Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 72, No. 5 | May 2015 for Churches of Christ A muy buena church plant IN THE DALLAS AREA, a Spanish-speaking congregation experiences growth and offers potential lessons for reaching the burgeoning Hispanic population.

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

ARLINGTON, Texas — In the heart of Dallas- Fort Worth, a growing Hispanic congrega- tion celebrated two more baptisms on a recent Sunday. Members sang the Spanish version of “This is the Day” as the Arlington Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ) welcomed a newly converted couple. “Definitely, God is working,” said Jesús Rodriguez, a native Puerto Rican who moved from Arizona to Texas with his wife, Francesca Volpi Carmen, to help plant the church. “This is A separatist fighter carries a live artillery shell through the former meeting place of the Petrovsky Church of Christ in a great opportunity to explain the Gospel to Donetsk, Ukraine. Militants seized the building in October 2014 and renamed the region the Donetsk People’s Republic. many, many people.” Two-and-a-half years after the congrega- tion’s launch, weekly attendance tops 100. Leaders of Texas-based Great Cities Missions — best known for recruiting and training missionaries for Latin America — Peace in the valley see the Arlington church plant as a model for reaching Spanish speakers in the U.S. IN UKRAINE, Christian refugees pray — and sing — for their divided homeland “We want to see more churches planted by Hispanic teams in predominantly Hispanic BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE from their church buildings, tell- communities in major U.S. urban centers,” ing them they should be Russian said Scott Emery, a former missionary to IRPIN, Ukraine Orthodox instead. Some were Chile who is Great Cities Missions’ director e was oppressed and held at gunpoint. Others watched See ARLINGTON, Page 15 afflicted ... cut off from their friends die. the land of the living. For Here, on a cool spring after- the transgression of my noon, they huddle in a pavilion at ‘Hpeople he was punished.” a forested retreat center west of In high, haunting soprano, the capital, Kiev. a chorus of women sings the ERIK TRYGGESTAD They know not what tomorrow words of Isaiah 53 in Russian. Ukrainian Christians, many of them holds for their shattered country. Around them, the seated con- refugees, participate in a singing camp. So, today, they sing. gregation responds, “Holy God, “I feel so good to be around my holy strength, holy immortal one, Soviet Union. Some are widows, Christian brothers and sisters,” have mercy on us.” orphans. Now, many are refugees. says Tamara Bessarab, as her The 120 souls, gathered Militias claiming fealty to daughter, Helen Strakhova, trans- for a weekend singing camp, Russia drove them from their lates her words into English. BOBBY ROSS JR. represent Churches of Christ homes in eastern Ukraine. They Twenty-one years ago, Strakhova Jesús Rodriguez teaches the adult Sunday across Ukraine, once part of the watched armed men rip the signs See UKRAINE, Page 12 school class at the Arlington Iglesia de Cristo. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015

Generations of Excellence

MATTHEW JOHNSON Freed-Hardeman University Class of 2019

DR. JENNY JOHNSON B.A., Freed-Hardeman University J.D., Vanderbilt University

DR. MICHAEL JOHNSON B.S., Freed-Hardeman University M.S., Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

After graduating from FHU, Mike and Jenny Johnson completed doctorates at Vanderbilt University, hers in law and his in mathematics. In 1999, they brought their talents, degrees and family to FHU. They strengthen their alma mater by inspiring the best in their students, while providing additional learning opportunities through the Honors College and FHU Abroad. They have fostered this same quest for excellence in their own children, as well. Their son Matthew, with a perfect ACT score, will be a full-time student at FHU this fall. The Johnsons help make Freed-Hardeman a university WHERE FAITH AND REASON CREATE CHRISTIAN LEADERS.

HENDERSON | MEMPHIS | DICKSON WWW.FHU.EDU | 1-800-FHU-FHU-1 MAY 2015 the christian chronicle 3 Has ‘food for Ministers and the stomach’ become an idol? the student MAdill, Okla. wenty pounds of rump debt monster roast and pork chops, 40 Tpounds of chicken and CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITIES tout efforts 10 pounds of sausage. These mountains of raw to make theological training meat got me thinking about more affordable for preachers. fasting. Recently, a group of BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE women, including myself, gathered in Abilene Christian University says it’s Inside Story the kitchen taking steps to crack down on the tens of the Madill of thousands of dollars in debt accumu- Church of lated by many ministry students. Christ to LYNN McMILLON The Texas university implemented slice, dice a 50 percent tuition discount for Bible and prepare Christians celebrate heroes of faith majors two years ago. meals for our James O. Maxwell, longtime minister and administrator for Southwestern Christian College Now, the ACU Graduate School of freezers. in Terrell, Texas, speaks during the 71st annual Church of Christ National Lectureship in Theology is launching an “affordabil- Planning Chicago. Maxwell presented biographical sketches of outstanding Christian leaders and ity initiative” that officials say will lock Kimberly Mauck and cooking delivered an evening sermon during the lectureship. RELATED COVERAGE, Page 6 in a fixed tuition rate for individual for families students and cut the total degree cost often seems tedious, time- by more than 40 percent. consuming and downright “We know that ministers serve in frustrating. So it was a nice contexts where they may earn less change to chop, measure than other professions, and we are and make a big mess with Recovery by — and committed to helping ministers gradu- sisters in Christ as we talked ate with less debt,” ACU Bible Dean and laughed together. Ken Cukrowski said. “Doing so helps After two and a half hours reduce the burden of financial pres- that Saturday morning, all for — the church sures and allows ministers to serve 15 of us went home with five more effectively in churches and Ziploc-bagged main courses, other ministry contexts.” ready for the freezer. MINISTRIES SEEK to restore the struggling and reclaim the role of faith Other universities associated with While chopping bell Churches of Christ say peppers, I met a fellow BY RACHEL PATE | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE recovered rather than those recovering. they, too, are confront- homeschooling mom, In 2009, the church’s pulpit minister, ing the debt monster. Lauren Albright of MT. JULIET, Tenn. David Shannon, visited a congregation “Student debt, espe- Gordonville, Texas, who was e’re all Christians. We using Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based cially for low-paying jobs reading a book I had just all struggle,” said James program for those seeking to over- like schoolteachers and finished called“Integrative Harper. “It’s about time come “hurts, hang-ups, and habits,” preachers, is a subject Nutrition: Feed Your we admitted it.” according to the program’s website. we are passionate about Hunger for Health and ‘WHarper, a member “David knew some addressing,” said Bruce McLarty Happiness” by Joshua of the Mt. Juliet A church for the hurting, broken of my background,” McLarty, president of Rosenthal. Church of Christ, The Southside Church of Christ in Fort Harper said, “including Harding University in Searcy, Ark. This book, along with my sees recovery from Worth, Texas, enjoys a spiritual revival various addictions and A few years ago, Harding officials recent reading of Richard all sorts of vices — as its ministers to wounded souls. struggles. So he called were stunned to learn that some Foster’s “Celebration of substance abuse, Churches That Work, Page 17 and asked if I would be students enrolled in the univer- Discipline” convinced pornography, inability willing to look into a sity’s Center for Advanced Ministry me that I need to be more to control anger — as an essential program to implement at Mount Juliet.” Training accrued more than $60,000 mindful of my body and function of the Lord’s body. The result is Recovery — Through in debt, McLarty said. decide if anything I was Too often, those who struggle — Christ, a 12-step program that focuses “At that time, all of these non-tradi- eating or drinking has including Christians themselves — Jesus as the higher power and the Bible tional students — 24 and older — See FOOD, Page 4 think of the church as a placed for the See RECOVERY, Page 24 See DEBT, Page 26 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY MAY 2015 www.christianchronicle.org

All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christian education. FACULTY POSITION AVAILABLE FALL 2015

CARR COLLEGE OF NURSING. Seeking full-time faculty mem- LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ber prepared in adult medical-surgical nursing for the undergraduate A POLICE ESCORT and scores of supporters awaited Hunter Hanner as he returned to Abilene, Texas. nursing program. The successful candidate should maintain an active, Hanner, a longtime member of the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, spent six months in a Dallas hospital fighting a paralyzing disease. “I prayed to God, ‘I don’t want to die. I have lots to do. Don’t be fin- unencumbered nursing license; be eligible for RN licensing in the ished with me yet,’” he said. Go online to read Laura Akins’ report on Hanner’s miraculous recovery. state of Arkansas; have a minimum of a graduate degree in nursing While you’re there, sign up for our weekly email newsletter — and never miss a headline. with potential for pursuing doctoral education; and have nursing practice experience. Teaching experience is preferred. Responsibilities FOOD: Our stomachs can be spoiled children include teaching classes and clinical undergraduate courses; working FROM PAGE 3 the mindset that my husband is the collaboratively in shared governance with administration and faculty; become an unhealthy addiction to “breadwinner” and I am the provider something not beneficial, as Paul of food for the family. teaching in state of the art facilities; and participating in program writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12 (“‘I have That’s how I felt as I left the development, implementation and evaluation. the right to do anything,’ you say — fellowship hall. My legs ached like Contact Dr. Susan Kehl, dean, at [email protected] or Box but not everything is beneficial.”). I had just finished a 5K. My hands Reading “Celebration of were cramping. It was a good weary, 12265, Searcy, AR 72149. Discipline” convicted me in many the same kind of tired I feel after a ways, but one was fasting — a prac- long day of homeschooling, exer- tice I had never before tried. cise, cooking, cleaning, childcare After a couple of “partial fasts” (skip- and, of course, working as Reviews ping two meals), I realized that my Editor for The Christian Chronicle. caffeine and sugar addictions were But what I provide for my family real, and that my bursts of impatience — quick, homemade dinners — is and irritation at my children during not nearly as important as the bread the hungry times of my day were of life. And, as beneficial as family serious sins that I needed to face. I dinners are, they are not as benefi- was placing my own, minor physical cial to our spiritual lives as fasting needs before those of my children. can be. As Foster describes, our stomachs Each of our bodies is different, are much like spoiled children. and often we harbor addictions that They will throw fits when they don’t may be tied to real sins. Mine were. receive what they want, but their In our country — and even in our needs are much less than what we churches — we worship our hunger. usually give them. Food is so readily Food has become an idol. available to us that we mindlessly As wives and mothers, we have a eat, training our bodies to crave food responsibility to feed our families every few hours. without allowing our stomachs to Jesus never commanded that we become our gods — false gods that fast, but from what he said in the exert control over our moods, words sixth and ninth chapters of Matthew, and actions. he apparently expected it. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians As I learned from my reading of 6:13, “food for the stomach and Foster and from my own fasting the stomach for food, and God will experiences, fasting humbles our soul destroy them both.” Let us place God (Psalm 69:10), is a way to worship before our stomachs, before food, God (Acts 13:2) and makes us rely on even before our families. These God for sustenance (Matthew 4:4). things are all beneficial and good for As a parent — and especially as this life, but not for the next. head cook and grocery shopper for a young family — it’s easy to get in CONTACT [email protected] MAY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5

PHOTO PROVIDED BY EASTSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST Oregon congregation proclaims: ‘Marriage is alive and well in Portland’ When five couples who are members of the Eastside Church of Christ in Portland, Ore., cel- — in all — 16 member couples have been married 50 years or more. The 200-member con- ebrated 50th wedding anniversaries in 2014, church leaders thought it might make an inter- gregation shared a photograph of 12 of those couples with this note: “Marriage is alive and esting note in The Christian Chronicle. But when church leaders counted, they realized that well in Portland.” The church’s longest-married couple: Elmer and Eleanor Lewis (64 years).

GEORGIA The Linder Road Church of Christ UTAH spoTLIGHT MARIETTA — Thereasa Winnett, a hosted the rally. Tim Pyles, minister CEDAR CITY — A new Church of Christ member of the East Cobb Church for the Broken Arrow Church of has formed in this southern Utah of Christ, was honored recently as Christ in Oklahoma, spoke. Idaho community. Kentucky Walk4Water a Daily Point of Light. The honor churches represented included the The Grace and Truth Fellowship PADUCAH, Ky. — The Broadway Church by the Points of Light Foundation Boise Church of Christ, the Central began with 15 Christians who met of Christ, working with Healing recognized Winnett’s work with a Church of Christ in Rupert, the in a member’s home before moving Hands International, raised $23,000 ministry called Teach Nampa Church of Christ and the services to a wellness center, through its recent second annual One Reach One. Mountain Home Church of Christ. member Jody Nowak said. Walk4Water. More than 600 people “Many churches “God is blessing the Great The church name “strikes a new from the church and community and ministries have Northwest,” said Clint Davison, balance between dependence on joined in the fund-raising effort. wonderful volunteers minister for the Linder Road church. grace and an honest commitment to “We have been working with Dr. who love children search for truth,” Nowak said. Mani Padidipali in southeast India to dearly and want to NEW MEXICO provide clean water and living water impact young people ARTESIA — The 60-year-old Hermosa WASHINGTON to many souls,” said Ginger Moore, and their parents for Church of Christ has a new building TUKWILA — Online giving is quick wife of church elder Mike Moore. Winnett God,” Winnett said and a higher-visibility location next and easy — and can help church of Teach One Reach One’s focus. to a Wal-Mart. The church, which members increase their generosity. “Unfortunately, many do not have has an average attendance of 320, So says James A. Maxwell, the tools, materials or training to intends to use the new facility “to its minister for the Tukwila Church of be as effective as they could be in fullest capabilities to serve the city Christ and a relationship manager their ministry.” of Artesia and to glorify God in the for Pushpay.com. “Pushpay’s core For more information, see process,” elder Doug Rodney said. values have actually helped my www.teachonereachone.org. The new auditorium seats 585 and ministry,” said Maxwell, who served can be expanded to serve 700. the Holgate Church of Christ in IDAHO “The congregation itself remains Seattle for 10 years before planting MERIDIAN — Seventy-five men from vibrant and active with seven elders, the Tukwila congregation last year. seven congregations attended 16 deacons, two preaching staff “I would like more congregations the recent Treasure Valley Men’s members and a secretary,” Rodney in our brotherhood to benefit from Rally, focused on the topic “Cross- said. The church supports seven online and mobile giving.” MIKE MOORE Training: Putting Christ at the mission points and plans to open a For more information, see Georgia Leigh Moore and Savannah Center of Our Lives.” Christian preschool in September. www.pushpay.com. Whitley participated in the Walk4Water. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION MAY 2015

PHOTOS by lynn mcmillon Terry D. Wallace, minister for the West Oak Grove Church of Christ in Hernando, Miss., speaks. during the 71st annual Church of Christ National Lectureship in Chicago.

