Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 73, No. 2 | February 2016 for Churches of Christ In the South Pacific, a new zeal for Christ a bible college designed to produce preachers for New Zealand reaches out to Asia’s burgeoning faith.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

TAURANGA, New Zealand — Far below the equator, the South Pacific Bible College serves its students hermeneutics and homiletics — classes on interpreting and preaching from the Bible — with a double portion of cultural stew. On a cold, rainy day in late winter (that’s September in New Zealand), principal Steve Raine asked his class to look at 12 passages and note how God reveals BOBBY ROSS JR. himself to mankind in each. Mike and Michelle Patterson, with sons Cameron and Blake, stand in what’s left of their Rowlett, Texas, house after The students — from Australia, Fiji, tornadoes struck the Dallas area. The family attends the Saturn Road Church of Christ in nearby Garland, Texas. Tonga, Thailand and China, to name just a few — huddled on couches and around tables, poring over the Scriptures, discussing a burning bush and other, more subtle revelations of the divine. Some have been Christians for two years, others for 20. God in the rubble Their responses were “the most varied of any class I’ve had before,” said Raine, ‘THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME,’ says family that lost house in Texas twister who has taught at the college for two decades. That variety reflects the changing BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE been a reminder that his world is nature of Churches of Christ in the East. not our home, and we should be As growth has slowed among churches ROWLETT, Texas focused on what is eternal.” See SOUTH PACIFIC, Page 14 ain poured on Mike Patterson, his wife, Michelle, Patterson. and their sons, Blake, 21, and The Texas church member Cameron, 16, were celebrating stood by the cozy fireplace the holidays with extended family Rwhere he used to glance out the in Georgia when an outbreak of window and enjoy God’s creation. tornadoes struck North Texas. Now, crumbled bricks, broken PHOTO PROVIDED BY VICKI HARRIS Twelve people — including glass and sticky yellow insulation INSIDE: Fellow Christians shower the family of Texas Timothy Harris, a member of the surrounded him as he stared tornado victim Timothy Harris — including his wife, Johnson Street Church of Christ directly into the dark sky. Vicki — with love and support. Page 10 in Greenville, Texas — died as Soaked as he picked through the the tornadoes wreaked havoc the remains of his family’s tornado- home here in this world can just day after Christmas. devastated house, the 50-year-old vanish and be torn apart in 15 sec- About 2,000 homes and build- ERIK TRYGGESTAD father of two counted his blessings. onds,” said Patterson, a deacon of ings were damaged, and the Love Lee Longopoa, from the island nation “It’s been a very good reminder the Saturn Road Church of Christ Insurance Council of Texas of Tonga, looks up Bible verses for an of how quickly what we view as a in nearby Garland, Texas. “It’s See TORNADOES, Page 11 assignment at South Pacific Bible College. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016 FEBRUARY 2016 the christian chronicle 3 Pray for Korea, North and South ’ll never forget my brother Sang Yang — and not just As Ebola subsides, churches grow Ibecause his name rhymes. He’s a minister in Seoul, South Korea, and director of AFTER 11,000 deaths in West Africa, Christians see new life. the Bible Correspondence Center, a ministry training program. He also doesn’t mind waking up at 4 a.m. to get me to the airport for a flight to Manila. I thought of him when I saw news of a recent nuclear bomb test in Inside Story North Korea. No one’s sure if it was successful — or why it happened. Someone surmised it was because PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALFRED BEYAN Erik Tryggestad Kim Jong-un In the village of Gbarkomah, Liberia, new Christians gather for a group photo. Clarence Tokpahzee preaches for the young church. had a birthday coming up. (Yes, BY erik Tryggestad and laura akins Tonguino, minister for a Church of message “Ebola kills, but Jesus saves.” that theory made the news.) THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Christ in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. In Liberia, the virus hindered South Korea responded Between presentations, conference outreach to rural communities, said by cranking up its banks of he West African town of attendees did door-knocking evange- Alfred Beyan, minister for the G.S.A. loudspeakers pointed at the Gueckedou, Guinea, near the lism, Tonguino said. Road Church of Christ in the capital, North, blasting out criticism borders of Liberia and Sierra Such outreach was nearly impos- Monrovia. With cases of Ebola now in and Korean pop music. Leone, is thought to be the birth- sible at the height of the Ebola crisis single digits, churches are growing. (Hey, force me to listen to Tplace of the region’s Ebola crisis. in 2014. The virus has claimed about One church plant, in the village “Gangnam Style” 50 or 60 It now serves as a rallying point for 11,300 lives, according to the Centers of Gbarkomah, has experienced 12 times, and I’ll surrender.) Christians who want to spread the for Disease Control and Prevention. baptisms in recent weeks, he said. Enigmatic, bizarre, even Gospel throughout their continent. Hugs, handshakes and baptisms “At the same time, we have been comical at times, the war More than 150 believers, repre- could help spread the deadly virus. conducting several marriages at the between the Koreas (they senting 15 Churches of Christ in the Still, ministers with Churches of Christ church,” Beyan told The Christian agreed to an armistice in three nations, gathered in Gueckedou in the three countries continued to Chronicle. “We intend to reach more 1953 but never signed a for a Bible conference, said Nestor reach out during the crisis with the and more families in this new year.” treaty) is no joke for brother Yang, whose family fled the North during the conflict. A ‘Greater’ portrayal: Film tells true story of football and faith I met him three years ago when I had a long BY laura akins | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE skill and a lot of determination, he stopover in Seoul en route rose from walk-on to starting offen- to the Philippines. I hoped Sports analysts call Brandon sive lineman during his time at the to learn just a bit about the Burlsworth the greatest walk-on in University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. 123 Churches of Christ in the history of college football. “Brandon’s story was of someone South Korea. I emailed Yang And it seems Hollywood agrees. that worked their way up from basi- and told him when my flight His incredible story of faith and cally being told they weren’t capable,” landed at Incheon Airport. football is portrayed in the film said Burlsworth’s older brother, “Great,” he replied. “We’ll “Greater,” which debuts Jan. 29. Marty, a member of the Northside go straight to the DMZ.” Growing up in Harrison, Ark., Church of Christ in Harrison, HAMMOND ENTERTAINMENT/GREATER PRODUCTIONS The Demilitarized Zone? Burlsworth was a quiet kid with portrayed in the film by actor Neal Chris Severio portrays offensive lineman See KOREA, Page 4 Christian values. With a little bit of See ‘GREATER,’ Page 4 Brandon Burlsworth in “Greater.” 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT februARY 2016

“I hope and I pray that God will ‘GREATER’: New biopic open their doors, hopefully in my lifetime ... so that we can spread doesn’t ‘Hollywood it up,’ the Gospel to North Korea.” church members say

— Sang Yang, minister and Bible school FROM PAGE 3 director in Seoul, South Korea McDonough. “He was discouraged over and over again but wouldn’t take no for an answer.” After graduating with a master’s, Burlsworth was the Indianapolis Colt’s third-round pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Eleven days later, he was killed in a car accident. ERIK TRYGGESTAD “Bad things happen to everybody,” With the Imjin River and North Korea’s foothills over his shoulder, Sang Yang talks about his prayers for his homeland. said Marty Burlsworth’s wife, Vickie. “We all go through periods of tragedy, but we must KOREA: A prayer for North and South at the DMZ keep the faith.” Just after FROM PAGE 3 around us, North Korea’s land- There was no hint of anger or Brandon’s death, That strip of land, 155 miles long, 2.5 scape was bare, stripped of trees malice in his voice, just sadness. movie produc- miles wide, that separates the two by a people struggling to survive. And hope. ers approached nations? Ironically, the most heavily Yang pointed to a small cluster of “So it seems, in the human the Burlsworths militarized border in the world? plain, brick buildings on North viewpoint, that the leaders of North about telling his It’s not that I was scared ... pshaw! Korea’s riverbank — unoccupied, Korea will not open their doors, but story on film. I just didn’t envision the DMZ as built only for show, he said. we know and we believe that God “They wanted the kind of place you, y’know, visit. I asked Yang, who has served in has his timetable, and I hope and I to Hollywood I was wrong. Just outside the city South Korea’s military (it’s manda- pray that God will open their doors it up and put PHOTO PROVIDED of Paju, where LG manufactures tory for males) what he thinks — hopefully in my lifetime — so that things in there Vickie and Marty flat-screen TVs, is an actual DMZ about when he looks across the we can reach them, so that we can that weren’t Burlsworth visitor center. There stands a sculp- border. The soft-spoken minister spread the Gospel to North Korea.” true,” Vickie ture of a giant globe split in two. paused for a moment and replied: All the fear, all the absurdity of Burlsworth said. “We had to hold out.” Statues of adults and children stand “Whenever I come over here, a conflict I can’t understand, melts And they did — for 17 years. on both sides, posed like Sisyphus, I can’t help it but I think of two away when I remember those words. “Greater,” rated PG, shows an honest trying to push it back together. things. We are still at war. Also ... I pray for a mustard-seed portion of portrayal of Brandon’s unlikely rise to Lining the hillsides are restau- we are a divided country. The sad the faith brother Yang has. the top, his brother and sister-in-law rants where tourists can dine on thing is, the people of North Korea I pray that God will do what told The Christian Chronicle. octopus as they gaze across the have no idea what’s going on here. neither those sculptured people “It’s hard to show someone doing Imjin River into North Korea. “It’s only a river between South nor mankind itself can accomplish. it right,” Vickie Burlsworth said, “but Yang took me to an overlook and North. I have my relatives Put the world back together. Brandon’s example comes through.” near a small, manicured cemetery. right there, not knowing whether Unlike the lush vegetation they are still alive or not.” CONTACT [email protected] Website: www.greaterthemovie.com

Chief Correspondent: Bobby Ross Jr. LETTERS: [email protected] is published monthly and is served by a national Board [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® encourages feedback that of Trustees that is charged with the responsibility for Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton promotes thoughtful and respectful discussion. Letters policy and governance. All trustees, editors and staff Our mission: Inform, inspire, unite [email protected] and comments should be 150 words or less and may are active members of Churches of Christ. Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck be edited for length and clarity. Comments to the print A subsidiary of Oklahoma Christian University [email protected] or online editions are considered to be letters to the Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan editor and may be published. Please include name, city www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] and state of residence, as well as home congregation. Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal Mail: P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Editorial Assistant: Laura Akins publication but a newspaper with news and opinion Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and facebook.com/ChristianChronicle Advertising Assistant: Matthew Ware reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Trustees: [email protected] Advertising contains commercial messages from Deon Fair, chairman twitter.com/CofCnews Editor Emeritus: Bailey McBride those who purchase the advertising space. News Abel Alvarez • Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch [email protected] coverage, opinion columns, reviews, letters to the Dwain Chaffin • John deSteiguer • Loventrice Farrow President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon editor and advertising do not necessarily represent the Emily Lemley • James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE: See www.christianchronicle.org, views of or constitute endorsement by the editors, the Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey Editor: Erik Tryggestad email [email protected] staff, the Board ofT rustees of The Christian Chronicle or Harold Redd • Harry Risinger [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. Oklahoma Christian University. The Christian Chronicle® Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor FEBRUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 spotlight Officer of the Year OKLAHOMA CITY — Policeman Bradley May, a member of the Edmond Church of Christ, was honored as the South OKC Kiwanis Club Officer of the Year. In May 2015, the Oklahoma Christian University graduate rescued a driver trapped in a vehicle at the bottom of a deep ravine. “The engine was on fire,” Oklahoma City police said in a Facebook PHOTO PROVIDED BY OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE post. “Officer Oklahoma City Mayor May was Mick Cornett congratu- MARY BROW able to use lates officer Bradley May. his hands Connecticut youth rally draws students from 24 churches, six states to scoop water out of the ditch and About 130 attendees from 24 Churches of Christ in six states pose for a group photo at a recent youth rally organized by the Manchester extinguish the flames. He cut the Church of Christ in Connecticut. “Will You Rise from the Ashes” served as the youth rally’s theme, with 2 Peter 1:5-7 as the main text, driver’s seatbelt loose and remained Manchester church member Mary Brown said. Jeff Walling, director of the Youth Leadership Initiative at Pepperdine University in Malibu, with him until firefighters arrived.” Calif., spoke. Drue Clark, a recent graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Ark., led worship. Clark, who grew up in New England, double- The award was presented during majored in preaching and youth ministry at Harding. Express, Ohio Valley University’s contemporary Christian ensemble, performed. an Oklahoma City Council meeting.

