna do something.” you always, to the very end of the age.” Crimea from our country — have taught us a The repetition of “I” concerns us. “I”-fueled desire drives us — Matthew 28:19-20 most important lesson. In this world, we have no to help in ways that don’t help — fighting poverty by creating guarantee of stability — not for politics, business dependence on American dollars, assisting in disaster relief eginning in 1992, many Churches of Christ or even our borders. We can find our perma- only until the TV cameras move on, healing the sick while were planted in Ukraine. We are thankful nence only in our continuous service to God. neglecting their spiritual poverty and need for Christ. to our God and grateful to missionaries To our amazement, it now becomes clear that We must give smart aid to those in need. Speak to the supported by Christians in America who the ministry of Jesus is the most stable thing in leaders of ministries with experience in developing nations. Bcame to our country. our country. Even now, churches keep Work alongside disaster relief organizations toward long- Out of deep chaos, created by the In the Word on meeting for worship — sometimes on term recovery strategies. We recommend books such as collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukrainians Sasha Prokopchuk the streets where violence occurs. “Toxic Charity” by Robert Lupton and “When Helping enjoyed a measure of freedom. Yet, until People still come to the Lord and are Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. The latter two recently, few of us understood the meaning of baptized. Orphanages continue to be helped. authors ask us to reconsider the meaning of poverty, which freedom, just as the children of Israel did not fully Prisons are visited. stems from the broken relationship between man and God. understand their freedom — and even desired at Today, as never before, we realize the words of Each of us suffers from a form of poverty, and only through times to return to their former lives in Egypt. Jesus: “I am with you always, even to the very end Christ can we find healing — for ourselves and the world. In the 23 years since Ukraine’s independence, of the age.” As followers of Jesus, we must use our God-given abilities to we have experienced tests in our Christian walk. formulate faith-based, prayer-driven, sustainable solutions for Churches struggled to find permanent meeting Sasha Prokopchuk is minister for the Transfiguration Church of the plagues of our planet. Seeking and saving the lost in a sick, places, moving from one rented hall to another. Christ in Donetsk, Ukraine, where pro-Russian forces have declared dying world requires us to do so much more than “something.” Sometimes we were discouraged when it seemed independence from Ukraine and asked to join Russia.

Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] tute endorsement by the editors, [email protected] the staff, the Board of Trustees of Advertising Assistant: Kelcy Nash The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages feedback The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck that promotes thoughtful and respectful discussion. Letters/ Christian University. Our mission: Inform, Inspire, Unite [email protected] comments should be 150 words or less and may be edited www.christianchronicle.org Copy Editor: Sarah Jane Kyle for length and clarity. Comments to the print or online The Christian Chronicle® is published Administrative Assistant: Lynda Hayes Sheehan editions are considered to be letters to the editor and may monthly and is served by a national Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] be published. Please include name, city and state of resi- Board of Trustees that is charged with Mail: P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford dence, as well as home congregation. the responsibility for policy and gover- Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] nance. All trustees, editors and staff are facebook.com/ChristianChronicle Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal active members of Churches of Christ. twitter.com/InformInspireCC [email protected] publication but a newspaper with news and opinion Editor Emeritus: Bailey McBride content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon [email protected] reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch [email protected] Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow Editor: Erik Tryggestad TO SUBSCRIBE: Advertising contains commercial messages from those W. L. Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org or who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. email [email protected] opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and adver- Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. tising do not necessarily represent the views of or consti- Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014

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

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

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admissions.ovu.edu 1 Campus View Drive | Vienna, WV 26105-8000 | 877.446.8668 JULY 2014 opinion the christian chronicle 29 VOICES How do you spend your Sunday nights?

Home Bible studies? Worship and Lord’s Supper at the building for those who missed the a.m. service? Family time? The Christian Chronicle asked readers how they spend their Sunday nights. Following are a few of their responses.