Where we’ve been The National Lectureship BY JOY Mcmillon | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE and dedicated,” the retired book- keeper said. “As you mature, you chicago learn that it’s not about me but elebrating the Covenant” about the kind of people you are and was the theme of the 71st what you stand for.” National Lectureship, an Her favorite part of the four-day annual gather- schedule is the women’s ‘ingC of predominantly program. Zeola Hall of Trenton, N.J., and Martha black Churches of “The lectures are very Wright of Greenville, N.C., at the lectures. Christ. Chicago-area practical,” she said, “and congregations hosted you leave here with this year’s event. something to take home Alice Lynch, a mem- and share with others.” ber of the Compton Many young women LaMaria DarDar of Fort Worth, Texas, Avenue Church of from her congregation listens to speaker Terry Wallace. Christ in Los Angeles, aren’t able to attend has missed only two because of their work National Lectureships schedules, so Lynch in the past 32 years. says she tries to hear as Her husband, Jake, an many lectures as pos- elder of the congre- Alice Lynch has attended sible and share what she gation, also attends the National Lectureship learns with the women faithfully. faithfully since 1983. when she returns to Los “It’s a family reunion, Angeles. so we don’t like to miss this,” Alice Churches in Memphis, Tenn., will Lynch said. “It also helps me being a host the 2016 National Lectureship. leader’s wife.” The lectureship has changed — WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Have you attended a for the better — through the years, faith-based conference, gospel meeting or lecture- Brenda Jones of Memphis, Tenn., speaks she said, although many of the ship? What did you like? What could be improved? Church leaders Kevin Bethea of Baltimore, on “Connecting Sisters to Christ and to speakers are the same. Share your experiences at www.christianchronicle. Howard Wright of Atlanta and Willie Each Other” during a women’s luncheon. “The speakers are more mature org or email [email protected]. Rupert Jr. of Baltimore at the lectureship. maY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7 Lubbock Christian University DISTINGUISHED alumni AWARDS 2015

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in enhancement of student community spaces and leaving LCU, he went on to Texas Tech University, Denny Bullard (‘67) to the student life of LCU students. where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry. Sr. Vice President • • • Pioneer Natural Resources Young Alumna of the Year During his career, Willie has worked at Kenya Denny Bullard received an A.S. from Medical Research Institute and the Centre of LCU in 1967, and went on to achieve Elizabeth Ryan (‘02) Microbiology Research. He is currently a Principal a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering Attorney and Commissioner Investigator for the US Army Medical Research from Texas Tech University in 1970. NM Game and Fish Commission Unit-Walter Reed dealing with global emerging infections and response systems. Denny has worked for Pioneer Elizabeth (Atkinson) Ryan Natural Resources for the last 18 graduated summa cum laude from In 2010, Willie was appointed to the East African years, overseeing operations of Pioneer Pumping LCU with a B.A. in Humanities Public Health Laboratory Networking Project to Services, the company’s well stimulation fleet, and (emphasis in pre-law), and a minor coordinate Antimicrobial resistance studies in for Premier Silica, Pioneer’s industrial sand mining in Biblical studies. She received her Eastern African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, operations. He is also responsible for the Health, J.D. cum laude from Texas Tech Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Safety, Environmental Services and Operations University School of Law, where she served as the Willie serves as a deacon at Rainbow Church in Training departments. Executive Student Writing Editor for the Nairobi. He and his wife, Magdalene, have . During his career, Denny has worked on both onshore Law Review four children. and offshore projects ranging from South Africa and Beth is a respected attorney in New Mexico, • • • Tunisia to the North Slope of Alaska. He worked for specializing in oil and gas matters, including title Conoco, Inc. for 14 years, Damson Oil for seven years, examination, transactions, operations and regulatory. K.C. Moser Award and Parker and Parsley Petroleum for six years. She partnered with Joel M. Carson III in Roswell, New Excellence and Outstanding Denny has served as a deacon at the Weber Road Mexico creating Carson Ryan LLC after her energy Service to the Church Church of Christ in Corpus Christi, Texas and at the practice grew at a rapid pace in 2012 and 2013. Prior Tim and Rebecca Talley (‘79) Bammel Road Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. to that, Ryan practiced oil and gas law in some of the top oil and gas law firms in the Rocky Mountains. Campus Minister and Denny and his wife, Patti, have two children and Associate Campus Minister three grandchildren. In January 2011, Governor Susana Martinez Broadway Church of Christ appointed Ryan to New Mexico’s Environmental • • • Both Tim and Rebecca Improvement Board (EIB), where she served as (Henderson) Talley are 1979 F.W. Mattox Award Board Secretary until the end of her four year graduates of LCU. Tim received Recognition of Excellence and Outstanding Service appointment. In January 2015, the NM Governor his masters degree in Bible from ACU in 2000, to the University appointed Beth to the post of Commissioner, New and Rebecca in Bible and Ministry from LCU in Mexico Game and Fish Commission. She has since The Associates of LCU (1958-Present) December 2014. received Senate confirmation. Beth is an active This very special organization, whose membership member of Independent Petroleum Association of Tim was the Singles Minister at Broadway Church is comprised of alumnae and other amazing women New Mexico. She is also a published author on issues of Christ from 1979 until 1985. Tim currently serves deserving of an alumnae-by-choice recognition, has ranging from appellate review to oil and gas topics. as the Campus Minister and Rebecca serves as the faithfully supported Lubbock Christian University Associate Campus Minister. They are both heavily Beth and her husband, Zack (‘02) have since 1958. involved in reaching out to and engaging with two children. As a result of their diligence, and individual and international college students. • • • collective talents, the Associates have raised almost The Talleys served in the mission field in East Africa $3 million for LCU. Gary & Pat Estep Award from 1985 until the end of 2012. During Tim’s first 12 The Associates’ commitment to student Outstanding Contributions in years in Kenya, he was involved in rural evangelism, programming has expanded the opportunities for the Sciences church planting, and leadership training among the Giriama people. In 2006, the Talleys moved to hands-on academic training. They have also been Dr. Willie K. Sang (‘75-’78) the moving force in renovation of various student Tanzania where Tim spent his time in leadership Chief Research Officer training and church maturation. Rebecca developed spaces through their 57-plus year history with the Kenya Medical Research Institute university – construction of the Home Economics both a children’s Bible school curriculum and a pre- Building during the 60’s, which is now home to Willie Sang is a highly regarded school curriculum in Swahili. She also continued a vibrant Behavioral Sciences area; renovation of medical researcher in Kenya and to teach women’s Bible classes and served in the historic Arnett House, which served as the known among the international community development while on the first administration building for the university and medical community. board of HURUMA, Tanzania. now serves as home to the LCU Associates; the While a pre-med student at Lubbock Christian Tim and Rebecca have three remodeling of Johnson Hall and refurbishment University from 1975 to 1978, he was active in adult daughters and two of Katie Rogers Hall, as well as numerous other campus life and a member of the cross country young granddaughters. smaller projects during the years that have resulted team, being named all-American in 1977. After

5601 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407 | 1.800.933.7601 | LCU.edu

ChristianChronicle_AlumniAwardsAd15.indd 1 4/20/15 2:27 PM 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION mAY 2015

IN AN UNCIVIL WAR: THE APOCALYPSE OF JOHN

JULY 1-3, 2015 WWW.SKYYQUAD.CoM For New Orleans church, a colorful new tradition Deron Thomas and J.J. Woolridge show off their decorated eggs at an inaugural Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Hollygrove Church of Christ in New Orleans. The 6-year- old church plant organized its own hunt after partnering for years with the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ, its sponsoring congregation. “In an effort to stay in our More speakers and events community and for the convenience of our members — most of whom have large families and do not have cars and walk to church — we started a new tradition,” said make Summer Celebration August Marsalis, who works with the church youth. The Hollygrove event drew 70 people. 2015 the best ever. N.C. governor applauds church’s carnival for special-needs children

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Registration is now open! Pat McCrory declared April 11 as “Special Needs Day at Brooks summercelebration.lipscomb.edu/register Avenue Church of Christ.” The proclamation coincided with the Lipscomb University • Nashville, Tenn. church’s 15th annual spring carnival for children with special needs. “It can be very challenging and demanding for families to take care of children with health condi- tions,” McCrory said, as quoted by KATE BOWSMAN ncpoliticalnews.com. “The carnival Luke Flanders holds a bunny at the 2012 is an event that the special-needs carnival for children with special needs, community looks forward to every hosted by the Brooks Avenue church. year because they can relax and simply enjoy the day and each other.” This was the first carnival since Nearly 1,200 people attended the the sudden death of deacon Barry carnival, which featured bounce Woodhouse, 54. Woodhouse and houses, inflatable slides, face his wife, Paula — inspired by their painting, food, snow cones, a petting daughter Melissa — started the zoo and many smiles, the Raleigh Brooks Avenue church’s ministry News and Observer reported. for children with special needs.

SC-15-018 - CC Ad.indd 1 3/25/15 9:38 AM maY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Operations Manager

Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp is seeking qualified individuals to fill the position of Operations Manager (OM). Responsibilities include operational and maintenance duties on more than 450 acres of unspoiled natural beauty in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Strong people and communication are required and handyman skills preferred. This unique opportunity acu.edu is full time during 10 weeks of summer camping ses- sion and part time in the off-season. Compensation College of Arts and Sciences includes private housing and utilities and off-season flexibility for outside employment or personal interests. Dr. Gregory Straughn, Dean • ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 More details are available at: The Department of Engineering and Physics invites applications for two or more talented www.wcyc.org engineers for its new and rapidly growing engineering program. These tenure-track faculty [email protected] positions offer excellent opportunities to contribute to and substantially shape the new program. Applicants should have especially strong skills in teaching, scholarship and mentoring students. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in mechanical, electrical or another engineering discipline, PULPIT MINISTER POSITION demonstrated potential to teach effectively in our program’s curriculum, and experience in research Holmes Road Church of Christ in Lansing, Mich., and scholarship activities appropriate to the discipline. Experience in leading or contributing to the is a multicultural church that seeks a Bible-based pulpit minister to anchor and help facilitate a ministry team senior design experience will further distinguish a candidate. Candidates having a B.S. and M.S. in encouraging spiritual and numerical growth. Holmes degree and a license or certification in an engineering discipline and significant experience in Road believes the church exists to reach the lost and save souls. We have established elders and deacons, industry or consulting also will be considered. Previous involvement with ABET accreditation a youth ministry, and an active women’s group. You can would be helpful. Expected start date is August 2015. Information about the department is find more information about the position at: www.holmesroadcoc.org. available at acu.edu/engineering. Send cover letter, resume, two personal references, three professional references, and a recording of two College of Business Administration current sermons to: Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean • ACU Box 29300, Abilene, Texas 79699-9300 Minister Search Committee The Department of Management Sciences invites applications and nominations in writing for 321 E Holmes Rd, Lansing, MI 48910 an instructor or tenure-track faculty position in marketing, beginning in Fall 2015. The candidate will be expected to teach lower- and upper-level marketing courses and others as assigned; mentor students; and accept departmental, college and university committee assignments. To support ACU’s USA Missionary Wanted mission as a teaching institution the candidate should exhibit excellence as a classroom teacher. Orchard Hills Church of Christ in Covington, Indiana The College of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International and faculty members We desire someone who is: are expected to maintain a program of intellectual contributions in the form of peer-reviewed • a family man with teenage children or older • mission minded (two-three years experience) academic presentations and publications. A terminal degree in marketing or a related field is • passionate for the lost preferred; a master’s degree combined with significant professional experience in marketing • able to encourage, teach and equip others and commitment to ongoing professional development is acceptable. Information about the • able to ground new converts in the truth We offer: department is available at acu.edu/coba. • a great town on the Wabash River • “old-fashioned” friendly people • modern 4-bedroom home by church building See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html for complete descriptions of these • campground and disc golf on site Contact Ray Nasser for more info: positions. In a letter to the appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address their (217) 442-3561 or [email protected] 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 Freehold Church of Christ in numbers of five references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until Freehold, N.J., is seeking a the position is filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities Full Time Lead Evangelist. are especially encouraged. • Central Jersey, approx. 1 hour from ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. All applicants must be Manhattan, N.Y. • salary $50,000/annual professing Christians and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the • Housing not provided Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service in Christian higher • Preferably married, but not required education. The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian service • Strong desire to reach the lost • Strong leadership & organizational and leadership throughout the world. abilities a plus ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities. Contact Lian Powlette via email: [email protected] or by cell 140388-0515 732-824-7399 www.freeholdchurchofchrist.com 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015 spotlight Christians respond after Nepal quake KATHMANDU, Nepal — “If you hear about an earthquake here, we’re totally fine.” That was the message Steve Holladay got from his 19-year-old daughter, Savannah, at 1:50 a.m. on a Saturday. Holladay, a member of the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen, Texas, said his daughter and the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) team she was leading in Nepal were in a church building when the 7.8-magnitude quake hit. Now the PHOTO PROVIDED team is volunteering Fatted calf for everyone: French Christians sing ‘Once Upon a Parable’ in hospitals More than 170 people — 100 of them visitors — squeezed into the auditorium of the Marseille Church of Christ in France to witness and serving “a powerful gospel presentation through the musical ‘Once Upon A Parable,’” missionary Craig Young said. Young’s wife, Katie, survi- directed the program, presented by 25 children and teens from the church’s Club Cool and the Harmony Chorus. “The outreach to vors of the the neighborhood combined a great effort of preparation and a generous job of inviting family and friends,” Craig Young said. “God is Himalayan working, and we are seeing the fruit in the lives of so many people.” The Youngs are celebrating 25 years on the mission field. nation’s worst earth- quake in 80 GUATEMALA preacher,” Crites said. that teaches English using the Bible. years. More POPTUN — A Church of Christ in the The School Avenue Church of Thirty-six Mongolians and the than 4,600 this Central American town recently Christ in Mountain View, Ark., has seven-member team met for their people died. appointed their first elders — Alex played a key role in the Poptun first worship April 19. The team Four Juarez and Lucas Pop. church’s development, said Crites, includes workers with Bear Valley members of Sarah Jackson The two men are the first elders who has worked with the congre- Bible Institute International. Churches Savannah Holladay with a among Churches of Christ in Peten, gation for the past seven years, “It was a blessed first meeting,” of Christ in child she serves in Nepal. Guatemala’s northernmost state, teaching church leadership and said Tom Langley, WEI president. Nepal were said Paul Crites, a missionary with encouraging self-governance. “There are seekers here. We must reported among the casualties at the San Cristobal Church of Christ continue to pray for fruit and a press time. in Mixco, Guatemala. The elders KENYA permanent establishment of the The quake destroyed at least one and church member Cristobal NAIROBI —About 70 Christian women Lord’s church.” church building in the Makwanpur Simon Perez rotate preaching, song attended the Jipe Moyo Women’s district near Kathmandu, said Dev leading and other duties and train Seminar hosted by the Eastleigh ROMANIA Lal Moktan, a Nepali Christian living other members to do the same “so Church of Christ. “Jipe moyo” is PITESTI — Cindy Rieck and Ann in Connecticut. that they no longer have to rely on Swahili for “take heart.” Newton, church members from Church-supported ministries, a full-time, financially supported “God’s children are spiritually Baytown, Texas, taught Bible including Eternal Threads, wealthy, but many of us don’t act lessons to 81 women, representing Christian Relief Fund, White’s Ferry like it and often choose to live as seven Churches of Christ, in this Road Relief and Healing Hands paupers,” missionary Charlotte Central European city recently. An International are surveying needs and Hackett said of the event’s theme. additional 43 attended a women’s collecting funds to help the survivors. ministry event in the city of Craiova. “This has been the craziest experi- MONGOLIA About half of the participants were ence of my life,” Savannah Holladay Ulaanbaatar — A mission team visitors, missionary Harvey Starling said in a social media post. “But reports baptisms in this Asian said, and they “came from all walks through the craziness I have found capital, north of China. of life. Several from the small towns a greater revelation of God’s grace Church members launched ... live on farms. Among the others and protection.” DANA WOODS Mission Mongolia 2015 in response were teachers, nurses, pharmacists, Paul Crites, right, speaks to the new to 10,000-plus student registrations shop clerks, secretaries and several See www.christianchronicle.org for elders of the Poptun Church of Christ. in World English Institute, a ministry retired ladies.” updates and links to contribute to relief. maY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11