ALABAMA with the recent coat and blanket drive, Gates’ father. He died in 2014. said. “The meal became so popular ELBA — The Elba Church of Christ member Bob Zebroski said. “We want to give back to the that people from the community served as the hub of disaster relief “Along with the clothing, each community that has been so good come out in droves to help.” after flooding recently destroyed or person received a booklet providing to us for the past 40 years,” Matt damaged dozens of homes. information on the plan of salvation,” Gates, Dennis’ nephew, told the TENNESSEE The church took information from Zebroski said. newspaper. LINDEN — Kirk Haston’s mother, flood victims seeking help with Patti, died in a 1999 tornado that hit housing, food and clothing, signed INDIANA OHIO Perry County. up volunteers and accepted dona- EVANSVILLE — The Jack Henry Gates BYESVILLE — For a quarter-century, So after tornadoes devastated his tions of bottled water and nonper- Memorial Community Laundromat the Stop 9 Church of Christ has home county again Dec. 23, the ishable foods, the Alabama Media has opened for business. provided a free Christmas Day Linden Church of Christ member Group reported. However, the facility will only dinner for the poor and lonely in this launched a fundraising effort to “We are definitely in full swing accept tokens, and they are available Appalachian region community. help victims. recovery mode,” minister Phillip for free through a number of local The event has grown each year, “I was fortunate enough to see what Box told the news organization. churches, as the Courier & Press minister Woody Biggs said. At the it was like to have hundreds of people recently reported. recent 24th annual Friends Serving in a community come to the aid of COLORADO The undertaking was started and Friends Free dinner, 771 meals my family,” said Haston, a former KEENESBURG — The Keenesburg funded by Dennis Gates, a member were served. professional basketball player who Church of Christ gave away about of the Newburgh Church of Christ, “One of my favorite memories was now coaches the boys’ team at Perry 200 coats, blankets, caps, scarves elder Tracy Hayford said. seeing a homeless man sitting at the County High School. and gloves. Jack Henry Gates — the laun- table sharing a meal with a recently By press time, his effort had raised The church’s teen group helped dromat’s namesake — was Dennis widowed medical doctor,” Biggs about $20,000. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION FEBRUARY 2016 with help from ‘duck dynasty’s’ women, Louisiana church members practice Heartfelt mentoring A ‘you matter’ ministry

BY Laura akins | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

hile the men in the family are busy duck hunting, the Robertson women are building a dynasty of their Wown — with help from Joneal Kirby. Kirby is a longtime member of the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. — home congregation of the Robertsons of “Duck Dynasty” fame. Kirby created Heartfelt Ministries, a multi-generational mentoring program for the church, to develop closer relationships among Christian women and to deepen relationships with Jesus Christ. “We don’t live in a society where we visit homes anymore,” Kirby said. “Building intentional relation- ships in living rooms and eating and spending hours there — you’re saying to that person, ‘You matter. I care about you.’” Kirby was inspired by Paul’s letter to Titus, in which the apostle instructs WWW.HEARTFELTMINISTRIES.ORG his fellow evangelist to “teach the Missy Robertson, Jessica Robertson, Joneal Kirby and Kay Robertson share a laugh as they discuss Bible-based mentoring. older women to be reverent in the way they live” so they can mentor eight to 12 younger women. Each Donna Millican, women’s ministry said. “It’s a heartfelt experience. I younger women in the church. group meets at least once a month, coordinator for Park Plaza Church want people to leave with a sense of During the ministry’s first year, for a nine-month season, in homes of Christ in Tulsa, Okla., attended what it feels like and looks like to 135 women participated — including with older women acting as hosts. the conference and a separate train- be in this ministry. I hope they leave Kirby’s niece, Korie Robertson, and “The older women offer a place ing seminar with Kirby. with a passion burning within them friends Kay and Missy Robertson. the younger women can relax and “That was all it took to fire us up,” to start this ministry.” “There are so many younger focus on their relationship with Millican told the Chronicle. “While Kirby offered advice for women women who yearn for a guiding the Lord,” said Kirby, who holds a we are still working who want to launch similar pro- hand from older women,” Kirby told doctorate in marriage and family through some logistic grams in their congregations. The Christian Chronicle. “There was therapy. “That’s big when you’re a and organizational “Pray that God will help you find no way that was previously happen- working mom or have children.” bumps, the groups someone with a right-minded heart,” ing on a routine basis across our Hopefully it’s like a “spiritual are quite successful. she said. “And because God will church family. So, 13 years ago, God retreat for a few hours,” she added. God is using this answer that prayer, get connected placed this ministry on my heart.” As more churches heard about ministry to bless with one other person who is not As the ministry — first called Heartfelt, Kirby saw a need to reach our women and our in your age group or stage of life. Heart to Home — grew, so did larger groups of women at a time. entire congregation.” Millican Once there is a connection, God will Kirby’s determination. She fine- The Robertson women agreed. “Without a doubt,” provide.” tuned the program, offering training “Kay and Missy love this ministry she added, “Heartfelt will be a staple Kay Robertson agrees. kits and seminars, and even gave up so much,” Kirby said. “They are the ministry in our overall women’s “I don’t even have words to her private practice at the Christian ones who had the idea to have a ministry.” describe how good this is,” she said Counseling and Resource Center conference.” Because of Heartfelt’s rapid growth, in a promotional video for the min- she opened in 2002. The first Heart to Home confer- Kirby hosted a second conference istry. “This will change your life. It’s The ministry uses small groups ence, held last February, drew 2,200 recently in West Monroe, with the changed my life.” — called Heart groups — consisting women from 30 states, representing Robertson women as guest speakers. of three to four mature women and 40 churches. It’s more than a conference, Kirby WEBSITE: heartfeltministries.org febrUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Across the nation february 2016

Twenty ministers, 10 black and 10 white, boarded a bus in Nashville, Tenn., and toured historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, along with professors from Abilene Christian University in Texas and Lipscomb University in Nashville, in August 2015. The tour “was designed to help ministers encounter the truth of racism and begin working together toward reconciliation in our cities and churches,” says Eric Gentry, one of the participants. As we celebrate Black History Month, we present reflections on the tour. Remembering a ‘Bus Ride to Justice’ BIRMINGHAM, Ala. They continue to lead many of our believe that before we can churches toward racial reconciliation. experience reconciliation, On the far side of the bridge, on a we must tell the truth,” said monument of 12 stones, the ancient David Fleer, a professor of words of Joshua remind us to keep ‘IBible at Lipscomb University. telling the truth: “When your chil- That’s why he and Jerry Taylor dren shall ask you in time to come, of Abilene Christian University led what mean these 12 stones, then you our “Bus Ride to Justice,” so we shall tell them how you made it over” could “touch, see, (Joshua 4:21-22). Views hear and experi- We had the privilege to seek out ence the history of the truth from someone who was slavery, Jim Crow, there — attorney Fred Gray. and the Civil Rights Gray, one of the preeminent lawyers Movement,” Fleer in the Civil Rights Movement, a said, “all of which longtime minister and an elder of the speak clearly into Tuskegee Church of Christ, spoke to our present racial us at the Tuskegee Human and Civil distress in the Rights Multicultural Center. Eric Gentry United States.” MATT PINSON “The experience gave me joy The 16th Street Ministers explore the Civil Rights Memorial in Birmingham, Ala., which displays the and hope to see the willingness of Baptist Church in Birmingham was names of 41 people who died between 1954 and 1968 in the struggle for equality. younger ministers — black and white our first stop. It was there, on a Sunday Jonathan Storment, far right, minister for the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, — to spend their time together,” morning in 1963, that four little girls Texas, was one of the organizers of the “Bus Ride to Justice” tour. Taylor said. “They are addressing the were killed when a bomb detonated difficult questions and topics that a beneath that historically black corner of Commerce Street and standing … How long? Not long, lot of people shy away from. It gave church — an act of racial terrorism. Dexter Avenue, Jefferson Davis because the arc of the moral universe me great hope for the future. This We stood on the spot where their celebrated his election as president is long, but it bends toward justice.” trip will yield a great harvest.” bodies were pulled from the rubble of the Confederacy. We wondered aloud about The tour was power- and listened to Dr. Martin Luther Nearly 100 years continued racial disparities in our fully transformative. King Jr.’s eulogy for the girls, who later, Rosa Parks world and churches today — from Each stop was sacred “say to each of us, black and white boarded another bus economic inequality to dispropor- in its own right. alike, that we must substitute courage at the same intersec- tionate incarceration numbers, from Just as we soak in for caution. They say to us that we tion. Though Davis the #BlackLivesMatter movement God’s grace in the must be concerned not merely about spoke of “the progress to the many churches still failing to bread and cup of the who murdered them, but about the of a movement sanc- realize racial diversity. “How long?” Lord’s Supper, there system, the way of life, the philosophy tified by its justice, Fleer We prayed the answer is “not long.” is something sacra- Taylor which produced the murderers … and sustained by its The original march was brutally mental about being “Good night, sweet princesses.” virtuous people” in his inaugural halted on the Edmund Pettus in Alabama. As we touch walls once It was impossible to stand in that address, it was Parks who began a bridge in Selma. There, on “Bloody toppled by bombs and kneel on a church — next to black and white lasting movement for justice. Sunday,” March 7, 1965, state bridge that once ran with blood, we brothers in Christ — and not think Just up Dexter Avenue we troopers on horseback charged the taste the Gospel more fully. of recent racially motivated attacks arrived at the state Capitol, where peaceful demonstrators, beating on churches. a Confederate flag flew until June them with clubs and injuring 50. eric Gentry is associate preaching minister for Telling the truth was working. 2015. The Selma-to-Montgomery Selma was the last stop on our the Highland Church of Christ in Cordova, Tenn. From Birmingham, we traveled march of 1965 concluded on its trip. Taylor and Fleer led us over the to Montgomery, Alabama’s capital. steps. There, Dr. King delivered his bridge. These two men are pillars in CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER and U.S. Rep. John There we stepped off the bus onto “How Long, Not Long” speech. our movement, joined by common Lewis (D-Ga.) speaks at the inaugural Fred Gray Commerce Street, where black We listened to his words again: ambition to see “the dividing wall Lecture in Human and Civil Rights during this slaves once were sold at auction. “How long will prejudice blind the of hostility” mentioned in Ephesians year’s Christian Scholars’ Conference, June 8-10, at Only a few steps away, at the visions of men, darken their under- 2:14 finally, totally destroyed. Lipscomb University. See www.lipscomb.edu/csc. febrUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION FEBRUARY 2016 Tornado victim lived by faith

