Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 69, No. 1 | January 2012 for Churches of Christ

FUNDING ON THE DECLINE Children’s homes: Still a core church ministry? BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Kimberly said. Yet he and many colleagues DUNCAN, S.C. — Southeastern across the nation question if Children’s Home cares for Churches of Christ are as pas- neglected and abused children sionate about caring for children on a 50-acre campus overlook- in need as they once were. ing the Smoky In a survey Mountains. of 20 children’s Boys row homes in out in a boat more than a to catch bass dozen states, and bream in The Christian a spring-fed Chronicle pond. A bee- found wide- GARRETT HOSKINS keeper teaches spread concern Students at Abilene Christian University gather to pray for victims of a bus crash that killed Anabel Reid, 19. girls how to about declining cultivate honey. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOUTHEASTERN church support The home’s Southeastern Children’s Home serves amid trying Crash brings ACU community to its knees residents ride young people in three group homes. economic horses as part times and shift- ABILENE, Texas — Anabel Reid loved her family. She miles south of Abilene. She was part of a 16-per- of therapy and enjoy swing ing ministry priorities. loved her boyfriend. She loved serving children. son mission team on a bus en sets, basketball goals and a vol- “It has been tough to watch Most of all, she loved God. route to an annual service project leyball court. as more and more homes have Speaking to a crowd of more than 1,400 mourn- at the Medina Children’s Home As the Christian child-care been squeezed out of church ing the death of the Abilene Christian University in Texas. agency meets physical needs, budgets,” said Cory Long, student, Alex Wann described his 19-year-old girl- The driver, ACU professor it fulfills a more important mis- CEO of Carpenter’s Place, a friend as a “totally righteous babe of the Lord.” Michael Nicodemus, lost control sion: sharing Jesus with chil- girls’ home in Wichita, Kan., “I love you so much, but I love God more than and struck a concrete culvert. dren and families, executive “and more and more homes you,” Wann said Reid told him, as reported by As the vehicle overturned, its director Robert Kimberly said. are having to look outside the the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “She lived that canopy ripped away, ejecting 12 Reid “We’ve had eight of our kids churches to get support.” kind of life.” of its occupants. become Christians this year, For 50-plus years, children’s Reid, a sophomore at the Texas university, Emergency workers transported the injured to and so it’s been wonderful,” See CHILDREN’S HOMES, Page 12 died Nov. 4 near Ballinger, Texas, about 85 See BUS CRASH, Page 14

box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 The Bible INSIDE goes CALENDAR...... 27 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. to school CURRENTS...... 17 U.S. POSTAGE PAID DIALOGUE...... 20 Eastern OKLAHOMA CITY OK European INSIGHT...... 34 PERMIT # 276 Mission at 50: INTERNATIONAL...... 8 From Bible NATIONAL...... 5 smugglers OPINION...... 29 to textbook Wrap up your shopping Remembering 2011 PARTNERS...... 23 suppliers. Find ideas to please all ages in The numbers and quotes PEOPLE...... 24 17 our holiday gift guide. 32 that inspired. 29-31 REVIEWS...... 32 Winner of eight ‘Best of the Christian Press’ awards, 2011 | Breaking news, exclusives at www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012

Ukraine Has Made The Right Calls. EEM Will Answer. Again.

More and more of Ukraine wants the Bible in their Public Schools. It is becoming part of their school curriculum. Two more states, Rivne and Poltava, Ukraine are asking for bibles. Over 283,000 students in 1,494 Public Schools. We’ve been called. And we will be there. So can you. With the Bible.

April 29, 2012

www.milliondollardunday.org · 800-486-1818

EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. JANUARY 2012 the christian chronicle 3 Preach it, brother, but Can churches reach 7 billion souls? BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE keep it short SAN JOSE, Costa Rica TERRELL, Texas hen the global population ssemble an all-star lineup crossed the 7 billion mark — of some of the most pow- according to United Nations Aerful, passionate preach- estimates — about 125 of the ers in Churches of Christ. world’s souls were singing, Put these ministers on the Wpraying and contemplating the divine in same lectureship program, this Central American capital. and give each 20 minutes to “Why would God, who made the world, speak. want to be in a personal relationship Inside Story You prob- with us?” Bart Dodson, a missionary in ably can Honduras, asked attendees at the 48th Pan guess what American Lectureship, shortly after the happens imaginary line was crossed. next. “But he does — all 7 billion of us,” That’s Dodson said. ERIK TRYGGESTAD right: The earth’s booming Teens from Costa Rica sing Bible songs with missionary kids during the Pan American Lectureship. Incredibly population and its impact uplifting and on evangelism was a recur- nationalities, including Brazilians. Dodson’s wife, Melissa, said she found challenging ring topic at the annual At the lectureship, he gathered ideas to the diversity of ages at the lecture- Bobby Ross Jr. sermons. lectureship, a gathering of help him reach Latin Americans with the ship — and their commitment to Christ And, yes, local Christians, mission- Gospel — no matter where they live. — inspiring. stopwatches working aries in Latin America and The Christians at the lectureship repre- “The fact that we have approximately overtime and the original U.S. supporters. sented the increasing range of ages on the 7 billion people ... I think this was a Hicks schedule falling quickly by “It means to me, we have planet as average lifespan increases. really neat place for us to be when that the wayside. no time to stop and rest,” Bob Prater said Bobbie Hicks, 87, a member of happened,” Melissa Dodson said. “Almost Maybe in some congrega- about crossing the 7 billion mark. the Brownfield Church of Christ in every generation is here, and the thing we tions, the preacher can wrap Prater, a longtime missionary in Africa Texas, attended the first Pan American have in common is why we’re here.” up his message in one-third and Europe, traveled to Central America Lectureship in Guatemala in 1963. This of an hour. But at the recent from Erlangen, Germany, where he year, she brought her 29-year-old grand- INSIDE: Church members in Costa Rica share their struggles 74th annual lectureship at studies the Bible with a wide variety of daughter, Cynthia Rowan. and dreams for reaching their 4.6 million souls. See Page 10. Southwestern Christian College — the historically black Christian college east of Dallas — I got the Church planted in hotel ballroom touts ‘New Life’ impression that the buzzer sounded (figuratively, of BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE church plant as a domestic mission effort Jewel McDaniels, 34, a St. Louis native course) just as each speaker aimed at meeting people where they are and third-generation member of Churches was getting warmed up. BRIDGETON, Mo. — In a hotel restaurant, — as Jesus did the Samaritan woman at of Christ, attended a recent New Life “This does not work in weekend guests nibbled bacon and eggs the well in John 4. service with her mother, Judy, and 15-year- Ethiopia,” a smiling Behailu and sipped orange juice and coffee. The New Life church intends to reach old son, Tony. Abebe said of the time limit A short ride up a glass elevator, a less people who have no rela- McDaniels said she’s encouraged by the as he reported on mission ordinary scene occurred: About 50 men, tionship at all with God, opportunity for a fresh start away from the work in his home nation. women and children gathered in a ball- he said, as well as former walls and barriers that sometimes hamper There, he said, he’d talk for room with red-cushioned chairs and bright church members who have congregations. three hours straight. Here, chandeliers. They came not for a business become estranged. “I’m hoping that this will be a new life, a he managed to complete his meeting or a fancy banquet but to pray, “The idea is, there’s a new beginning, to break down those,” she remarks in about 30 minutes sing praises and worship God. lot of hurt. There’s a lot said. — only 10 minutes over. The St. Louis area’s newest congrega- of pain,” Jackson said. The early start time allows Jackson to What a joy it was to be tion — the New Life Church of Christ “There’s a lot of hearts that preach at New Life and then drive about Jackson in the audience as speaker — meets at 8 a.m. Sundays at the Crowne have been bruised, and 20 minutes to his regular work — as after speaker offered a fresh Plaza Hotel, near Lambert-St. Louis because of that, some of the relationships minister for the Wagner Avenue Church of perspective on the theme International Airport. are … we tolerate each other, but we don’t Christ in St. Louis. See SOUTHWESTERN, Page 4 Minister Thomas Jackson describes the get along like a family.” See NEW LIFE, Page 16 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY JANUARY 2012 www.christianchronicle.org Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. • 7 billion souls: Church members from around the globe discuss the impact of the world’s skyrocketing population on evangelism. • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out exclusive online features. SOUTHWESTERN: Powerful, passionate preachers FROM PAGE 3 Brother Guidry, we owe you, too! “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s After hearing such remarkable men of Hand.” God share lessons from his Word, the Among my favorites were LaVance audience was in for a real letdown … me. Wes Anderson, minister for the “You sounded a bit nervous, but Downtown Church of Christ in Kansas you did OK,” said my 14-year-old City, Mo., and Charlie McClendon, min- son, Keaton, who made the 500-mile ister for the Northside Church of Christ roundtrip with me and helped pass out in Jacksonville, Fla. Chronicle calendars and coffee sent Anderson spoke on ministering to along by Editor Lynn McMillon. the down and out in the inner city and Actually, I was a whole lot nervous. the need to “talk up” to such troubled But I was humbled and honored that souls. That can require a preacher to James O. Maxwell, Southwestern’s vice leave his office, take off his suit jacket president of institutional advancement, Communication Disorders and brush elbows with someone who invited me to speak. may reek of alcohol or smell like urine, Maxwell is the father of James A. College of Nursing he suggested. Maxwell, minister for the Holgate Or it may mean allowing a person Church of Christ in Seattle, with whom I Pre-Medicine dressed in less than Sunday best to use spent time this past summer while work- College of Pharmacy the church restroom. ing on a Churches That Work story. “We’ve had people steal our toilet (We also may have enjoyed a Rangers- Physical Therapy paper,” Anderson said. “That’s OK. It’s Mariners game, if you recall my baseball 89 cents a roll.” column from a few months ago.) Physician Assistant Program McClendon highlighted his congrega- My topic was “Multicultural Church tion’s community outreach programs, Membership and Fellowship.” Now, including a youth basketball league that might sound like a peculiar assign- designed to keep trigger-happy young ment for a middle-aged white guy who Making a difference in the lives of others men off the streets. attends a suburban church where most “It’s not about basketball,” he said. people look just like me, only skinnier Harding University offers hands-on learning opportunities “But we knew if we put a ball out there, and with more hair. for students wanting to make a positive difference in the we were going to get the boys to come. But in my Chronicle travels, I have lives of others. Choose from a variety of health-related fields, “Guess what?” he added. “These boys written about a number of inspiring, including nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy and others. wind up wanting to become members multicultural congregations in the of the church, and we end up baptizing United States and Canada, includ- Join our mission to take compassion — and the healing arts — their parents.” ing the Culver Palms Church of out into the world to improve the health of those we serve. Arnelious Crenshaw, minister for Christ in Los Angeles, the Northwest the Northeast Church of Christ in Church of Christ in Chicago and the Oklahoma City, brought copies of last South Burnaby Church of Christ in month’s Christian Chronicle story on Vancouver, British Columbia. that congregation’s housing ministry I was privileged to share some of and distributed the papers to lecture- their secrets. (My thanks to Northwest ship attendees. Brother Crenshaw, we minister Patrick Odum and South Faith, Learning and Living owe you for that free publicity! Burnaby minister Kirk Ruch, both of Larry Guidry, minister for the Crowley whom provided valuable feedback and Church of Christ in Louisiana, also biblical insight for my presentation.) Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 included the Chronicle in his presenta- And I made it to the finish line in less Searcy, Arkansas tion on sports ministry, highlighting than 15 minutes. Did I mention that I’m last year’s feature on former Arkansas not a real preacher? Razorbacks star tight end D.J. Williams, now with the Green Bay Packers. CONTACT [email protected]. JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO — Terri Weissinger was trying to start a new life by moving to Idaho but got stranded for eight days at San Francisco’s airport because she couldn’t pay unexpected baggage fees. The Airport Church of Christ came to the rescue, donating $200 from its benevolence fund to help her on her way, local news media reported. “We go by what the Bible teaches, and the Bible teaches to do good to all men,” preacher Robert Urbina told KGO radio station. “That’s what Jesus tells us to do, and when someone comes to us for help, we help them.” MICHIGAN WATERFORD — “Cut the Cable. Help the Needy.” Members of the Waterford Church of Christ have launched an effort called “Cable Free for Christ.” The mission is to encourage Christians to donate the cable savings toward part- nering outreach ministries and seek out better ways to spend their time. “While cutting the cable and helping the needy are key goals, our ultimate KEN PARKER objective is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ,” program coordinator ‘Classic’ church members praise God, enjoy firelight fellowship John Furness said. Participants in the “Classics for Christ” ministry at the Alameda Church of Christ in Norman, Okla., enjoy a time of fellowship and worship around For more information, see www. a bonfire. The ministry serves adults ages 50 and older and is active in outreach opportunities, such as operating a clothing closet and food cablefreeforchrist.org or connect on pantry and visiting hospitals. Group members also oversee a funeral meal program and an adopt-a-widow effort. Facebook or Twitter. OKLAHOMA The congregation participates in conference challenged attendees to spotlight CORDELL — The FBI is active at the a program that provides temporary stand their post as Christians. Seventeen Northside Church of Christ. The Faithful lodging for the homeless in church congregations were represented, from Bible Investigators program, that is. buildings, member and former elder as far north as Pennsylvania and as far The congregation draws its largest Carl Lancaster said. south as North Carolina. Stepping down attendance of the week on Wednesday “Holland Park and each church serves “The conference highlights included BEAUMONT, Texas — John M. Davis, nights thanks to the program, minister on a rotating basis and generally has breakout sessions, fellowship, heartfelt minister for the Ridgewood Church Tim Turpin said. The outreach effort homeless families with them about once personal testimony and the baptism of of Christ, is stepping down after 52 serves children in the community. It a quarter,” Lancaster said. “Typically, 18 new believers into the Lord’s body,” years with that congre- features a meal, structured play time the families move in on Sunday after- Fairfax youth minister Phil McKinney gation. Davis said in and Bible lessons. A van picks up some noon. They spend each night in our said. Wiley Lowe, youth and family a letter to members children, but most of the 40 or so who classrooms.” minister for the Holly Hill Church of that the congregation participate are dropped off by parents. For a week at a time, church members Christ in Florida, was the featured will remain his church “One of the benefits of this program, prepare breakfast and an evening meal. speaker. Brishan Hatcher, worship leader home “until Jesus calls unlike Vacation Bible School, is that the During the day, the children go to for the Highland Church of Christ in me home.” children are here every week,” Turpin school, while the adults work to find a Memphis, Tenn., led praise and worship. “The elders and I said. “We have not advertised, but the job or become more employable. have diligently and Davis children are excited to be there and are WAYNESBORO — The Waynesboro Church prayerfully consid- ... bringing more friends.” VIRGINIA of Christ was voted “Most Respected ered Ridgewood and its future,” FAIRFAX — The biannual Power House Place of Worship” in the News Virginian’s Davis wrote. “We all passionately SOUTH CAROLINA Youth Rally hosted by the Fairfax 2011 Valley Favorites contest. want Ridgewood to grow, prosper and SIMPSONVILLE — Sunday school class- Church of Christ drew more than 200 “This is a really loving congregation bring glory to God.” rooms at the Holland Park Church of young people from throughout the that is really reaching out to the commu- His resignation is effective Jan. Christ serve as temporary living quar- Northeast, organizers said. nity,” said Tiffany Jones, wife of involve- 8. For more details, see www.ridge ters for homeless families. With the theme “Post It,” the recent ment minister Michael Jones. woodcofc.org. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012 ACROSS THE NATION the christian chronicle 7