We still meet on Sunday night with a few faithful saints to study a book or subject. It has been truly rewarding, since we feel no need to replicate the morning hour’s activities. PHOTO PROVIDED We are presently in an interesting study of Paul Harp appears via Skype on computer and TV screens in China as he teaches a Bible study to a small group of students. Hebrews. About 18 attend. George Mansfield | Beamsville, Ontario

Baptized via Skype: Christian in Arkansas We have about 250 members in our congregation. After morning service, we have potluck every week then Bible class. In the evening we plants Gospel seeds across an ocean in China have small groups. Beth Reichel | Palmer, Alaska herry, do you believe with all your heart that Cherry found two other house churches in her town Jesus Christ is the Son of God?” I asked. and put me in touch with one. When I visited with the We have a wonderful combination that works “Yes I do,” she answered. leader, I learned they were of the “faith only” belief. for our congregation of about 600. We have I replied, “Cherry, you are now being immersed As we considered our dilemma, she asked if we could small groups that meet, mostly on Sunday in‘C the name of the Father and of the Son and the do the baptism by Skype. She told me she had a night, in homes. We have had great participa- Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins — and Views large water tank on the roof of her house and I tion in this. We study and eat. Some do projects that you may receive God’s Holy Spirit.” could baptize her by having her husband be the to help others during this time when needed. I spoke to her husband. “Sam, now put her one to put her under the water. We agreed that Then we have what we call the “super group” body completely under the water.” this would be workable. of about 75 that meets every Sunday evening at He did, and I watched as a new child of God I emailed her a detailed plan as to how the the church building for their Bible study. It is arose from the watery grave of baptism — more baptism would be done. I began by stating that, less formal than Sunday morning worship and than 6,900 miles away. when one asked, “What must I do to be saved?” not headed by the preacher, but by some of the Cherry and I don’t live in the same country — many different answers would be given by man. elders. This gives one a chance to meet at the or on the same continent. She’s in China and I’m But only one answer is given by God. I quoted building and take communion if they so desire. in Arkansas. She was on the Internet, looking for Paul Harp scriptures including Matthew 28:19-20, Mark Jackie Beall | Fayetteville, Ark. help to improve her English, when I was intro- 16:16, Acts 2:37-39 and 22:16. We set the baptism duced to her a little more than a year ago. We started for a Sunday night — Sunday morning by my clock. We eliminated Bible classes on Sunday night. meeting weekly using Skype, a live communications Two days before her baptism, Cherry was spreading ... We did begin frequent evening meals after 5 program that allows us to communicate face-to-face. the Gospel. She met the other house church leader and p.m. services to encourage fellowship. We mix The Bible was our study guide. She carefully read the showed him the sheet I had prepared on baptism. We up the agenda on Sunday evenings. We have chapters and worked on the vocabulary. I read the text, discussed it over Skype and, after several questions a service concentrated on singing to enjoy the and then she would repeat it before we discussed what it (including one about the salvation of the thief on the old favorites and introduce new songs. We have said. We began with Genesis 1:1 and spent several weeks cross in Luke 23), the church leader asked if we could prayer services where several of the men are on Old Testament backgrounds before proceeding to have a weekly Bible study every Friday. assigned to come forward to pray for different Luke. We finished Luke and moved on to John. On Sunday, Cherry filled the water tank, positioned areas of concern. Her English skills improved greatly — and her faith her laptop on a high shelf overlooking the tank with her Darlene Beeler | Prairie Grove, Ark. blossomed. However, we couldn’t find a person to husband at her side. A doctor who had joined our weekly baptize her. Bible study took pictures. We only have about 55 on Sunday mornings I found a house church some distance away and put As she was raised from the water, I said, and about 12 of us on Sunday evenings. We her in contact with them. She traveled for almost two “Congratulations, Cherry. You are now a child of God, a meet again at 2 p.m. because some of us drive hours, making three bus transfers, to meet with them. Christian, a member of Christ’s church.” up to 40 minutes and it is easier in the winter. They conducted a lengthy interrogation using such The angels in heaven — and a guy on a computer in I enjoy the church family and look forward to scriptures as Galatians 5:22-23 (the fruit of the Spirit) to Arkansas — rejoiced that another sinner had joined the spending the whole day together. see if she was worthy. They even observed the Lord’s ranks of the saved. Christine Stoneham | Sandpoint, Idaho Supper but told her she could not partake because it was just for Christians. She returned home in tears. PAUL HARP is a member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark. JOIN THE CONVERSATION at www.christianchronicle.org. 30 the Christian chronicle reviews JULY 2014 Sabbath means more than stress-free living — it is an act of resistance n a time when 80-hour workweeks, constantly fret that we have not done heightened anxiety and neglect of enough, Brueggemann reminds us that, Ihome and family are a sort of by “the end of six days God had social currency — exchanged In Print done all that was necessary for for status and prosperity — creation … so have we!” Share reducing stress by simplifying, Perhaps most relevant to us unplugging and slowing down today is the chapter on Sabbath has become a common theme in as resistance to multitasking, Christian books. which Brueggemann defines In his new book, “Sabbath as as “the drive to be more than Resistance: Saying No to the we are, to control more than Jesus. Culture of Now,” preeminent we do, to extend our power and Old Testament scholar Walter our effectiveness. Such prac- Brueggemann takes up this Josh Kingcade tice yields a divided self, with topic, but his trajectory is quite full attention given to nothing.” different. Sabbath demands that our full attention Instead of arguing for Sabbath as a be given to God and neighbor — not to therapeutic practice that frees one from the selfishness that often defines the It’s simple. stress, Brueggemann goes back to other six days of the week. Exodus to place the fourth command- Those wanting a “how to” book will ment in its context. not find much here. But what the book Fresh out of Egypt and Pharaoh’s lacks in practical application, it makes up control, the people of Israel needed in the important reminder that Sabbath reminding that God is not Pharaoh, and is rooted in God’s character, not in the they are no longer living health or psycholog- under the pagan values ical benefits of rest or of Egypt. In contrast reduced stress. to Pharaoh’s demand “Sabbath is a practical not only to build with divestment,” he writes, bricks, but also to make “so that neighborly them — with no extra engagement, rather than time allowed for the production and consump- extra work (Exodus 5), tion, defines our lives.” Israel’s God commands As our TVs show us a complete halt of all a commercial mocking work once a week anyone who does not want (Exodus 20:10). Pharaoh to work 60 hours a week may have commanded a for 52 weeks a year so constant stream of back- he or she can acquire a breaking labor, but God, luxury car, we realize that who himself rested on Brueggemann’s words the seventh day, wants are a needed corrective — his people to follow suit. and a reminder that God’s God is not a Pharaoh. HHHH economy is different. This leads Walter Brueggemann. Sabbath Brueggemann to see as Resistance: Saying No to JOSH KINGCADE is education Sabbath as an act of resis- the Culture of Now. Louisville, minister for the Memorial Road tance, whereby God’s Ky.: Westminster John Knox Church of Christ in Oklahoma City people actively resist and Press, 2014. 89 pages. $14. and adjunct instructor at Oklahoma protest a culture fixated Christian University. on production, profit and constant anxiety. Brueggemann envisions four ONLINE, read a review of Walter specific areas in which Sabbath is an act Bruggemann’s “Reality, Grief, Hope: of resistance — anxiety, coercion, exclu- Three Urgent Prophetic Tasks” sivism and multitasking. by David Fleer, professor of Bible at Against anxiety, Sabbath works to Lipscomb University and director of “counter anxious productivity with the Christian Scholars Conference in committed neighborliness.” While we Nashville, Tenn., June 5-6. JULY 2014 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31 New and noteworthy