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE up vehicles and flung them. A ninth victim later succumbed to his injuries. GREENVILLE, Texas Caught in the storm, Timothy ther teens might have had a Harris apparently parked his blue choice whether to participate 2010 Hyundai under an overpass, in church youth group activi- police Lt. Pedro Barineau said. ties, but not the Harris kids. “It’s very possible that he heard the OTimothy Harris expected his chil- tornado coming and tried to get the dren to show up every time — be it shelter that he could,” Barineau said. to study the Bible, bake cookies for That Saturday, the family had cele- shut-ins or play with Nerf guns at the brated Christmas a day late. Johnson Street Church of Christ. Timothy Harris was a psychiatric “It wasn’t an optional thing with nurse at the Denton State School, a him,” said Savanna Harris, 22, mental care facility. He had worked a a senior at Oklahoma Christian double shift Christmas Day and was University in Oklahoma City. scheduled to work again Monday. He “It was weird to us when kids stayed home as the rest of the family had a choice,” agreed Sierra left to celebrate the holidays with Harris Gustafson, 24, an Oklahoma extended family in San Antonio. Christian graduate and children’s Why’d he drive to Garland? ministry intern for the Oakcrest “Apparently, after he did his Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. sleeping that day, he decided to run “Even if there wasn’t a devotional into Garland or Dallas for something,” associated with it, Dad wanted us said Randy Daw, pulpit minister for Family members of Timothy Harris hold photos remembering their loved one. Pictured, to go be with the youth group and the Johnson Street church. “That was from left, are Stern Harris, Savanna Harris, Sierra Harris Gustafson and Vicki Harris. have that example,” added Stern typical of Tim. He was always looking Harris, 23, a graduate of Harding for a bargain or a car or something.” any excess funds donated for her For the funeral sermon, the minister University in Searcy, Ark. husband’s funeral go to the Chinese turned to John 11, where Mary and With laughter and tears, Timothy CARING AND COMPASSION Agape Foundation, a ministry Martha ask why Jesus didn’t keep Harris’ family — including his wife, At the 400-member church, supported by Churches of Christ. their brother Lazarus from dying. Vicki Harris — fondly recalled the Timothy Harris demonstrated his Timothy Harris served as a captain In Harris’ case, “the question would 58-year-old tornado victim’s devotion faith not by talk but action. in the Army Reserves. First a para- be, why would God who controls the to his Christian faith. “Tim was a quiet guy around trooper, he later joined a medical unit universe allow this man to die when “I don’t think it’s really, really here,” Daw said. “He and his family and deployed to Germany during the he still had work to do?” Daw said. sunk in yet,” were just here every Iraq War. He didn’t talk much about “We can’t answer that question, but Vicki Harris said time the doors were his work or military we know who Jesus is, in an interview opened. He would experiences. ‘I don’t think it’s really and we trust him.” at the family’s do whatever he was But after his death, ... sunk in yet. I know As the family grieves, rural home 50 asked to do.” his family learned of fellow Christians miles northeast For years, Timothy his caring and compas- he’s in heaven, so from near and far of Dallas. “I know and Vicki Harris sion touching many — that’s a big relief.’ shower them with he’s in heaven, so helped with World including a colleague love — preparing that’s a big relief.” Bible School, grading with cancer. “She said meals, sending cards, The husband correspondence Tim would always Vicki Harris donating money. and father of four photos by BOBBY ROSS JR. courses during encourage her, call her or send her “Dad would have been over- lost his life the The Army presented the family with a Monday Night for text messages,” said Vicki Harris, whelmed by the church taking care night of Dec. 26, flag at Capt. Timothy Harris’ funeral. the Master. who has battled cancer herself. “He of his family,” said Gustafson, her when an EF-4 Vicki Harris, who told me there was a lady that had words barely audible as she wept. tornado struck near the intersec- met her husband in nursing school breast cancer, but that’s all he said.” “We have so many prayer warriors tion of Interstate 30 and President at Texas Woman’s University, said out there covering us in prayer,” George Bush Turnpike in Garland, he always had a heart for sharing NO ANSWER BUT JESUS Stern Harris added. Texas. (Oldest child Sterling Harris, Jesus overseas. Why? Vicki Harris said those prayer 31, had left to return home and “In nursing school, he had some After Timothy Harris’ death, that’s warriors sustain her. was not a part of The Christian Chinese friends, so he wanted to the impossible question. “I don’t know what it would be like if Chronicle’s interview.) go to China. He had never been “Why wasn’t it some evil person?” we didn’t have the church to support In all, eight people were killed as there, but he wanted to go so bad,” Daw said, repeating what church us,” she said. “I don’t even want to go winds up to 200 miles per hour picked said Vicki Harris, who asked that members have asked him. that route and think about it.” FEBRUARY 2016 FROM THE FRONT The CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 TORNADOES: Churches mobilize to help storm victims

MICHELLE PATTERSON MIKE PATTERSON A framed Scripture recovered from the debris. The sun sets over Mike and Michelle Patterson’s neighborhood after a tornado destroyed the family’s house.

FROM PAGE 1 bit prepared for this,” the father said of that mission estimated claims could hit $1.2 billion. trip. “(But) it’s very different when you walk in your Dallas-area congregations — including the own home and see the devastation.” Eastridge Church of Christ in Rockwall, the Meadow Even before the Pattersons could arrange flights View Church of Christ in Mesquite, the Ovilla home, fellow Christians rushed to salvage their trea- Church of Christ and the Wylie Church of Christ — sured photographs and search for the family’s 4-year- mobilized to serve victims and first responders. old cat, Bella. Two days after the storm, the frightened Austin Roach, 31, worked with the Serving God by pet was found hiding under a mattress and Sheetrock. Serving Others relief ministry of the Prestoncrest About a dozen of Blake’s friends from the Chi Church of Christ in Dallas. Lambda Phi social service club at Roach said his own life was a complete Oklahoma Christian University came wreck until Jesus cleaned it up. to help clean up. Likewise, Cameron’s “I’m going to show them (tornado Dallas Christian School classmates victims) what Christ can do in their worked to lift his spirits. lives, both physically and spiritually,” “God has been watching out for us in said Roach, who used his mechanical so many ways,” Mike Patterson said. skills to keep chainsaws running. “First and foremost, we weren’t here Churches of Christ Disaster Relief when this thing hit.” Effort, based in Nashville, Tenn., sent Their next-door neighbors sought tractor-trailer loads full of emergency cover in a closet under their stairwell, food boxes, personal hygiene products, Michelle Patterson said. cleaning materials and other supplies. “It took 30 minutes and a bunch of Disaster Assistance CoC, sponsored people to dig them out,” she said. by the Lake Jackson Church of Christ At worship the next Sunday, the in Texas, and the Churches of Christ Pattersons thanked the Saturn Road Disaster Response Team out of West BOBBY ROSS JR. church for its love and support. Melbourne, Fla., prepared meals and Blake Patterson, 21, stands “Everybody was just handing us gift helped organize volunteers. on a mattress amid the cards, handing us money,” Michelle “We’re serving as a warm place for rubble in Rowlett, Texas. Patterson said. people to eat,” said Saturn Road elder Keepsakes recovered from the Gary Bingham, overseeing a relief site in Garland. family’s home include a framed Scripture: Psalm “But also, this is where volunteers are being sent out.” 62:7 holds special meaning after the tornado. Nearly five years ago, Mike Patterson and son “I could not believe I found it just sitting there in the Blake traveled to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to clear fallen rubble,” Michelle Patterson said. “It made my day.” BOBBY ROSS JR. trees after a swath of deadly twisters. The words still visible through bits of clinging, wet A sign on a tree next to the Pattersons’ residence “It really helped me, in some ways, to be a little debris: God “is my mighty rock, my refuge.” warns of the unsafe conditions after the storm. 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE from the front febrUARY 2016

BOBBY ROSS JR. Lisa Kelly, with daughter Caroline, enjoys a laugh while making meals for tornado victims. After the storm, heeding Jesus’ words

GARLAND, Texas something. You take it to them. You ’ve seen too much tornado feed them.” damage. Fellow Saturn Road member Kelly I Tuscaloosa, Ala. Joplin, Mo. and her daughter Caroline, 18, a Moore, Okla. student at Harding University in My journeys with The Christian Searcy, Ark., joined the Truexes. Chronicle have exposed me to too When Lisa Kelly was in second many lives lost. Too many piles of grade, she lost her own home in an rubble. Too many tears. Arkansas tornado. Yet I never fail to be inspired by “We have good church friends the way Christians who took us in,” she respond to such Road Notes said. “We stayed there catastrophes. When until we could get twisters strike, to my grandparents’ God’s people rise to (place).” the challenge: with Heaping a meal prayers, donations such as chicken-fried and no small amount chicken, mashed pota- of work and sweat. toes and green beans After tornadoes hit on a victim’s plate, she the Dallas area Dec. can’t help but reflect 26, I found Julie on those memories. Truex (pictured Near the mobile with me), Lisa Kelly Bobby Ross Jr. kitchen, the Saturn and their daughters Road church erected tending a giant pot of chili. an open-air tent to process emer- In a mobile kitchen set up by gency supplies and assess needs. the Churches of Christ Disaster “We had a family that basically just Response Team out of West camped out in the tent,” Lisa Kelly Melbourne, Fla., the volunteers said. “They were cold and wet and prepared hot meals for between 150 hungry and just needed a place to and 200 people a day. warm up and get something to eat.” They fed both tornado victims and May God bless the Christians in disaster relief workers. Garland — and elsewhere — heeding “What’s more biblical than feeding the Lord’s words in Matthew 25. people?” asked Truex, working “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, alongside daughters Cheney, 13, and “whatever you did for one of the Haley, 11. least of these brothers and sisters of “It’s basic to me,” the Saturn Road mine, you did for me.” Church of Christ member added. “It’s like instinct. When something CONTACT [email protected]. For happens to somebody, you bake links to help, see www.christianchronicle.org. FEBRuary 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 ESTONIA spoTLIGHT kloogaranna — Christians from across the Baltic nations of northern Europe gathered at the Kloogaranna Youth Responding to terrorist Camp for a recent retreat. James Waugh, minister for the Church of attacks with prayer Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — Current Texas, was the guest speaker. The and former missionaries to this land- church supports the work of Nikolai locked nation in West Africa ask for Vasjutin in Tallinn (Estonia’s capital) prayers after an attack by terrorists and the city of Tartu and is involved claimed 28 lives and left 55 injured. with a summer youth camp. Militants with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsi- INDIA bility for the attacks at a hotel in the KAKINADA — About 4,000 people capital, Ouagadougou. attended annual Bible lectures in A few Churches of Christ meet this city on the Bay of Bengal in in the capital and in villages of the southern India, minister Ricky country’s south, near its border with Gootam said. Speakers included Ghana. Missionaries based in Dano, Indian evangelists Sadguna Rao west of the capital, and supported and Sudarsana Rao and church by Churches of Christ have worked members from the U.S., including among the Dagara people, where Lewis Rushmore and Roger Wright. a disciple-making movement has resulted in thousands of baptisms. ITALY One American couple, Geoffrey and Bassano del Grappa — A Church Suzanne Richter, currently serves in of Christ planted in this northern PHOTO PROVIDED Dano and reported 774 baptisms and Italian city in 2014 recently hosted seven new churches in 2015. its first lectureship. Eddie Dadzie A barrel baptism in Haiti Though no missionaries or preaches for the church, composed In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 14-year-old Mildred prepares to give her life to Christ — in a members of Churches of Christ were entirely of Christians from the West 55-gallon drum filled with water. Larry Waymire immersed the young woman in the reported among the casualties, the African nation of Ghana. water-conserving baptistery during Sunday worship with the Santo Church of Christ. attacks claimed the lives of workers The only non-Ghanaians at the “The water comes from a hand pump and is carried into the building in five-gallon with other faith groups, including event were Jeff Brauer and Jeremy buckets,” Waymire said. “This can be done in about 10 to 15 minutes.” Michael Riddering, who oversaw Korodaj, missionaries in Padova, Italy, Waymire oversees the International School of Theology in Port-au-Prince, an extension an orphanage and partnered with and an Italian believer from a Church school of Denver-based Bear Valley Bible Institute International. the Richters in a program that helps of Christ in Conegliano. A partici- infants in distress. pant translated from the Ghanaian During the attacks, another group language, Twi, to Italian for the Gordon Hogan is an elder of the of terrorists kidnapped Dr. Ken Elliot, Italian Christian while the mission- College Church of Christ in Searcy, an 80-year-old Australian medical aries used translation equipment Ark. The couple was married for 68 missionary, and his wife Jocelyn in purchased for the Padova church. years. Their son, Dave Hogan, serves Baraboule, 100 miles from the capital. “I must admit,” Korodaj said, “that it as a minister for the Moulmein church. “I have thought of their kindness was the first time that we had been on many times over the years,” Amy the listening end of the equipment.” SOLOMON ISLANDS Carter, a former member of the Honiara — “Never in the history of Dagara team, said of the Elliots. “They LATVIA FAITH MURRELL our 26 years laboring in the Pacific have touched my life. Please join me RIGA — Just south of Estonia, a small Jane and Gordon Hogan sign a memory has there been a nation that has in praying for this amazing couple group of Christians and visitors book after worshiping with the Moulmein responded to the Gospel as well as who have blessed so many lives.” gathered for a Bible lecture series in Church of Christ in Singapore in 2015. the people of the Solomon Islands are this Baltic nation’s capital. “You Can now responding,” Randy and Sharon Trust the Bible — Getting to Know Hogan and her husband, Gordon, English write in a recent report. the Bible and Bible Evidences” was were pioneering missionaries to The couple, based in American the title. Guest speakers from the Pakistan and Singapore. Samoa, makes regular teaching U.S. were Wayne Brewer, Michael In Singapore, “she has played trips to the nation of more than Wyatt and Michael Richardson. such an integral part in the history 350 islands and 523,000 souls. On of Moulmein Church of Christ and remote Reef Island, for example, SINGAPORE taught, mentored, inspired, encour- a Church of Christ has topped Christians across this Southeast aged, loved and cared for so many of 100 members and has sent out Asian city state mourn the loss of us here,” church members posted on workers to assist in other areas, the ERIK TRYGGESTAD Jane Hogan, 90, who died Jan. 17. the congregation’s Facebook page. Englishes report. Baptisms in Burkina Faso in 2009. 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT FEBRUARY 2016 New Zealand

Hawaii

Auckland Tauranga Australia Wellington

New Christchurch Zealand

Antarctica Principal Steve Raine teaches a course on the New Testament. Mink Gough and fellow students compare notes during a break.