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ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD Generations of faith: Denis Bondarenko, 23, and Eugene Gromov, 76, rehearse at a singing Serving refugees: Marina Noyes, left, swaps stories with refugees living in a former social camp in Irpin, Ukraine. Bondarenko, a native of Donetsk, and his congregation moved to services building in Kiev. Noyes and fellow members of the Vinograder Church of Christ in Kiev. Gromov lives in Poltava, in central Ukraine. God, working through Americans, saved Kiev have adopted the families, providing food, fellowship and care. Two families from the his life twice, he says. During World War II, when Nazis occupied Ukraine, an American pilot east have children with special needs. One Muslim family fled persecution in Crimea. The was able to get food to his family. Fifty years later, American Christians brought the Gospel. Christians study the Bible with those interested and have baptized some of the refugees. UKRAINE: For the future church, ‘we need to survive’ FROM PAGE 1 Church of Christ, which grew to from office. To the south, in Crimea, Oklahoma, he preaches for a small translated for a massive gospel 400 souls, shepherded by Ukrainian supporters of Russia rejected the Church of Christ in Cherryvale, campaign as nearly 200 members elders. Strakhova’s husband served new government. Russia annexed Kan., and returns to Ukraine to coor- of Churches of Christ in the U.S. as a deacon. By 2001, both of her the peninsula, though few other dinate the singing camps. descended on the eastern Ukrainian parents were baptized. Eastern nations recognize the action. “We train preachers extensively, city of Donetsk. Freed from the Ukraine, once dominated by atheism, Soon after, pro-Russian sepa- which is good,” he says. “I believe yoke of communism, Ukrainians became the country’s “Bible belt.” ratists took up arms in eastern we also need to invest equally in embraced the Good News. Hundreds Churches of Christ flourished. Ukraine. A militia now occupies the training churches to sing.” were baptized — including Strakhova Then came the war. It started in Petrovsky church’s building in the Among the attendees are students on the campaign’s final day. Kiev, as masses of protesters forced self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s and graduates of the Ukrainian Bible The effort birthed the Petrovsky Ukraine’s pro-Russian president Republic. The church’s members Institute — which who remain worship in secret. recently relocated Belarus “We are scattered all over the from Donetsk to Kiev. country,” says Bessarab, who fled Dmitriy Grischuk, Russia Donetsk in January after watching a who teaches at the Poland bomb kill one of her coworkers. school, operates a She and her husband bought ministry called Let’s tickets for a bus that never arrived. Love, which provides Slovakia Kiev Poltava They begged a taxi driver to accept Grischuk aid to thousands of their last 3,000 hryvnia — about $150 refugees from the — to drive them nine hours west to east and Crimea, now living in central Hungary Donetsk safety. For the first two hours, artil- Ukraine. Through the ministry, Ukraine lery exploded around them. church members distribute food, Moldova Singing with her fellow Christians clothing and Bibles to the refugees. Mariupol distracts Bessarab from those images. Across Kiev, congregations “It’s always good to be in fellow- including the Vinograder Church of Romania ship with one another,” she says, Christ are reaching out to serve the “especially in times of troubles.” refugees in their neighborhoods. “God is expanding the borders of Controlled by separtists OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE his glory,” Grischuk says. As they Crimea Annexed by Russia Stan Bryan was part of that 1994 serve, he says, Christians learn Graphic: ERIK TRYGGESTAD campaign. A rancher in northeastern “what it means to trust God.” MAY 2015 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 13

ERIK TRYGGESTAD Francesca Volpi United voices: Stan Bryan leads a two-hour festival at the conclusion of the singing camp. Leonid Krezhanovsky, center, stands in front of the former home of the Petrovsky The Oklahoma rancher finds a cappella songs in Russian — some from the Orthodox tradi- Church of Christ, flanked by the pro-Russian separatists who seized the building. tion — and teaches them to participants. “I am trying ... to give people a vision of what can be done in our churches,” Bryan says, “if there is some leadership to gather and train people to sing.” The festival also included a Russian-language version of “There’s a Stirring.” Heroes, Satan and Ukraine PRAYERS FOR RESTORATION Church of Christ she helped plant KIEV, Ukraine I didn’t attempt to enter Donetsk, Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush there. Nearly half of its 40 or so eroes live here — more than but reporters from SKY News and him and cause him to suffer, and attendees are orphans. I can count. Al Jazeera America did. though the Lord makes his life an “Anything may happen — only God I’ve talked to so many peo- They interviewed Leonid offering for sin ... the will of the Lord knows,” Strakhova says. “We need ple in this Eastern European Krezhanovsky, an elder of the will prosper in his hand. to survive for the sake of the future Hnation who inspire me — and Petrovsky Church of Christ, The Ukrainians who sing these generation. We have some young make me laugh. Road Notes once the largest congrega- words from Isaiah see God’s hand at people in the church. For their sake, As pro-Russian separatists tion in the city. Militants work in spite of their troubles. we need to stay and survive, to help have taken their homes and seized the church’s build- Refugees who never knew God are them to develop as Christians.” threatened their lives, our ing, but the elder visits asking about the hereafter — and A small group from a Church of brothers and sisters in Christ them to maintain a “friendly, opening Bibles. Christ in Mariupol also will return to have maintained their faith working relationship,” Al And church members from the their city in eastern Ukraine, where and their sense of humor. Jazeera reports. east are revitalizing congregations shelling and gunfire have claimed One minister, held hostage “I tell the boys that I love in central Ukraine. Bessarab and hundreds of lives. by separatists, somehow con- them all the time, just as I her husband have settled in Poltava, “We’ve seen people torn apart,” vinced his captors he was an Erik Tryggestad love the Ukrainian soldiers,” where a small Church of Christ had says Jenya Chugayev, one of the Orthodox priest. So they lis- Krezhanovsky said. “We’re split over doctrinal issues. church members. “If not for the tened as he preached to them. all brothers, and killing each A minister from Donetsk, who church, if not for the volunteers, Before his release, armed militants other is against what the Bible says.” graduated from the Ukrainian Bible Mariupol would cease to exist. All of were bringing him gifts and asking Many of Petrovsky’s members Institute, also moved to Poltava as a us are united in prayer — Orthodox, him for blessings. (I’m told the moved westward as the violence refugee. He reunited the Christians charismatics, Baptists. We all gather story is even funnier in Russian.) increased, but Krezhanovsky and helped them resolve their differ- to pray, crying out to God.” On my previous visit here in stayed behind to serve the church, ences. Now the congregation is The Bible tells them there will 2011, I witnessed baptisms in the which meets in apartments scat- growing again, Bessarab says. be wars, that “brother will attack Black Sea during a gospel seminar tered across the city. The reporter As the camp concludes, a small brother,” says Artum Kirilanko, in Crimea. Then my hosts from for SKY News attended a worship group sings the classic hymn “Peace another church member. God’s Word Eastern European Mission drove service and asked the elder if he in the Valley” in English. Bessarab’s also assures them that he will not me to Donetsk to see the amazing was afraid that the militias would daughter, Strakhova, says it’s the abandon them in their time of need. TV ministry of Sasha Prokopchuk. stop them from meeting. collective prayer of every attendee. As they pray for peace, they plan Now Crimea flies the Russian flag, “We’re not afraid,” he replied, After the camp, Strakhova will for the day when God, working and Donetsk is under the control of “because the first Christians were return to Crimea, where she helps through his church, will restore the separatists. Some say they want also persecuted. And they weren’t oversee a program for orphans. their city. to establish an Orthodox state — afraid to preach Jesus Christ.” Life is hard on the Russian- and think that, “if we’re supported As he addressed the congrega- controlled peninsula, she says, but See videos from the singing camp and additional by Americans, we’re spies,” one tion huddled in the apartment, she feels a burden to serve the coverage at www.christianchronicle.org. Ukrainian minister told me. See ROAD NOTES, Page 14 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT mAY 2015 As they remember the Cold War, Slovakian Christians pray for Ukraine

BY Erik Tryggestad | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — She remembers the days when she couldn’t go up the river to Vienna, only down the river to Budapest. Standing at the gates of Bratislava Castle, Zdenka Hammerlikova pointed to the Danube River. Her city, once part of Czechoslovakia, stood at the western boundary of the Iron Curtain. Twenty-six years after the fall of communism, she does what she never dreamed of doing as a child — giving tours to visitors ERIK TRYGGESTAD from western Europe and the U.S. Tony Coffey, minister for the Ranelagh College of Nursing She also worships God, freely, as Church of Christ in Dublin, Ireland, part of a small Church of Christ. thanks Zdenka Hamerlikova for a recent College of Pharmacy Roman Halamicek, the church’s tour of downtown Bratislava — and minister, was 10 when the Berlin Wall her devotion to Christ. Coffey hosted a Communication Sciences fell. His grandfather, a Catholic, once church retreat for Christians in Slovakia. and Disorders lost a job because he wore a cross around his neck. Central Europe, it was a time “full Physical Therapy Program Now, the Christians of hopes, full of fresh air, full of new in Bratislava watch breath,” he said. “Nothing seemed Physician Assistant Program the news from the impossible in the fall of 1989.” country on their Missionaries planted Churches of Premedicine eastern border, Christ throughout the region. Many Ukraine, as pro- struggled to thrive as the missionaries Russian separatists returned home, Halamicek said. seize territory. Halamicek Embracing newfound freedoms, “It brings shivers many Slovakians entered “the Improving spiritual and physical wellness and sadness to my heart,” Halamicek bondage of materialism,” he said. Harding University’s physical therapy program strives to said. “I’m sad for the people on both “Consumerism captured the hearts sides. In the light of the Sermon on of many.” create physical therapists equipped with the ability to the Mount, it is hard to justify any The minister said he sympathizes improve the spiritual and physical wellness of the world. violence. And war is always violent. with the Ukrainians as they struggle Started in 2011, the three-year program leads to a Doctor “The oppressed need freedom from to overcome the aftermath of their the oppressors. The oppressors need communist past. of Physical Therapy. The initial graduating class had a 100 freedom from their wicked desires to “We are learning that freedom is percent first-time board exam pass rate. There is a strong rule over others. ... My prayer is that not that easy,” he said. “The battle focus in medical missions with students traveling to Zambia both sides find freedom in Jesus.” for freedom happens every day in When communism collapsed in our hearts.” where they practice what they’ve learned. Students are taught patient-centered care that ensures optimal physical ROAD NOTES: Minister shows faith under fire therapy outcomes delivered through the highest standards of FROM PAGE 13 living as exiles in Kiev and under Christian service. Krezhanovsky urged them not to take threat of violence in Donetsk. up arms, reminding them of Jesus’ Scattered like the first century words on the cross: “Forgive them, church, they are spreading the true Father, for they know not what they do.” Gospel, blessing the lives of the “Right now Satan is trying to put people they encounter. Faith, Learning and Living hate and anger into our hearts,” he I pray — and I believe — that the said. “We have to keep the peace.” conflict in Ukraine will be remem- I long for the day when I can bered as one of Satan’s greatest Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 shake his hand and tell him how failures. And that’s no joke. Searcy, Arkansas humbled I am by his faith. That faith is alive in Ukraine — in Christians COntact [email protected] MAY 2015 FROM THE FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15 ARLINGTON: Church plant enjoys growth despite challenges FROM PAGE 1 speaking worship and work with the of U.S. teams. “We are in need of teens, who — unlike their parents — good candidates for such teams prefer Bible class in English. and in need of partnering churches “Culturally, we still try and preserve willing to support them.” some of the Hispanic-ness of it even if Nationwide, the fast-growing Latino we conduct everything in English,” he population has hit 54 million, up from said. “We sing songs in Spanish.” 22 million a quarter-century ago, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. ‘WE WANT THIS FLOWER TO GROW’ In Arlington, the number of Hispanic As it targets future locations for residents exceeds 100,000 — over a church plants, Great Cities Missions quarter of the city’s total population of is eager to help with recruiting, 380,000, census data shows. training, strategic planning and For years, the North Davis Church missionary care, Emery said. of Christ — a 600-member congre- However, the parachurch organiza- gation in the shadow of the home tion needs partners, he said. stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys “Interest in the Hispanic commu- and Texas Rangers — felt a need to nity is growing among Churches of connect with Arlington’s burgeoning Christ,” Emery said. “But too many Latino population, former minister aren’t acting on that interest.” Doug Peters said. Jim Holway, a minister for the “We lovingly supported a small BOBBY ROSS JR. Sunset Church of Christ in Miami, group of Spanish-speaking members Members of the Arlington Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ) pray after a recent coaches Hispanic church planters to ‘do their own thing’ off to the side, baptism. The Texas church plant has grown to weekly attendance of more than 100. through the Florida-based Latin sharing small parts of our facility as an American Mission Project. appendage to the body,” Peters, now a fallen below 100. Many longtime Mexico and leaving the Rodriguezes Holway endorses Great Cities Bible professor at Oklahoma Christian members who once lived in the to handle the Arlington ministry. Missions’ plan to nurture domestic University, wrote in a report. neighborhood now commute. In another case, team members teams. “Predictably, these efforts stagnated “The congregation here has put trained by Great Cities Missions At the same time, he advocates a and never gained traction,” he wrote. this building up for sale prayerfully enjoyed success growing a Spanish- multipronged approach, embracing “We needed an effective strategy.” multiple times and never gotten speaking congregation at the old alternatives such as video training That strategy came in 2011 as what they felt like was an answer Rosemont Church of Christ building of Hispanic church planters by Great Cities Missions and three from the Lord,” Pierce said. “So we in Fort Worth but later Texas International Bible Arlington Churches of Christ — just kept saying, ‘God’s got a plan.’” faced internal strife that Institute in Houston. Hillcrest, Woodland West and North damaged their efforts. “We have a huge oppor- Davis — partnered to develop the ‘THERE IS A SPIRITUAL BATTLE’ “We can’t forget that tunity, but we’re losing the Hispanic church plant. The Arlington Iglesia de Cristo has there is a spiritual battle battle to win the Hispanic Great Cities Missions trained a enjoyed growth despite challenges. going on,” Emery said. community,” Holway said. missionary team that included Jesús This past summer, The Christian “Satan doesn’t want us However, in Arlington, and Carmen Rodriguez, supported Chronicle interviewed Omar Corpus partnering with Hispanic Texas the Hispanic group by North Davis, and Omar and Cesia at the 12th annual Reunión Nacional teams to plant effective Population: 26,448,193 already outnumbers its Corpus, supported de Predicadores churches here in North Racial/ethnic groups: host congregation. by Woodland West. — which means America.” 44 percent white, The church plant has Hillcrest offered National Meeting of Gabriel Rodriguez, son 38 percent Hispanic, boosted the spirits of the use of its facili- Preachers — hosted of Jesús and Carmen, 12 percent black, 4 percent Hillcrest members who ties, seeing the by the Northside and his wife, Jonelle, Asian, 1 percent American recognize the changing new flock as an Church of Christ in hope to join the Arlington Indian, 1 percent other. demographics, long- Source: U.S. Census Bureau answer to prayers. Seventh in a series Benton, Ark. team. They are under- time minister Woody “When I At the meeting, going assessment by Woodrow said. moved into this See MORE stories about reaching Corpus talked excit- Great Cities Missions and, if all goes A recent joint assembly by the neighborhood, it Hispanics in the U.S. with the Gospel. Find edly about the church satisfactorily, will be supported by Spanish and English speakers filled was 98 percent the “One Nación” tab under “Series” at plant. He stressed the Woodland West church. the auditorium with 192 souls. Anglo,” said www.christianchronicle.org the need to practice “Jesús and Carmen were a little “It’s just been wonderful to see Vicky Pierce, a friendship evangelism overwhelmed when they lost their all these new faces here,” Woodrow member since 1969. instead of relying on door-knocking, only teammates,” Emery said, “so said. “We’re not helping them in Now, most residents in the east which he said is more effective in his the churches acted quickly to bring terms of salary. But in terms of Arlington neighborhood are Hispanic. native Mexico than in the U.S. in reinforcements in order to keep physical plant facilities and supplies, Sunday attendance at the Hillcrest In the months following, however, things going well.” we are very much involved and posi- church — which formed in 1957 Corpus and his family ran into visa If he joins the team, Gabriel tive. We want this flower to grow, and reached 400 members — has problems, forcing their return to Rodriguez will lead the Spanish- blossom and flourish.” 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015