PHOTOS BY JOHN R. IRBY Participants in the 45th annual Bismarck Church Leaders Workshop came from Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Canada. Teaching church leadership in a land needing leaders NORTH DAKOTA CONFERENCE brings together Christians from across the Northern Plains, stresses the need for home-grown evangelism

BY JOHN R. IRBY | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “The majority up here have their paths,” Clark said. grown up in the North,” Laird North Dakota’s growing BISMARCK, N.D. said. “The idea of staying here population provides new oppor- hurches of Christ often is a struggle” for those that tunities to reach lost souls. think of the Great migrate from other parts of The state is experiencing CCommission as a call to America. “If we don’t grow our an oil boom, and new jobs are take the soul-saving Gospel to own leadership we are not typi- being created in the energy Africa, China, Latin America cally blessed with many new industry. Unemployment is less and the former Soviet Union. members.” than 1 percent in the “oil patch” But mission fields exist The cold weather, sparse and about 3 percent statewide. everywhere — just around population and abundance Some fast-food restaurants are the corner, close to home or of Catholics and Lutherans, paying people $15 an hour to just a few states away from the buoyed by years of German flip burgers. Those who can Bible Belt, in places like North and Scandinavian migration, turn a wrench, drill or fracture Dakota, population 675,000. often are credited with adding a well or drive an oil tanker can Christians from across the to the Church of Christ’s Scott Laird and Calvin Chapman speak at the North Dakota conference. make much more. region gathered in the capital struggle in this wide-open But what these cash-rich city of the “Peace Garden State” mission field. them off. People keep on still preaching because he wasn’t immigrant workers need most for the 45th annual Bismarck The largest congregation in going and serving even sure everyone who ended up is God — not the whiskey pubs Church Leaders Workshop. North Dakota is in Bismarck. though they don’t get a lot of there was ready to be there. and strippers, said workshop Preachers, elders and members The church averages a Sunday encouragement from outside. “God uses us to bring light participants. came from North Dakota, morning attendance of about Their Christianity is real and and life to the darkness around Bruce Goodwin, of Eden Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, 60 men, women and children important.” us,” Chapman said. “The work Prairie, Minn., summarized the Nebraska, South Dakota, and has a full-time minister. The Great Falls church has of a preacher is to bring about urgent need to reach lost souls Wyoming and Canada. The church in Minot, with almost 250 members. Laird the will of God.” in the Northern Plans in the The theme, “Goads and about 50 members, was credits that to longtime leader- Bismarck minister Walter event’s final session. Nails,” came from Ecclesiastes without a full-time evangelist ship and an influence from the Clark said there isn’t much “Each day we walk among 12:11: “The words of the wise until recently. Only five other Air Force base there. knowledge about the Church the (spiritually) wounded,” are like goads, and the words congregations exist in the Calvin Chapman, from of Christ in North Dakota. he said. “The word ‘grace’ of scholars are like well-driven state — a 25-member church Faith, S.D., told a story of While not blaming the state’s is experienced so much that nails, given by one Shepherd.” in Mandan, churches of about what goaded a mentor of his history and culture, he, like the word ‘obedience’ can’t be The workshop’s goal is to 40 members each in Grand into a long life as an evange- many others, is aware of a heard. People don’t know they encourage ministers, elders and Forks, Fargo and Dickinson list. Chapman and the older “stubbornness” that can play a are living in darkness because future leaders in the Northern and a 50-member church in preacher were riding in a car, role in openness to change. that’s all they know.” Plains — a land that is “skinny” Williston. None of these has a approaching a funeral home. “We need to push for every on leadership, said Scott Laird, full-time preacher. Chapman asked the preacher member to understand they are JOHN R. IRBY is a member of the Bismarck the workshop’s director and Though small, “North what kept him going. After a ministers of the Word and make Church of Christ. He retired recently after minister for the Great Falls Dakota churches are tough,” pause, the man pointed to the themselves available to opportu- more than 40 years as a newspaper editor, Church of Christ in Montana. Laird said. “You can’t kill funeral home and said he was nities God may be bringing into publisher and university journalism professor. 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012 BRAZIL SALVADOR — Church members are mourning the death of Irla Sany, 17, who was killed in an act of gang-related violence, said missionary Valerie Quirey. “She had been part of our congre- gation since it began in 2006,” Quirey said, “and her stepfather Fernando rented a van to bring as much of his family as he could to church. ... She had grown up in the roughest of neighbor- hoods but never developed the hard- ness that often comes with it.” After an abbreviated worship service, members of the Church of Christ gath- ered in the Sany’s home to pray with her family. Fellow missionaries Randy and Jennifer Porter have been ministering to the family and the church, said Quirey, who is in the U.S. on furlough with her husband, Russell. CHINA PHOTO BY ANNETTE WHITTAKER Beijing — Thirty-three women from four congregations in Beijing partici- Going Maasai way? Missionaries heal sick, teach Bible in Tanzania pated in a recent retreat. The retreat Women and children of northern Tanzania’s Maasai people crowd into a land cruiser for featured classes for single women a ride back to the main road after a Bible study with Annette Whittaker. Her husband, and talks on marriage enrichment for Dr. Robert Whittaker, is filling in at the Tanzania Christian Clinic for physicians Danny and married attendees, said Danita Jackson, Nancy Smelser. The Whittakers formerly worked at Nigerian Christian Hospital. Searcy, a church member in Beijing. Ark.-based International Health Care Foundation supports their work. About 30 to 40 Maasai attend the lessons, Annette Whittaker said, and at least 20 of them insist on GHANA climbing into the land cruiser for a ride. “The people seem very interested” in the lessons, Takoradi — Cheryl Bode, a Christian she said, “and the men have asked for Bibles and where the church meets.” nurse living in this West African nation, conducted an HIV and Hepatitis B screening clinic for students at the The school seeks U.S. preachers brought their own food and kerosene spotlight Outreach Africa Vocational Institute, a to teach in the school for one or two stoves. When the school ran out of church-supported school. months, Waldron said. The Main Street beds, “they simply slept on the floors Bode and five Church of Christ in Crossville, Tenn., without complaint.” New elders in Japan Ghanaian nurses oversees the work. Fifty-six attendees were baptized. conducted 226 HIV tests Hitachi City, Japan — For the first time and 220 Hepatitis B tests NIGERIA THAILAND in nearly 40 years, the and administered 180 OYUBIA-ORON — An annual youth forum BANGKOK — Thailand’s worst floods in Omika Church of Christ Hepatitis B vaccines. in this southern Nigerian town brought a half-century have created stagnant has elders. Church “The students and staff 1,169 participants, representing 96 ponds of water across this city of 12 members have studied were so excited about Churches of Christ, to the campus of the million souls and forced thousands the qualifications and receiving this service,” Christian Secondary Technical School. from their homes, said Kim Voraritskul, attributes of leaders for Bode Bode said. “It was truly “The most impressive feature ... was a minister in nearby Khon Kaen. the past three years and amazing to me how receptive they were.” seeing hundreds of youths braving the “Trash is building up and floating. recently named Hideki tropical storms and heavy rain that Dead animals abound. ... Food and Ataka and Jim Batten as Ataka INDIA drenched them from head to toe,” said drinking water have to be taken to the the congregation’s elders. Guwahati — Daniel and Kathy Hamm, Eno Otoyo, a Nigerian-born Christian masses by rowboats,” the minister Ataka has preached longtime missionaries in Thailand, who works with Nigerian Mission, a said. “We have six Churches of Christ for the Omika church will travel to this city in northeastern ministry of the Normandie Church of in Bangkok with about 700 Christians. for 30 years. Batten India to teach at the Northeast Bible Christ in Los Angeles. Many need our help. They need has been involved with Institute, which has 28 men and seven The Nigerian youths’ “smiling faces drinking water, dry and canned food.” the congregation for women enrolled. and bright eyes were filled with excite- The Silver Spring Church of Christ in nearly 40 years and The school’s goal is to produce self- ment over being able to attend and Maryland is collecting funds for relief. serves as chancellor of supporting ministers, said adminis- participate in this year’s lectureship,” Contact www.silverspringchurchofchrist. nearby Ibaraki Christian trator Jim E. Waldron. Otoyo said. Many of the participants org or call (301) 585-8727. University. Batten JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Affirming KEYNOTE SPEAKERS the

SEMINAR Dan Winkler Jerry Houston “We Have This Hope” “Jesus Christ, Our Living Hope” “A Reason to Hope” Friday & Saturday • February 24-25, 2012 HOSTED BY The Oklahoma City Churches of Christ HELD AT David Duncan Noel Whitlock North MacArthur Church of Christ • 9300 N. MacArthur “A Hope Worth Sharing” “Rejoicing in Our Hope” Oklahoma City, OK • 405.621.5962 www.affirmingthefaithok.com