POPULATION: 4.74 million; RELIGION: 44.3 percent Christian (including Catholic, Anglican and Protestant). CHURCHES OF CHRIST: Scottish SOUTH PACIFIC: College sends grads worldwide Restoration movement followers started congrega- FROM PAGE 1 joined their kiwi counterparts, and Other graduates of South Pacific tions in the 1840s. U.S. missionaries began working in New Zealand and Australia, in the college’s second decade souls Bible College have evangelized and to build up small a cappella churches in the 1950s. reflecting similar trends in Western came from other South Pacific islands. planted churches in New Zealand, Now the nation has 25 Churches of Christ, and nations, Asia’s churches In recent years the college Fiji, Thailand, Switzerland, the U.S. about 1,700 people identify as members. are burgeoning. About has attracted students from and Chile. 350 million people in Southeast Asia. The college offers a two-year South Pacific Bible College Asia call themselves “The benefits for the Diploma of Advanced Biblical spbc.org.nz Christians, the Pew region,” Raine said, “are Studies and a one-year, post-grad LOCATION: Tauranga, a harbor city in the Bay of Research Center esti- that you have indigenous Diploma in Christian Ministry. In Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island. mates. That number people trained to help addition to coursework, students get founded: 1982, with support from churches could rise to 460 lead the church.” hands-on experience interning with including the Otumoetai Church of Christ in million by 2025. In Papua New Guinea, kiwi congregations. Tauranga and the Lakewood Church of Christ in Churches of Christ See more stories from Churches of for example, graduates of “The students often say that they’re Denver. Currently the High Pointe Church of Christ grew rapidly in New Christ in Asia and the South Pacific the college “are contrib- learning as much from the interac- in McKinney, Texas, sponsors the college. Zealand in the 1970s, at www.christianchronicle.org. uting tremendously to the tion with the local churches here as programs: A two-year Diploma of Advanced but many potential work of the Lord,” said they do in the classroom,” Raine said. Biblical Studies and a one-year, post-graduate leaders sought ministry training Wesley Wosse, a minister in the city Though diverse, the most recent Diploma of Christian Ministry. in the U.S. and never returned. To of Lae. In addition to ministering for crop of students was the first in its GRADUATES: 190 to date, representing 20 stem the brain drain, the Otumoetai Churches of Christ, graduates assist history with no kiwis at all, the prin- countries. Additional students study part time. Church of Christ in Tauranga, a in preparing future generations of cipal said. Two students came from faculty/staff: Lecturers include Steve Raine, coastal city on the country’s North indigenous leaders. One graduate, China. Cecilia Wu is one of them. principal; Mike Austin, CFO; David Nelson, dean of Island, launched the college in 1982. Jab Mesa, serves as president of “I always thought there was a academics; and John Atchley, compliance officer. Soon young Christians from Fiji Melanesian Bible College in Lae. creator of the world, but I grew up Ministers from abroad and professors from Chris- tian universities in the U.S. teach courses regularly. The college has four part-time support staffers. Jennifer Saavedra Joel Gough Bonnie Chen MISSION: “South Pacific Bible College exists to Davao, Philippines Canberra, Australia Guangdong, China transform lives through the inspiration of God’s Word to multiply Christ-followers in the world.” “Can you invite me to “I always believed “I was baptized two your church? I want to in God,” said Gough, years ago, but I don’t know your God.” though he grew know most of the Saavedra asked that up surrounded by Bible,” said Chen, question of one of her violence and drugs. a native of China’s friends when she was a teenager. Thus Searching for truth, he found a Guangdong province who moved began her Christian walk. 10-member Church of Christ that to Auckland, New Zealand, and was A member of the Matina Church “didn’t condemn me even though I’d introduced to the Gospel by the of Christ in the Philippines, she finds come to church hung over.” Morningside Church of Christ. the college to be academically rigor- Now clean and sober, he enrolled at She came to the college to increase ous. But it also exposes her to differ- the college and will serve as an evan- her understanding of Scripture. PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD ent cultures and perspectives on her gelist for the Canberra Church of Christ Churches are small and hard to find SOURCES: CIA World Factbook, “Churches of Christ Around the faith, she said. She hopes to serve as a after graduation. He recently married in her homeland, she said, so she World” by Mac Lynn, interviews. Maps via Wikimeida Commons. missionary after graduation. one of his classmates, Mink. hopes to help them however she can. FEBRUARY 2016 from the front THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15 in an environment that had lots of gods,” Wu said. Then a friend in her native Shanghai invited her to church. Now Wu, the first Christian in her family, studies the Bible and Recovering addict fellowships with Christians from a wide variety of backgrounds. finds a place of The students reflect demographics in cities throughout the region, said David Payne, an evangelist for the Belmore Road Church of learning, healing Christ in Melbourne, Australia, who has taught courses at the college for the past 10 years. o one wanted me. I would “God has positioned SPBC to become one be a big risk. But the of the most diverse biblical training schools ‘Nschool gave me a chance,” on the planet because we live in one of the said Juan Cusi of his time at South most diverse regions of the planet,” Payne Pacific Bible College. said. In a rapidly changing world, the college Cusi grew up in Churches of “is successfully training a new generation Christ on the island of Cebu in of workers that are equipped to function the Philippines. A longtime drug amongst the diversity of the region.” abuser, he was looking to change Local Christians support the work, with the his life. At the goal of making it self-sustaining, said Edwin college in New “Sandy” Detherage, a member of the High Zealand, then-dean Pointe Church of Christ in McKinney, Texas, of students Roger which sponsors the college. But an increasing Craig agreed to number of potential students come from poor admit and mentor economies and need assistance, he added. the troubled youth. “While churches in Australia, New Zealand “I was a stranger, and, for that matter, the U.S.A., may be but he showed me Cusi declining,” ” Detherage said, “a robust, multi- God’s grace,” Cusi cultural, enthusiastic student body brings a said. “At first, my goal was just to new interest and zeal to Christianity. get myself to go to school — baby “Perhaps God knew that our comforts have steps, one day, two days, then one spoiled us — and that we need the new spark week, one month. as much as they need the academic rigors of “I wasn’t the best student. You Bible study.” can ask (academic dean) David Mink Gough, a recent graduate from Nelson about that. But he never Bangkok, Thailand, described her two years at gave up on me.” the college as eye-opening. SHANGHAI SALVATION: Cecilia Wu planned to earn a degree in Bible — when she Outside the classroom, the “It’s been challenging,” she said of the retired. First she needed to make money, she said. college “taught me how to be experience. “But it has helped me to under- Then a friend in Shanghai, China, where Wu grew up, told her that “if I have patient, how to share Christ’s stand the Bible better in terms of context. We a chance to change my life, just do it immediately. Don’t wait.” love the way it was shared with a misunderstand a lot of the Scriptures, and we Wu enrolled at South Pacific Bible College. “Academically, it’s more struggling, recovering addict,” he use them for our own advantage. That’s the challenging than I expected,” she said. “I never received any systematic Bible said. He began to see the church biggest thing I’ve learned about the Bible.” education ever. I didn’t know there are so many things I didn’t know.” as a community where he could experience healing. Since graduating, Cusi has Chan Ho Jung Ofa None Bobby Whippy returned to Cebu. He assists with Seoul, South Korea Nuku’alofa, Tonga Savusavu, Fiji medical missions and reaches out to other recovering addicts. He’s “I’ve been a Christian for “I thought only good “In Fiji, everyone claims active in his congregation and has more than 20 years, but people could pray,” to be a Christian,” said seen it change for the better. I feel I am just a Sunday said None, who grew Whippy, whose father “Sunday isn’t just Sunday church-goer,” said Jung. up in Tonga, an island ministers for a small worship but an all-day event,” he Born in South Korea, nation where many Church of Christ in the said. “We’re all involved with each his family moved to New Zealand and profess Christ but don’t follow him. South Pacific nation. But few people other’s lives.” continues to search for a church home. Though a preacher’s daughter, None live as if redeemed by Christ’s blood, A year after Cusi graduated, Jung enrolled in the college because spent time drinking with friends and he added. Whippy came to the college Craig traveled to Cebu to see how “I want to know more, and then I want felt far from God. Now she prays regu- to improve his Bible knowledge and his former student was doing. to grow my faith,” he said. He particu- larly as she studies at the college. plans to return to Fiji as a church- “Roger is family,” Cusi said. “If larly likes his Greek classes. When asked She hopes to serve as a youth lead- planting evangelist. he hadn’t sat down and talked what he wants to do with his degree, er with her church. She reaches out to In Fiji, “people are very receptive to with me almost every day, he said, “It really doesn’t matter. Just her friends, and some have expressed a studying the Bible,” he said. “I’m going maybe things would have been purely, I want to learn the Bible.” newfound interest in faith, she said. back with my family to spread the Word.” different.” 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016 FEBRUARY 2016 Currents the christian chronicle 17

FOR CALIFORNIA MINISTER, rap music is a way to share the Gospel with a new generation.

BY bobby ross jr. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SANTA ANA, Calif. s Jason “Teech” Darden grabs a micro- phone, loud music pulsates. The audience — a group of urban students invited to a Saturday mentoring event — cheers as Darden begins to rap. “Turn it up right here,” the Christian hip-hop artist instructs as he grooves to the rhythmic beat. Darden, 34, sports an Oakland Raiders cap, a black hooded sweat- shirt and camouflage pants as he invites the children gathered at Martin R. Heninger Elementary School to repeat the lyrics. “I said, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart!’” he declares again and again. Twenty-four hours later, Darden dons a different wardrobe — a white, button-down shirt, dark slacks and shiny brown shoes — BOBBY ROSS JR. as he steps to the pulpit Minister and rapper Jason of the 200-member Darden preaches for the Mission Viejo Church Mission Viejo Church of of Christ. MARQUES DU PREE Christ in California. In each venue, he Anthony Nelson, Jason Darden and Marcus Thompson, all members of Churches of Christ, pose at a video shoot. expresses the same passion: his love for Jesus Christ. who — as the son of an Army Ranger — lived all friend asking. A heated argument ensued. “For Teech, it’s always been about spreading over the globe, from Germany to Georgia. “But “He was like, ‘The Scripture says, ‘Flee from all the Word,” said Marcus Thompson, a West a lot of the lyrics and stuff like that were full of appearance of evil,’” Darden said, referring to Oakland Church of Christ member collaborating misogyny and violence.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22. with Darden and Anthony Nelson to create the After graduating from Greater Atlanta Christian The conversation marked a turning point for hip-hop label Kerusso Music. School in Norcross, Ga., in 1999, Darden headed to Darden, who stopped listening to secular music. Harding University in Searcy, Ark., to play football. u-Tang Clan. Busta Rhymes. Puff A 5-foot-6, 185-pound running back and strong arden never expected to become a Daddy. safety, he double-majored in kinesiology and hip-hop artist. Growing up, these were some of missions. But a Harding roommate — Josh After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he Darden’s musical influences. Davidson — objected to his choice of music. joined the Army Reserves and deployed to “Just like any other kid that grew up in the “How are you going to listen to evil lyrics and Egypt, temporarily delaying his studies. inner cities, I really liked hip-hop,” said Darden, try to live a Christian life?” Darden recalls his CONTINUED 18 february 2016 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19

The lyrics of teech

Like Frankenstein, I was dead, now alive Shocked by the Gospel, it’s alive, it’s alive!