BIBLE STUDY Nabeel Qureshi. Seeking Tony Evans. The Power Allah, Finding Jesus: A of God’s Names. Eugene, Devout Muslim’s Journey Ore.: Harvest House, 2014. to Christ. Grand Rapids, 224 pages. $14.99. Mich.: Zondervan, 2014. 304 pages. $16.99. Evans, senior evangelist for a commu- Qureshi, who holds nity church in Dallas, graduate degrees in explores 14 of the Hebrew and Greek medicine, religion and apologetics, names used to refer to God, from came to Christianity through histori- “Elohim” to “Immanuel.” cal reasoning and a spiritual search for A “member book,” sold separately, God. Now a speaker for Ravi Zacharias’ leads a small group through six sessions. ministry, he offers a powerful apologet- Evans is author of the bestselling books ic for Christians seeking to reach out to “Kingdom Man” and “Kingdom Woman.” Muslims. The book includes a glossary of Timothy Keller. Encounters Muslim terms and contributions from with Jesus: Unexpected scholars and experts. Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions. New York: CHRISTIAN LIVING Dutton Adult, 2013. 240 Tullian Tchividjian. One pages. $19.95. Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace For an Exhausted Each of the 10 World. Colorado Springs, chapters in this book Colo.: David C. Cook, 2013. explores deeply the 240 pages. $14.99. context and significance of one person’s personal meeting with Jesus — and how This popular author, a that experience changed his or her life. minister and a grandson Keller, a bestselling author known for of Billy Graham, calls Christians to rec- clear, concise prose, shows how the per- ognize the completeness of Jesus’ sacri- son of Jesus truly can change a person. fice. (One of his previous books is titled Keller broadens the definition of “encoun- “Jesus + Nothing = Everything.”) ter” in the second half of the book, His latest offering urges readers to exploring Satan, the Holy Spirit, and the abandon “performancism” and instead meaning of the ascension of Jesus. rely fully on grace, which drives us to serve God out of a thankful heart — not MEMOIR from a desire to check things off a list. Holly Burkhalter. Good God, Lousy World, & Me: Sheila Walsh. The Storm The Improbable Journey Inside: Trade the Chaos of a Human Rights of How You Feel for the Activist from Unbelief Truth of Who You Are. to Faith. New York: Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Convergent Books, 2013. Nelson, 2014. 224 pages. 208 pages. $22.99. $21.99. Many Christians in the Western world There are three levels rarely come into contact with the suffer- of reality, writes Walsh, an admired ing that people experience daily in devel- author and speaker at women’s confer- oping or war-torn countries. ences. Burkhalter saw these atrocities up These realities are the chaos of what close in her work and says she “cursed we feel, the lies Satan would have us God daily” for them. Her account believe and the truth that God is in shows how getting involved with the control. International Justice Mission, a Christian This conversational, intimate book human rights organization, opened her leads readers through 10 transforma- heart to a God who hates the suffering tions that God can work in the lives of of his people even more than we do. those who cry out to him. 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2014