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CAMPUS MINISTER WANTED University of Delaware The Newark Church of Christ (www.newarkcoc.org) sponsors a campus ministry at the University of Delaware and has had a full-time campus minister Residential Counselor since 2000. It is a University-recognized club, Blue Hens for Christ (bluehensforchrist. net). Campus ministry receives financial support from the Delaware Christian Campus Job Opening Ministry Foundation (dccmf.org). We have a campus house including an office and library near campus with operational management by the Foundation. Our requirements are at least a B.A. in Bible, Master’s preferred, and some experience. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Health insurance is supplied. We would appreciate a resume, a brief description of Couples needed for live-in positions as residential counselors, your pathway to faith, and copies of two sermons you have preached. We are providing front-line treatment and care for up to eight adolescent hoping to fill the position 7/1/15 to allow time to prepare for the fall semester. males, ages 13-18. Good interpersonal, team, and conflict resolution Contact: Darrell Swanson at [email protected] or 302-453-8456. skills are required. Must be willing to undergo extensive training in behavior management techniques in a therapeutic environment. Must be able to adapt to two-weeks-on-one-week-off schedule. Residential counselors are part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of case managers, credentialed counselors, and support staff.

Come be a part of this ministry! We offer competitive pay and excellent full-time benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, retirement and paid time-off. To apply, call Dana Lawson, 486-2274 x225, or visit us online at www.tennesseechildrenshome.org. MAY 2015 Churches That Work the christian chronicle 17

PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. Daniel and Falicia Torres sign to the song during the Sunday worship service of the Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, as Samantha Branch interprets for the deaf. A church for the broken, hurting IN URBAN FORT WORTH, a 123-year-old congregation enjoys a spiritual revival as it ministers to wounded souls

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE focused on the healing power of “Falling down is not as bad as third annual “Day of Hope.” Jesus Christ. not getting up,” Leaf Kent — that would be Kent FORT WORTH, Texas “When you go to the hospital, assures the group. Brantly, the missionary doctor who o understand the heartbeat you don’t have to confess you have “It doesn’t matter survived Ebola — needs no intro- of the Southside Church of a disease, do you?” group leader how many times we duction after making international Christ, go to the HOPE class. Dan Leaf asks the more than 60 fall down — God is headlines. HOPE — which stands for struggling souls. “The church is a walking us home.” Brantly and his wife, Amber, were Heavenly Options for Pain and hospital for sinners.” Southside members for five years TEmptiness — meets right after the His words inspire an enthusiastic STORIES OF HOPE while he completed his residency at Sunday morning worship assembly. round of clapping and “Amens!” “Hear Kent,” nearby John Peter Smith Hospital, Leaf Part adult Bible study, part 12-step Some in the group have been says the marquee which serves Tarrant County’s Christian recovery group, the class sober for years. Others measure sign outside the Southside church poorest residents. draws a ragtag collection of addicts, recovery in days, not weeks. building, inviting friends and neigh- “This church prayed for us and ex-convicts and street people — all A few still smell like alcohol. bors to the congregation’s recent CONTINUED 18 MAY 2015 CHURCHES THAT WORK THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 ‘I’ve left church before to turn tricks up on Hemphill (Street). God is a God of restoration, and I’m forever grateful for this church and my relationship with Jesus Christ.’ — Andrea Herrington, member, Southside Church of Christ

Social service organizations set up booths for the “Day of Hope,” an annual outreach Member Cari Barker paints a girl’s face Donnie Thomas raises his hand to share during the HOPE class at the Southside church. Minister Steve Cloer preaches on Brian Scott stands holding his child as the congregation sings songs of praise. The event hosted by the Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas. during Southside’s “Day of Hope.” The addiction recovery group meets each Sunday morning and Wednesday night. reconciliation at the Southside church. Southside church worships first, followed by Bible classes, each Sunday morning.

CONTINUED HOPE group. “They greet everyone “Second, we want to be a church of the table and asked how God might to serve as a full-time chaplain to those disappointments. You’ve got sent us off to Liberia as missionaries,” like anybody else and make them feel mercy where anybody who needs help turn around her life, the church with One Safe Place, a Fort Worth to move on and see the bigger picture Brantly recounts, offering his “story of Southside Church of Christ welcome.” food, clothes and love can come and discovered a new direction. nonprofit that helps victims of that God is working on.” hope” as 350 people devour plates of Located next door to a bail-bonds find it. Third, we want to be a church “We had all been like, ‘Woe is us, all domestic violence. The recovery ministry shapes the freshly cooked Texas barbecue in an Location: Fort Worth, Texas. MISSIONS SUPPORT: Sunset International Bible business, the church sits along a of transformation, where people’s our friends have left, and our church Angela Hurtado, mother of church’s culture. open-air tent on a blue-sky Saturday. ELDERS: Joe Bullock, Brent Davis, Jim Gardner, Institute, Eastern European Mission, Croatia for major city bus route amid homeless lives are being changed.” is limping along,’” Hegi recalled. Desmond, 10, and William, 8, said she “When you add 60 to 70 people who As children play in bounce houses, Kent Hatcher, Alan Hegi, Monty McNair, Barry Riley Christ, Operation Ecuador, Mission Upreach in shelters, drug treatment centers and “And that was God’s first came in contact are in recovery into your worship get their faces painted and laugh at and Kent Smith. Honduras, Truth for Today, World Bible School and social service agencies. HOPE AFTER A SPLIT answer to a prayer,” he with the church assembly, that just changes the a clown who makes balloon animals, STAFF: Preaching minister Steve Cloer, local World Christian Broadcasting. A decade ago, Southside’s atten- The roots of Southside’s own transfor- said of Pearson’s visit. through the food dynamic,” Cloer said. “We’re a church other Southside members share their missions ministers Dan and Kathy Leaf, youth HISTORY: Established in southern Fort Worth in dance averaged about 300. mation can be traced to the late 1990s. pantry. She became for the broken. We’re a church for the stories, too. minister Matthew Morgan, discipleship minister 1892. Merged with the Central Church of Christ in In recent years, that number has That’s when a young mother named GOD’S CALLING involved in the HOPE hurting. We’re welcoming in anybody. Although their faces are not famous, John Scott, children’s minister Bekah Weatherford 1916. Relocated to its present site in 1959. jumped by more than 50 percent Jane Pearson — an addict staying at a Along with its class and the deaf It keeps the missional edge there.” their stories of overcoming are and college minister Chris Jeter. WEBSITE: www.sscofc.org — hitting 450 to 500 most Sundays, Salvation Army treatment facility for recovery ministry, the ministry. For his own part, Cloer moved equally compelling. church leaders said. women and their children — crossed Southside church feeds “I got baptized here,” into the neighborhood with his wife, “I’ve left church before to turn The 123-year-old congregation, the street to attend worship. hundreds of families she said. “I was a Lindsay, and their three children: Hegi Hurtado tricks up on Hemphill (Street),” “And y’all hugged me and showed The magnificent, red-brick building which once contemplated relocating At the time, the church was still per month through its recovering addict at the Joshua, 8; Bethany, 5; and Lydia, 3. Andrea Herrington says, describing me unmerited favor,” he reminds his of the Southside church suited the to the suburbs, has experienced a healing from a major split several years food pantry and community garden. time. They supported me no matter The couple chose to send their chil- her 15-year journey from prostitute fellow Christians. “I saw love in action. neighborhood when it opened in 1959. spiritual and numerical revival since earlier, elder Alan Hegi said. The split The congregation supplies a what I did.” dren to the low-income elementary and drug addict to church food pantry I saw grace.” But more than a half-century later, adopting a vision to become “a place of had cut attendance in half and left the building on its property for a neigh- Her boys love to pray each night, she school down the street and become volunteer and mother of a Christian Craft didn’t change overnight, he the chandeliers that hang from the mission, mercy and transformation.” remaining members reeling. borhood children’s health clinic that said, thanking God for the church’s actively involved. university student. “God is a God of says, but Southside members “loved auditorium ceiling belie the wounded The worship assembly remains “We had gotten very inwardly last year recorded 2,500 patient visits. role in their spiritual development. The Cloers enjoy the eclectic nature restoration, and I’m forever grateful me ‘in’ my addiction and ‘through’ my souls afforded prominent places in the traditional. focused and become very proud of Members tutor neighborhood But not every story has a happy of the inner city and befriended the for this church and my relationship addiction.” shiny wooden pews each Sunday. The outreach focus does not. ourselves,” Hegi said. “Those of us children at the church building on ending. homeless man who lives in their alley. with Jesus Christ.” “One nice thing about this congre- “First, we want to be a church of who stayed — there was a lot of prayer, Tuesday nights and volunteer in the “It is very hard to work with broken “We definitely feel this is where God The first time Michael Craft visited A PLACE OF MISSION AND MERCY gation, they don’t judge anyone when missionaries to our neighborhood,” a lot of tears, a lot of soul searching.” public schools. people,” said Leaf, who joined the has called us to be,” Steve Cloer said. the church, he came from a “dope Don’t let the grand white pillars and they walk in the door,” said elder preaching minister Steve Cloer But when Pearson sat down in The church provides financial ministry staff in 1998. “There are a lot motel” and failed to shower. tall steeple fool you. Kent Hatcher, who works with the said, describing the church’s vision. Bible class, placed her cigarettes on support for member Melissa Zenteno of disappointments. You can’t hang on RELATED VIEWS: Page 20 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CHURCHES THAT WORK MAY 2015 What makes a church work? FOR 10 YEARS, The Christian Chronicle has featured congregations that are evangelistic, biblical, united and visible. Minister Steve Cloer surveyed leaders of 25 of these churches, looking for trends to help Christians live missionally.