Here is water, what doth hinder thee Here is water, what doth hinder thee Living water leads to eternity Come to me, come to me

OK, I can understand why you question and you doubt A preacher doing hip-hop, what’s that all about? The two don’t go together, like oil mixed with water But Jesus hung with prostitutes so they could see the Father

I need to set the record straight, about your misconceptions They need me in the streets, catching souls like interceptions That’s why I’m writing sixteens and eights on every chorus Screaming Jesus is the way I know they’re deaf but can’t ignore us That’s why I went to seminary, Fuller to be specific, Jason Darden, sporting an Oakland Raiders cap and camouflage pants, performs for The Mission Viejo Church of Christ listens to a Sunday morning sermon by minister A boy named José visits with Jason Darden, right, during a mentoring event at Heninger Elementary School in Santa Ana, Calif. Darden Left the comfort of the Bible Belt for the Pacific children during a Triple Threat Mentoring event at a California elementary school. Jason Darden. Mission Viejo is about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles. taught the students how to write hip-hop lyrics to express their emotions. “It’s really a story about how you feel inside,” he told them.

CONTINUED I’d heard so many good things about was in a group called Bad-N-Fluenz. As an adult, Thompson had stopped Meanwhile, Darden bought a At the Los Angeles-area school event, Once he fulfilled his military service, him, and we had vetted him with a After hearing the kind of music he did, listening to secular hip-hop music. recording studio in Anaheim and Darden performs two songs: “You’re he returned to Harding, where he number of people. We knew he was a I couldn’t believe he was a Christian.” “I loved rap, but it was clearly too poor launched Teech Music. My God” and “Trust in the Lord.” I surrender all, I’m waving the white flag had met his wife, Mary, in a freshman great guy.” Asked what a good Church of Christ of an influence on my mind,” he said. While Kerusso (Greek for Then he teaches the students — My life was in the trenches like a soldier from Bible class. They have two daughters: Besides making rap music, Darden kid was doing listening to that kind When Thompson connected with “proclaimers”) will focus on making most of whom live below the federal Vietnam Alayla, 12, and Izabella, 9. remains a captain in the Army of music, Thompson Nelson, he encouraged and selling records, Teech Music looks poverty level — how to write hip-hop I’m fighting a losing war, no longer can I ignore After graduating in 2005, Darden Reserves, serving as a chaplain. laughed and replied: “I his brother in Christ to partner with community nonprofits. lyrics to express their emotions. The Lord and his word, of course preached for the North Metro Church “The elders are super supportive of wasn’t a good Church of — who once made “The studio is an evangelistic tool,” “It’s really a story about how you Read it, it will enforce of Christ in Sacramento, Calif. the music, even more so than the mili- Christ kid. I was a kid.” profanity-laden music Darden said. “I want people from the feel inside,” he tells them. He made us both woman and man He later joined a Kairos church- tary because they don’t want me to get Nelson, 42, said the as “Ant Diddley Dog” community to come to our studio and Hip-hop allows Darden to connect Like clay in the Potter’s hand planting effort and then did campus deployed and be taken away,” he said. tragic death of his — to redeem hip-hop record any kind of music they want. with the children in a special way, Will you mold me and make me? ministry at Loyola Marymount “But with the music, they are saying, partner, “Rappin’ Ron” by recording songs But we do say, ‘If you are going to said Vernon Gee, program manager Break me to shape me? University in Los Angeles. ‘Jason, use it somehow to reach people, Royster, in 1996 initiated promoting the Gospel. come here, you have to follow a few for Triple Threat Mentoring, which ‘LIVING WATER’ is from Jason Darden’s first album, “Church In “I had some non-Christian friends and we’ll support you in that.’” a spiritual journey that Darden entered the rules: No parties. No taking drugs. organized the event. The Wild.” The others are from the upcoming “The Second Self.” and family members who would listen led him to read the Bible mix when Thompson met No profanity.’ And everybody respects “This is all these kids are doing,” to terrible rap music everyday,” the ow did a preacher (Darden), a and seek a higher calling. him at the Pepperdine that because we say it up front.” Gee said of rap music. “They’re not minister said. “Joking around, I said sports columnist (Thompson) Now a member of University Bible Lectures playing soccer. They’re trying to I was going to record some Christian and a steelworker (Nelson) the Brentwood Church in 2012. arden takes his hip-hop name become rap stars.” rap and give it to them so that they come to start a Christian of Christ in California, Darden and Nelson — Teech — from the Great Darden’s goal: to inspire children to could learn about Christ. hip-hop label? Nelson was baptized — now known as “A. Commission in Matthew 28. ask questions about his faith. “Next thing I know, I’m baptiz- Thompson, 38, who writes about the in 2000 after a man at PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. Doulos,” which is Greek That’s where Jesus tells his “When I start with music, they go, ing my friend,” added Darden, who Golden State Warriors and other major the refinery where he Minister Jason Darden for “a servant” — have followers to go and make disciples ‘All right, he’s a rapper. Really cool,’” immersed the friend, John Castro, on sports teams for the Bay Area News worked invited him to played football at Harding done concerts together of all nations, baptizing them and the minister said. “Then when I start a Sunday night in 2011. “God placed a Group, listened to hip-hop as a boy. So Bible studies. University in Searcy, Ark. in Atlanta, Houston, “teaching” them to obey all his talking about Jesus or trusting in the vision on my heart that day.” when the columnist spotted Nelson, a “It’s all of those things Los Angeles, Oakland, commands. Lord, they go, ‘I didn’t know you could Before the Mission Viejo church one-time secular rapper, at an areawide that you might think about or see on Raleigh, N.C., and San Diego. “I wanted to use the music to figure talk about rap and God.’” hired Darden in 2013, elder Ken hymn singing, he recognized him. TV when an individual does not know Thompson serves as an unpaid out how to share the Gospel in a post- Christian hip-hop, he suggests, can DuBose searched online for sermons. “I was heavily into gangsta rap, the Lord,” he said of his former life. manager for the artists. modern, contemporary way,” he said. be the 21st century version of evange- “The first thing I came across was especially the Oakland artists, and “I mean, unrestrained merrymaking, The three are working to develop “If you can get people a CD or USB with listic tracts or door knocking. Welcome team volunteer Bill Dorrough, one of his rap songs,” DuBose said. “I (Nelson) was one of the good, under- winebibbing, promiscuity, corrupt Kerusso Music and release the some songs on it, they are really likely “I used to do a lot of that, too,” left, greets minister Jason Darden at the ALBUM COVER PROVIDED BY JASON DARDEN just thought, ‘Well, that’s interesting.’ ground rappers,” Thompson said. “He communication.” Oakland-based label’s first albums. to listen to that and just check it out.” Darden said with a smile. Mission Viejo Church of Christ. 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016

Executive Director Position

A growing year-round camp in southeastern Pennsylvania, is looking for an Executive Director to provide Christian leadership to staff and clients according to the Camp Manatawny vision statement. For the complete job description and qualifications, visit: manatawny.org. Send resumes to Mark Wilson, Board Chairman, at: [email protected].

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE for THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21 TEXAS BASKETBALL COACH Will Chapman talks about his journey to Europe with a team of Christian athletes Faith on the court, at home and overseas BY KATIE JONES and erik tryggestad guys and seeing other parts of the THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE world is just fascinating.

ible and basketball are Will Chapman’s How did your faith play a part on passions. He studies both. the tour? As a member of the coaching staff My faith and my background with for Texas A&M University Corpus Christ — obviously, that was the BChristi, the 26-year-old works in multiple reason I was coaching. Every deci- sion I make comes from my relation- aspects of the game. He helps recruit players ship with the Lord. That affected and breaks down videos to help them develop how I conducted myself over there the skills they need on the court. He also helps and my general outlook on the trip. them in the classroom, acting as a liaison with the university’s academic departments. Do you feel that your faith was His faith in Christ and love of the sport drive strengthened by your experience him. He played two seasons of junior varsity with Athletes in Action? basketball for Oklahoma Christian University in My faith really expanded on this Oklahoma City and then spent two seasons as a trip because of the time spent with program assistant before becoming a graduate the players and the other coaches. We assistant coach for head coach Dan Hays. became very close and tight during After earning a master’s in sports adminis- the tour. We were around each other all day, every day for half of a month. tration, he took an assistant coaching position Learning different people’s faith at Southwestern Oklahoma State University for stories and perspectives on Christ a year before moving to Corpus Christi in 2014. Dan Forcella helped me become a stronger Chris- Last summer Chapman joined the coaching Will Chapman is in his second season with the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders. tian and allowed me to be more open staff for Athletes in Action, a faith-based with my faith and spiritual life. program that takes players overseas to compete Spurs, my grandpa who was a coach, the United States. It’s Christian Coaching is one of the profes- on the court and share their faith in Christ. and coach Dan Hays at Oklahoma people doing godly things. It’s a very sions where you can impact so many Chapman, who grew up in the MacArthur Christian. Coach Hays really helped powerful and faithful organization. I young men’s lives while you coach Park Church of Christ in San Antonio, received me get into the college game and was very impressed by it. them — whether that’s a long or the invitation to coach for Athletes in Action gave me a chance to get my feet wet short time — and this was another again in 2016, with possible travel destinations and pursue what I wanted. In which countries did you play, opportunity for me. in Europe or Australia. and for how long? There’s a famous quote attributed What is Athletes in Action? We were in Poland for the most to Billy Graham: “One coach will “It will just depend on if I can get away again,” It’s an organization. They do part; we were in Germany for a little impact more young people in one he said. “Division 1 athletics are still crazy busy various things, but the main thing is bit and Belarus a little bit too. year than the average person does in in the summer with camps and workouts – but I called Foreign Tours. A director and We were there for a little over two a lifetime.” I really take that quote to would love to go again for sure.” a disciple — guys who lead Christ- weeks. heart and believe and live by that. like activities — find Division 1 Growing up, did you have any college coaches and find D1 players What was the overall experience As a Christian, is it difficult to favorite players or coaches who throughout the country at various like for you? coach at a secular school? inspired you to pursue a life in universities. They form a team and It’s a life-changing experience — No, it’s not, because it gives me an basketball? travel to Europe. to see how life is different in other opportunity to reach out — seek out As a young boy, I always wanted to We compete and do Christ-like parts of the world, to see something — people who know about Christ, be a coach. Growing up, playing my activities. We call it “team time.” different and to do it with people but they don’t have a real strong whole life, all the way through my We’re traveling, playing games every who are seeking and believing in the background as far as faith. As one of second year at Oklahoma Christian, day, and we’re practicing. And we’re same thing as you. the basketball coaches, I use that to I enjoyed learning the game and also having a kind of study group for I didn’t know anyone going into my advantage. watching more than I did playing. a couple of hours every day where the tour. Spending two-and-a-half It’s a big school, so I look at it as That’s when I really knew I should we reflect on the day and our relation- weeks with people you don’t really a positive thing — from an oppor- get into the profession. Some ship with Christ. We read the Bible know, countries you’ve never been tunity standpoint — to spread the coaches that inspired me were and talk about Christ-related stories. to (and then) leaving two-and-a-half Word and help people with their Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio The organization is all throughout weeks later really close to these relationship with Christ. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016

The Children’s Home of Lubbock, Texas, an accredited child-care ministry affiliated with Churches of Christ, is seeking candidates for the position of President. The President is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the operations of the organization including implementation of programs and services, application of policy, fund development and accountability for all resources and assets of the Children’s Home of Lubbock.