70th Anniversary 1944-2014 Highland View Church of Christ 138 Providence Road Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865-483-7471 highlandviewchurch.org

August 9 & 10, 2014 SAVE THIS DATE!

FOUNDATIONS COMPANION Coming This Fall Est. 1888 Est. 1922 East Texas Christian Academy's Board of Directors is currently seeking candidates for Head of School. Since 1855, Gospel Advocate’s • New larger type starting Fall 2014 • 52 lessons in one book Established in 1979, ETCA is a private Christian school goal has always been to serve • 13 lessons – fits in your Bible • Scripture text (nkjv) in Tyler, Texas, serving grades PK - 12 with an annual God and His people and to fur- • Newly written every quarter • Includes questions and enrollment of approximately 300 students. ETCA is ther the growth of the church. • Scripture text (nkjv) discussion starters accredited by NCSA and AdvancED. Candidates must Times may have changed, but • Includes questions and discussion • Great tool for teachers be active and faithful members of the Church of Christ our aims haven’t. Use Compan- starters • Gives another perspective and must possess a Master's degree in Education. ion’s easy year-long study with • Lies flat for easy study on the same topics found Interested applicants should submit a resume and any Foundation’s quarterly focus to in Foundations and Horizons

additional relevant information to: help your Bible class grow. (GA’s teen curriculum) East Texas Christian Academy ATTN: Shellie Arnold, Board Chair 2448 Roy Road For more information, or to order: 1-800-251-8446 I www.gospeladvocate.com Tyler, Texas 75707

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

Must be: • Faithful members of the church

• Physically fit • Emotionally stable • Spiritually driven If interested: • Able to work closely with team Contact Kenny Holton, • Executive Director, Trainable (229) 559-5944 or email: • Lovers of children! [email protected] Benefits: • Competitive salary package Raintree Village Children and Family Services • 21 days on; 7 days off rotation Valdosta, GA 31601 • ½ Health/Dental/Vision COA ACCREDITED IN MINISTRY SINCE 1967! • Joy of making a difference! JULY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