hat does an elder need to be people. They were available. doing to help his church be The net effect was a nurturing, outwardly focused? What stable environment where the about the minister? How church felt empowered — instead of Wshould elders and ministers work controlled — to step out in faith as together to help their congregation be disciples of Christ. on mission? 2. The ministers functioned as In the past three years, I have missional catalysts. The elders’ researched these questions, with focus on pastoring creates space assistance from The Christian for the minister to gently push the Chronicle’s “Churches That Work.” congregation to live God’s missional Since 2005, the Chronicle vision. This happens in a has highlighted Churches Views variety of ways. of Christ that — while not One minister consistently perfect — are examples of described to the congregation “evangelistic, biblical, united what God is doing among and visible” congregations. them and their neighbor- BOBBY ROSS JR. I surveyed the elders and hood in hopes of inviting the Youth minister Matthew Morgan greets a family at the Southside church in Fort Worth. ministers of 25 of these congregation to participate. congregations, asking them Another concentrated on splits, elder resignations, staff moral So, when new people walked in, they about their personal back- mentoring, teaching and failures and theological controver- would say, “God is present here!” ground, individual leader- Steve Cloer equipping members to be sies that created difficult moments These five patterns are not ship practices, what the missionaries where God in the past. ground-breaking or earth-shattering. elders and ministers did together places them. But what set these churches apart But they do illuminate a path. at their congregation and how they There are other avenues, but all was how they handled the wilder- What should leaders be doing understood their roles. I also asked the ministers consistently kept the ness. They did not react by making to help their church engage them to rate their congregation on idea in front of the church that God surface-level changes or knee-jerk the mission of God in their certain missional behaviors such as calls them to something bigger than decisions. Rather, they continued to neighborhood? hospitality, risk-taking, service and just taking care of themselves. trust God’s leadership. They looked • If you are an elder, love the evangelism. More than 100 elders 3. The ministers and elders to God to see what he was teaching people of your church. Be a good and ministers responded. functioned as a team. They devel- them. As a result, the wilderness pastor by creating an environment I then ranked the congregations oped a high level of trust and respect actually became preparatory and where the congregation feels free — based on how the leaders responded for one another. They understood one formative for the future doors that not restricted — to follow God’s call and visited the four congregations another’s roles and giftedness. They God opened for their congregation. and live as a missional disciple. with the highest rank. I sat down were not envious or power-hungry. 5. The church cultivated a • If you are a minister, recog- with the preacher, the elders and the Rather, they relied on each other. missional identity. In many ways, nize your role as a witness of the other ministers on staff. I observed This teamwork develops through this is the result of the other four Gospel. Spend time in the neighbor- their worship assembly and, when longevity. The ministers at the four trends. Because of the pastoring, hood and community to see what possible, their elders’ meetings. churches I visited had been at their missional leadership, teamwork God is doing. Begin to cast God’s I gathered my notes from my congregations for at least 20 years. and time in the wilderness, the four vision of redemption, and challenge visits and analyzed the survey to see Also, they spent plenty of informal congregations found unique ways to the congregation to participate. if there were any common themes time together — in recreation or engage their local context. As both sets of leaders work that emerged. Were there certain fellowship. In fact, one minister One congregation created a together as a team following God’s patterns that the elders and minis- described his elders as if they were missional culture through short- lead — even through the wilderness ters exhibit that foster a missional his family. This teamwork produced term mission experiences and — God’s spirit will form congrega- focus in their congregations? a harmony as the elders pastored participation in local mission efforts. tions into a missionary people. I found five. and the ministers led toward God’s Another congregation focused on 1. The elders functioned as missional vision. equipping enlisted men and women STEVE CLOER is preaching minister for the nurturing pastors. Elders focused 4. Leaders walked through from a nearby military base for Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas — their attention on people. Rather than the wilderness. Maybe the most ministry. As a result, this church featured in this month’s “Churches That Work.” He is dwelling on budgets, buildings and surprising result was that all four sent out 500 disciples in 10 years. completing his Doctor of Ministry in Congregational programs, they spent the majority of churches that I visited had moments One church had an “inside-out” Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary. He their time with people. They prayed of wilderness, or spiritual difficulty. strategy. They worked hard to be a and his wife, Lindsay, have three children. Contact often for people. They encouraged They shared with me about church sign and foretaste to the reign of God. [email protected]. MAY 2015 CHURCHES THAT WORK THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 10 years of churches that work In a way, we’ve come full circle In the 10 years since The Christian Chronicle launched the Churches That Work series, we’ve featured 29 congregations in 24 states. Steve Cloer, preaching minister for the Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, the latest church featured, also had a connection to the first congregation we wrote about, the Highland Street Church of Christ in Memphis, Tenn. In 2005, Cloer was a graduate student at Harding School of Theology working on Highland’s staff. Former Highland preacher Harold Shank, now president of Ohio Valley University, remains a mentor for Cloer. RELATED EDITORIAL, Page 28

1. Highland Street Church of Christ 15. Fifth Ward Church of Christ Memphis, Tenn. • www.highlandcc.org Houston • fifthwardcoc.info 2. Metro Church of Christ 16. Park Plaza Church of Christ Gresham, Ore. • metrocofc.org Tulsa, Okla. • parkplaza.org 3. Fairfax Church of Christ 17. Sunset Church of Christ Fairfax, Va. • fxcc.org Miami • sunsetonline.com 4. Southern Hills Church of Christ 18. North Canton Church of Christ Dallas • facebook.com/SHCCDallas North Canton, Ohio • northcantonchurch.org 5. Northern Hills Church of Christ 19. Holgate Church of Christ Spearfish, S.D. • northernhillschurchofchrist.com Seattle • www.holgatecoc.com 6. Cordova Church of Christ 20. Mt. Juliet Church of Christ Rancho Cordova, Calif. • cordovachurch.com Mt. Juliet, Tenn. • www.mtjuliet.org 7. Orange Avenue Church of Christ 21. Church of Christ in Marshalltown Eustis, Fla. • www.myoacoc.org Marshalltown, Iowa 8. Canyon Church of Christ 22. Laurel Church of Christ Anthem, Ariz. • canyonchurch.org Laurel, Md. • laurelchurch.net 9. Anchorage Church of Christ 23. Northwest Church of Christ Anchorage, Alaska • anchoragechurchofchrist.org Westminster, Colo. • nwcofc.com 10. Lynn Street Church of Christ 24. Great Falls Church of Christ Parkersburg, W.Va. • lynnstreetchurch.com Great Falls, Mont. • gfcc.faithsite.com 11. White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ 25. Crenshaw Church of Christ West Monroe, La. • wfrchurch.org Los Angeles • crenshawchurchofchrist.com ® 12. Dalton Gardens Church of Christ 26. Long Island Church of Christ Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • dgchurch.org Central Islip, N.Y. • licoc.org 13. Pitman Road Church of Christ 27. North Davis Church of Christ Sewell, N.J. • pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org Arlington, Texas • northdavischurch.org 14. Northwest Church of Christ 28. Iglesia de Cristo en Elgin Chicago • northwestchurchofchristchicago.com Elgin, Ill. • iglesiadecristoenelgin.com 29. Southside Church of Christ Fort Worth, Texas • sscofc.org 19 24 2 12

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Graphic: ERIK TRYGGESTAD 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015

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The Sunnyside Road Church of Christ, Youth Associate Minister located in Decatur, Ill., is seeking a CAMP FOR SALE Full-Time Pulpit Minister. The Malakoff Church of Christ in Does your church need a youth Our Sunday morning attendance averages Malakoff, Texas, is looking for a Youth camp? Rustic youth & family 75-90. We have three elders and three camp on 43.95 acres in deacons. We are debt free with excellent Associate Minister to lead and develop facilites for learning and fellowship. our youth, coordinate all youth activi- the beautiful mountains of southern Colorado. All offers Please visit our website to learn more. ties and assist in local evangelism. www.sunnysideroadchurch.com welcome for consideration! Send inquiry to: Anyone interested in applying for the For more information contact position, please submit a resume and two Brant at 719-248-9892 or visit sermons on CD to: Malakoff Church of Christ www.ruralamericanrealty.com 821 N Sunnyside Rd Attn: Lavelle Layfield, Elder Rural American Realty Decatur, IL 62522 [email protected] 1900 E 25th St, Hays, KS 67601

memphis, TN June 10-12 “I was in prison Highland church of christ and you came to visit me...” 42nd annual Jail & Prison Grow your outreach to the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and their families. Learn in breakout sessions focused on Ministry ministry volunteers, motivating the church, Tennessee Prison understanding the incarcerated, and the jail Outreach Ministry and justice systems–as well as panel discussions, Workshop morning devotionals, and keynote speakers. $70 registration fee includes: dinner two nights, lunch two days, workshop t-shirt and bag. 2015

For more information, call: View workshop schedule and register online at: 901-272-3700 EXT 104 whyhopeworks.org/prison-workshop MAY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 ‘God doesn’t need us to be perfect’ SERVING THOSE WHO HUNGER requires prayerful preparation and action, says Amber Foster, missionary in Honduras

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE their trust can grow in a safe and healthy environment. s a shy, unassuming freshman at Oklahoma Christian University, Amber What is the value of short-term Foster never saw herself serving Christ mission work? on a foreign field. Short-term mission work is dear Fifteen years later, she has served as “Mama to my heart. It is the reason I ended Amber” to countless souls in the Central up in Honduras. I have had the American nation of Honduras. Her ministry, blessing of watching countless team Breaking Chains, serves the marginalized, members develop a deeper relation- street population in the capital, Tegucigalpa. ship with God because of time spent on the mission field. By meeting basic needs and developing That being said, I think the relationships, she and her team act as a manner in which short-term mission gateway toward a relationship with Christ. teams are prepared is vital. Effective The oldest of 11 siblings in a blended family, short-term missions are based on she learned from her mother, who gave equal relationship building. Completing amounts of love to biological and foster chil- tasks often provides a catalyst dren. Amber Foster earned a degree in family through which relationships can studies and child development and served in KELCY NASH grow naturally, but a trip with only Honduras through the Helpers In Missions (HIM) Amber Foster and a few of the children she serves in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. tasks as a goal is sure to feel empty program of the Memorial Road Church of Christ for both sides of the mission. in Oklahoma City. After a two-year apprentice- virus that ran through all of us, I felt we work with — both Honduran and ship, she remained in Honduras, assisting in at home. I fell in love with the kind, North American — to seek a relation- What would you say to those church plants and children’s ministry before shy church members we worked with ship with Christ that goes beyond considering mission work? — who would fight tooth and nail for good works and transforms their lives If you wait until conditions are founding Breaking Chains in 2009. anything they thought would help into a daily, deepening relationship perfect and you are completely “I have watched my single life grow into a their families but rarely realized what with him and everyone around them. “ready,” you will never go. God family of hundreds,” she said. “I have five kids treasures they were themselves. doesn’t need us to be perfect. In fact, that I consider mine, who I have had a hand I had never encountered such How do things work as a single the less perfect we realize we are, the in raising and know their hearts intimately. great physical or emotional need woman who oversees young boys? more he can use us. Don’t let being Watching them grow — and growing with before. Their extreme need seemed Our ministry works with teens and single be Satan’s excuse to stop you. them — is one of my greatest challenges and to create in them a hunger for God families striving to leave the street Do put a hedge of support around is definitely my greatest joy.” that we in the U.S. were trying behind and better their lives. Many yourself. You need to be purposeful desperately to cover with our things of the people living on the street are about developing a support group How did you decide to do and accomplishments. older teen boys who have suffered that you trust. Be completely honest mission work? I wanted to feel that hunger, and in such a way that they believe theft with those people. The people might I didn’t so much choose to do I wanted to help fill those needs. I and drugs are their only way out. change, but you need to know who mission work as much as mission continue to be blessed to be a part Much of the pain you can turn to when work chose me. of God’s work filling those needs. and abuse in their Breaking Chains Satan tries to convince Leaving home to go to college was lives has been at Learn more about this ministry, serving you that you are in this the hardest thing I had ever done, Describe how you share the the hand of men. the urban poor in Honduras, at alone. and I had no intention of ever being Gospel. Being a woman www.bchonduras.org God will provide all that more than that three-hour drive from I pray that my life shares the has given me the you need, but that is very my family again. Gospel in myriad ways. My ultimate ability to reach out to these young often a Christian family member But as a horribly shy freshman in goal is to share the Gospel with love. men without the inherent distrust speaking God’s love into your life. my church’s college class, I put my Our ministry shares the Gospel they have toward men. They are Don’t minimize the importance of name on a list to go to Honduras. I through church services, Bible willing to slowly open up their hearts fellowship in your Christian walk — can only attribute that decision to the studies, a homeless shelter, a to me once they realize I have no regardless of where you end up. Holy Spirit working in my life — and feeding program, childhood educa- desire to hurt them and no intention I regretted it almost immediately. tion and inviting mission teams and of leaving. SINGLE WOMEN IN MISSIONS, adapting to a I told all of my friends that I would interns to share in the work here I work hard to maintain the new culture and the joys of Honduras: Amber Foster never go on another mission trip. throughout the year. mother/child relationship and estab- addresses these issues and more in our expanded Once in Honduras, despite the It is our goal to empower those that lish appropriate boundaries so that Dialogue. See www.christianchronicle.org. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT MAY 2015 RECOVERY: Church is ‘the original support group’ FROM PAGE 3 study guides. Each meeting includes OPENING EYES ACROSS THE SOUTH ties associated with Churches of is the ultimate authority for obtaining a devotional, a discussion-style lesson The Mt. Juliet ministry has grown Christ, including Heritage Christian peace in a life filled with struggle, and confidential, small-group sessions. beyond the walls of the church University in Florence, Ala., and at hardship, dysfunction and addiction. Facilitators and co-facilitators building. church-sponsored events It’s one of many ministries launched undergo mandatory training to Other congre- including by members of Churches of Christ preserve the safety, credibility and gations, Polishing across the U.S. in recent years. integrity of the program. including the Pulpit in The goal of these programs goes They cannot, however, serve as the Crieve Sevierville, beyond restoring therapists, so participants complete Hall Church Tenn. those who struggle assessments to ensure that those of Christ Harper into a right rela- who need professional help are in nearby teaches tionship with God, advised to receive it. Nashville, a course, organizers told The Since 2010, about 150 people have Tenn., and the “Restoring Christian Chronicle. visited First Steps at least twice, Estes Church Hope to the The programs seek organizers said, and dozens have of Christ in Hopeless,” at to help restore the graduated from the program. Henderson, the Nashville church itself to what Two years ago, organizers added Tenn., have School of Banks it was always meant a weekly program called Step Zero. launched RTC Preaching and to be — a body of believers that It serves as a maintenance course programs. WWW.RECOVERYTHROUGHCHRIST.ORG Biblical Studies, a seeks, saves and serves the lost. for those who have completed First “RTC has Members of the Mt. Juliet Church of program overseen “God didn’t create us to get Steps — and as a preparation course opened my eyes Christ produced three study guides to by the Crieve Hall through life alone,” said Debbie for those waiting for a new program to a truly Christ- accompany the First Steps program of church. Banks, a women’s co-facilitator for to begin. Organizers plan to add centered approach the Recovery — Through Christ ministry. Eventually, the ministry. “He gave us the church a 12-week Bible class curriculum to recovery,” said Harper hopes as the original support group.” called Transformations, focusing on James Wood, who coordinates the to add programs specifically for how to love self, others and God the program for the teenagers and the families of those FIRST STEPS OF FAITH IN TENNESSEE way God intended. Crieve Hall church. struggling with addictions and other Back in Tennessee, participants David Stanfield, a graduate of the “This approach is life-controlling issues. in Recovery — Through Christ, or First Steps program, now serves much better than a But his main objective is to RTC, meet on Thursday nights at the as a facilitator and trainer for the traditional Alcoholics continue to create a safe environ- Mt. Juliet church’s building for a time recovery ministry. Anonymous ment within the church for change. of worship, fellowship and healing. “I learned that, after breaking program.” “God accepts me regardless of my It’s called First Steps — a nine- through my shame and hatred of the Harper, director past,” he said, “and loves me enough month program in which partici- struggles in my life, I am a child of of Mt. Juliet’s to change my future.” Harper pants move through the 12 steps of God, and he still loves me,” Stanfield RTC program, has recovery with three accompanying said. “He never stopped.” been invited to speak at universi- WEBSITE: www.recoverythroughchrist.org In rural Arkansas, Christians seek to save, heal and make whole