Information about the Children’s Home of Lubbock may be found at: www.childshome.org. The anticipated vacancy will occur with the planned retirement of the current President. Please send cover letter and resume to: Jerry Hoover, Board of Directors Chair: [email protected]

A Great Discovery!

An exciting opportunity is coming to the Poplar and Warner Church of Christ in Guthrie, Okla. Dr. Don Patton, a Consultant Geologist and Archaelogist, will be with us on Sunday through Wednesday, February 21-24, 2016. Dr. Patton has worked in the archeological research of David’s Palace, the Pool of Siloam and Qumran. He has uncovered the longest consecutive dinosaur trail in the U.S. and has done other research on dinosaurs. Don has also been searching for Noah’s Ark for the past 10 years. He has made numerous trips to Turkey and the Ararat mountains researching sightings and archeological evidence of its existence. There is a great deal of controversy in this area, and we simply suggest that you come and hear what Dr. Patton has to say concerning the evidence he has uncovered. We hope you will put this date on your calendar and come join us for this wonderful faith-building opportunity! FEBRUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 HIGHER EDUCATION FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY HENDERSON, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman recently awarded its first four doctoral degrees. FHU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences presented the Doctor of Education degrees to Stephanie Coffman, Judy Hoover, Jeremy Qualls and Antonio Burt. LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock Christian University received a grant of $596,000 to help establish the Vocati Institute. The grant is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore their religious beliefs and concerns about contemporary challenges by studying theology and examining how faith calls them to lives of service. “The Vocati Institute will bring a new dimension to this mission by bringing together annually an interdis- ciplinary group of university faculty, current university students and up to 70 high school students,” said Steven Bonner, associate professor and JEFF MONTGOMERY director of LCU’s youth and family ministry program, who will direct the If at first you don’t succeed, try jumping over the president again institute. “The institute will strive to It took two tries, but freshman Zach Fryxell dunks while jumping over President Bruce McLarty at Harding University in Searcy, Ark. inform, prepare and encourage the The shining moment in basketball theatrics, which came during a “Midnight Madness” event at Harding, thrilled the crowd. high school students for lifetimes of theological exploration, spiritual discernment and faithful engagement to contributors who donated funds topics such as human trafficking, center and even an equestrian reha- in their churches and communities.” and equipment for a computer lab at immigration, the refugee crisis, bilitation center, secondary Principal the Mutare School of Preaching. racial equality, gender equality and Dale Horn said. The service was “We received 11 computers and homelessness. part of the Christian school’s recent two laptops for use by our students, In partnership with the National Spiritual Emphasis Week. staff and the community at large for a Center for Civil and Human Rights, fee,” said Nhamo Marunga, principal. the seminar aimed to allow students “Most of these have been updated and to tackle social issues of the modern PRAISE AND WORSHIP are wireless. They were recently reset world. The undertaking incorpo- and connected to a local network for rated a number of academic subjects, TEXAS NORMAL SINGING SCHOOL Internet services. This has brought including English, history and Bible. ABILENE, Texas — The singing school excitement in the school.” plans a big 70th anniversary celebra- PHOTO PROVIDED MOBILE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL tion. Thousands have taken part in Daniel Mabuya, a second-year student at MOBILE, Ala. — “Serve Mobile” was the the annual training, and organizers Mutare, works in the computer lab. K-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS theme as 400 Mobile Christian sixth- are trying to contact as many as to 12th-graders engaged in a special possible to let them know about the MINISTRY TRAINING GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL day of service. July 8-9 reunion. NORCROSS, Ga. — Greater Atlanta Some students fed families at the “No, I have not attended all 70 of Christian sophomores decided Ronald McDonald House. Others them,” said James Tackett, a song MUTARE SCHOOL OF PREACHING more discussion was needed about helped a farmer who recently lost leader for the Hyde Park Church of MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Christians in this complex issues they see worldwide. his wife. Still others fanned out Christ in Austin, Texas. “Only the southern African city say “Mazvita” Those students inspired the recent to nursing homes, food banks, last 52.” For more information, see (“Thank you” in the Shona language) Global Leadership Seminar, tackling churches, children’s homes, a cancer www.singingschool.org. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016 FEBRUARY 2016 PEOPLE THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25

Pray, search, rescue A VIRGINIA CHURCH DEACON and a team of dedicated rescue workers and canines travel the world to sniff out and free those trapped in the rubble of disaster.

BY HAMIL R. HARRIS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

on Sanders is indeed a world missionary. But instead of preaching sermons or leading Bible studies, Sanders has traveled to Japan, Haiti and New Orleans to sift out life from endless mounds of rubble along peril-laced paths lined with concrete, twisted Rsteel and destruction. “This was the gift that God gave me,” said Sanders, a dea- con of the Dale Ridge Church of Christ in Roanoke, Va., and a member of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team. As a part of Virginia Task Force 1, he travels with a team of fire and rescue workers to help victims of natural and man-made catastrophes. Last year he journeyed halfway around the globe — to Kathmandu, Nepal — with the task force after a massive, 7.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the Himalayan nation, kill- ing more than 9,000 people and leaving 23,000 injured. Though far from home, the rubble of Nepal was familiar territory for Sanders and his partner Pryse, a tan Labrador retriever trained to locate souls trapped in fallen buildings. The two spent days listening (and sniffing) for life with other handlers and search dogs that were part of the response team. “It was very sad,” he said of the destruction he saw. “You pray without ceasing.” Yet Nepal proved to be a testimony to his faith as searchers found a 15-year-old alive — five days after the earthquake. But for every person team members found, there often were days of fruitless searching, walking through jagged debris, straining to find signs and sounds of life. For Sanders, being quiet and soft-spoken is a must for the job. “I’m not a speaker, I am more of a hands-on kind,” the See SEARCH AND RESCUE, Page 26

FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE Ron Sanders and his partner, a Labrador retriever named Pryse, search through the debris of a collapsed building in Nepal in May 2015 after devastating earthquakes. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE FEBRUARY 2016 This dog can preach a sermon Pryse, a skilled, 7-year-old search-and-rescue dog, helped her partner, Ron Sanders, deliver a recent Wednesday night devotional on obedience for the Dale Ridge Church of Christ in Roanoke, Va. Houseparents “Before many people arrived, I placed Pryse in a small, collaps- ible crate behind the communion table,” Sanders said. “After the announcements and prayer I went to the front and let Pryse out. “Most people were very surprised when she came springing out ACCH has a position open that will fulfill your passion to serve God. because she had been so quiet. Many did not know she was there. “I had Pryse come and lay down beside me. I read from Genesis FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE Must be a faithful married couple who are members of the Church 22 and talked about what great obedience Abraham had shown on the mountain (where he was of Christ, love children and want to serve full time in our ministry as willing to sacrifice his own son). I ended by saying that I want to be obedient to my Master — and I am Houseparents. sure he forgives me when I make mistakes. Just as Pryse looks forward to her reward of playing with her tug toy, I look forward to that time when I will be with my Master in heaven.” Benefits include: Housing, utilities, vehicle, relocation expenses, vacation, medical and short and long term disability. Interested couples will send their cover letter of interest and SEARCH AND RESCUE: A hands-on calling resume(s) addressed to: FROM PAGE 25 “I definitely would consider his church deacon said. A retired fire- love language (to be) acts of service,” Executive Director, Everett White. fighter for the Lynchburg, Va., fire Lynné Sanders said. “His favorite department, he was mentored by a book of the Bible is James because it Email: [email protected] woman on Fairfax Country’s search talks about how faith should produce and rescue team who worked with a good works. He is proud of his work Job description available upon request. dog named Ondo. When she learned but doesn’t seek the limelight. He Look us up on our website! she was dying, she asked Sanders to truly does it to help others.” take over as Ondo’s partner. Ron Sanders always is prepared to Acch4kids.org Sanders trained with Ondo, and serve — at worship or in the field — the two earned certification as a said Justin Imel, a former minister search and rescue team. Together, for the Dale Ridge Church of Christ. they traveled to Haiti after a building “Ron called me some time ago collapse to search for survivors. and expressed angst at missing the Sanders has since Sunday morning assem- worked with two other bly because he was at a rescue dogs — Tomo crime scene,” Imel said. and Pryse. They serve “I reminded Ron that as part of Virginia Jesus served, and he Task Force 1, a team was serving the authori- of about 200 specially ties which God himself trained career and vol- had ordained.” unteer fire and rescue In 2014, as thousands workers. Emergency were dying in West managers and planners, Africa from the Ebola physicians and para- virus, “Ron called to medics serve with the PHOTO PROVIDED see if he could find task force — including Ron and Lynné Sanders a group associated those who specialize in with our brotherhood structural engineering and hazard- where he could go to Africa and ous materials. help,” Imel said. “If anyone else had In 2010, Sanders returned to Haiti called me, I would have laughed, with Tomo after that country’s dev- but Ron is certified to work in such astating earthquake. environments.” “I think Ron feels he has a special Unable to find an opportunity to skill set that can help save lives,” said serve in West Africa, Ron Sanders his wife, Lynné. “He gives a lot of joined a medical mission team spon- time to unselfishly help others.” sored by church-supported Hope for Many of his searches don’t involve Haiti’s Children. headline-grabbing catastrophes, his “He does good work,” Imel said of wife added. He helps search for miss- his friend. “His servant heart is huge.” ing children and elderly people who have wandered from home. Additional reporting: Erik Tryggestad february 2016 PEOPLE the christian chronicle 27 Newsmakers