The KandiyohiKandiyohi Family Minister Full-Time Minister Bilingual Children’s Minister - Miami, Florida ChurchChurch of Christ The GracePlace~ Chillicothe Church of Christ in central Minnesota is seeking a Duncanville Church of Christ 75-member congregation in North Central Missouri. The Sunset Church of Christ is a is seeking a Family Minister to oversee our part-time minister. 500-member bilingual church located in ministry to children, nursery through sixth grade, For more information please contact: We are a small, acapella, established in which we touch the lives of about 300 children Miami, Fla. We are seeking a bilingual Charles Eddy, elder 660-646-6014 church looking for a preacher to help each week. Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred. GP-DCC is a diverse, outreach-focused church [email protected] individual to oversee our Children’s with continued growth. located in the midst of a booming Latino Ray Blakely, elder 816-863-7995 Ministry in both English and Spanish. population just south of Dallas, Texas. Send resumes to: [email protected] For more information: Interested persons should contact Rod Forbess, elder 660-973-7543 (305) 271-8141 PO Box 267 Jeff Conrad at 972-298-4656 [email protected] [email protected] Kandiyohi, MN 56251 or email a resume to : [email protected] www.chillicothechurchofchrist.org Applications accepted through June 30th.

Foster Parents Celebrating Potter Children’s Home and Family Ministries in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has been serving children and their families for 100 years. We are seeking foster parents for 60 years! our on-campus Foster Care home for boys. In addition to the daily duties required in running a household, the foster parents will provide appropriate structure and CHILDREN’S HOME supervision, transportation, participation in planning meetings and other activities that support the work. Couples must be faithful members of the church of Christ. They should also meet the state of Kentucky’s OF LUBBOCK requirements for foster parents, have a strong marriage, and be in good physical health. This is a live-in position with both parents hired. Salary is based on experience. Benefits are provided. Congratulations For further information see our website: to the Children’s Home of Lubbock www.potterministries.org on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. If you are interested contact: For six decades the Children’s Home has lived its Tom Doty, Minister of Family Services, by phone at 270-843-3038 or by email at [email protected]. vision: “Manifesting Christ Through Excellence in Child Care.” The Home has served as a sanctuary for over 6,000 children and young people. Church of Christ, Struthers, Ohio is seeking Thechurch of Christ in Wheeler, a full-time minister. Our family is age-diverse in the metro This anniversary kicks off the Children’s Home Texas, is searching for a pulpit minister. Youngstown, Ohio area. Average Sunday worship attendance of Lubbock’s new capital campaign is 125 with 4 shepherds and 4 deacons. Experience as ‘Foster Our Future’ Our preference is a married man with some a pulpit minister is required; a degree in Biblical Studies to help ensure the Home’s next 60 years. experience as a full-time preacher, with a is preferred. Seeking a dynamic, energetic man, soundly dedicated to promoting the Lord’s Work in the community. The Children’s Home of Lubbock is accredited by Biblical degree and a deep knowledge of the High inter-personal skills and experience and willingness to the Council on Accreditation of Services for scriptures. Our 125-member congregation work with Youth is a requirement. Skills sought are ability to is diverse in background and age. We have lead, self-motivated, organized, and effective as a teacher Families and Children as one of the leading providers in the nation. many young families who will be a major and preacher. Salary with housing allowance based on experience. Qualified individuals willing to help us grow and mature focus of our mutual efforts. We have three in the Lord can apply via: elders. See online classified for more details. [email protected] Struthers Church of Christ THEChildren's Home Please contact: Stacy McCasland FOUNDATION 806-886-4000 Attn: Preacher Search PO Box 99, Struthers, OH 44471 This message sponsored by The Children’s Home Foundation, [email protected] supporting the vision and mission of The Children’s Home of Lubbock.