The Department of Psychology and Family Studies at Oklahoma • A list of at least three academic/professional references and one Christian University is currently seeking a full-time professor of reference from a local church leader — with telephone and e-mail Psychology or Family Studies. Qualified individuals should hold the contact information Doctorate degree in psychology, family studies, or a related field, • A copy of all academic transcripts (an official copy must be with demonstrated ability and experience to teach undergraduate submitted prior to formal employment) courses in a variety of areas — including the university’s general • A statement of research interests, including any publications and education class in psychology. Area of specialization is flex- conference presentations. ible. Since the department emphasizes the science of psychology and family studies, the successful candidate The review of applications will begin immediately with will also demonstrate strong research and statistical the successful applicant beginning employment in the fall skills. Individuals who are ABD will be considered and semester of 2012. academic rank and salary will be based upon experience and qualifications. The position will remain open and the application process will continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants must be active members of the churches of Christ and should include the Please send all application materials to: following materials: Ryan Newell, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Psychology and Family Studies • A cover letter indicating interest in the position Oklahoma Christian University • A vita P.O. Box 11000 • A statement of teaching philosophy specific to a Christian, Liberal Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 arts institution Phone: (405) 425-5450 • A statement of church affiliation and acceptance of institution’s [email protected] values Oklahoma Christian University is an equal opportunity employer. 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD JANUARY 2012 january 2012 AROUND THE WORLD the christian chronicle 11 Fortune and faith in Costa Rica IN the LAND OF ‘PURe life,’ self-sustaining Churches of Christ seek to reach their secular culture — and develop hearts for missions.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE from the bank for the improvements. The previous loan, which the church LA FORTUNA, Costa Rica paid off, built the auditorium. With open Bibles, women at the La Fortuna Church of Christ prepare lessons for children. inding an actual Costa Rican in this The congregation also is searching Central American tourist town is a for a minister. At first, the preacher may Christ, says Guerrero, a native Costa Costa Rica a lot,” he says. “We have the Fbit of a challenge. have to find a secular job to help support Rican who owes his faith to his adopted doctrine. ... We used to preach out of On a Friday afternoon, the streets of himself, but the church has committed father, a minister from El Salvador who fear, not out of love. the main plaza are choked with visitors to support him full time eventually — came to Costa Rica in 1979, fleeing the “I would like the church to be like from the U.S. and Europe, popping without funds from outside the church. war that ravaged his home country. cereal with dehydrated bananas. You in and out of the ice cream shop and Castro, a second-generation church Guerrero became a Christian and add spiritual milk and it expands — “Chocolateria.” member, has seen Christians suffer studied ministry at the Baxter Institute bursting with flavor.” They come here from around the because of reliance on foreign aid. in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He joined a globe to ride horses, brave rapids and “Sometimes the support from the U.S. mission team — a mix of U.S. and Latin A LEGACY OF FAITH zip-line over lush vegetation, all in the has caused issues among the members American Christians — and moved to Though the streets of La Fortuna shadow of the majestic Arenal volcano. and has been a stumbling block,” he the San Jose area about five years ago teem with foreigners, the tourism Rolando Castro came here to plant a says. His dream is for the church “to to reach young spiritual seekers. industry here has taken a hit from the church. accomplish the mission of Christ in this PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD The team and a group of short-term sagging global economy, Castro says. He and his wife, Daisy, along with area” and to have the means to finance Arenal, more than 5,300 feet high, is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. workers from the U.S. hosted a bilin- He, like most of the church’s mem- a handful of other church members, the work. gual church camp, modeled after one bers, works in agriculture, but the down- moved to La Fortuna seven years ago. to the Gospel, says Carlos Ulate, min- town. The church also has an active organized by the Mars Hill Church of turn has hurt all sectors of his country’s The congregation they helped plant has CHURCHES THAT ‘LOOK OUTSIDE THEMSELVES’ ister for the Heredia Church of Christ, youth ministry and women’s Bible study. Christ in Vilonia, Ark. The team rented economy. Some of the church’s women grown to about 25 members, meeting in Self-reliance is a common character- north of San Jose. Members visit poor farming communi- a campsite on the side of a hill. Seven are unemployed, so the congregation an unmarked building near the town’s istic among the 4.6 million people who Ulate, who was baptized while study- ties, play games with children and give youths were baptized helps support them. square. live in Costa Rica. The country has ing at the University of Florida, served them Christmas gifts. at the camp and then “Members here It’s more important that believers point enjoyed greater political stability than as director of a ministry training school The church sent aid to victims of brought their fami- believe everything to Christ with their lives than with a sign, its neighbors, Panama and Nicaragua, in Catacamas, Honduras. There, he saw Hurricane Mitch in Honduras in 1998. lies into the church, belongs to God,” Castro explains, but the congregation and has a better standard of living than how meeting people’s physical needs Recently, Martinez and another Costa which now has about Castro says. “We does plan to buy one eventually. most Central American nations. allowed churches to then address their Rican minister traveled to Haiti to give 75 members. share what we have.” Sitting in folding chairs on the audito- The country’s unofficial motto is spiritual ones. funds and aid to victims of the 2010 Guerrero laughs as As his visitors rium’s concrete floor, Castro talks with “Pura Vida” (“Pure Life”) — a laid-back Though the people of Costa Rica have earthquake. he remembers baptiz- from San Jose walk fellow believers from the capital, San enjoyment of simple living. fewer physical needs, “the problem Seeing the living conditions in Haiti ing the youths in the toward their car to Jose, about the congregation’s work. “We don’t have an army, but an army we’re having is that the greatest institu- made Martinez grateful for the bless- frigid waters of the return to the lecture- The visitors are in town of teachers,” says one tions of society are falling apart — mar- ings he and fellow Costa antique campsite. The ship, Castro’s father, coordinating the Pan of the visitors, Steven riage, family and the church,” Ulate Ricans share. temperature dropped Orlando Castro and his son, Rolando, Orlando, pulls up in American Lectureship, Guerrero, the last mem- says. “So my dream is that ... the leaders “All people, rich or near freezing, and stand by the La Fortuna church building. an old pickup. He meeting at a hotel near ber of a mission team of the churches see themselves as God’s poor, need to understand most of the campers became a Christian — the volcano. working with a congrega- instruments to heal individual lives, to that we’re heading for and counselors had only shorts and and a minister — more than 40 years In a classroom behind tion in Sabanilla, an east- heal marriages, to restore families.” heaven and judgment T-shirts to wear. ago, while attending a gospel meeting the auditorium, Daisy ern suburb of San Jose. Too often, church leaders are and prepare for that,” “But we made it through,” he says, hosted by missionary Ray Bynum and Castro and three other “People here are very mired in the logistics of buildings and he says. “The church “and that’s how the church started. And Costa Rican evangelist Efrain Valverde. women sit with open well-educated, in a secu- finances, Ulate said. in Costa Rica can learn we’re going to have elders.” “I believed the Word of God. I believe Guerrero Ulate Martinez Bibles, writing a curricu- lar way,” Guerrero says. “It’s my dream that the churches from the church in the Two men — Pedro Morales and its importance,” he says, explaining lum for their Sunday morning children’s Costa Rica has about 50 Churches learn to do the right work,” he said. United States (to) have vision, a mission Jorge Salazar — are training to become why he became a Christian. classes. of Christ, ranging in size from 20 to Ronald Martinez also dreams of mindset, to look outside themselves.” the congregation’s shepherds. When asked how he feels about his The La Fortuna Iglesia de Cristo 250 members. That’s fewer than other Costa Rican believers becoming Thinking about the days ahead for son carrying on his legacy of evange- (Church of Christ) is using its finances Central American nations, including missions-minded. He preaches for the A CONGREGATION’S BIRTH the young church, Morales prays that lism, he smiles and places his hands to build the classrooms and an apart- Guatemala and Honduras. Desamparados Church of Christ in San Missions-minded Christians from the his congregation will be self-supporting over his heart. ment, Castro tells the visitors. The In those countries, poverty and social Jose. The 120-member congregation U.S. and Costa Rica played a vital role and will show love to its community. “That’s the best thing that has hap- congregation secured its second loan inequality have made people receptive has planted a new church in a nearby in the birth of the Sabanilla Church of “The Gospel has been preached in pened in my life,” he says. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT JANUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 13 CHILDREN’S HOMES: Falling through the cracks?

BOBBY ROSS JR. DENNISE GONZALEZ JOHN D. MORRISON PHOTO PROVIDED BY GLENN NEWBERRY For 21 years, Robert Kimberly has served as executive director of Southeastern Children’s Several residents of Westview Boys’ Home in Hollis, Okla., join their teammates in a A little girl named Ashley can be seen through the window, reading in the Bollin Cottage at Carpenter Place in Wichita, Kan. Carpenter Place Samantha, a resident of Foster’s Home for Home in Duncan, S.C., a small town west of Spartanburg. homecoming parade. began as Maude Carpenter Children’s Home when the Riverside Church of Christ saw a need to help orphans in the congregation. Children in Texas, makes a big catch.

FROM PAGE 1 Home — now known as Hope Harbor. In many cases, churches have kept CHANGED FOCUS, MORE COMPETITION it, churches view children’s homes as Christian Child and Family Services continues to age and pass on to glory,” Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., and Columbia, homes have been a core ministry The lesson in giving influenced supporting children’s homes but not Individual congregations have changed benevolence, not mission work. Association. Shepherd said. S.C. — boys and girls reside in separate of mainstream congregations, said Holton’s future career: He serves as increased the amount, leaders said — their focus, said Micah Brinkley, CEO As a result, homes have not received A move in many states away from group homes. A few miles away, a third Kimberly, a board member for the executive director of Raintree Village even as costs rise to meet increased and executive director of Children’s the same level of priority as other out- group homes — in favor of foster care, ONE TEEN’S ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT cottage benefits older girls transitioning Christian Child and Family Services children’s home in Valdosta, Ga. government regulations and demand for Homes Inc. in Paragould, Ark. reach efforts, said McDonald, president adoption and family reunification — has Southeastern Children’s Home traces into adulthood. Association. (In the mid-1900s, congre- “My experience has been that there professional caregivers and counseling. “I do not necessarily think the pas- and CEO of Arms of Hope, which serves played a role, too. its roots to the Carolina Lectureship in Southeastern also operates a commu- gations that opposed church-supported has been less and less of an emphasis on “If they gave $100 a month 50 years sion for ministries like Children’s at-risk children and single-mother fami- At the same time, the last decade has 1968. nity counseling center that serves a few children’s homes became known as non- Christian child care, which leads to less ago, we continue to get that amount Homes has changed,” Brinkley said. “It lies at three Texas locations. brought “a dramatic rise in international That’s when a group of Christians got hundred clients a year. institutional Churches of Christ.) and less financial support,” Holton said. today,” said Brian L. King, executive is just having to share the focus with a “In the past three years, we have seen work in child care,” from the creation of together and decided to serve needy For eight years, Janice Axsom and her But now, the South Carolina church Ralph Brewer, president of Potter director of Tennessee Children’s Home lot of other equally good ministries. almost 100 program residents in our orphanages to the adoption of foreign and homeless children, Kimberly said. husband, Tony, have served as house- member said, “we’re sort of falling Children’s Home and Family Ministries in Spring Hill. “The churches that are “Plus, I think a lot of congregations care claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior children, said Shank, president of Ohio In the beginning, Southeastern drew parents. Four girls — ages 17 to 20 — through the cracks.” in Bowling Green, Ky., said: “I believe the more in tune to the changes we have are having to turn inward to keep their through baptism,” McDonald said. Valley University in Vienna, W.Va. almost all its support from congrega- live with them in the transitional cottage “I think a big concern is that fewer support of children’s homes is directly made have been generous in increasing members,” he added. “The church is Among the converts: Chris Mayo, “A dollar of support for a domestic tions, he said. But in the first 10 months and worship with the Central church. and fewer of our dollars are coming related to the amount of education which their support.” competing today with all the things 16, baptized last year at the Eastridge children’s home barely buys a bottle of 2011, just 13 percent of revenues The Axsoms and the girls stay busy from the churches,” said Kimberly, a takes place among the churches. God’s Delton McGuire, executive director of the world has to offer, so individual Church of Christ in Rockwall, Texas. of water,” said Ray Crowder, former came from church treasuries. with youth group activities. They travel member of the Central Church of Christ emphasis on it used to be taught more Cherokee Home for Children in Texas, churches are having to develop pro- Before moving to Boles Children’s executive director of Shults-Lewis Child On the Southeastern campus — to youth rallies and Palmetto Bible in Spartanburg, east of the small town than it is today in many churches.” said: “Probably a majority are giving grams and activities that pique the Home, part of Arms of Hope, Mayo said and Family Services in Valparaiso, Ind. located within a 150-mile radius of Camp in Marietta, S.C. where Southeastern relocated in 1986. the same amount as they gave 30 or 40 interest of the younger generations in he lived in a rundown trailer with drug- “A dollar given to a children’s home in “Many of them have been baptized,” “So the pressure is to go to corporations years ago. But considering the financial order to keep them engaged.” addicted parents. Zambia may buy gallons of water.” Janice Axsom said of the two dozen and maybe even to take state dollars.” struggles of small, rural congregations, Churches desire much more personal “I remember waking up one night to Childhaven Inc. in Cullman, Ala., has girls she has welcomed, “some of them this must still be considered a generous involvement with the homes they sup- my 4-year-old brother saying, ‘Bubba, seen a “distinct shift” by major donors in the swimming pool at the house.” LESS EMPHASIS, LESS SUPPORT? gift.” port, said Glenn Newberry, president go help Mommy! Daddy’s going to kill toward supporting international orphan- Jesse Roach, 15, came to live at Growing up in the West Side Church Many small congregations still pro- and CEO of Sherwood & Foster’s Home her!’” Mayo said. “That was the night ages, executive director Jim Wright said. Southeastern when a state caseworker of Christ in Muskogee, Okla., Kenny vide “a large and steady part of day-to- for Children in Stephenville, Texas. God pulled us from that place. He gave “They see less cost and almost no removed him from his drug-infested Holton knew where to look for elder day support,” said Ron Bruner, execu- “They want to see firsthand the me the strength to climb out my win- regulation and find that attractive,” home. Willis Tudor, husband of his second- tive director of Westview Boys’ Home in work,” Newberry said. “They want dow and go call the police.” Wright said. At Bible camp last year, he made the grade Sunday school teacher, Alma. Hollis, Okla. some hands-on activities with our As church funding shrinks, Christian decision to accept Christ. “I fondly remember brother Tudor “Yet as some congregations diminish in children. We are moving past the day SHIFT TO INTERNATIONAL ORPHANGES Home and Bible School in Mount Dora, “I’m probably a lot stronger than I standing at the main door of the church attendance and contribution to the point where a church automatically sends a In the U.S., the number of child-care Fla., receives a larger proportion of was before, both physically and emo- building every month, with basket in that their financial survival is at stake, check each month to a post office box. agencies associated with Churches of funding from estate bequests and indi- tionally,” Roach said of how he has hand after worship, inviting us to ‘put in PHOTO PROVIDED BY KENNY HOLTON they are sometimes forced to the unpleas- And I agree that all of those changes Christ has declined to about 65, down vidual donors, said Chuck Shepherd, REBECCA MELTON PHOTOGRAPHY changed since his baptism. “I used to our change’ for the kids,” Holton said. Executive director Kenny Holton poses with ant necessity of removing such ministries are good, necessary and healthy.” from a peak of about 120, said Harold director of social services. Residents of Carpenter Place pose for a have a bad attitude and all that. Now, I The funds benefited Turley Children’s children at Raintree Village in Valdosta, Ga. from their budgets,” Bruner said. Too often, as Kevin McDonald sees Shank, national spokesman for the “More and more of our donor base photo at a benefit golf tournament. really don’t.” 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT JANUARY 2012 TAYLOR PUBLICATIONS 2011 - 2012 BUS CRASH: Victim wakes up from coma FROM PAGE 1 said. But the significance of such mis- four regional medical centers: sion trips goes beyond maintenance. NEW BLENDED HYMNAL • Pat Miller, wife of ACU professor “There are a lot of things here that Emmett Miller, was moved to hospice go way deeper than just a group of care in a coma, according to her family. students coming to work with some However, Emmett Miller later posted disadvantaged children,” McDonald told Features include: on his Facebook page: “Pat woke up The Optimist, ACU’s student newspaper. and is very responsive. Asking about “There’s a lot of relationships here.” Largest selection of hymns, 1007 people. Still not for sure what has hap- As the ACU community grapples with Highest quality paper and binding pened. Keep praying.” the loss, “we need to give people space for reduced weight • Naomi Cruz, a freshman from to ask questions,” said Frances Green, Richmond, Texas, was hospitalized in campus minister for the Southern Hills Expanded number of traditional Abilene and later transferred to a hospi- Church of Christ in Abilene. “This songs with familiar arrangements tal in Houston to be close to her home. creates a lot of hard questions, and we She remained hospitalized at press time. don’t have the answers.” Latest contemporary Praise and • Anna Ciufo, a freshman from The Steve Rowlands, director of ACU’s Worship songs Woodlands, Texas, was flown from a counseling center, said that the univer- hospital in San Angelo, Texas, to Dallas’ sity must “find a new normal.” Hymns arranged by topic into Parkland Medical Center. Ciufo was “I want to make sure that, although eighteen sections released after several surgeries. this is a crucible moment, this is not a Scripture text on each song Other victims of the crash were crippling moment,” he said. treated for injuries and released. Over 500 songs from hymnal REMEMBERING A DEDICATED CHRISTIAN recorded on 24 A Cappella CD’s ‘WE DON’T HAVE THE ANSWERS’ In Lubbock, Texas, friends and family In Abilene, “the campus snapped into gathered to celebrate Reid’s life at the All songs available in Power Point action the first moments after we first congregation where she grew up, the for projection learned of the accident, either to help Broadway Church of Christ. Dozens passengers and their families directly more listened to an audiocast of the Destined to become the next great or to simply pray,” ACU spokesman service at ACU’s welcome center, just hymnal Grant Rampy said. yards away from Reid’s dormitory. “We had more people — students, fac- Reid was remembered as an outdoors ulty, staff and our ACU neighbors — turn enthusiast who loved kayaking, skydiv- out for a candlelight prayer service on ing, zip-lining and mountain climbing “Incredible!” Thousands already singing from this the night of the accident than our outdoor — but hated fish. “Very impressive!” great, new blended hymnal. amphitheater could hold,” Rampy said. Bill Starcher, minster for the Broadway “Beautiful book!” The university hosted additional church, said Reid had the kind of faith prayer services in the days following that wasn’t practiced only on Sundays. “Well balanced selections!” the crash, including a chapel assembly “Whenever there were things to be dedicated to Reid that included prayers done, she stayed until it was done,” for those recovering. Starcher said, according to the Abilene “This book is one of the finest we have ever seen. “Our precious Anabel is in the arms of Reporter-News. “Anabel was always Thanks for printing it.” Randy Kramoski God this morning,” ACU President Phil there to help.” Schubert said at the chapel assembly. Josh Haynes, Broadway’s youth min- Other universities associated with ister, described Reid as an avid debater e Songs for Worship and Prais reaches back to preserve the timeless Churches of Christ also paused to pray who enjoyed verbal sparring on the expressions of faith and hope we’ve grown to love, and extends forward for the victims, including Lubbock long bus rides back from camping trips. to encompass the new, fresh expressions of today. Christian University. “She was my caffeine on the way Workers with the Arms of Hope min- home,” he said. Hymnbooks $12.99 each** istry also mourned the loss and prayed Haynes remembered Reid visiting Maroon or Navy Blue for the injured. The ministry oversees him at the hospital when his daughter, the Medina Children’s Home, about 225 Harper, was born. Soft Bonded Leather $34.99 each miles south of Abilene. Reid asked the youth minister if she Maroon or Navy Blue The ministry houses about 80 at- could hold the newborn. “For a second, I $ PowerPoint Software 799.00 risk children and more than 50 single thought she didn’t think I would let her,” w/50 books or more $699.00 - $ - $ - mothers and their children, said Kevin Haynes said. “But I, of course, did.” **40 99 12.49; 100 199 11.99; 200 399 TAYLOR PUBLICATIONS McDonald, Arms of Hope’s president When he saw his daughter in Reid’s $11.49; 400 up $10.99 1-800-995-2802 CD’s $13.95 each; SET of 20 $225 and chief executive officer. arms, he said, “I can honestly tell you, www.taylorpublications.com The annual mission trip to Medina at that moment I prayed that Harper YOUR #ONE SOURCE FOR CHURCH HYMNALS & A CAPPELLA RECORDINGS would have been the seventh for would become like Anabel.” Emmett Miller. The home relies on such trips to maintain the facilities, McDonald ADDITIONAL REPORTING: Sarah Stirman

JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

Administrative Minister

The Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas is seeking a full- time Administrative Minister. This minister oversees the day to day administrative functions of office supervision, payroll, facilities, scheduling, communication, and other responsibilities. This minister will lead our team of ministers, collaborate with our active deacons and prepare to serve work closely with our shepherds as we implement our vision and ministries. www.harding.edu/CAMT/bmin.html This minister is the administrative anchor for 1,600 members, 27 shepherds, 4 full-time ministers, office staff, part-time ministers, and undergraduate degree our outreach partners. in residence The Christ-centered candidate must be people focused, team oriented, full-tuition scholarships for qualified students collaborative, and well organized. The candidate will have an established history of both church and administrative experience. Additional qualifications and application are available on our website; along with our vision, ministries, and mission statement.

www.downtownchurch.org/jobs/ 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT JANUARY 2012 NEW LIFE: Meeting people where they are FROM PAGE 3 in this area to make straight the way of A congregation of mostly older peo- the Lord for a people who may be too ple, the Wagner Avenue church meets down to get to him.” in a more traditional setting: a red-brick Vicki Judd, a Florissant member building with wooden pews and a cross since 1989, came with her daughter, perched atop the roof. McKenna, 16, to show support for the Like Jackson, New Life worship leader new work. Jerry Williamson serves full time with “I think it’s fabulous,” Judd said. a different congregation. Williamson is “People in the community that maybe the youth and worship minister for the have been dissatisfied with another Florissant Church of Christ. church, this is a good way to get other New Life emerged, Jackson said, as people here. he and Williamson asked, “How can we “And with the different ministers … reach beyond our areas of the Kingdom?” that are coming from other churches “Wagner’s on one side of town. to here, it shows that, you know what, Florissant’s on another side of town,” we can all come together,” she added. the preacher said. “You’re not doing a “Yet nobody is on disservice to your this side of town, own church. You’re reaching people that just helping with perhaps don’t have another ministry Experience a new a relationship with within the area.” God at all.” The hotel is centrally located, degree of spirituality. ‘BLESSING BUSINESS’ Jackson said. On a recent “We can touch Saturday night, a few people without Enhance your ministry vision and skills while better hundred Christians interfering with any preparing yourself for the issues facing today’s church. The and visitors from other ministry north, Doctor of Ministry in Missional and Spiritual Formation throughout the area south, east and uniquely integrates experiential learning and scholarly came together to west,” he said. celebrate the official training, helping you to develop the faith, following and launch of the New ‘LIVING WATER’ future of your congregation. Life church. New Life leaders Williamson and canvassed neighbor- Christian singer hoods near the hotel Learn from seasoned theologians who have worked in Dorian Paul to invite visitors to ministry. Discuss and analyze real-life case studies that Williams, a mem- attend. The church will prepare you for the life and faith challenges faced by ber of the Trinity plans other outreach those you serve. Participate in spiritual formation retreats Gardens Church of BOBBY ROSS JR. projects — such as Christ in Houston, Kaylee Helgeson, 7, joins a prayer circle free meals at apart- with classmates. Make a researched contribution to the took turns lead- for the new church. She is the daughter of ment complexes ongoing conversation about spiritual formation and ing a selection of Randy and Alice Helgeson. — to engage the missional ministry. a cappella hymns community. ranging from “Lord, Reign in Me” As Jackson shared his vision for New to “Everybody Will Be Happy Over Life, he reflected on the woman at the These are all part of a unique program designed to meet There.” Directed by school administra- well. your schedule and to enrich your work wherever God tor Carla Payne, a choral group from “When this woman got the living has planted you. the Christian Academy of Greater St. water, she left her water pot, ran back Louis performed. to her city and told the town, “Come Lee Lewis, pulpit minister for the see a man that told me everything O’Fallon Church of Christ, west of St. that I’ve ever done,’” Jackson told the Louis, prayed and asked God to bless congregation. the new work. “When she went back to her town, “In these times of economic down- she changed that entire community,” turns and the increase of hopelessness, he added. “Jesus changed her, and it is important for people to know, under- because of her change, she changed stand and believe that our God is still in the lives of those around her. She had ics.lipscomb.edu • [email protected] • 615.966.5352 the blessing business,” Lewis said in an a new life, because God met her right e-mail to The Christian Chronicle. “Dr. where she was and walked her to Jackson and his team are the vanguard where she needed to be.” JANUARY 2012 the christian chronicle 17

PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD Students in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, wave and hold some of the thousands of children’s and teen’s Bibles that Eastern European Mission provides for ethics and character education. From Bible smugglers to suppliers: EEM at 50

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE master,” Navrotsky says, and “explains how God loved us enough to send his son to rescue us from our sins.” Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine “These stories protect us from bad decisions,” adds f you thought the Cold War was tough, just wait. teammate Viktoriya Kalynyuk. She’s the only girl on A high school academic team in this former the team. (“One girl is worth six boys,” her sly team- Soviet nation eagerly awaits the chance to do battle mate Aksentiy Volodymyr chimes in.) with American counterparts. Kalynyuk, an academic standout and an accomplished The subject: Bible knowledge. dancer, dreams of working for the International Red IThe seven students, all ages 16 and 17, attend Public Cross, helping the hurting in Africa, with the Bible as School No. 11 in this western Ukrainian town. They her guide. Such dreams seemed impossible a generation went toe-to-toe with the big-city schools and prevailed, ago, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The winning a competition that tested their command of government discouraged religion and confiscated Bibles. Scripture and its application to daily living. In 1961, seven young couples from Abilene Christian On a break between classes, the students sit in University in Texas moved to Vienna, Austria. They a white-walled auditorium and talk about the Bible set up a printing press, produced books of the New stories they referenced in their speeches. Testament in the languages of Eastern Europe and Speaking in English — a key focus of the school’s smuggled them under the Iron Curtain. Their ministry curriculum — Bohdan Navrotsky describes Jesus’ became known as Eastern European Mission. parable of the vineyard tenants who beat their A half-century later, the ministry produces Bibles in master’s messengers and killed his son. His teacher, the countries where once they were forbidden. Anna Dmytrychenko, watches and smiles, gently In Ukraine, an independent nation since 1991, the The high school academic team from Public School No. 11 in correcting him when he dips back into Ukrainian. Bible has become part of the public school curriculum. Ivano-Frankivsk won a national competition that tested their The vineyard parable “shows that God is your CONTINUED Bible knowledge and its application to daily living. 18 JANUARY 2012 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19

‘I am very thankful to EEM that they give us Bibles. The Bible has come into each home, whether it’s a home of believers or unbelievers. If there is a Bible in the house, it means there is God in the house. The Bible is the door.’ — Svetlana Demchenko, member of Church of Christ in Kharkiv, Ukraine

At a conference in Ukraine, Christians use Children at a hospital in Donetsk, Ukraine, gaze at new copies of EEM’s children’s Bible, Barbara Camp recalls life on the mission Olesya Andrusyak, head librarian of Public School No. 11 in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, At Ivano-Frankivsk’s Public School No. 16, song books produced by EEM. given to them by Jay Don Rogers, director of the Ukrainian Bible Institute. field in Vienna, Austria, 50 years ago. talks about the appeal of the illustrated children’s Bibles among elementary students. students read EEM’s children’s Bibles.