RECOGNIZED: Keith Cronk by Info-Tech Research Milestones Showcasing the moments of your life and the lives of loved ones. Group as one of 20 top enterprise Birthdays they arranged a small, quiet dinner congregation. Jane began quilting Chief Information attended by four of their children and blankets for families and babies at Officers in North 90th: Marvin Banta, Wetumka, Okla. their spouses, one granddaughter, and risk. America. Cronk Jane’s sister and husband (Dorthy The Mitchens have six living chil- is vice president Anniversaries Z. and John Richardson) from dren, 16 grandchildren and 22 great- of information Clarksville, Tenn. grandchildren. Cronk systems and tech- Joe and Jane Mitchen While working for Olin Industries An interesting side note: Including nology and chief in New Haven, Conn., with two other the 70 years of Joe and Jane’s marriage, information officer for Harding 70 years brothers, Joe helped plant the church theirs and six children’s marriages add University in Searcy, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henry Mitchen in West Haven, now the Hamden up to 370 years of marriage. celebrated their 70th Church of Christ. AWARDED: David R. Kenney, wedding anniversary In 1955, he began 59th: Roger and Shirley Hart, with two honors at the WCTV on Nov. 2, 2015. working in the Emory, Texas. Clapper Awards: Award for Best Mrs. Mitchen research department Documentary on is the former of Ethyl Corporation, Memorials his work “AC — A Jane Zazzi of San Baton Rouge, La., Historical Account Francisco, Calif., and in 1975 when the Cassandra Martin, 52, Houston, of Alexander and Joe is from South Baton Rouge Texas, Dec. 19. Campbell” and the Crossett, Ark. They Church of Christ 200th Program met at Harding was formed, Joe was Memorial/Honor Gifts Milestone Award for College, which is now Harding one of the first three elders, and Jane the weekly gospel University in Searcy, Ark. Dean L.C. volunteered as the secretary. The Christian Chronicle appreci- Kenney television show Sears performed the ceremony on After Joe retired from Ethyl ates and acknowledges generous gifts “Light from Above.” campus in 1945. Corporation and Jane retired from received honoring Bailey McBride Kenney is an evangelist for the Two of their sons and their wives Louisiana State University, they and Erik Tryggestad and in memory of Church of Christ in Wadsworth, Ohio. sponsored an anniversary cruise to moved to Texas where Joe served as Wayne Bradley, Ralph Douglas Foster Bermuda, and on the anniversary date an elder of the South Corpus Christi and Thomas “Smiley” Francis. NAMED: Jim Creech, minister for the Vultee Entries should be submitted to [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. Church of Christ Rates and guidelines are available upon request (credit card preferred). in Nashville, Tenn., Rick Elam, elder for the Chesmont Church of Christ in Will you make sure the Lord’s church remains informed, inspired, and connected? Pottstown, Penn., and John Robert “Keepers of The Chronicle” is a vital group of generous friends who help provide a solid base of Hall, from Jackson, financial support for The Christian Chronicle throughout the year by a monthly pledge of $15 or more. Jim Creech Tenn., to the board of directors of Hope For more details, call (405) 425-5070, or email [email protected]. for Life, a Herald of Truth ministry. Thank you for helping us report and preserve the “good news” of the church! Malcolm Coco, of Abilene, Texas, and Mary Creech, of Seeking a Self-Supporting Murfreesboro, Tenn., Want To Advertise Missionary Servant Just As I Am: retired from the • Who loves verse by verse expository Married, Divorced and Remarried Elam board and accepted in The Chronicle? by:Wayne Dunaway appointment to the preaching instead of homiletics. • Who can be trained and prepared to ministry’s Council of Advisors. Deadline for the evangelize by feeding the poor and homeless Jesus, the great “I AM,” next two issues: at this 120-year-old church. accepts us just as we are -- NEW ELDERS: Russ Dudrey, Robert • Who will serve as an associate minister and even if we are “married, Grisson, Everett Hinton and Gaylin Feb. 9 and Mar. 1 prepare to preach the gospel five times a Prior, the 12th and Laird Church of week to the world by radio every Sunday. divorced and remarried.” Christ in Hastings, Neb. Contact Tonya Patton at • Who wants to become a missionary to the world. tonya.patton wdunaway.blogspot.com NEW MINISTER: Jacob Hawk, (256) 624-6024 @christianchronicle.org www.mainstreet-churchofchrist.com preacher for the Faith Village Church Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. of Christ in Wichita Falls, Texas. 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016 editorial What a food truck The parable of the street sweeper et us turn our thoughts today to Martin belief in your own dignity, your worth and your teaches about talents Luther King and recognize that there are own somebodiness.” ties between us, all men and women living Here’s an excerpt from the address, often “The man who had received five bags of gold went on the earth. Ties of hope and love ...” referred to as “the street sweeper speech.” at once and put his money to work and gained five James Taylor penned those words in his And when you discover what you will be in your bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold 1991 song “Shed a Little Light” as he honored life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at gained two more. But the man who had received King’s legacy. As followers of Christ, we yearn this particular moment in history to do it. one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid for unity among men and women worldwide, Don’t just set out to do a good job. Set out to do his master’s money.” under the grace-filled lordship of Jesus Christ. such a good job that the living, the dead or the — Matthew 25:16-18, New International Version We struggle to live up to the ideals set forth unborn couldn’t do it any better. in his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered from If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep bout a year ago I bought a food truck. I don’t the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in our nation’s streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep know anything about food — or trucks for that capital in 1963. King knew it would take unre- streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets matter — but it looked like fun so I took the lenting effort across multiple generations to like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan plunge. bring about racial unity in the United States. Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. I have never taken a culinary class, or read a In our church pews, we’re still not there. We Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven cookbook, or even watched a cooking show. If can do better. We need to work harder. and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived anything, I am actually an embarrassment in the King was an ardent supporter of hard work, a great street sweeper who swept his job well. kitchen as I am not even sure how as evidenced in another speech he gave on Oct. We’re reminded of the apostle Paul’s admoni- to scramble an egg. In the Word 26, 1967 — about six months before he was tion to Christians in Colossians 3: “Whatever you The food truck business (we sell assassinated. Speaking to a group of students do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name desserts, by the way) has grown at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia, of the Lord Jesus.” over the past year, and so have I. he delivered a speech titled “What Is Your May God grant us energy to work toward the The most important lesson I have Life’s Blueprint.” He urged the students to stay equality and unity that he desires. learned is that sometimes you just in school and to root themselves in “a deep May we sweep our jobs well. have to try. Excuses are easy to come by, but they usually just serve to waste time. If someone like me who still doesn’t Caleb Holsey know how to scramble an egg can run a food truck, it leaves little room for excuses. The parable of the talents is one that I have read many times in my life but recently have seen in a different light. Formerly I thought that the Master was pleased because the first two servants doubled the money and was displeased because the last servant did not double his money. Lately I don’t see it that way. Instead I see the Master thrilled with the first two servants simply because they tried. And he is upset with the last servant because he didn’t try. The first two didn’t rattle off a list of excuses or try to rationalize their investment; they just got in the game. It even says the first servant “went at once” to get to work when he received his original invest- ment. No delay, no excuses. I believe the Master would have been equally www.maccabeats.com pleased with the first two earners if they lost every- thing — provided they didn’t sit on the sidelines as An a cappella celebration of ‘ties between us’ spectators and instead decided to jump in. The Maccabeats, a Jewish a cappella group, join the soulful vocal group Naturally 7 on the steps of the Lincoln Maybe the Master is saying that we all need to Memorial in Washington to sing a cover of James Taylor’s “Shed a Little Light” in honor of Martin double up. Luther King Jr. See the inspiring video and more in our “Voices-only Wednesday” feature online. Or maybe he is simply saying it’s time to act. Scan the Quick Response (QR) code with your iPhone, iPad or other mobile device to reach our website, www.christianchronicle.org. While you’re there, sign up for free email alerts so you’ll CALEB HOLSEY and his family live in Broken Arrow, Okla., and worship never miss a headline or online-exclusive feature. with the Brookside campus of the Park Plaza Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla. FEBRUARY 2016 opinion the christian chronicle 29 In South Carolina, a beloved barber’s death from our readers shows church how God turns evil to good ‘We are living in ANDERSON, S.C. gathered to celebrate Michael’s life at a local funeral the mission field’ n Dec. 23, 2015, shockwaves spread throughout home. His family, loved ones and friends from the our community as we learned that a beloved community were there. The title of my eulogy was Thank you, Katie Jones, for sharing local barber, Michael McGee, was tragi- “God’s Ultimate Purpose,” and the text was your story about your witness on the cally shot and killed that evening in a Views Genesis 50:20: “As for you, you meant evil plane flight to Seattle (“Plane truth: Osmall barber shop behind his home. against me, but God meant it for good in order We’re never too young to share the Michael, just 32 years old, was a devoted to bring about this present result, to preserve Gospel,” Page 3, January). member of the Graceview Church of Christ many people alive.” Our church is hosting a workshop here in Anderson. He used his skills in our Those words were spoken by Joseph, who that is part of a series entitled “Mission church’s Cutting for Christ ministry, which was put into a pit by his brothers, sold into 1.” Brothers Bren White and Ian gives free haircuts to boys 18 years old and slavery and imprisoned on false charges. But Drucker of the Laurel Church of Christ younger each month. God turned Joseph’s negative experiences in Maryland are leading This ministry is designed to help families into good — to save the very brothers who us through this. in our community — as well as to provide Bryan C. Jones betrayed him and generations to come. To your point, the mis- spiritual encouragement, professionalism and God used Joseph to preserve the seed of sion fields are all around a positive male influence to help young men emulate Abraham, whose lineage he used to bring about the us. Our focus for this Jesus Christ. Messiah, Jesus Christ. workshop is “Seeking Michael was that positive influence. Just days before I extended an invitation for Michael’s family and the Lost like Jesus” and his death, as members of our church gave clothes friends to come to the Lord so that God could turn “Sharing the Good News to those in need, he gave free haircuts to 10 kids in this unfortunate event into good — to save someone like Jesus.” the community at the church who desired to give his or her As I made my plea on Twaun Oakes building. life to the Lord and be saved. Sunday for all to attend, He loved cutting hair, and he Six precious souls came walking I read a good portion of your article to loved sharing his gift for the down the aisles to be baptized. point to the reality that we are living purpose of leading people to The audience of mourners stood in the mission field wherever we are Christ. He was living proof that up and applauded as we sang the — and as you well know, the paths of God can use whatever talents we invitation song. people who cross ours are not random have to seek and save the lost. After the funeral, those who happenstance. Michael began attending the desired to be baptized were Thanks for sharing that and encour- Graceview church about three taken to the church building by aging many to be aware of the opportu- years ago. He was baptized into members of the church for a nities our Father gives us to bring light Christ in June 2013. He loved the Bible study. That same day, all and hope to many around us who are fact that God gave him a second six were immersed into Christ struggling and lost. chance at life and was in awe of for the remission of their sins. In Jesus dying for him so that he the weeks since, two more souls Twaun Oakes is an elder of the Chesapeake Church could be forgiven of sins. who knew Michael and were of Christ in Grasonville, Md. Find the church at www. Michael truly believed that God touched by his story have been chesapeakechurchofchrist.org. saved him so that he could be baptized. used to bring other souls to Jesus. God truly turned the evil He led his mother and four other that was done by Satan against Praise for lives of service people to Christ to be baptized brother Michael into good to Wow, what an amazing story of love, during his life. make many people alive. God, courage, sacrifice, commitment and He was very meek and humble, www.graceviewcoc.com working through Michael, has endurance (“From daughter to care- but he possessed a unique leader- Michael McGee gives a free haircut as part led more souls to Christ since giver,” Page 1, January). ship quality that motivated him of the Cutting for Christ ministry of the Michael’s death than he reached This is such a hard season of life for to consistently bring visitors to Graceview Church of Christ in South Carolina. through Michael during the brief all the members of this family, but their worship with him. two years after his baptism. devotion to and support of one another Michael served in our church as a communion As we mourn his loss, we honor his life by doing is a beautiful example of living their server each Sunday and often was assigned the everything we can to save the lost. faith and love. closing prayer. He wrote out most of his prayers and Jenny Lee Garrison | New Orleans blessed the people of God. He was growing spiritually Bryan C. JOnes ministers for the Graceview Church of Christ in Anderson, and told us he loved the support he received from the S.C. Fellow evangelist John Davis Marshall helped plant the church in I am weeping as I write. Jack and church as the Word of God was taking root in him. 2010, and the congregation has grown to 62 members. In January 2015 Frances Zorn were my classmates and Michael is survived by his mother, father and three the church launched “Passion for Christ,” a weekly television program that friends from the mid 1950s. I have known children. No arrests have been made related to his reaches 832,000 homes in South Carolina and northeast Georgia. See some great workers in Christian ministry, death. Local authorities are still investigating. online sermons and other videos at www.youtube.com/graceviewsc and but none greater than these two. An overflow crowd of more than 200 mourners learn about the church’s ministries at www.graceviewcoc.com. Joyce Massey | Palm Bay, Fla. 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016

Operations Manager

Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp is seeking an individual to fill the position of Operations Manager. Responsibilities include operational and maintenance duties. Successful applicants will have strong people skills, communication skills and handyman abilities. This is a unique position with off-season position with flexibility for outside employment or personal interests. More details are available at: www.wcyc.org [email protected]

Full-Time Position Full-Time Minister Needed The Dublin Street Church of Christ, in Urbana, Illinois, Domestic Mission Effort Counseler Position is seeking a full-time married minister with the ability to and communicate effectively and committed to sound biblical 151st Street Church of Christ in teaching with the education and experience necessary to Olathe, Kan., seeks applicants for a prepare for this ministry. Primary duties include preaching, Foster Parents teaching Bible classes, promoting Christian fellowship full-time position to lead a domestic and being evangelistic.

mission effort in Gardner, Kan. Please submit resume, cover letter and Counselor Position two sermons on CD to: Applicants with a heart for and Potter Children’s Home and Family Ministries in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is seeking a Dublin Street Church of Christ experience in missions are requested counselor for our SPARK (Single Parent’s Alliance for Raising Kids) program to meet the 1402 West Dublin Street to send resumes to: needs of both the moms and their children. Urbana, Illinois 61801 Immediate contact person: [email protected] The counselor must be an active faithful member of the Church of Christ. They must have Barney Ellis (217) 597-9193 a master’s level degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. Foster Parents Minister Search The foster parents will provide care for up to six girls between the ages of 6 and 18. Full-Time Preacher Duties include structure and supervision, meal preparation, transportation, participation We are looking for a minister for in planning meetings and other activities. Plymouth Church of Christ in the Dubois Church of Christ in Plymouth, Mich., is seeking an experienced Dubois, Wyoming. Dubois is located The couple must be faithful members of the church of Christ in good standing, in good physical full-time preacher. Salary commensurate with health and team players. This job requires flexibility, patience, persistence and the ability to provide experience. in the beautiful Wind River guidance to youth in a family environment. Mountains at 7,400 ft. elevation. A complete job description and profile may be found on our church website: If you would like more For further information see our website at: information, please call: http://plymouthcoc.net/minister-search www.potterministries.org Ed Bass or contact: Send cover letter and resume to: (307) 349-9580 or (307) 349- 4560 Tom Doty, Minister of Family Services, [email protected] Ed White (734) 453-7630 (256) 412-0764 or (256) 381-0331 (270) 843-3038 or [email protected] Applications accepted through February 29, 2016.