FREE RENT and UTILITIES Minister WantedWanted Parkway Drive Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, is seeking a full-time minister to RETIREMENT OPPORTUNITY Bless your missionaries TheYpsilanti church of Christ, located in fill the pulpit responsibilities of a multi-cultural Ypsilanti, Mich., is seeking to fill our vacant congregation with an average Sunday a.m. Tiny congregation in beautiful mountain community. A yearly subscription to cover international mailing minister position; this includes pulpit, class attendance of 170. The right person for this job must Will furnish a nice 4 BR, 2 bath mobile home and and evangelistic duties. We are a diverse be willing to carry out additional tasks with a positive utilities in exchange for sound Christian leadership in costs is only $70 per address ($40 to Canada). congregation with a current average Sunday attitude for the growth and nurturing of the congrega- lessons and songs. Pleasant climate, friendly people. morning attendance of 130. tion and to the glory of God. Parkway Drive is located Please contact: What a wonderful way to encourage your mission- in a mission field within our city. Must be mission field workers in their kingdom efforts! If you desire to be considered for this position, minded with a passion to go to where the people are Charlie or Billy McCarty please submit your resume with three sermons in order to bring them to Christ. Salary commensurate Church of Christ Contact Lynda Sheehan for more information: (audio and/or video) to: with experience. Please send resume along with a CD PO Box 487 ypsicofc@ gmail.com or DVD and two letters of reference to: Reserve, New Mexico 87830 405-425-5070 For further information contact: Elders Parkway Drive Church of Christ Phone (575)-533-6574 [email protected] Bob Bowen (elder) at (734) 482-6213. 3120 Parkway Drive, Lubbock, TX 79403 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION JULY 2014 ‘Where are the other nine?’ Jesus’ question demonstrates the divine nature of gratitude

friend suggested that I share my The third, my American history thoughts on gratitude. teacher, helped me understand that A Jesus addresses the issue in history is not just facts, people and dates. Luke 17, as he travels to Jerusalem, She encouraged analysis of cause and RETURN! walking along the border between effect in the development of a civilization. STUDIES IN EZRA-NEHEMIAH-ESTHER Samaria and Galilee. Ten men with The fourth, my Latin teacher, made leprosy meet him and cry out, “Jesus, me understand the structure of Master, have pity on us.” He tells them language and gave me to go to show themselves to the priests. Insight insight into the culture Keynote Speakers As they go, they are cleansed. of the Roman empire. One returns, throws himself at Jesus’ The teacher who was Alan Robertson feet and thanks him. Luke’s gospel still living had moved records that this man is a Samaritan to Florida. He taught Gary Smith and that Jesus asks him, “Where are me ancient history and the other nine who were healed?” Latin American history. Jim Martin Gratitude to God is such a big issue More importantly, that I want to spend more time thinking he fostered in me the William Bower about it and understand how to Bailey McBride understanding that encourage expressing our thankfulness worrying is waste — David Young for all God has done for us — from and curiosity and hard work always creating this amazing and beautiful bring success. I made sure to tell Mike Tune world we live in to sending his son to him that in my letter, though I never be a sacrifice for our sins. The subject received a reply. B. Chris Simpson is important and should be explored by In the years since, I have tried to all believers. reach out to people who have made a Right now I want to address the difference in my life and my thinking. subject of gratitude toward other people. Albert Schweitzer observed, “At Most of us are like the nine who were times our own light goes out and is healed. We move on to enjoy and cele- rekindled by a spark from another brate life after we receive special service person. Each of us has cause to think from others. with deep gratitude of those who have In the midst of this year’s graduations, lighted the flame within us.” I was reminded of a sermon I heard Through the 33 years I have written years ago, encouraging Christians to this column, I have shared informa- thank teachers who made a difference tion about family members, friends, by their kindness or encouragement. preachers and Bible teachers who have The teachers I remembered from lit or rekindled a flame within me. high school were the ones that imme- Not many people have such a diately came to mind. It had been 25 public forum, but we all can pick up years since I graduated from high the phone or write a letter (or email) school, so I wrote the board of educa- expressing appreciation for a kindness tion to find out how to reach the five or inspiration that we have received teachers I wanted to thank. from a teacher, a friend, a parent or a Unfortunately, four had died. grandparent. The first, my senior English teacher, Often we fail to show gratitude to the required us to read a book a week and people who are closest to us and have write a review of it. All of the books were been a source of encouragement, inspi- HARDING UNIVERSITY’S 91st classics, and a misspelled word meant ration or even correction. the highest grade possible was a D. Because we are all busy, we plan to ANNUAL BIBLE LECTURESHIP During one nine-week period, I wrote write our thank you note or make a a 30-page research paper with at least 50 phone call later. How easy it is to let sources. In another section, we studied time pass and miss the opportunity to SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1, 2014 the great architecture of the world. express our gratitude. The second was my physics teacher, Don’t miss your opportunity to WWW.HARDING.EDU/LECTURESHIP who helped me understand a complex acknowledge a special person who subject and encouraged me to study lifted you up. what I loved — not what others were encouraging me to study. COntact [email protected]. JuLY 2014 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