find both through a ministry that puts wife, Fran. As he reviewed the mate- Then the students stood and his word in people’s hands.” rial, Skovorodnikov decided to ask for Matsuk led them in the Lord’s Prayer. In Eastern Europe, the Bible goes to school baptism. During a U.S. visit, Armour They formed the sign of the cross ‘CHRISTIANITY IS THE GREATEST TREASURE’ baptized him at the Prestoncrest before heading to their next class. EEM prints Bibles and spiritual Church of Christ in Dallas. Churches of Christ are few in CONTINUED popular with elementary students, Throughout the Cold War, teams and “just sailed it out the window as literature in more than 20 languages In the past decade, EEM has western Ukraine, compared to the From kindergarten through high said Olesya Andrusyak, head of students from Christian universi- the train was moving, maybe 50 miles and distributes them to Churches of provided the Bibles and character larger congregations of the east. But school, students can opt to study librarian at Public School No. 11. ties stopped in Vienna on their way an hour,” Lynn Camp said. “And Stacks of gospel literature await shipment at EEM’s warehouse in Donetsk, Ukraine. Christ across the continent. curriculum to schools in five states in workers with EEM see signs that Christian ethics, using the Bible as a At each school the team visited, across the Iron Curtain. EEM armed though we could get him another one Each summer, the ministry supplies Russia and two in Ukraine. Officials Ukrainians, as they study the mate- textbook. teachers asked for more copies. them with tiny New Testaments in the in Vienna, he still wanted his Bible.” because if we need Bibles, we simply ents, but to pay for my baptism in literature and teams of U.S. church in two additional Ukrainian states rials given by the ministry, yearn for EEM gives Bibles and Bible-based Eastern Europe’s access to — and languages of the Soviet world. About two years later, Marcos got write to Eastern European Mission,” the Orthodox Church,” she said. members to host youth camps in have requested Bibles. To finance the simple, non-dogmatic Christianity. literature to all 763 schools in the hunger for — gospel literature is a “Can it fit in a shirt pocket?” was his Bible back in the mail. Some chil- said Igor Egirev, a former electrical Later she was baptized again, after Ukraine. In the Soviet years, the camps work, the ministry will host its seventh The parents of students in Ivano- Ivano-Frankivsk school system. dream realized for Barbara Camp, the ministry’s governing rule, said dren playing near the railroad tracks engineer in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, meeting a group of campaigners from were used to indoctrinate young Million Dollar Sunday in April. Frankivsk write to the ministry and To date, the ministry has provided who moved from Texas to Vienna 50 Murray Czeczotka, EEM’s former had found it, a note explained. who was baptized by a U.S. campaign Churches of Christ in the U.S. people with the values of communism. In Ivano-Frankivsk, EEM’s books ask for their own copies, Baggett said. biblical texts to more than 2 million years ago with her husband, Lynn. director of operations in Vienna. “We must apologize to you that we team in 1990. Egirev is director of the The campaigners gave her the first Now Ukrainian youths learn the Bible. line the shelves of classrooms next Church members teach the Bible children in 9,201 public schools in She remembers wearing a “Jackie The nondescript testaments bore no kept your Bible so long,” the note Institute of Theology and Christian copy of the Bible she ever owned, EEM also provides funds for to paintings of Jesus. Schools aren’t at summer camps, and a Church of Ukraine and Russia. Kennedy pillbox hat” and learning writing on their covers and could be said, “but it took us this long to make Ministry in St. Petersburg, Russia, “and, by the way, that Bible was from religious TV broadcasts and evan- allowed to teach religious doctrine, Christ in the city is growing, he added. The ministry also is a sponsor of the ins-and-outs of grocery shopping mistaken for cigarette packs. copies of it.” which trains indigenous church Eastern European Mission,” she said. gelistic seminars — all overseen by said Volodymyr Raikovsky, an ethics The academic team at Public Ukraine’s Bible competition and and laundry washing Small groups of Christians, meeting “They had handwritten copies of that leaders for the former Soviet world. In Vienna, Bartosz indigenous believers. The ministry teacher at Public School No. 11 represents the first provided prizes for the winning team in a foreign culture. across Eastern Europe, helped conceal Bible,” Lynn Camp said. The story Russia now has 55 Churches of Rybinski serves as partners with Ukrainian churches in School No. 16. Instead, generation of Ukrainians to grow up from Public School No. 11. Lynn Camp, now and distribute the literature. A farmer “really taught us about what God was Christ, Egirev said. Most are aware of EEM’s vice president outreach efforts to orphanages. they focus on the prin- entirely free of the Soviet Union. “Christianity is a world religion,” president of EEM, in Czechoslovakia buried thousands of doing and wanted to do through us.” the role EEM has played in their devel- for European opera- In 1998, a Russian government ciples of Christianity Despite decades of communism, says team member Ihor Kozak. remembers pulling Bibles under the hay in his barn. opment. Recently, a Church of Christ tions. He grew up official, Vladimir Skovorodnikov, and how they impact the people of Ivano-Frankivsk kept “Every country should have a cloth diapers from a A few Eastern Europeans, including MINISTRY AFTER THE WALL in Barnaul, Russia, made financial in Poland and was approached EEM with a way to get daily living, School offi- their faith close to their hearts — and competition like this.” drying line in the rain, Hungarian believer Ivan Marcos, made For more than a quarter-century, contribution to EEM part of its budget. converted while Bibles into the hands of 436,000 cials point to studies in instilled its value in their children. as his Viennese neigh- regular trips to Vienna. Marcos trav- EEM workers did their best to alle- In 2006, EEM sold its Vienna studying in the U.S. students and 80,000 teachers — by other Ukrainian cities “We know that Christianity is the EIGHTY BIBLES IN A SPARE TIRE bors giggled about him Lynn Camp eled there two or three times per year viate what Scott Hayes, the ministry’s facility and outsourced the printing Novikova “I witnessed first- producing a “morals and character” that show juvenile Plaksin greatest treasure we have,” says Richard Baggett, EEM’s vice presi- doing “women’s work.” to collect royalties from books written publishing director, called “spiritual of its materials to companies in the hand the communist curriculum for his country’s Altai delinquency rates Kozak, 17, one of the team members. dent of advancement, and members of He’s not sure what they would have by his father. He often returned home starvation” in the Soviet world. former Soviet Union. repression of religion and freedom,” region. To meet the challenge, EEM declining where schools teach ethics. “Now the people of Ukraine can the ministry’s Ukrainian staff traveled thought about the young Christian with contraband produced by EEM. Czeczotka believes that “people’s Increasingly, Eastern Europeans Rybinski said. “I would have never promoted a “Million Dollar Sunday,” Like most of western Ukraine, believe in the God they want. After to Ivano-Frankivsk to make sure the men that visited him in Vienna — Once, while riding a train to desire for religious information take leadership roles in the ministry. thought that a day would come when among Churches of Christ. Ivano-Frankivsk has a strong 70 years, people want to believe in Bibles they provide were getting into and squeezed into support stockings. Vienna, a Hungarian border guard contributed to the fall of the Berlin Dasha Novikova grew up in the we could read Bibles in schools and The churches met the goal, and Orthodox tradition. In an ethics the Master who loves us.” the schools. Arriving unannounced, That way, “you can stuff a lot went through Marcos’ belongings Wall” in 1989. After that, EEM eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, talk about God openly. EEM provided the schools with class observed by EEM visitors, After meeting the students, Nickoli Baggett and his teammates found of Bibles under your jeans,” he and found his personal Bible. received tens of thousands of where she now directs EEM’s “When I left my homeland in 1993 in Bibles, illustrated children’s Bibles, instructor Nadiya Matsuk taught Plaksin, a Ukrainian church member copies of their materials in each explained. “One of the kids took a “A man like you with a Bible? You requests for Bibles. Ukraine office. Even as a youth, she search of an adventure and a greater the “Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible” students about “agape” love. and distribution manager for EEM, library and many of the classrooms. tire tool, let the air out of the spare, should know better,” the guard told Now, 20 years after the breakup hungered for a relationship with God. sense of purpose, I couldn’t have by former EEM president Mike “Agape is the highest form of beams with pride. The books, especially the illustrated loosened it from the rim and put 80 Marcos, a high-ranking banker in of the Soviet Union, Christians in For her 10th birthday, “I told my imagined that one day God would Armour and “Morals and Character love,” she told the class. “This is how “That’s the future of my country,” children’s Bibles, are particularly Hungarian Bibles in the spare.” Hungary. The guard took the Bible Russia “just take it for granted, parents not to buy me any pres- lead me back to Eastern Europe to Lessons,” written by Armour and his Christ loved all of us.” he says. 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE How has living in Austria and working with EEM amika Rybinski’s desire to serve impacted your spiritual life? God has taken her from the Working and traveling with mountains of her home state, EEM has enriched my spiritual T life, while living in Vienna has Colorado, to the imperial palaces of really challenged it. Vienna, Austria. I always look forward to She lives in the “City of Dreams,” our EEM trips because I am so-named for a former resident, encouraged by the mutual renowned interpreter of dreams worship with others living Sigmund Freud. For Rybinski, Vienna abroad. I am blessed to hear is a place where her dreams of serv- how God is working and moving in their lives and ing in an international, multicultural communities. I am uplifted by setting are coming true. praise and worship, and I enjoy As a student at Oklahoma opportunities to experience Christian University, she participated this in multiple languages. in campaigns to Honduras, Poland, At first, when worshiping in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Vienna, I always felt lost and She met her husband, Polish-born PHOTO PROVIDED disconnected. I needed so much Bartosz “Bart” Rybinski, at the uni- Tamika Rybinski with Krystian, Bart and Izabela. Not pictured is the family’s newest member, Victoria. time to process and translate what was being said that I was versity. They married in 2001. always behind. I also had to Four years ago, Bart Rybinski A conversation with learn the cultural differences of accepted a job in the Vienna office of fellowship and worship. It chal- Eastern European Mission. Together, lenged me to get deeper into the couple travels the former Soviet God’s word to keep myself moti- world, teaching and networking with vated and growing. I started to other missionary families. Tamika do women’s group Bible studies Tamika Rybinski using CD’s at home on my own. Rybinski occasionally teaches Bible MISSIONARY IN AUSTRIA discusses soul-winning in multilingual, multicultural Eastern Europe. classes and recently taught an art Is Eastern Europe still as class at Come Before Winter, a renew- erated and others weren’t or well. Even at his young age, organized around the home receptive to the Gospel al event for missionary women. why they didn’t keep eggs in Krystian can recognize the church model. The environ- today as it was just after the The Rybinskis have three children: the refrigerated section of the difference and respond accord- ment is intimate and relational. fall of communism? 8-year-old Izabela, 2-year-old store. I had to learn to cook ingly. They Skype almost daily We usually spend most of What we have learned Krystian and a newborn, Victoria. from scratch. It stressed me. to keep up with friends and Sunday in fellowship and about how receptive Eastern I am still learning how things family. They play as if they worship. Our meetings often Europe is more than 20 years The family communicates in a work now that we live in multiple were in the same room — not include a meal. The children after communism varies from combination of Polish, English cultures simultaneously. on the other side of the world. actively participate by sharing country to country. and German — a language the prayer concerns, singing, People are seeking God Rybinskis dubbed “Podanglish.” How are your children Why did you and Bart contributing to discussion and everywhere. We see over adjusting to a new culture? choose to serve EEM? sharing what they have learned and over that what makes What challenges do you face Izabela was born in Okla- It was a unique opportunity with the adults at the end of a difference is being faith- in a foreign culture? homa and has lived half of that could utilize both of our their Bible time together. fully committed. Longtime The challenges of living her life in the States and half strengths and talents. The church is very outreach- commitment from churches, in another culture start the in Austria. She attends an Bart grew up in Warsaw, minded. There has been supporters and workers minute the plane lifts off the Austrian public school and has where we led student significant growth and several produces churches that grow ground, and you realize your adjusted very well. campaigns for several years. baptisms in the past two years. and thrive. To succeed in life will never be the same. I have learned so much about We have always had a heart As a result, our group is multi- missions in Europe, one must We have all had to relearn the German language as well as for that part of the world, and plying into two groups. remain faithful and be patient. how to live in a new culture, Austrian culture from Izabela we could see that God was All of the house churches Unfortunately, we see all to understand visual cues in while helping with homework really on the move in Eastern in Vienna come together to too often that is not the case. communication, a new language, or volunteering at her school. Europe. Lives were being fellowship and worship once Support is lost, leaving mission- develop new tastes and likes. She is introduced to many changed and doors were being per quarter. Each July the aries and promising works I remember how over- things in school and can share opened through EEM’s efforts. churches come together to run abandoned. whelming going to the store them with us at home. youth camps. It is a great way There are, however, great was when we first moved. I Krystian was born in Austria Tell us about the Churches to serve together as well as to examples of mentoring and didn’t understand why some and, like Izabela, is able to of Christ in Vienna today. share Christ with children who developing native Christians to containers of milk were refrig- switch between cultures really The churches in Vienna are desperately need him. carry on the work. JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21

NEWLIFE BEHAVINEORWLIFE N BEETWORKHAVIOR NETWORK OF OF ALALABABAMAAM A JAIL & PRISONJAIL WORKSHOP& PRISON WORKSHOP

HARDING February 17-18, 2012 February 17-18, 2012 U NIVERSITY Rainbow Church of ChristRainbow Church of Christ

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All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ Details at www.alabamaprisonministryworkshop.org and committed to Christian education. Details at www.alabamaprisonministryworkshop.org Phone 256-547-3731 Phone • Email 256-547-3731 : r ay • [email protected] : [email protected] COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. Seeking full-time faculty member within the area of pharmacy practice. Qualified applicants should possess a Pharm.D. as well as residency/fellowship training. At least two years of academic experience More than a million hits per year is preferred. Eligibility for pharmacy licensure in Arkansas is required. Responsibilities include creating, coordinating and delivering instruction in the Visit Our Website pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy and patient-centered care didactic curricu- DownloaDable aDvanceD bible StuDieS & a cappella Singing lum; developing and maintaining innovative clinical practice sites; conducting scholarly activity in an area of expertise; and engaging in service to the college and community. The college is partnering with local hospitals, clinics and com- munity pharmacies to establish clinical practice opportunities. Applicants from all clinical backgrounds will be considered. Candidates with expertise in adult internal medicine, community practice, ambulatory care, cardiology, hematol- ogy/oncology or pediatric practice are encouraged to apply. Submit a letter of interest and curriculum vita to Dr. Jeanie Smith, assistant pro- www.mainstreet–churchofchrist.com fessor of pharmacy practice, by mail at Harding University College of Pharmacy, Box 12230, Searcy, AR 72149-2230 or by email, [email protected]. The 30-year-old PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM. Seeking full-time, 12-month faculty Minister Needed AMEN Ministry The Emporia church of Christ in connects Christians positions; rank will be commensurate with applicant experience. Each new faculty Emporia, Kansas, is seeking a in the United States member will be responsible for participating in the teaching of the program’s core military with local full-time minister to work with curriculum, advising and mentoring students, assisting with the hands-on practi- churches of Christ both overseas and members in growing spiritually, in the U.S. Please send name, contact cal training of students in various clinical skills needed in clinical practice, main- numerically and in spreading the information and especially e-mail taining clinical competency through practice at the program’s affiliated clinic site, addresses to: Gospel. The minister should have conducting scholarly activity in the faculty’s area of expertise, and engaging in AMEN Ministry experience preaching the Good http://amenministry.info service to the College of Sciences, University and community. Qualified applicants News. Ministers applying should 135 Larchmont Drive should possess a minimum of a master’s degree in physician assistant studies or be willing to work with all ages in Hendersonville, NC 28791 similar field. Three years of clinical experience and one year of teaching experience Phone: (828) 891-4480 visitation, teaching the truth and E-mail: [email protected] preferred. PA applicants should be NCCPA certified and eligible for licensure as a involved with our campus ministry. physician assistant in the state of Arkansas. Applicants with other clinical training The congregation has a regular should have corresponding professional certification and be eligible for profession- attendance of 70-75, three elders al licensure in the state of Arkansas. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a and six deacons. A three-bedroom commitment to Christian education. house is provided and is located  Submit a letter of interest and curriculum vita to Dr. Michael Murphy, next to the church building. Inter- professor and program director, Physician Assistant Program, at ested individuals can send resume [email protected]. with references to Church of Christ, PO Box 572 Emporia, KS 66801   Harding had a record enrollment this year of 7,155 students from all 50 states and   or to Empchurchofchrist@yahoo. more than 50 foreign countries. Comprised of eight colleges, it is the largest private   university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other pri- com along with salary and benefit  requirements. vate university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile,  England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia. Please include an audio or video of some of your recent sermons.  22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012

Honoring the Past, Rejoicing in the Present, Planning for the Future

January 18-21, 2012 Keynote Speakers: Jim McGuiggan Kerry Williams Curtis Baker Vision Workshop 2012 Shelton Gibbs, III Truitt Adair with worship leader Keith Lancaster (Pictured: first class in 1962) www.sibi.cc/workshop