Full-Time Pulpit Minister The Sunnyside Road Church of Christ The Church of Christ in Rolla, Mo., located in Decatur, Ill., is seeking a is seeking a full-time pulpit minister who Full-Time Pulpit Minister. has a deep knowledge of God’s Word and Our Sunday morning attendance averages possesses strong leadership and interper- 75-90. We have 2 elders and 3 deacons. sonal skills. More information available at: We are debt free with excellent facilites for learning and fellowship. http://seekgrowservelove.org/index.html. Please send a cover letter, resume, Please visit our website to learn more. www.sunnysideroadchurch.com e-sermons and references to: Anyone interested in applying for the Search Committee position please submit a resume and Rolla Church of Christ two sermons on CD to: PO Box 291, Rolla, MO 65402 821 North Sunnyside Rd Phone: (573) 364-3488 Decatur, IL 62522 february 2016 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31 A lawyer’s quest for justice will stir the heart

hat happens when conversations with Gash. with his theme: answering the call, someone who considers When we first see Gash, he is seeking justice. himself unsuited to telling his daughter he will never He invites us into the process, answering the call of God go to Africa. The next time we find portraying the reality of systemic Wtakes the leap and answers anyway? him in this story, he is disoriented injustice while insisting that those Jim Gash, a professor of and frightened, riding in involved in the process are open — law at Pepperdine University In Print a crowded minivan on a even eager — to change their system in Malibu, Calif., and an elder Ugandan road in the middle to make it more equitable. His opti- of the University Church of the night. mism and energy are contagious. of Christ on Pepperdine’s He then tells us it all Gash is uniquely qualified for the campus, shares how God started when he listened task he takes on in this story, but took him from being a fan of to Bob Goff, a well-known the way he tells his story reveals his missionaries’ work in Africa advocate for the poor of belief that any Christian can, with to becoming an active partici- Africa. For some time, Gash prayer and the call of God, make a pant in their work. had been pressured to join difference in the life of another. With commendable Patrick Mead Goff on a trip to Uganda but A reader might be tempted to humility and self-deprecating had resisted the call. enjoy the story and say, “but I’m humor, he invites us into his private After a serious, focused time not a lawyer, and I don’t know thoughts and public actions that took of prayer, Gash relents and goes powerful people,” but that would him from Malibu to Masindi, Uganda. to Uganda, unaware that he is miss the point. As Gash says more The story begins with a robbery changing his life, the lives of his HHHHH that once, he, too, thought he was and a murder. It quickly shifts to family, the life of a young Ugandan Jim Gash. Divine Collision: An unqualified and unsuited for the two Ugandan brothers, Henry named Henry, and ultimately, the African Boy, An American Lawyer task laid before him. and Joseph, falsely accused of the lives of a great many others impris- and Their Remarkable Battle for It is a story that increases our murder and placed in detention in a oned without hope. Freedom. Franklin, Tenn.: Worthy faith as it calls us to action and nightmare run by an abusive woman There is much in this book to stir Publishing, 2015. 295 pages. $21.99. patience, for the speed of God’s outside the view of the law. Henry’s the heart and increase faith in God movement is not always what we determination to maintain his faith and in his ability to use even the system in Uganda without criti- want it to be. in God and prayer is well portrayed. reluctant to do great things, one cizing the government or treating But God does move. While there is some novelization, person, one task at a time. the locals with anything other than it seems that this account comes Readers will appreciate how Gash respect and kindness. He refrains PATRICK MEAD is senior minister for the Fourth largely from Henry’s later navigates the byzantine, unjust legal from social commentary and sticks Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, Tenn. New and NoteworthY faith and culture HISTORY memoir Marriage Kevin DeYoung. Kevin Kruse. One Stephanie Fast. She Is Kristen Welch. Raising What Does the Bible Nation Under God: Mine: A War Orphan’s Grateful Kids in an Really Teach About How Corporate Incredible Journey of Entitled World: How Homosexuality? America Invented Survival. Beaverton, One Family Learned Wheaton, Ill.: Christian America. Ore.: Destiny That Saying No Can Crossway, 2015. 158 New York: Basic Ministries, 2015. 224 Lead to Life’s Biggest pages. $12.99. Books, 2015. 384 pages. $19.99. Yes. Carol Stream, Ill.: pages. $29.99. Tyndale Momentum, DeYoung, a popular theologian, Readers who have a heart for 2016. 272 pages. $15.99. reviews Bible passages that speak Kruse, a history professor at orphans will find this book com- to homosexuality in the first part of Princeton University, argues that pelling. A 4-year-old child of an Welch, a popular blogger, covers this slim volume, from Creation to big business and government have American soldier and a Korean why today’s children act more enti- Paul’s epistles. He then responds used religion to soothe and lead woman is abandoned after the tled than past generations and why to the world’s popular objections to the masses. Christianity is good for Korean War. An American couple it’s healthy for kids to receive less. Christian opposition to homosexual- capitalism, he asserts, and in the later adopts her from an orphanage, She discusses God’s love, hard work, ity, including that God is too loving 1930s to 1950s America became a and today this author and speaker discipline, punishment and how par- to forbid homosexuality and that its Christian nation — at least in its advocates for orphans worldwide. ents can resist the easy road of giving practice rarely is mentioned in the advertising, and its people began to God’s power to heal and use bro- in to children’s wants and whims. Bible. He includes appendices on equate religion with patriotism. ken vessels for his glory is evident Helpful appendices include a cell same-sex attraction and marriage and Readers of all political stripes throughout Fast’s story. She gives phone contract between parent suggests 10 commitments churches should find this book engaging, pro- God credit for her ability to share — and child and a “Christian Parent can make regarding homosexuals. vocative and scholarly. in an effort to rescue other children. Manifesto.” 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE febrUARY 2016 february 2016 calendar the christian chronicle 33

Feb. 7-11 Annual Bible Lectureship. Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, Tenn. (731) 989-6000, [email protected]. Feb. 19-20 Wings (Women in God’s Service). Harding University, Searcy, Ark. WINGSharding.edu, (501) 279-4347. Feb. 21-24 Consultant, Geologist and Archaeologist Dr. Don Patton. Poplar and Warner Church of Christ, Guthrie, Okla. (405) 282-4125. Feb. 26-17 Affirming the Faith. North MacArthur Church of Christ. www.affirmingthefaithok.com, (405) 621-5962. Feb. 27 TEDxACU. Abilene Christian University, Texas. www. ted.com/tedx, (325) 674-2000. March 2-4 Alumni Days. Heritage Christian University, Florence, Ala. www.hcu.edu/ events/alumni-days. March 4-5 Ladies of Virtue. “Lifting as We Strive.” Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, Maryland. www.heaven600.com. March 4-6 CHRISTEENS 2016. West Side Church of Christ, Russellville, Ark. Jake Greer, [email protected]. March 4-6 Tri-Area Youth Rally. “Christ is coming. If you don’t believe, read and watch.” Liberty City Church of Christ, Savannah, Ga. (912) 236-3201. March 11 CAPS Conference: Alumni Reception. Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif. (310) 568-5510. March 11-12 New England Church Growth Conference. Manchester Church of Christ, Connecticut, (203) 265-2787. March 17 GSEP Women In Leadership: Work-Life Balance. Omni Hotel-Downtown, Los Angeles. gsep.pepperdine.edu, (310) 568-2344, [email protected]. March 18-19 We Care Seminar and Crusade. Kirksville Church of Christ, West Monroe, La. (660) 627-4003. March 24-26 Spring Sing 2016. Harding University. (501) 279-4255. March 26-31 Churches of Christ National Lectureship. Memphis, Tenn. (901) 684-6664. April 30-May 1 Arlington Church of Christ 75th Anniversary. Arlington, Va. (703) 528-0535. FULL CALENDAR, www.christianchronicle.org 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION february 2016 In an age of inwardly focused churches, we need news that shows us what matters hurches of Christ today often They struggled to make the news- behave like small, independent paper succeed, and after three Ccountries. frustrating years they offered it to They know their preacher, but Oklahoma Christian University. if he leaves, they are at a loss for The rest is a success story. where to look. They have favorite Since the first OC issue in mission points, but a change in lead- September 1981, I have been ership can mean that missionaries involved in many supported by the congregation for Insight different ways — as years suddenly must return home managing editor, then and search for new sponsors, leaving editor, now editor their important work disrupted. emeritus. I have On a larger scale, our fellowship authored a column faces identity issues. Once exclusively for nearly every issue a cappella, worship with instruments over these 35 years. is drifting into our churches — more I love God and the than I like to admit. We struggle with church, and serving the issue of women’s roles in the Bailey McBride believers is one of the church, fed by social developments. greatest works of my At this crucial time in our history, life. I think that churches need to we long for clear, concise informa- know what our brothers and sisters tion about our brotherhood. are doing — how they are serving I have always been drawn to in times of crisis around the world visionaries. As a student, I preferred and how they share the Gospel with teachers who knew the facts and those who do not know Jesus. saw the significance of those facts Working with The Christian on the future. Olan Hicks, a man I Chronicle has been one of the great never met but whom I have come to blessings of my life. I have made a know about through research, was host of friends — and I have been an amazing worker and a visionary forced to think about the church in whose legacy lives on. ways that I had never considered. In March of 1943, Hicks began I have enjoyed working with and writing, editing and publishing The been encouraged by all the editors Christian Chronicle. He believed since OC acquired the paper — that news about was happening Howard Norton, Lynn McMillon in Churches of Christ would help and Erik Tryggestad. Other staff churches stay connected and members have contributed much to supportive of important activities. me and to the quality of the paper: The Chronicle was born in the Joy McMillon, Scott LaMascus, darkest days of World War II. The Glover Shipp and Lindy Adams. Japanese were seizing the Asian In the first decade of this century, lands. Nazi forces marched across Tryggestad and Bobby Ross Jr. Europe. Yet Hicks knew that more joined our staff. Both are profes- important than military victo- sionally trained and have exten- ries were the spiritual victories of sive experience. Their excellent bringing souls to Christ. sense of what is important and how Hicks was a great newspaperman. to report the news means that we Those who followed him kept his know more about what is happening dream alive through the postwar in our churches — here and around years as Churches of Christ grew the globe. Our website and regular rapidly — and endured heartbreaking email updates let us all know sooner. splits due to our disagreements about The Chronicle is imperfect, but how the church should function. it is a powerful reminder that we John and Dottie Beckloff, known are a vast body of believers. This for their years of service in Nigeria, paper helps us recognize the bigger loved the Chronicle and bought picture outside our pews. it with the intention of restoring Hicks’ passion for uniting churches. COntact [email protected]. febrUARY 2016 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 ‘Greater’ than fiction INSIDE New movie tells inspiring, CALENDAR...... 33 NATIONAL...... 5 true story of hope, faith CURRENTS...... 17 OPINION...... 28 and football, say church DIALOGUE...... 21 PARTNERS...... 23 members portrayed in INSIGHT...... 34 PEOPLE...... 25 INTERNATIONAL.....13 REVIEWS...... 31 the film. 3 Vol. 73, No. 2 | February 2016 | www.christianchronicle.org MILESTONES...... 27 VIEWS...... 29

box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100

change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OKLAHOMA CITY OK PERMIT # 276