“Therefore go and make Disciples of All Nations” (Matthew 28:19) High Plains Children’s Home The 38-year-old in Amarillo, TX is accepting applications from faithful Church of AMEN Ministry Stan Christ couples that have a heart for children connects Christians Williams 1st Annual and are drawn to the ministry of caring for in the United States young people. The Home offers an excellent Midwest Evangelism Workshop salary package that includes health Military with local churches Dennis insurance, housing, commissary privileges of Christ both overseas and in the U.S. Jones and a matching 403(b) retirement plan. Please send, name, email, and other contact June 19-21, 2014 If interested in working in a professional, Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, Illinois full-time ministry as houseparents or relief info to: AMEN Ministry houseparents, please contact us below or [email protected] Charlie Recommitting To... visit hpch.org for additional information. McClendon 135 Larchmont Drive The Priority of Evangelism Lecia Moody 800.728.6581 Hendersonville, NC 28791 828-891-4480 Jerry To Faithful Brethren Throughout the Midwest and Beyond [email protected] Tallman The three congregations of Decatur have realized a critical need to be “revived” in one of the most “fundamental of fundamentals,” and that is being evangelistic in all of our churches. We sincerely invite and urge Jarrod you to attend and encourage others in your congregation to attend as DOWNSIZE YOUR WORRIES Williams well. This will be a time of renewing our zeal and making new commit- ments to be more evangelistic. The three Churches of Christ in Decatur: UPSIZE YOUR LIFE Truitt Jasper Street, Morningside, and Sunnyside Road Adair • Great keynotes and classes on all aspects of evangelism ***Act Now*** • Make evangelism a priority again Bill Reduced prices thru June 30, 2014 on Bryant Stan Williams--Workshop Director select apartments under Equity Plan For more info and pre-registration call 217-428-1236 or log on to www.morningsidecoc.com Simplify your life and enjoy: More time for new and renewed friendships More time for community service More time for travel and personal interests More opportunities for lifelong learning on the Houseparent Abilene Christian University campus

Position Check into our Equity, Lease or Retired Ministers Plans

For over 44 years we have served at-risk children in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home is all about the children--loving them, helping them heal and teaching them about God’s love. Fostering children who have been abused or neglected is

challenging work, but also rewarding. We are looking for a married couple who are faithful members of the church of Christ to come and work as Houseparent’s. Benefits included.

Friendships Made If you are interested, send your cover letter of interest and your

resume(s) addressed to our Executive Director, Everett White. Christian Village of Abilene Please send to the e-mail address: Independent Retirement Living 633 E.N. 19th Street, ABILENE, TX 79601 [email protected] [email protected] www.acu.edu/cva Look us up on our website: (325) 673-1917 www.acch4kids.org box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 An international newspaper for Churches of Christ change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. Vol. 71, No. 7 | July 2014 U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIDE Bring OKLAHOMA CITY OK CALENDAR...... 25 back our PERMIT # 276 CURRENTS...... 17 DIALOGUE...... 21 girls INSIGHT...... 34 Abductions INTERNATIONAL...... 11 in Nigeria NATIONAL...... 5 bring to OPINION...... 27 light plague PARTNERS...... 23 PEOPLE...... 24 of human Crisis in Ukraine Worship in Mass. REVIEWS...... 30 trafficking. Militants seize church Lectures highlight New VIEWS...... 29 1, 17 building, school. 3, 12 England mission field. 7 Baptized via Skype: Christians commune across an ocean, Page 29 | www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070

OC LECTURESHIP 2014

Mark your calendar for OC’s annual lectureship, featuring inspiring lectures, informative OCTOBER 5-7 classes, practical sessions and warm fellowship. Women’s Day activities, an elders www.oc.edu/lectureship workshop, textual classes, and youth and family tracks complement the keynote lectures.