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Employment Opportunity JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 BIBLE CAMPS spoTLIGHT GANDER BROOK CHRISTIAN CAMP RAYMOND, Maine — “Camperships” are Character champions helping more children enjoy Bible camp. The donor-funded camp scholarships YORK, Neb. — York College recently allow low-income children to experi- celebrated its selection as a five-star ence Gander Brook, leaders said. “Champions of Character” institu- This past summer, 23 baptisms tion by the National Association of occurred during camp sessions, director Intercollegiate Athletics. Shawn Daggett said. “I continue to The program recognizes athletic believe that more eternal good is done in programs that intentionally teach char- the lives of our young people at Gander acter along with competitive excellence. Brook than anywhere else,” Daggett said. “Service is crucial to our mission,” York athletic director Jared Stark said. “One of the core components of the HIGHER EDUCATION ‘Champions of Character’ program is servant leadership. This program FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY directly supports our mission.” HENDERSON, Tenn. — Richard Eleby, living in Biloxi, Miss., recently earned a master of ministry degree, the first Freed-Hardeman student to complete his graduate degree entirely online. More than half of FHU students involved in master’s programs in Bible EMILY LANSDELL take at least part of their courses online. Students participate online live 70,000 cans form Christian school sculpture in 16 states as well as India, Australia, Students at Columbia Academy, a Tennessee school associated with Churches of Christ, build a Korea and Russia. sculpture using 70,000 cans of food. The items were collected as part of the Christian school’s “Offering our degrees online gives annual canned food drive. After a special ceremony, the food was distributed to 18 local organiza- STEDDON SIKES us the opportunity to extend our reach tions and food banks. For 20 years, Columbia Academy has helped fill pantries of nonprofits and York students don pink for a “Play for the ... to many people who are not in the churches. More than 1.2 million cans of food have been collected during that period. Cure” game raising money for a cancer victim. position to uproot their families,” said Mark Blackwelder, director of grad- uate studies in Bible. “For many people OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY k-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS MEDIA MINISTRIES engaged in a career in ministry, this can OKLAHOMA CITY — The scenario Oklahoma make the difference between getting Christian cross country head coach a graduate degree or spending years Mark Thompson had pictured months DAVID LIPSCOMB CAMPUS SCHOOL HERALD OF TRUTH wishing they could.” earlier came to happen on a recent NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The campus school MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Christians in this Saturday morning. received a $10 million gift awarded Central American nation distributed HARDING UNIVERSITY Thompson hadn’t shied away all by the Stephens Christian Trust — 40,000 brochures during a recent evan- SEARCY, Ark. — Harding President David B. season from talk that his Eagles could founded by Nashville resident Bill gelistic campaign. The campaign also Burks announced he will retire at the end win the NAIA men’s national champi- Stephens — to be used to support facili- included live radio broadcasts, door-to- of the 2012-13 academic onship, and they went out and did so in ties and programs. door invitations, a seminar for marriage year, after 26 years at dominating fashion on a brisk fall day “In making this generous gift, the enrichment and three gospel meetings. the helm. Burks, 68, is at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Stephenses are enabling us to begin Herald of Truth workers Tim Archer, the fourth president in Site in Washington state. putting form to the vision we have Rigoberto Vargas and Bruno Valle Harding’s 87-year history. “We thought going in, if we really formulated for the campus school in coordinated the campaign. Forty-three “In 2006, the board executed well, we’d win, and we recent years,” Lipscomb University Churches of Christ in Nicaragua part- extended my contract executed well, better than I expected,” President Randy Lowry said. “We hope nered in the work. and asked me to work Thompson said. to begin the first step in that vision, the “Any time we touch thousands with until age 70,” Burks said. With three runners — Silas Kisorio, renovation of our elementary school on the message of Christ, we feel we have “It should not come as a Burks Geoffrey Njonjo and David McWilliams Granny White Pike, within the next 18 been successful,” Archer said. “For this surprise to anyone that I — finishing in the top 20, the No. months.” campaign, that feeling is accentuated am planning to retire. ... I will do every- 1-ranked Eagles posted a team score Lipscomb Campus School is the largest by eight baptisms and the initiation of thing I can to make sure the transition of 93, well ahead of second-place private K-12 school in Middle Tennessee more than 30 personal studies being is as smooth as possible.” California State-San Marcos. The with nearly 1,400 students. Owned and conducted by our brethren in Managua.” In Burks’ tenure, Harding has grown national championship was the first in operated by Lipscomb University, it’s Juan Monroy, another worker with from 2,997 students to 7,155 and the Oklahoma Christian cross country one of the few secondary schools in the Herald of Truth, plans to travel to completed $250 million in capital projects. program’s history. nation located on a university campus. Nicaragua for a follow-up campaign. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE JANUARY 2012 Newsmakers

NAMED: Trent Williamson, president of Harding Academy of Memphis in Tennessee. The Christian school serves more than 1,200 students on three campuses. John acu.edu Folks, superintendent of the year by the Texas Association of School Boards. Folks, a College of Arts and Sciences teaching finance courses at both the undergraduate and member of the MacArthur graduate levels, pursuing scholarly research, and performing Dr. Charles Mattis, Dean Park church in San Antonio, service for the department and the university community. ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 is superintendent of the Teaching excellence is required, as well as an aptitude for Williamson Engineering Northside Independent research and publication. Information about the department School District in San ACU seeks an experienced engineer to develop an is available at acu.edu/accounting. engineering program. This new position will work closely Antonio. David Scobey, with the ACU Department of Physics, which currently offers College of Education and Human Services chair of the board of trust- an engineering physics degree. The department unanimously Dr. Malesa Breeding, Dean ees, and Scott Sager, vice supports this venture and encourages the inclusion of the ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 president of church services, department's internationally recognized research groups into School of Social Work for Lipscomb University, the engineering program. The faculty member will have the The ACU School of Social Work invites applications for Nashville, Tenn. opportunity to use his or her experience, drive, connections a tenure-track position as assistant/associate professor of and tenacity to develop a world-class engineering program. social work beginning Fall 2012. Applicants should have an AWARDED: Timothy The ideal candidate will have experience with the ABET Folks M.S.W. and an earned doctorate in social work or related Pownall, the Peacemaker accreditation process and proven leadership skills to field. Ph.D. or related doctoral degree is preferred, but Award from the Association for Conflict ensure a successful accreditation process. Rank will be applicants who are ABD will be considered. Responsibilities Resolution. Pownall is director of the PACIS comm ensurate with experience. Information about the include teaching social work courses at both the B.S.S.W. department is available at acu.edu/engineering. Project in Faith Based Diplomacy and adjunct and M.S.S.W. levels, pursuing scholarly research, and professor at the Straus Institute for Dispute College of Biblical Studies performing service for the university, profession and Resolution at the Pepperdine University community. Applicants should have experience in diverse Dr. Jack Reese, Dean School of Law, Malibu, Calif. areas of social work practice, be able to teach across the ACU Box 29400, Abilene, Texas 79699-9400 curriculum, and engage the broader community in which ANNIVERSARIES: 74th: Walter and Ruth Marriage and Family Therapy the school partners. Information about the school is The Department of Marriage and Family Therapy invites available at acu.edu/socialwork. Bryan, Edmond, Okla. 70th: Jim and Elva applications and nominations in writing for a tenure-track Musslewhite, Chambersburg, Penn. John position beginning Fall 2012. The MFT program at ACU has and Mary Catalina, La Feria, Texas. Elton and held continuous COAMFTE-accreditation since 1983. The In a letter to the appropriate dean, applicants Eleanor Dilbeck, Rowell, N.M. 60th: Ted and candidate will be expected to teach courses relative to should address their qualifications for the position. Jennell Howard, Murray, Ky. 55th: Roger and the modern theories of family therapy, family life cycle They should include in the application a statement of Shirley Hart, Emory, Texas. and human development, testing and assessment, and how faith informs their teaching and/or administration; DSM-IV-TR diagnosis. In addition, the candidate will be a discussion of their spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; BIRTHDAYS: 100th: Nina Madge Sims, San expected to supervise graduate interns, mentor student transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; and Antonio. 90th: Lois Demuth, research, and accept departmental, college and university names, addresses and phone numbers of five references. Yukon, Okla. committee assignments. The candidate should possess Review of applicants will begin immediately and a well-defined program of research as evidenced by continue until the position is filled. Nominations PASSAGES: Condy Garland peer-reviewed publications and presentations. The candidate of and applications from qualified women and should also demonstrate competence in the integration of minorities are especially encouraged. Billingsley, 87, Sept. 16, theological and spiritual issues with therapy. The candidate ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the minister for more than must hold the Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy or a Churches of Christ. All applicants must be professing 50 years in New Mexico, closely related mental health discipline, exhibit competence Christians and be active, faithful members of a Arkansas, Oklahoma and as a classroom teacher, demonstrate eligibility for licensure congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply Texas. Joseph Marlin Ivey, Sims as an LMFT in the State of Texas, and hold Clinical committed to service in Christian higher education. 75, Oct. 21, elder of the Membership and Approved Supervisor status or be The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian South Huntington church in Kosciusko, Miss., a supervisor-in-training with the AAMFT. Information service and leadership throughout the world. for 36 years, and elder of Lake Harbour church about the department is available at acu.edu/therapy. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in in Ridgeland, Miss., former board chair of College of Business Administration employment opportunities. Sunnybrook Children’s Home in Ridgeland, Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean and past board member of The Christian ACU Box 29303, Abilene, Texas 79699-9303 Chronicle. Jane Lavender O’Neal, 63, Nov. 9, Accounting and Finance member of the Pickerington Church of Christ in Ohio, longtime worker with churches in The Department of Accounting and Finance also invites northern Italy. Iris Reese, 89, Oct. 29, long- applications for a tenure-track position in finance. A terminal degree or ABD status is preferred. Responsibilities include time member of the University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, and assistant director 110324-1211 of the office of student financial aid at Abilene Christian University. JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 SAVE 25-40%! LIFE APPLICATION Study Bibles

Available in the best- selling Bible versions Cast Your Nets for the Master. in cooperation with Elders and * FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50+ * Over 4,000 different Bibles to choose from Church Leaders: Your congregation * Logo and name imprinting on most of our Bibles Your Discount Bible Source can start * Save on Bible accessories and communionware too 1-800-970-2425 your own Christian School or Pre-school Partners For Christian Education can help! Free manuals and counseling. See our web site for more information. Partners For Christian Education P.O. Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136 Office Phone: (405) 471-6003 www.pfce.com 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012

Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community which transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service. The University is currently accepting applications for the following staff positions:

Business Office: Assistant Controller. This position reports to the Controller, and is responsible for assisting in all facets of accounting and financial reporting and oversight of business operations. A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is required, and CPA status is preferred. improve your serve Physical Plant Services: Director. This position reports to the VP for Finance, and is responsible for oversight and management of the campus and facilities of the www.harding.edu/mmin University. 10 years experience in facilities management or related fields and a Bachelor’s degree are required. Spring 2012 MMIN 601 Orientation to M.Min. graduate degree MMIN 602 Research and Resources for at-a-distance online courses Director of Transportation Services. This position reports to the Director of Physi- Advanced Bible Study cal Plant Services, and is responsible for oversight of the vehicle fleet for the uni- MMIN 611 Theological Foundations of Ministry scholarships available MMIN 621 Christian Ministry in versity. Specific responsibilities include scheduling of buses for academic, athletic, Contemporary Culture and other campus uses, maintenance and upkeep of vehicles, and management of MMIN 635 Christian Religious Education drivers and risk control policies. Experience in fleet or transportation management MMIN 637 The Art of Preaching and mechanical knowledge or skills are required. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. MMIN 643 Conflict Management Summer 2012 MMIN 631 Christian Communication Resumes should be forwarded to the attention of Lynn Hooper, Director of Human MMIN 641 People Helping Resources, Oklahoma Christian University. [email protected]. MMIN 655 Small Groups Ministries

MISSIONS Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage Christian University missions. After participat- ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was capable of leading his own mission team. And House Parents he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he organized a team of HCU students to join him in his home country of Peru, where they conducted Arms of Hope is seeking a married couple who has a passion Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an for today’s youth and a calling to Christian residential care. HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is planning a second trip. From At Arms of Hope we have the unique opportunity to serve being led to leading... that’s the goal of youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need the Christian Service and campaign adult leadership to help guide them educationally, emotion- programs. Ramon plans to return to Peru after ally and spiritually. It is our mission to provide these children graduation, but he with a therapeutic environment in which they can develop and will have left a legacy of leadership... and a prosper. This mission opportunity offers a very competitive dream in the hearts of salary in addition to housing, food, health insurance, a retire- other students. That’s ment plan and generous vacation and leave time. the type of missions experience you can expect from HCU. If interested in these positions, please visit It’s our focus. www.ArmsofHope.org to obtain an application on the “About Us” page. You can also contact Allen Williams at www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 [email protected]. 3625 Helton Drive w P.O. Box HCU Florence, AL 35630 AUGUST 2011 JANUARY 2012 CALENDAR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 the christian chronicle 27