BY RACHEL PATE | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “I wanted to give recovering receive support in their recovery. people a way to blend spirituality Justin Smith is one of the souls About 430 miles west of Mt. and recovery,” said Bob O’Dowd, served by SOZO. Juliet, Tenn., a Church of Christ has director of SOZO. He also was “I am a grateful recovering alco- launched a recovery ministry in the inspired by the success of Celebrate holic and drug addict,” Smith said. “I rural countryside of Jessieville, Ark. Recovery. owe my recovery and second chance “God — and this program — saved So, when the Village Church of at life to my Lord and Savior Jesus my life,” Russ Vanderhoof said of the Christ in Hot Springs Village, Ark., Christ and SOZO.” program, SOZO. Church members launched the program in 2012, he He began his recovery journey derived the name from a Greek got involved. Now SOZO is a stand- two years ago at a 28-day treatment word meaning “to save, to heal, to alone organization. center in California. He eventually make whole.” Unlike many other recovery made the trip to Jessieville and now Like the Mt. Juliet church’s ministries, SOZO is a live-in resi- serves as the ministry’s assistant Recovery — Through Christ dency program specifically for men. director. ministry, SOZO combines the tradi- Participants live on campus for “The unique combination of what tional 12-step recovery model, used three months before enrolling in a we’re doing here at SOZO really by substance abuse programs such as job-placement program that assists changed my life,” he said. WWW.SOZORECOVERYCENTERS.COM Alcoholics Anonymous, with intense them with their reentry into society. Justin Smith and Bob O’Dowd direct the Bible study and faith-based learning. In this phase, the men continue to WEBSITE: www.sozorecoverycenters.com SOZO recovery ministry. MAY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 HIGHER EDUCATION HARDING UNIVERSITY SEARCY, Ark. — Hundreds of Harding students participated in the recent ninth annual Bisons for Christ, the university’s day of service. More than 150 student-led projects took place in the Searcy and Little Rock areas. “As Christians, we’re called to show people the love of Christ,” sophomore Will Francis said. “I think that this is a great way to help out the community and show others Christ’s love through service.” Francis, a guard on Harding’s men’s basketball team, helped clean a house and performed yard work such as pulling weeds and raking leaves with the rest of the team. LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY CHRYSTAL HOUSTON NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lipscomb’s Beaman Library seeks funding to help digitize Olympic gold medal winner touts bone marrow registry at York 455 reel-to-reel sermons of the late Track and field athletes at York College in Nebraska surround Earl Young, a 1960 Olympic gold medal Batsell Barrett Baxter, the pioneering winner in the 4-by-400-meter relay. Young, an alumnus of Abilene Christian University in Texas, is a “Herald of Truth” television speaker bone marrow recipient who focuses on recruiting more donors onto the national registry. who died in 1982. At York, Young discussed his journey to the winner’s platform and the faith that got him through his Baxter’s sermons need to be refor- 2011 bout with acute myeloid leukemia. To view his chapel talk, see www.christianchronicle.org. matted to maintain relevancy with At right, student Emily Lutz swabs her cheek to register as a bone marrow donor during a drive today’s audience, special collections hosted by York in partnership with Earl Young’s Team and Delete Blood Cancer. Morgan DeBoer and librarian Elizabeth Rivera said. Troy Kelly volunteer their time to register donors. For more information, see www.earlyoungsteam.com. “Biblically sound and scholarly information is often timeless, but K-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS YOUTH TRAINING its original format rarely is,” Rivera spoRTS said. “Therefore, it is our desire to preserve the contents of these reel- GOODPASTURE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL LADS TO LEADERS to-reels and make them more acces- MADISON, Tenn. — Goodpasture MONTGOMERY, Ala. — “The Best Kept NASCAR journalist sible to patrons and constituents.” Christian School is fighting to Secret” is a new documentary For more information, see keep a sex club from opening near highlighting the 42-year history of www.bit.ly/BBBSermons. the school. After the local govern- Lads to Leaders and its founder, was a man of faith ment passed a zoning amendment Jack Zorn. FORT MILL, S.C. — Steve Byrnes, LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY to stop the club from locating in a The production debuted this who reported on NASCAR for Fox LUBBOCK, Texas — After a recent vacant building near Goodpasture spring at the organization’s six Sports, died April 21 after a two-year chapel assembly, Lubbock Christian Christian, the property’s owners are convention sites and later aired on battle with cancer. He was 56. University kicked off a 24-hour Bible trying a new tactic. the Dish Network. Byrnes was a member of the reading marathon. “Now the swingers’ club has said “This documentary is a great tool Church of Christ at Students decided reading the they wish to be permitted not as for introducing Lads to Leaders to Gold Hill Road, which New Testament and spending time a club but as a church, since they people who have never heard of he attended with his in prayer and reflection would be a feel there should not be any opposi- the program and for sharing the wife, Karen, and their source of strength for the end of the tion to a church,” said Ricky Perry, history of L2L with those who have son, Bryson. semester, said Susan Blassingame, the school’s president and CEO. “In been involved with the program for Two days before dean of liberal arts and education. my opinion, it is a feeble attempt to years,” said Roy Johnson, the orga- his death, fellow jour- Besides reading in 30-minute circumvent the state and local laws.” nization’s executive director. “It’s a nalists and NASCAR shifts, students prayed for each Perry asked for prayers “for stunning tribute to Lads to Leaders drivers paid tribute to Byrnes other and the East African nation of God’s will to be done and that this and Dr. Zorn.” Byrnes at the Bristol Kenya after recent terrorist attacks. challenge will actually result in an The documentary was filmed by Motor Speedway in Tennessee. The With finals approaching, opportunity for God’s people to a professional production company April 19 race was named the Food Blassingame said, “we needed some- unify and, in a loving way, protect and funded by a benefactor. City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes thing to remind us to take time with young people from these kinds of For information on buying the and Stand Up To Cancer. Every Scripture and prayer.” unsavory influences.” DVD, see www.lads2leaders.com. participating car bore Byrnes’ name. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE second FRONT mAY 2015 DEBT: Minister finances tackled FROM PAGE 3 less than other graduate programs, were receiving a 40 percent tuition Bible Dean Leonard Allen said. discount,” McLarty said. “So we sat “That program is already filled for this down and looked at how to make fall, so we think ministers are finding sure we were not training people for the costs appropriate and manageable ministry jobs that they could never for their finances,” Allen said. afford to do because of student debt.” Back at ACU, two-thirds of 2013 As a result, the university enacted graduates — across all disciplines a 100 percent tuition discount for — took out student loans, according that program and asked that sup- to figures reported to U.S. News porting churches or a spouse pro- and confirmed to The Christian vide the living expenses, he said. Chronicle. Those borrowers’ aver- That approach, McLarty said, “put us age debt load: $42,585. in a much stronger position to sit down Doug Foster, a professor of with a prospective student and demand church history at ACU, said he was that their financial house be put in astounded to discover a few years ago order before they start our program.” that some couples were graduating Other examples: with debts — including student loans • At Lubbock Christian and credit cards — topping $100,000. University in Texas, undergraduate “I arranged with some financial Bible majors receive a 50 percent advisers in Abilene … to give free tuition discount that can be stacked debt counseling to the families who on top of other scholarships, would accept it,” Foster said. Executive Vice President Brian David Owens, minister and elder for Starr said. Also, “LCU offers gradu- the Wetzel Road Church of Christ in ate Bible degrees through online Liverpool, N.Y., said debt is a big issue and short course formats that make for many going into ministry today. it possible for working ministers to “When I began ministry in 1984, I earn a graduate degree from where came out of school with about $10,000 they are,” Bible Dean Jesse Long in loans, and my first ministry job paid said. “This makes our graduate about $18,000,” Owens said. “So I owed nd programs both more convenient and about half of my first year of salary.” 2 Annual Angel Fire financially feasible.” But for many recent ministry grad- • At Freed-Hardeman uates, the price tag is much higher. University in Henderson, Tenn., Michael Dion, youth and wor- New Mexico Symposium endowed merit scholarships ben- ship minister for the Wetzel Road efit students in all majors, but the church, said he and July 23-26, 2015 amount designated for Bible majors his wife pay $800 a “far exceeds that of any other month in student loan major,” said C.J. Vires, vice presi- payments. “Who is God? His dent for academics and enrollment. Their combined • At Ohio Valley University in debt exceeded Goodness & Severity” Vienna, W.Va., ministry students $65,000 when they Confusion--even among “Christians” as to the meaning received an average of $13,000 in graduated from a scholarships this past academic year Dion Christian university of faith in God is beyond description. People say they — roughly two-thirds of the total four years ago. cost of $19,000, President Harold “Going into ministry wasn’t ever believe in God but have no idea who it is they believe Shank said. “In addition, churches in a doubt in my mind,” Dion said. “So in or what difference that should make in their lives. the larger region offer summer paid having to get a college education to internships that range from $2,500 to do that was a means to an end.” For detailed information on the program, places to $5,000 for 10 weeks,” Shank said. Still, he said, “If I didn’t have that stay and things to do, please go to our website • At Crowley’s Ridge College in type of debt, life would certainly be Paragould, Ark., students seeking a different.” www.angelfiresymposium.com or visit our bachelor of arts in biblical studies Facebook page, Angel Fire Symposium. receive 50 percent tuition scholar- HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY in ships, President Ken Hoppe said. Florence, Ala., has set a goal of graduating every • At Lipscomb University in student with no loans to repay. Read that story You really don’t want to miss this one! Nashville, Tenn., the Doctor of and an online-exclusive interview on preachers Ministry degree offers the lowest and debt with Harding School of Theology’s Steve tuition rate on campus — 50 percent McLeod at www.christianchronicle.org. MAY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