Dec. 1 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Coffeehouse. Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. Contact (213) 220-7256 or The department of Language and Literature at chapter, an annual faith-based speakers series, a strong [email protected]. Oklahoma Christian University invites applications student/faculty connection, increasing TEFL and writing Dec. 2 Freed-Hardeman University for an Assistant Professor position to begin Fall 2012. internships, and successful placement of graduates. We Benefit Dinner. Featured speaker: Bob seek an engaged candidate whose specific expertise will Newhart. Contact fhu.edu/Newhart. Dec. 3 Annual Dinner and Auction. Candidates should emphasize their ability to teach further develop our growing TEFL program. Ohio Valley University, Vienna, W.Va. composition, courses related to the Teaching English Contact (304) 865-6112 or ginny.moss@ as a Foreign Language [TEFL] degree, and Oklahoma Christian University is a liberal arts university ovu.edu. basic-intermediate language courses corre- affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Applicants Dec. 3 Journey to Bethlehem. sponding either to one of the university’s should be active members of the Churches of Michigan Christian Youth Camp. Contact overseas programs — German, Japanese, Christ and have a personal life that reflects the (810) 664-8040 or [email protected] Chinese — or to one of the department’s teachings, example, and love of Jesus Christ. Dec. 4 35th Annual Cocoa and Carols. current language offerings: French, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma Spanish. Applicants with a Ph.D. or ABD Applicants should send curriculum vita, City. Contact (405) 425-5530 or www. are preferred, but other qualified appli- teaching philosophy, statement of faith, and oc.edu. cants will also be considered. writing sample related to the particular Dec. 5 A Celebration of Christmas. Dr. Cami Agan Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. specialization to , Chair Contact (615) 966-5932 or www.lipscomb. Course load for the position is of the department of Language and edu. 4/4 with English courses in Linguistics, Literature at the following e-mail address: Dec. 10 50th Anniversary Dinner. Structure of the English Language, and/ [email protected]. Mobile Christian School. Contact (251) or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and 661-1613 or www.mobilechristian.org. Composition, and courses in the appropriate language. Electronic attachments and cover letters preferred. The Jan. 18-21 Sunset International Bible search will continue through Spring 2012 or until a Institute Vision Workshop. Lubbock, As a department committed to the integration of faith suitable candidate is found. Texas. Contactwww.sibi.cc/workshop. and learning, Language and Literature is a dynamic Feb. 3-4 Women of Hope Conference. community that serves 100 majors/minors and boasts a Oklahoma Christian University is an equal Embassy Suites Hotel, Murfreesboro, variety of academic successes: an active honors society opportunity employer. Tenn. Contact www.hhi.org/ womensConference. Feb. 5-9 76th Annual Freed-

Hardeman University Bible Lectureship. Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, Tenn. Contact www.fhu.edu.lectureship or Tennessee [email protected]. Feb. 17-18 The NewLifeBehavior  Network of Alabama Jail/Prison Children’s Home   Workshop. Rainbow church, Gadsden,  Ala. Contact (256) 547-3731, raycox1927@       comcast.net or www.alabamaprisonminis- Job Opening  tryworkshop.org.  Feb. 24-25 Affirming the Faith        Seminar. North MacArthur church, Seeking energetic couples to serve as       Oklahoma City. Contact www.affirmingth- houseparents for the East Tennessee and West efaithok.com. Tennessee campuses. Parents will be responsi-  March 5-8 Faulkner University      Lectureship. Faulkner University, ble for the daily care for up to 8 adolescent boys.       Montgomery, Ala. Theme: “Christ Above            All. (Studies from Hebrews).” Contact Come be a part of this ministry! We offer com-     [email protected]. petitive pay and excellent full-time benefits in-     March 20-25 Seminar in       Congregation Shepherding and cluding medical, dental, life insurance, disability,  Leadership. Harding School of Theology, retirement and paid time off.  Memphis, Tenn. Contact (901) 432-7724.  March 21-24 The Tulsa Workshop. To apply, visit us online at www.tennesseechild-  Tulsa, Okla., EXPO Center. Contact tulsa-  workshop.org. renshome.org or contact our HR Manager at 931- April 28-29 50th Anniversary of the 486-2274 x 225.  Garden Ridge church. Lewisville, Texas.  Contact [email protected].  Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012

Do you have a heart for children? Join our ministry of providing Homes for Children!

DIRECTOR OF CHURCH RELATIONS Good public speaking abilities, people skills and computer skills, and physical ability to lift and carry heavy donated items.

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(Portales, NM) has opportunities for full-time ministry available. Great rewards result from serving the Lord by taking care of children! Call Charles Anderson or Rod Self at (575) 356-5372 or 356-8414. Visit our web page at www.nmcch.org or e-mail [email protected]. JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29

editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins 2011: Numbers that inspired us ellow Christians, you built by the Northeast Church at Westbury Christian School inspire us. As 2011 gives of Christ in Oklahoma City as it in Houston, whose passion for way to 2012, let us count aims to provide salt, light — and teaching God’s word earned the ways. These are a affordable living — in its urban him the National Christian just a few of our favorite community. School Association’s Teacher of F“numbers” from this past year: • 50: Years that Eastern the Year Award. • 9: Age of Davis Burton, European Mission has produced • 275: Combined years of member of the Pleasant Valley Bibles and Christian literature preaching in the Los Angeles Church of Christ in Little Rock, for the Soviet, and post-Soviet, area by six ministers: Billy Curl, Ark., as he delivered an incred- world — and the number of O.J. Dyson, Carl C. Baccus, ible sermon on the blessings of years that have passed since a Calvin Bowers, Ellis Lewis Sr. daily Bible reading. pioneering mission team arrived and Burl Lundy. • 17: Hours driven by 31 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. • 15,000: Doors knocked teens and 10 chaperones from • 61: Age by “foot soldiers” seven New England congrega- of Alan Moore, ‘We deeply appreciate during the Crusade tions to the Winterfest youth Vietnam veteran for Christ evange- rally in Gatlinburg, Tenn. and kicker at everyone who listic campaign in • 20: Age of Kayla Bilby, Faulkner University reads the Chronicle, the Washington, inner-city missionary who in Montgomery, D.C., area. Genuine Leather serves the poor and down- Ala., the oldest particularly the many • 30,000: trodden through the Contact player in college donors who provide Baptism requests Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla. football history. each year by TO OUR READERS • 25: Consecutive years of • 108: Age generous financial World Bible School record enrollment by Harding of Lula Wallace support.’ students. University in Searcy, Ark. when she accepted • 250,000: We welcome your feedback • 27: Children for whom Jesus Christ as her Monthly readers of minister Dieugrand Jean cares savior and was baptized at the The Christian Chronicle. ant to share news • International items: in an earthquake-ravaged shanty Norris Road Church of Christ in We deeply appreciate everyone or have an idea for a E-mail erik@christian town in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Memphis, Tenn. who reads the Chronicle, Wstory? chronicle.org. • 30: Jersey number of • 193: Countries in the world particularly the many donors Know a faithful Christian • Letters to the editor: Boston Bruins goalie Tim since South Sudan became the who provide generous financial who’d make an interesting E-mail letters@christian Thomas, member of the newest nation, allowing thou- support that allows us to bring profile? chronicle.org. Burlington Church of Christ, sands of Sudanese baptized in you the news in print each We’d welcome your You can mail items to: The named most valuable player as refugee camps to return home month and online as it occurs at feedback. Christian Chronicle, P.O. Box his team won its first Stanley and plant churches. www.christianchronicle.org. • National items: E-mail 11000, Oklahoma City, OK Cup since 1972. • 258: Room number for May God continue to bless bobby.ross@christian 73136-1100. Reach us by tele- • 32: Single-family houses Steve Hawley, Bible teacher you and yours in the new year. chronicle.org. phone at (405) 425-5070.

Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] constitute endorsement by the edi- [email protected] tors, the staff, the Board of Trustees of Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Christian University. Circulation Manager: Lynda Sheehan discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or less www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments to The Christian Chronicle® is published Associate Editor: Joy McMillon the print or online editions are considered to be letters to monthly and is served by a national Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] the editor and may be published. Please include name, Board of Trustees that is charged with P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford city and state of residence, as well as home congregation. the responsibility for policy and Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] governance. All trustees, editors and Editor, President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon Administrative Assistant: Virginia Ware The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal staff are active members of the Churches of Christ. [email protected] [email protected] publication, but a newspaper with news and opinion Correspondent: Ted Parks content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. National, Partners news: [email protected] Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch • Dale Brown • Dwain Chaffin Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad TO SUBSCRIBE: Advertising contains commercial messages from those Bill Davis • W. L. Fletcher III • Ralph Harvey • Emily Lemley International news, features: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Woody Loden Jr. • James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. Advertising Director: Tamie Ross e-mail [email protected] opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer • Max Pope • Kevin Ramsey [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. advertising do not necessarily represent the views of or Harold Redd • Harry Risinger • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION JANUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012 OPINION the christian chronicle 31

“It’s unfortunate that sometimes it takes a catastrophic event for people to talk about God and letters “I will survive. We will not let that gunman take our hopes.” Christ. But I’m glad that people are now thinking about Jesus.” MAVY STODDARD, widow of Dorwan Stoddard. The 76-year-old member of the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ in Tucson, Ariz., DOUG DOUTHITT, elder of the 26th and Connecticut Church of Christ in Joplin, Mo., on the tornado that claimed the lives of two church members. Montana church was killed in an assassination attempt on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “I don’t want to hit anyone over the merger inspires head with the Bible. I think they have to reach the point where they want to Praise the Lord that these congre- start asking questions.” gations were able to overcome dif- JEFF OLIVERSON, former Mormon and elder of the Southside ferences. (See “In Big Sky Country, Church of Christ in Salt Lake City, on ministering in a state three congregations merge,” Page 1, dominated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. December.) What a wonderful testimo- ny to the community. It gives me hope “You do understand that I didn’t that we too can renew fellowship with write this book?” others in our community. RUBEL SHELLY, president of Rochester College in Michigan, God calls us to unite and to forgive to a student who asked Shelly to sign a paperback Bible used those who have hurt us. We need to in a course called “Introduction to the Christian Faith.” follow Christ’s example. Then God will bless his church with growth. “Yes, sir. But this is the first Bible FRANK HOPPEN Dawn Mathias, | Fort Wayne, Ind. I’ve ever owned, and you’ve taught me Motocross champion and church member Trey Canard trains on a dirt track. how to read it.” It would be good to write about these The student, in reply to Shelly. churches years after the fact. “I’m so thankful for this new excuse. “In one attack, I lost almost all the I tend to agree with Flavil Yeakley’s JENNIFER GLIDDEN ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD BOBBY ROSS JR. “Malawi is the Israel of Africa.” Of course I’m overweight. I go to members of my church. Sometimes I statement that in many cases, declining MARCH: Remembering shooting victim Dorwan Stoddard. AUGUST: Celebrating independence in South Sudan. SEPTEMBER: Serving tsunami victims in Japan. DECEMBER: Praying for unity in Helena, Mont. Priestly Nkhonjera, a longtime minister in Malawi, church!” think it wasn’t because I was a better churches merge only to drop back down a country with more than 4,000 Churches of Christ. JULIE TRUEX, member of the Saturn Road Church of Christ soldier. I think God saved me for a to the size of the larger congregation in Garland, Texas, on a Northwestern University study suggesting reason. ... Today, if you go to any office within five years. We can’t say they were “When we try to make the church that regular church attendance might contribute to obesity. of the government, you will find the operating in sin as three functioning anything instead of letting the cross there.” Churches of Christ. There were good Remembering 2011: The year in quotes Malawians make a Malawian church, “It’s a good way to get to know God Zechariah Manyok Biar, a former member of the reasons for their doing what they did at we’re going to have problems. better.” Sudan People’s Liberation Army, who now serves the time, and I’m sure much good was Besides, it’s Jesus’ church. And Jesus DAVIS BURTON, 9, member of the Pleasant Valley Church in the government of South Sudan. done by all three over the years. ragedy — on scales massive “You’re going to see people that, a generation from now, are Christians because of what’s was not an American.” of Christ in Little Rock, Ark., on reading the John Paul Hundley | Brussels, Belgium and personal — touched Randy Judd, second-generation missionary in Malawi. entire Bible in a single calendar year. “I’m praying for this new church, Churches of Christ in 2011. An happening now. And God can count that — we can’t.” and I’m praying that there will be no Filipinos’ service lauded earthquake claimed thousands Larry Musick, former president of Global Samaritan Resources, on Christians’ earthquake relief efforts in Japan. “There was a point “It is a unique opportunity for the more fighting.” of lives in Japan, tornadoes when I said, ‘God, I church to come to the capital of the Betty Aleng, a recently baptized I have served with these two spe- Tdevastated congregations in Alabama don’t get it.’ To see peo- United States, within miles of the White member of the Church of Christ in cial sisters on a medical mission in and Missouri, and shootings robbed “I try to believe in God “Sometimes, my mom’s mind is not then I wouldn’t be here.” ple suffer like this, you House, to tell people in and around the Parajok, South Sudan. the Philippines, and I assure you this churches in Arizona and Mississippi still. When I doubt God, very clear. But that morning, it was very MARINE STAFF SGT. TIM suffer in your soul.” White House about the right house, is their life. (See “Christians from of beloved members. I pray to him, ‘God, why clear. She knew what she wanted to do.” HARRISON, member of the Roosevelt Debbie Vanderbeek, of Mission and that is the church of Jesus Christ.” “The greatest preach- Philippines show love to their sisters in In their own words, Christians did you do this?’” MARGARET COOKE, member of the Norris Road Church of Drive Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Lazarus, on working in Haiti JACK EVANS, president of Southwestern Christian College ers have always had two Hong Kong,” Page 12, November.) describe the heartbreak, hope and Yuko Kawamura, member of the Christ in Memphis, Tenn., on her mother Lula Wallace’s N.C., as he prepared to serve his third one year after the January 2010 in Terrell, Texas, on conducting the Crusade for Christ jobs. Even Jesus was a These two ladies and many more even humor that characterized their in Washington, D.C. carpenter.” faithful Filipino Christians tirelessly Sendai Church of Christ in Japan, three decision to be baptized at age 108. tour in Afghanistan. earthquake. Vanderbeek Aleng lives in the past 12 months. months after a 9.0-magnitude earth- Franco Verardi, a minister serve their fellow Filipinos on medical quake claimed the lives of her best friend “We are the rod and staff that God “I know that, yeah, “Why? Why the earthquake? Why “I get these older women — 70 and in Italy who paints houses to support his work. missions all over their native country. “Dory Stoddard didn’t die a hero, he and her friend’s two children. Kawamura uses to help these families through this there’s a possibility that Harrison the hurricane? Why the flood? Why the 80 years old — and they’re telling me Many have obeyed the Gospel at least lived a hero.” very brief — but very intense — time. anybody that deploys cholera? Why the demonstrations? God that they’re watching me ride a motor- “The old saying is, ‘A tornado in part because of the faithfulness of MIKE NOWAK, pulpit minister for the Mountain Avenue “God didn’t do this. This was just evil.” We hope that, by being there with may not come home. I don’t want to taught Job that it’s better to know God cycle. It’s kind of funny.” sounds like a freight train.’ Well, it Gigie and Evelyn. church, on his friend’s dedication to his family and community. LES FERGUSON JR., minister for the Orange Grove Church of them, they are made aware of God’s have to deal with that. But I have a than just the answers.” TREY CANARD, professional motocross champion and almost sounded like 10 freight trains.” Wade Phillips | Elkmont, Ala. Christ in Gulfport, Miss., after the slayings presence, that God is very real and faith, and I have a (church) family, that Harry Hames, of Healing Hands International, member of the Central Church of Christ in Shawnee, Okla., on ANDREW BROADFOOT, campus ministry student, “His final act of selflessness was to of his wife, Karen, and son Cole. cares about them.” can help keep me secure and keep me speaking to a congregation of Haitians. being a role model for young — and old — fellow Christians. on huddling in a small cinderblock closet at the Central Praise from Scandinavia dive on top of his wife, sacrificing his LT. COL. DENNIS SAUCIER, member of the Dover Church positive.” Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala., during a monster twister. life for her.” “The students that I have now are so of Christ in Delaware and senior staff chaplain of the Air Force WHITNEY COLES, member of the Roosevelt Drive church “I believed that the KJV came direct- “I think it’s been like, this is kind I just wanted to take a few minutes to PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, speaking about Dorwan digitally connected that to sit and have Mortuary Affairs Operation at Dover Air Force Base. on the deployment of her husband, ly from the mouth of God, and as a of the Old West, and if we don’t like “What remains? Faith. Hope. And say a very big thank you to all of you at Stoddard at a memorial service for the Tucson shooting victims. a face-to-face with them is like sitting Marine Staff Sgt. Ahmal Coles, to Afghanistan. child, I thought that King James was a something, we’re going to draw our love. Those are the only three things The Christian Chronicle. Your service on nails. They would much rather talk “I know that people are praying for biblical character.” gun and shoot. And that’s not the we had beforehand anyway. The things makes being on the field and all alone “I get questions like, ‘Do y’all accept to me through a screen.” me while I’m over there. And that’s a “It’s a lot of pizza and Scripture.” LOVENTRICE FARROW, member of the Naperville Church nature of Jesus.” that matter have not changed.” so much easier. Also, thank you to all chips in your basket?’” JON JUSTICE, youth minister for big help and a big comfort. There’s KIMBER KELLEY, Bible Bowl coach and member of the of Christ in Illinois, on growing up in congregations JERRY BOTTS, minister for the South Hills Church of Christ LEE JAMIESON, minister for the Alabama church, after the those that donate and advertise so all of LEO G. GAY, minister for the North Las Vegas Church of Christ, the Warrenton Church of Christ in Virginia, been quite a few times where, if they Walled Lake Church of Christ in Michigan, on her work that relied exclusively on the King James Bible, which in Helena, Mont., on repeated church splits before three area tornado obliterated the building and caused massive damage us can enjoy. on fellow Christians’ reactions when they learn he’s from Sin City. on technology’s impact on the church. wouldn’t have been praying for me, with a junior team called the Walled Lake Miracles. marked its 400th anniversary in 2011. congregations came together and healed old wounds. throughout Tuscaloosa. Janice Larson | Vemdalen, Sweden 32 the Christian chronicle reviews JANUARY 2012 ‘Tis the season for giving and saving, say authors

By Kimberly Mauck | The Christian Chronicle and tedious as the “extreme couponers” make it appear. here’s a reason the colors of the Particularly geared toward women, season are red and green: Red chapters are devoted to meal plan- is the color you see when you ning, freezer cooking, stocking up on realize how much green you’re groceries and toiletries when they’re spending. on sale and doubling savings by using TTwo new books encourage Christians coupons in conjunction with store sales. to use their money wisely so they have Although Hancock recommends plenty to give to others, not just in the using the good old Sunday paper and month of December, but year-round. other paper inserts to find the best Bestselling author Randy Alcorn has coupons, she also appeals to the tech- trimmed his classic financial guide savvy reader with QR codes throughout “Money, Possessions, and Eternity,” the book that link to her resource-rich some heavy reading at 520 pages, to blog, as well as listing coupon websites the more budget- and pocket-friendly and services wherever applicable. “Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Each chapter concludes with two lists Guide.” of steps to follow: one set if you have This book is a challenging and benefi- less time, and one set if you have more. cial read for anyone in the church who Spread throughout the book are would like a Scripture-based, eternity- quotes from women who have used focused guide to personal finance. Hancock’s blog or heard her presenta- For a more specific guide on getting tion and have slashed their grocery and out of debt or day-to-day money HHHH toiletry budgets by half or more. management, though, a Dave Ramsey HHHHH Kelly Hancock. Saving Savvy: Smart She also sprinkles Scriptures or Larry Burkett book would be more Randy Alcorn. Managing God’s Money: and easy ways to cut your spending in throughout, but doesn’t examine them helpful. A Biblical Guide. Carol Stream, Ill.: half and raise your standard of living in the text or base her instructions on Alcorn’s book is written in his char- Tyndale House Publishers, 2011. 272 ... and giving! Brentwood, Tenn.: Worthy the Bible’s teachings on stewardship, acteristically easy-to-follow preacher pages. $5.99. Publishing, 2011. 240 pages. $16.99. discipline and patience. prose, with plenty of quotes from The penultimate chapter is a mix of church leaders, illustrations and excla- bearing fruit and, ultimately, securing only the first step of giving, calling it suggestions of things readers can do mations. He also references or quotes salvation. To prove this, he applies two “the training wheels of giving,” and with the money they save from her Scriptures in almost every paragraph. Scriptures in ways that many Christians goes on to talk about what he calls free- saving strategies. However easy to read Alcorn’s book might not have before. will or grace giving. Hancock encourages readers to use is, applying the concepts He interprets Jesus’ Giving also is the end goal of popular their time, talents and money to give in it will prove to be a instruction to store up blogger and speaker Kelly Hancock’s generously. For her, this means buying challenge for many. As ‘A powerful example treasure in heaven rather first book,“Saving extras of items she for he notes, the Bible’s ... is the parable of the than on earth (Matthew Savvy: Smart and which has coupons and money management 6:20) to mean that finan- easy ways to cut your ‘Hancock encourages giving them to charity. principles are radically rich fool, who Jesus cial gifts on earth will spending in half and readers to use their It also means having countercultural. condemns for building become treasure in raise your standard of homemade meals and A powerful example heaven. living … and giving!” time, talents and desserts in the freezer of this is the parable of additional barns to As Alcorn puts it, “you But, as the title shows, money to give. ... For so she can give them the rich fool, who Jesus house his hoarded can’t take it with you, but the book’s main idea is to people at her church condemns for building you can send it on ahead.” practical tips on saving her, this means buying who are sick, grieving additional barns to house wealth. Today Alcorn Another teaching money, with giving being extras of items for or adjusting to life with a his hoarded wealth. points out, this would Alcorn has that will chal- more of an afterthought. new baby. Today, Alcorn points lenge many is that of The book begins with which she has coupons Giving from a cheerful out, this would be called be called wise financial tithing — some will say Hancock’s own story of and giving them heart is easy to do this wise financial planning. planing.’ that it’s legalistic, but how she cut her grocery time of year, when the The primary message Alcorn says that despite and dining-out budget to charity.’ recipient is a loved one. of Alcorn’s book is this percentage not being from $1,100 to $200 per These writers both have that God does not own 10 percent mentioned in the New Covenant, he month when she quit her valuable advice for how of Christians’ money, or whatever doesn’t believe God would expect any job to be a stay-at-home mother. to view money as precious, both for they choose to give to his church on less of his children today than he did of Her writing style is breezy and providing for family and for giving to Sundays. He owns it all, and Christians the Israelites, especially when Western conversational, reading much like her those in need. are simply stewards. Christians today are among the wealth- presentations probably sound. Her Alcorn believes Christians’ manage- iest people in the world. upbeat tone makes spending less seem KIMBERLY MAUCK is Reviews Editor for The Christian ment of God’s money is crucial to Alcorn also says that tithing is really simple, not nearly as time-consuming Chronicle. Contact [email protected]. JANUARY 2012 REVIEWS the christian chronicle 33 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Other titles include Moyer’s Family Bookstore “Sea Creatures,” “Jungle Beasts” and Apply to the Board of Directors at Amazon.com [email protected] or In the follow-up to “Big Bug, Little Bug.” or your local book store 2008 bestseller “Do Hard Kelly Gorman PO BOX 11652, Glendale AZ 85318 Things,” the twin broth- FOR CHURCH LEADERS www.copperbasinbiblecamp.org www.robertblairbooks.com ers give a practical guide Greg L. Hawkins, Cally Parkinson. Move: to fulfilling the apostle What 1,000 churches reveal about spiritual Paul’s admonition to growth. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan young Timothy to be an exemplary Books. 288 pages, $21.99. Christian, despite the low expectations with which teens are often burdened. Based on surveys administered to a quar- Kristen Jane Anderson, ter-million churchgoers, as told to Tricia Goyer. this book begins with the Life, in Spite of Me: paradigm-shifting results Extraordinary Hope After of the authors’ research: a Fatal Choice. Colorado Church attendance — Springs, Colo.: Multnomah and even participation — Books. 224 pages, $13.99. does not mean a closer relationship with Jesus. The authors, leaders of a Chicago This memoir charts a megachurch, explore how churches can teen’s journey from a suicide attempt that foster real spiritual growth. 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION JANUARY 2012 Praise God for a lifetime of blessings NationsUniversity rom Thanksgiving until early Christian University) to teach English. I Christian Education for the World January, America enjoys a great time have taught at three different institutions Fof family celebration and connec- and always had students who challenged Our students are evangelizing tion. These wondrous times should be me to become more compassionate or a marked by personal thanksgiving for all better communicator. all over the world. that life brings. God’s care and guidance I have worked with people who later make all of our lives possible, and these would be a colleague at are days to enjoy the relationships and Insight OC. I have had a role thank God for all his blessings. in the lives of university When I start considering what I am presidents and admin- most thankful for, I have to begin with istrators. I have known family. Joyce and I have had 55 years students who possessed of growing closer and experiencing the spirituality far beyond very best of life. Her parents and mine their years, and they have accepted us and our relationship with gone on to reach multi- support and love. tudes with the Gospel. How will you Some of the most memorable times I have had the oppor- in our lives were those years when our Bailey McBride tunity to know great help them? children, Melissa, Lynette, and Michael, thinkers and leaders, and were growing up. All too soon all three I resist the idea of retiring because I can were grown, blessed with a Christian hardly imagine life without the inspira- Join the NU 300. Contact us to find out how. education and ready to start their own tion of college students who will become families. Phil Roe, Pat Brown and Karen church ministers, scholars, leaders in NationsUniversity® Cloud came into our family and helped business and industry, medical profes- www.nationsu.org us learn to open our hearts and lives sionals, social workers, engineers, mili- to new views and traditions. From 1984 tary leaders and educators. [email protected] to 2003 Jennifer, Luke and Savanna The energy and vision of each new Roe, Kailey and Ashlyn Brown, and generation gives me optimism about the Brady, Connor and Garrett McBride future of the church and the nation. enriched our lives and further extended God has been in my life since my our capacity to love and share. Since early childhood. My mother read the 2007 the oldest three have married — entire Bible to me before I started Jennifer to Joe Thurman, Luke to Rachel school. She taught me about Jesus Varno, and Savanna to James Millikan. throughout my childhood, encouraging God has blessed us with an amazing me to read the Bible every day. family. My aunt Faye taught me how to study Through all the years of our marriage the Bible seriously when I was 13, and I we have been supported by wonderful have sensed the Holy Spirit working on church families. We have been chal- my heart and helping change me into a lenged to grow and lead. Since 1966 we person somewhat more like Jesus. have been part of great church — a place My life has been blessed by people where children are valued and trained. with deep spiritual insight and under- For more than 40 years Joyce has taught standing. Many of the people I work the pre-kindergarten class on Sunday with at OC have sacrificed to be at a morning and Wednesday evening. place where they can influence the Almost from our first day with this lives of young men and women. Most church I have had a chance to teach are serious students of the Word and and lead in different ways. We have seek to let their faith reflect in whatever been nourished with biblical sermons, secular subjects they teach. and our shepherds know us and pray Integrity is central to the lives of the for us. Few blessings are greater than people where I worship and where I the spiritual nurture of a great church: work. Furthermore, my profession has a vital force in our lives and the lives of allowed me opportunities to read the our children when they were growing great spiritual thinkers of the world. up. The church has given us a founda- Those thinkers along with the work of tion of faith and service. the Holy Spirit through the word have I can only vaguely trace the powerful blessed me. impact of my college students on my Thank God! Hallelujah! life. In 1958 I was invited back to Central Christian College (now Oklahoma COntact [email protected]. JANUARY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

Secularism—does it have the answers? ost Christians would agree that the secular worldview doesn’t have the answers so Mdesperately needed in our world. Yet many believe that secular education is the best option to prepare our children for success in the real world. Really? How’s that working for us? It’s time to think again.

hristian colleges and universities have risen to the challenge of providing high quality education that Cis truly relevant in the world. With one huge addition— they also offer students an eternal worldview. Ask our graduates. They’re God’s leaders for the future. It’s time to challenge conventional wisdom. Consider Christian higher education, the true open-mindedness.

Abilene Christian University Freed-Hardeman University Ohio Valley University Amridge University Harding University Oklahoma Christian University Austin Graduate School of Theology Heritage Christian University Pepperdine University Crowley’s Ridge College Lipscomb University Southwestern Christian College Faulkner University Lubbock Christian University York College 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JANUARY 2012