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ALABAMA ILLINOIS NEW JERSEY Drs. Steve and Beth Walker Dr. and Mrs. Jack L. Hardage Mr. and Mrs. Bob Aldred Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Gulley Ms. Anne L. Peoples Karen White Mrs. Louise Harris Mike and Libba Murphree Mr. and Mrs. James E. Lankford Sue S. Wiley Ms. Leta R. Hatfield Mr. and Mrs. Gene H. Muehring NEW MEXICO Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Worcester Mrs. T. A. Hicks ARIZONA Hazel S. White Mrs. Nena A. Brannan Mr. and Mrs. Bud Key Billie Mae Brister PENNSYLVANIA Mrs. Brownie L. King NORTH CAROLINA Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Hunnicutt INDIANA Ms. Emmagene Blank Mr. and Mrs. Max L. Macon Mr. and Mrs. Jerry M. Bailey Mr. Perry L. Potter Mr. and Mrs. Marvin E. Perry Ms. Vera I. Maninger ARKANSAS Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Bohan OHIO Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Montrose Anonymous (4) Ben and June Kemp SOUTH CAROLINA Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chappell Mr. and Mrs. John M. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Pat J. Bell Mr. Leo Parrish Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Bright Newhouse Ms. Wilma F. Dingler Ms. Patricia A. Stout OKLAHOMA SOUTH DAKOTA Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Niccum Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Doan Mr. and Mrs. Glenn A. Wilson Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Vig Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Oliver Dr. and Mrs. Austin Emery Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Organ Mr. and Mrs. H. Jarrell Gibbs IOWA Mr. and Mrs. Clyde E. Antwine TENNESSEE Mr. and Mrs. Roy R. Parks Mr. and Mrs. Max Gore West Side Church of Christ Frank and Gwen Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cassity Anonymous (1) Mrs. C. Elaine Pate Dr. and Mrs. Bill W. Oldham Mrs. Betty J. Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Kent Rollmann KANSAS Mr. and Mrs. Randy Chitwood Mrs. John W. Beckloff Ms. Rosalee M. Armstrong Ms. Debra C. Colvin Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Art Reese Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Reist Sharron E. Smith Ms. Betty Jean Keeler Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Craddock Ms. Louise G. Clites Mr. and Mrs. John Van Winkle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Duncan Mrs. Mary W. Dover Nelda D. Roberson Mr. Jack C. Spaulding Ms. Lynda J. Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Jack Webb Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Fecht Mr. and Mrs. James M. Elliott LOUISIANA Mrs. Carol Gaither Ms. Betty M. Keller Ms. Nellie H. Saringer CALIFORNIA Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Flowers Mr. and Mrs. Royce C. Gambill Mr. Earl Priest Mr. and Mrs. Hyman D. Sauer Dr. and Mrs. W. David Baird Ms. Sue Kendrick Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Gordon Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Roberts Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Terry J. Hale Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Roe Mr. & Mrs. Richard Snowbarger MARYLAND Elaine R. Curtis Mr. and Mrs. Dwight D. Herron Dr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Samples Mr. Robert Souders Ms. Lucia C. Dean Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Earle Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Watson Mrs. John C. Spencer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rick Marcinkoski Mr. and Mrs. Ron Shandor Mr. and Mrs. Olen V. Hurst Pat E. Wilson Mr. Al Stathopulo Mrs. Radell Jean Ms. Eloise Wimbish Ms. Norma J. Norman MICHIGAN Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson TEXAS Mr. & Mrs. Ronald F. Reutlinger VIRGINIA Mr. and Mrs. David Harvill Mr. and Mrs. John Kerley Anonymous (2) Lois J. Robinson Mrs. Geneva S. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Riley Mrs. Elmeda Stinson Ms. Mary Ann Lane Mr. Alvin M. Acker Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Andrews Mrs. Leona M. White MINNESOTA Mrs. Wanda G. Lutz WASHINGTON Mr. John R. Bazzy Mr. Albert J. Ogren Mr. and Mrs. Quinton Martin Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Cash COLORADO Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Beall Mr. and Mrs. T. J. McNeely Mr. & Mrs. William M. Fox, Jr. Mr. Phil Basham MISSOURI Mrs. Jeane McWhirter Mr. and Mrs. Mart Buchanan Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth E. Hendrick Chris A. Brosey Mrs. Eleanor J. Miller Susan Carver WEST VIRGINIA Jim and Lyn Gattis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Passmore Mr. and Mrs. Paul Coffman Anonymous (1) DELAWARE Dr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Miekley Ms. Joyce L. Reid Ms. Betty A. Colburn Mr. Vernon Franklin Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Jack F. Moore Mr. & Mrs. Stephen L. Richmond Dr. and Mrs. C. Bruce Davis Snowie Sayre Mr. and Mrs. Ottis F. Sharp Mr. and Mrs. Don R. Dolezalek FLORIDA Mr. Bob J. Nossaman Mr. and Mrs. Ron Stangeland Mrs. Marjorie R. Duffy We also salute a growing Mrs. Clotelia H. Lindsey MONTANA Mr. T. E. Taber, Jr. A. F. (Pete) and Doretha Fitzhugh Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Garrett group of monthly supporters GEORGIA Mr. and Mrs. Jeff A. Lair Mr. and Mrs. Terrel Taylor Mrs. Bonnie Gibson giving on our website from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Stewart Claudia Tripp NEBRASKA Dr. and Mrs. Virgil R. Trout Charles and Johnnie Graham Ala., Ark., Calif. (2), Colo., Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean Howard Randy and Jennifer Gray Fla., Mich., and Pa. 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015 editorial Churches That Work, at work e couldn’t help but notice a few holes on our map. Big ones. Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas — all are states where we have not yet featured a congregation Win Churches That Work, our ongoing series that turns 10 years old this month. That’s where we need your help. What churches in these states exemplify the four traits of Churches That Work? Biblical: Making Christ-centered Bible instruc- tion central to their mission. Evangelistic: Reaching the unchurched at ERIK TRYGGESTAD home and abroad. During a 2006 interview, Raymond Williamson talks about the Fighting Addiction in Truth and Healing ministry he ‘We’re not ranking United: Possessing a mentors at the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Dallas — the fourth congregation featured in Churches That Work. spirit of internal vitality congregations, nor and unity. “We are not trying to suggest that these featured in other formats, such as our recent are we looking for Visible: Known and churches are better than others,” said Bailey Page 1 story on the Pearl Harbor church that has appreciated for service in McBride, our editor when Churches That served thousands of military families. perfect churches. their community. Work began. “Ideally, the series will inspire all We are pleased that this series has become one Rather, we seek Look at the map on churches to influence their communities to honor of our most popular features. We want to continue Page 21. Tell us where God and seek after him.” to share what we see when we visit congrega- churches that are else we have holes. What A few months after we launched the series, we tions across the nation that practice innovative, healthy, strong other congregations began to wonder if “Churches at Work” might be effective methods of ministry. We want to high- should we add to the list? a better name. light churches that make a difference in their role models.’ Please don’t misun- Ten years is a long time. Sadly, some congre- neighborhoods. derstand our intentions. gations that we featured in the past have faced Email your suggestions for this series to We’re not ranking congregations, nor are we leadership turmoil or internal strife since we [email protected], write us at looking for perfect churches. Rather, we seek reported on them. But that shouldn’t deter us our mailing address below or go online to www. churches that are healthy, strong role models. from seeking to identify and highlight congrega- christianchronicle.org and look for “contact us.” When we launched the series in 2005, our goal tions that meet the criteria outlined. And watch these pages in the coming months for was (and still is) to promote vigorous, healthy In some cases, churches that would have our 30th Churches That Work feature. churches in the U.S. made excellent Churches That Work have been (Hint: It may not fit on that map.)

Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages editors, the staff, the Board of [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Trustees of The Christian Chronicle Advertising Assistant: Kelcy Nash discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or Oklahoma Christian University. Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck or less and may be edited for length and clarity. Our mission: Inform, Inspire, Unite [email protected] Comments to the print or online editions are consid- The Christian Chronicle® is www.christianchronicle.org Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan ered to be letters to the editor and may be published. published monthly and is served [email protected] Please include name, city and state of residence, as well by a national Board of Trustees Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon as home congregation. that is charged with the responsi- Mail: P.O. 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News Emily Lemley • James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. coverage, opinion columns, reviews, letters to the Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: editor and advertising do not necessarily represent Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] [email protected] the views of or constitute endorsement by the Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor MAY 2015 opinion the christian chronicle 29 LETTERS Unit 3: A city on a hill Who is to blame for falling church stats in the U.S.? IN THE MAXIMUM SECURITY wing of a Tennessee women’s prison, a Lipscomb I recently read your article, “Church in decline: U.S. culture to blame?” (Page 1, April) professor finds a community where ‘the Devil is busy ... but God is busy too.’ As someone who has grown up in the Church of Christ, I would say no, culture is “For just as the body is one and has many Kathy was shot in the face during a meth not to blame. The church is to blame. members, and all the members of the body, exchange. She has no eyeballs, yet her eye Generation Xers and millennials are look- though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” sockets remain open. ing for Jesus — not religion — and unfortu- — 1 Corinthians 12:12 Trauma has forged these women into a family. nately what the church most often offers is Patty never came to class after the first night religion. ill you teach the workshop in Unit 3?” without a hymnal that she found in Unit 3. Tonya I just started reading Rachel Held Evans’ That one question changed every- is a constant encourager. book “Searching For Sunday.” She says thing about my experience at the Kathy, in her blindness, and Lisa, in her paral- it better than I do. “Millennials want to be Tennessee Prison for Women. ysis, function as one person. Lisa can known by what we’re for ... not just what ‘W“Who is in Unit 3?” I naively asked. In the Word neither walk nor move her wheelchair. we’re against. ... We long for our churches to “The loneliest people in the prison,” the Kathy cannot see or maneuver on her be safe places to doubt, to ask questions and administrator replied. own. So Kathy holds onto the wheelchair, to tell truth even when it’s uncomfortable.” My friend Terra and I teach classes at guiding it to the sounds of Lisa’s voice. Tracy Sheehy | Charlotte, N.C. the prison through Lipscomb University’s One night, when Lisa’s shoe was untied, LIFE Academy program. Kathy felt her way onto the floor, found The real work of the church is in small Traditionally, the program puts “free- Lisa’s shoe, and tied it for her before groups. Sunday services are a time to rejoice worlders” from outside the prison side-by- feeling her way back into her seat. and praise together the work Christ has done side with “inside students” as they study The women make up one body, physi- and is doing in us, to serve needs and open together, learning from Lipscomb faculty Kate Watkins cally and spiritually. When one suffers, hearts. members and each other. they suffer together. When one is honored, Every business organizes in small groups to But Unit 3 is different. It’s the prison’s they all rejoice together. better serve needs. They got that from God. maximum security unit. Women are locked in Terra and I heard from our new friends what it Is the devil keeping us disorganized to keep their cells for 23 hours per day. is like to be forgotten. We heard what it is like to us from being fruitful? Come together in small Set on a hill apart from the rest of the try to survive in a story that seems hopeless. groups to serve needs, and we become like compound, Unit 3 allows no visitation. We also learned to sing hymns in prison because Christ — and Christ will be fruitful. When we arrived for the first class there, a bold of Patty. We learned to be stronger encouragers Dal White | North Charleston, S.C. little woman announced, “I from Tonya. We learned don’t want to be here. I ain’t that a kind voice like Lisa’s Responses to coverage of coming back next week. I can literally guide the blind, ain’t writing nutin’ down. You and we learned from Kathy conference on sexual identity can’t make me tell you nutin’.” that anyone can get on their I paused and replied, “I knees to serve another. I’m thankful for this conference and the will- haven’t met you. My name Unit 3 is a city on a hill. ingness to tackle such a needed — yet very is Kate. May I hug you?” There we discovered the difficult and complex — issue. (See “Sexual As she leaned into my hug body of Christ singing and identity, sin and silence,” Page 3, April) she muttered, “My name is serving behind locked steel Those who think the issue is as simple as Patty.” doors. There the Gospel repeating the typical platitudes that have the Terra and I offered hugs is selflessly lived out in a appearance of being biblical only make mat- and hellos to the other lonely place. ters worse. The first thing we all need when women, Tonya, Kathy and TED PARKS To quote Patty on the last approaching the issue of sexuality is a dose Lisa. (Those aren’t their real Razor wire lines Nashville’s Tennessee Prison for night of class, “The Devil is of humility that will allow us to listen empa- names.) Women, which houses inmates from pre-release busy in here ... but God is thetically rather than reactively retreating We had only four students, to death penalty, according to corrections officials. busy too.” into divisive dogma. but the room could scarcely We yearn for God’s K. Rex Butts | Columbia, Md. contain the power of their stories. kingdom, where the blind will see, the lame will Tonya’s mother sold her for $500 to a stranger walk, and the captive shall be set free. So we pray, We must welcome all sinners to hear the in a bar when she was 12. “Oh Lord, may your kingdom come on earth as it message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Patty is in Unit 3 for drugs but learned to be a is in heaven.” But, at the same time, we must never give fighter from her father. Maybe that kingdom is foreshadowed in Unit 3. the impression that we approve of any sin Lisa shot her husband while he beat her, and on including homosexuality. We believe that the way to the county jail she had a stroke. She KATE WATKINS is the academic program director for the Doctorate through Christ all sinners can leave that remains partially paralyzed and makes her way of Ministry degree program in the College of Bible and Ministry at which binds them. around the unit in a wheelchair. Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. Jason E. Ridgeway | Waverly, Ohio 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE MAY 2015

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Check our website: www.robertblairbooks.com for more information. ISBN 10: 7880-2442-6 Available from CSS Publishing Co. 1-800-537-1030, Amazon.com or your nearest bookseller. MAY 2015 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31 A centered approach to understanding the Trinity

nowing God,” Mark Powell consistently drives home the idea ment as “the capacity to recognize tells us, “is an ongoing that the early church maintained the good and choose the wise,” quest.” unity — but not uniformity — by he urges Christians to understand Powell, associate continuing to return to the control- that discernment is “about being a ‘Kprofessor of theology at Harding ling concept of God as Trinitarian. certain type of person, one who is School of Theology in Memphis, Although theologians have written characterized by wisdom and sound Tenn., deftly guides readers many volumes on the Trinity judgment.” of his book, “Centered In Print for specialists, Powell The Trinity works with us in in God: The Trinity and manages to explain these discernment, Powell says: “God the Christian Spirituality,” on concepts so that they remain Father is shaping us through the that spiritual journey. accessible and usable by Word and by the Spirit to discern Powell makes a convincing everyone in the pew. and desire those things that honor case for the idea that we can In the following section, God and serve others.” better realize what it means “Meditations,” the chap- Although a Trinitarian view to be spiritually formed into ters take readers through a teaches us much about God, Powell God’s people when we better list of areas that Christians ultimately finds that there is much understand God. Ron Bruner encounter while engaged about God that is and always will be Specifically, he wants us to in spiritual formation. With mystery. In the last chapter he helps understand God as Trinity: Creator, each topic, Powell demonstrates readers see this as a healthy reality. Savior and Comforter. how a proper understanding of God Doctrine too often is used to “The doctrine of the Trinity,” as Trinity empowers believers to debate and divide. Powell uses Powell writes, “provides the basic more wisely and correctly discern a doctrine for a more virtuous and conceptual framework of a Christian response and a way of living that is HHHHH divine purpose: to help believers vision of God, and hence of the truly Christian. Mark E. Powell. Centered in God: The flourish through a truly Christian Christian faith as a whole.” With For example, Powell considers Trinity and Christian Spirituality. spirituality. that framework, believers can “embracing creation.” Humans tend Abilene, Texas: ACU Press, 2014. 232 “Centered in God” is a book that engage spiritual disciplines in a way to two extremes. Some confuse pages. $14.99. has potential value for Christians, that is truly Christian. creator and creation, understanding studying privately or in small In the first section of his book, this to be a world where the divine Powell writes, leads the people of groups, who seek to better know “Orientation,” Powell provides is in everything. Powell shows this God to right the injustice and the God and better worship, serve, and evidence from Scripture and the to be idolatry. lack of creation stewardship such imitate the Holy. writings of early church fathers that Other people see our planet as a thinking represents. demonstrate the centrality of the dangerous and callous world that Another topic Powell raises for RON BRUNER is executive director of Westview doctrine of the Trinity in the faith must be escaped. Rightly under- meditation is discernment. Boys’ Home in Hollis, Okla., and a member of the and practice of early Christians. He standing the work of the Trinity, Beyond understanding discern- Childress Church of Christ in Texas. New and NoteworthY: AUTHORS FROM CHURCHES OF CHRIST

KIDS DEVOTIONAL MEMOIR SUFFERING DIABETES SUPPORT Korie Robertson Britney Hawkins. Jacob Hawk. When Kenneth R. Ellis. The and Chrys Howard. Boogs and Bean: Mountains Won’t Way of Wisdom Duck Commander Everyday Parables Move: How to for Diabetes: Cope Devotions for Kids. for God’s Children. Survive a Struggling with Stress, Move Nashville, Tenn.: Bloomington, Ind.: Faith. Bowie, Texas: More, Lose Weight, Tommy Nelson, 2015. WestBow Press, 2014. Start2Finish Press, 2014. and Keep Hope 223 pages. $16.99. 155 pages. $13.95. 105 pages. $10.95. Alive. Scotts Valley, Calif.: CreateSpace “Duck Dynasty” star Korie Hawkins, a member of the West Hawk, preaching minister for Independent Publishing, 2014. 201 Robertson, a member of the White’s 21st Street Church of Christ in the Riverside Church of Christ in pages. $15.15. Ferry Road Church of Christ in Clovis, N.M., shares stories from Kerrville, Texas, presents eight West Monroe, La., teams up with home life — similar to those shared chapters advising readers on how Ellis, who preaches for the Church her mother, Chrys Howard, to write in books for women by Proverbs 31 to keep their faith in times of trial. of Christ in Noble, Okla., has lived more than 100 devotionals for chil- Ministries. Ideas include embracing weak- with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years. dren ages 4 to 8. All of the parables Hawkins pres- ness, serving others and turning His book is a mix of scriptural moti- Each includes a Bible verse, a ents are rooted in lessons she has to the church. Each chapter ends vation for staying well, the history of lesson based on a story or fun fact learned through motherhood, rais- with reflection questions, making it diabetes treatment and practical guid- about the Robertson clan, a prayer ing two boys on an isolated rural appropriate for individual journaling ance on day-to-day habits for keeping and a craft or activity. ranch. or group discussion. blood sugar at healthy levels. 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE MAY 2015 Newsmakers Milestones Showcasing the moments of your life and the lives of loved ones.

Birthdays and moved to Tyler, Texas. During his time in Houston, Wayne served as an 100th: Katie Long, Altus, Okla. elder of the church from June 1986 to 86th: Mary Jolly, Hilltop Lakes, Texas. July 1988. 85th: Al Jolly, Hilltop Lakes, Texas. He was also on the mission committee and EEM Advisory Board Anniversaries from 1978 until 2004 when over- OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY sight of the ministry was transferred Ron and Doris Bever at a homecoming from Bammel Road to the elders of event in Oklahoma City. Dick and the Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas. At that time, he became one HONORED: Ron and Doris Bever Maudine Ady of the original trustees on the EEM for 50 years of service by the The Beasons reside in Forney, board. Britton Road Church of Christ in Texas, where they raised their children Wayne’s wife, Jane, was a strong Oklahoma City. Tamara (Calvin) Anderson and Clay advocate of EEM, serving as one of (Loren) Beason. They have four grand- the founding members of Women for NAMED: Michael Feltner, dean daughters: Hayley, Riley and Kenley EEM. She was as an active member of Seaver College at Pepperdine Copeland; and Ann-Clayton Beason. until moving to the Tyler area. University in Malibu, Calif. Lee They both retired from Forney I.S.D. Wayne was consistently the voice of Fletcher, chief development officer and are members of the Mesquite reason as a Bammel Road elder, leader, for Predisan Health Ministries, a Church of Christ in Texas. and EEM director, providing insight medical mission to Honduras. Jeff and practical advice. He faithfully Langham, assistant state superinten- 70th: Joe and Virginia Hoadley, came prepared to meetings and was a dent of education for the Alabama Dyer, Ind. 67th: Al and Mary Jolly, good listener with a gift for analyzing Department of Education. Langham Hilltop Lakes, Texas. 60th: Carr and offering a concise summary of an is a deacon of Leslie and Lundy (Darnell) Darden, issue as well as a recommendation for the Landmark God willing, Maudine and I will Church of Christ Indianapolis. 50th: Peter and Bonnie a course of action. celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary in Montgomery. June 2. Bumpass, South Holland, Ill. Ala. Jura Lazar, One of the songs she selected for our managing director wedding ceremony was “Whither Thou Memorials of Croatia for Christ, Goest, I Will Go.” That was prophetic. a church-supported Since that day, we have lived in ministry. Misty Overman Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, Taiwan, Wayne Nance Overman, head California and Oregon again, and we of school for Alabama Christian have traveled to numerous countries Wayne Nance, through his long, Academy in Montgomery, Ala. serving the Lord. God has blessed us faithful dedication and service, earned with two children, four grandchildren, the “Grandfather” seat at the table of Honored: Mel Hailey with the seven great-grandchildren, and thou- the Eastern European Mission Board 2015 Dean Gerald Wilson Award for sands of friends, and he has used us to of Trustees. Excellence in Pre-law Advising, given establish World English Institute. He was the very epitome of a annually to one pre-law adviser in Our life together has been full, rich Christian gentleman. Kind, courteous, the U.S. Hailey teaches in the depart- and meaningful, and we are grateful thoughtful, wise, considerate and ment of political science at Abilene to God. dependable are attributes of Wayne His wisdom, sage advice, and Christian University in Texas. that immediately spring to mind. He compassion for Eastern Europe will brought stability and sharp focus to be missed but not forgotten. His NEW ELDERS: David Durgin, Charles and our board meetings, decisions and gentle spirit and love for missions William H. Searcy, Freeman actions. His passion for the ministry will always be held in high respect by Stanfield and Shirlynn Beason of Eastern European Mission was both church leaders and EEM board Bob Williams, the evident to all. members. He and Jane have blessed Westside Church Charles and Shirlynn Beason are Wayne was a member of the EEM and each of us. of Christ in Rocky celebrating 50 years of marriage. They Bammel Road Church of Christ in Thank you, dear Lord, for the rare Mount, N.C. met while attending Abilene Christian Houston from the mid 1970s until gift you sent us in Wayne Nance. We University and married on June 5, 1965. 1992 when he retired from Tenneco shall miss him. NEW MINISTERS: Matt Collins, youth Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. minister for the Collins Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ in Cookeville, Tenn. MAY 2015 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 33

May 20 Foster’s Home for Children 2015 Golf Tournament. BlackHorse Golf Club, Cypress, continued. Texas. www.fostershome.org. Milestones May 20-25 Homecoming Extravaganza 2015. “Celebrating Joe deSteiguer Joe was preceded in death by children learn about God through our Savior, His Servant, His Master.” his grandfathers, Troy Smith and stories in his Word. As the McBride Southside Church of Christ, Starry, starry night Commander John deSteiguer Sr. He children married, Joyce and Bailey Orlando, Fla. www.sscoc.org. Flaming flowers that brightly blaze is survived by his parents, John and began to travel, which became a May 28-30 Homeschool Swirling clouds in violet haze Darla deSteiguer, his sister Abby passion for them both. Convention. Kalahari Resort, Reflect in Vincent’s eyes of china blue deSteiguer and grandmothers Mary Jo Joyce is survived by her husband Sandusky, Ohio. (864) 235-4444. Colors changing hue deSteiguer and Lavada Smith Mohon. Bailey; children Melissa Roe (Phil), May 31-June 5 Hope for Morning fields of amber grain Joe’s surviving relatives also Lynette Brown (Pat) and Michael Life Campaign 2015. Suffolk Weathered faces lined in pain include aunts Mary Beth Cuevas, McBride (Karen); grandchildren Community College, Brentwood Are soothed beneath the artist’s Sande Huber, Debbie Miller, Diane Jennifer Thurman (Joe), Luke Roe Campus, New York. www. loving hand Hendrix and their families. (Rachel), Savanna Millikan (James), coceventscenter.com/hope-for-life. In addition, we are thankful to Kailey King (Josh), Brady McBride, June 3-5 Thomas H. Olbricht our extended families at Oklahoma Ashlyn Brown, Connor McBride and Christian Scholars’ Conference Christian, Memorial Road and around Garrett McBride; and great-grandchil- 2015. “One World: Remapping the world who have surrounded us and dren Emma Roe and Amos Millikan. Culture, Trade, Information and supported us in this time of sorrow. We Joyce loved us all so well. She Faith.” Abilene Christian University, miss Joe now, but we look forward to was a friend to everyone and always Texas. www.lipscomb.edu/csc. seeing him again one day in heaven. believed we were better than we June 10-14 Mid-County Church “Praise be to the God and Father of really were. of Christ 50th Anniversary our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of She introduced so many to Jesus Celebration. Troy, Ohio. www. compassion and the God of all comfort, and modeled service and love every midcountycoc.org. who comforts us in all our troubles, so day of her life. She adored her family June 10-12 42nd Annual Jail that we can comfort those in any trouble and her sweet husband. and Prison Ministry Workshop. with the comfort we ourselves receive Well done, good and faithful Highland Church of Christ, from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) servant. We celebrate her sweet life Memphis, Tenn. www. We crave and embrace the Joe’s memorial service was held and her victory. whyhopeworks.org. comforting touch of our Creator’s at Oklahoma Christian University “My cup runs over. Surely goodness and June 11-14 Singles Conference loving hand as we mourn the passing on Monday, April 27. In lieu of mercy shall follow me all the days of my 2015. “By Myself ... but Beside of Joseph Emanuel deSteiguer. flowers, the family desires to honor life, and I will dwell in the house of the Christ.” Orlando, Fla. (407) 296-0155. Joe was born in Dallas on Nov. 6, Joe by sending memorial gifts to Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 June 13 50th Anniversary, 1992, and left us on April 16, 2015, funds established in his name at Preston Road School of at the age of 22. He lives on in our Oklahoma Christian University (Attn: Preaching. Preston Road Church hearts and in the countless memories Advancement / P.O. Box 11000 / of Christ, Dallas. (903) 987-4107. he made with family and friends. Oklahoma City, OK 73136 / www. June 19-20 30th Annual Joe grew up in Tahlequah and oc.edu/rememberingjoe) or Burnt Northeastern States Men’s Edmond, Okla. He attended Edmond Cabin Christian Camp (P.O. Box 97 Retreat. Kent School, Kent, Conn. Memorial High School and Oklahoma / Tahlequah, OK 74465 / www.burn- www.cocmensretreat.com. Christian University and was part of tcabinchristiancamp.com). June 19-20 Parents of the Memorial Road Church of Christ Missionaries Retreat. Homewood family. Suites, Fayetteville, Ark. missions@ During his time at OC, he partici- Joyce McBride MRNet.org. pated in two summer mission trips June 26-27 Adult Third Culture to Australia, earning the nickname Joyce Ann Warren McBride (March Kid Retreat. Homewood Suites, “boomerang child” when he returned 16, 1934-April 16, 2015) was the Fayetteville, Ark. missions@MRNet. there in 2014. Joe was known for second child born to Clarence Burton “Her children rise up and call her org. his big smile, deep thinking, fervent Warren and Aline Mattie Helton blessed; Her husband also, and he praises July 1-3 Lipscomb Summer writing and creativity. He was deeply Warren. She grew up in Cowan, her.” Proverbs 31:28 Celebration Lectureship 2015. loyal to his friends and family. Tenn., and attended David Lipscomb “Deployed! In an Uncivil War: The Joe was nonjudgmental, caring, College where she completed a Memorial/Honor Gifts Apocalypse of John.” Lipscomb kind and genuine, and those traits double major in elementary education endeared him to so many people on and home economics. She married The Christian Chronicle appreci- University, Nashville, Tenn. www. the OC campus and beyond. He truly Bailey McBride on April 28, 1956. ates and acknowledges generous gifts lipscomb.edu/summercelebration. connected with people of all ages and Since Joyce was a college student, donated in memory of Don Caffee, July 4 Black Mesa Bible Camp from all walks of life. she had been dedicated to helping Joyce McBride and Allayne McGann. 50th Anniversary Celebration. Camp Billy Joe, Kenton, Okla. [email protected]. Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). FULL CALENDAR, www.christianchronicle.org 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION MAY 2015 Joyce McBride ‘served the beautiful and unbeautiful, the gifted and the struggling’ This month The Christian In an unforgettable testimony at her Chronicle mourns the loss of our memorial service, dozens of chil- dear friend Joyce McBride, wife of dren and teens came to the stage Editor Emeritus Bailey McBride. to recite the 23rd Psalm, taught to As Bailey spends time with his them by “Teacher Joyce.” family, another close friend of the Joyce nurtured her three children Chronicle, Lindy Adams, graciously while investing tirelessly in the lives agreed to pen a tribute to Joyce. of homesick students, exhausted young mothers, faculty members s I watched hundreds of people in crisis. She served the beautiful assemble to celebrate the life and unbeautiful, the gifted and the of Joyce McBride, I experi- struggling. enced something of a shock. Insight She kept vigil at Not, of course, because so many hospitals with count- had come, but because I realized less families and that all these people viewed Joyce always brought a just as I did — as a true friend, gift — a journal for an adoring teacher who loved and the family to record cared about them personally. visits and acts of I was but one in a cast of thou- kindness. One of my sands. The list begins with Joyce’s Chronicle colleagues adoring husband Bailey. It includes Lindy Adams once said, “The their three marvelous children, minute Joyce walked eight grandchildren, two great- in, a sense of calm filled the room.” grandchildren, plus countless Joyce unwaveringly supported preschool and college students, Bailey in his roles as professor, lifelong friends, neighbors and dean, vice president and provost, colleagues. Joyce was a friend to and as editor of the Chronicle. They almost every person she’d ever met. traveled the world, led international She called them all “honey,” “sweet- studies groups to Vienna and the heart,” “darling” and actually meant Pacific Rim, and mentored students, it. They bear witness to the uncondi- faculty and missionaries. tional love, faith and moral presence Surely after decades of such taxing of the petite, soft-spoken, infinitely service, Joyce must have felt a genteel, totally real Joyce McBride, tremendous pull to quit, not to care, the Steel Magnolia. or to say “enough.” But She grew up in Cowan, she never faltered. Tenn. Along with her As amazing as her devoted parents, she accomplishments are, assumed the care of her they are not, I believe, disabled older brother the key to why we will Benny. She grew to be a forever remember and lovely, bright, cultured forever miss her. Rather, young woman — charac- it’s because she viewed teristics that captivated each person in her life as Bailey, a fellow student worthy, as delightful, as at Lipscomb College in WWW.OC.EDU capable of great good, as Nashville, Tenn. After Joyce and Bailey McBride interesting, as deserving earning a double major of her love. in elementary education and home That is the lasting legacy of dear economics in less than four years, and darling Joyce McBride. And for she and Bailey married in 1956. that, we are forever blessed. They moved to Oklahoma in 1966 and became indispensable leaders LINDY ADAMS served The Christian Chronicle for at Oklahoma Christian College, 13 years as a reporter and editor. Her husband, Ken, as it grew into a university, and served Oklahoma Christian University for 40 years the College Church of Christ, now in roles including professor of music and director of Memorial Road. Joyce’s preschool the OC Chorale. They are members of the Dayspring class became a revered institution. Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla. maY 2015 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

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