Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 67, No. 11 | December 2010 for Churches of Christ In hometown of Jesus, church names elders

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE of Nazareth. He said he views the appointment as “a great An Israelite named Nathaniel responsibility.” once asked, “Can any good “We understand that our thing come out of Nazareth?” future growth is dependent on Moments later, he was face- good leadership,” Shleyan said. to-face with Jesus of Nazareth, “Pray for us as declaring him the Son of God we seek to do and king of Israel. God’s will.” More than 2,000 years after The church in that good confession, a small Nazareth began congregation of Christ followers in 1960 through in Jesus’ hometown became the efforts of the first Church of Christ in the missionaries Middle East to appoint elders. Ernest Stewart Before a record attendance of Bishara and Ralph 76 people, Bishara Bishara and Henley. The Rookie, Part 2 Suhail Shleyan were charged At least nine with shepherding the Nazareth families have AFTER THE MOVIE about his life, Jim Morris’ journey takes more extraordinary turns Church of Christ — a congrega- served as mis- tion of about 50 Arab Christians sionaries in in the modern-day State of Israel. Nazareth in the BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE So he knew the story of Morris’ incredible “Don’t call us elders. Just call years since, said journey from small-town science teacher and us servants,” said Bishara, a Evertt Huffard, ABILENE, Texas — Go play catch with Jim Morris. baseball coach to major-league pitcher. member of the Nazareth church Shleyan vice president and The Jim Morris, that is. Weisinger, sent to live at the group home since 1968 and retired princi- dean of Harding The one whose real-life story Dennis Quaid because of family problems, didn’t know what pal for Galilee Christian High Graduate School of Religion in portrayed in the 2002 Disney feature film “The to think of the man tossing baseballs back and School. “We only seek to be Memphis, Tenn., who attended Rookie.” forth. Was this a photo op for a celebrity? Or spiritual leaders, and our confi- the dedication service. Mikey Weisinger, a teenager new to a was Morris genuinely interested in him? dence is based on the Word of Huffard, an elder of the Church Christian children’s home in Medina, Texas, It didn’t take Weisinger long to figure out the God to guide us.” of Christ at White Station in about 225 miles south of Abilene, had seen the answer. Shleyan became a member of Memphis, and his wife, Ileene, movie on cable television. See ROOKIE, Page 14 the church in 1982 and works as served as missionaries in an engineer for the municipality SEE NAZARETH, Page 15 PHOTO: WALT DISNEY PICTURES

box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 INDEX CALENDAR...... 29 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. CURRENTS...... 17 U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIGHT...... 34 OKLAHOMA CITY OK INTERNATIONAL...... 9 PERMIT # 276 NATIONAL...... 5 LETTERS...... 31 A Muskie’s fight OPINION...... 30 Hands-on, hands dirty Cause for caution Church member, softball PARTNERS...... 23 World Mission Workshop trains Recent church van crashes coach for Muskingum Fighting PEOPLE...... 27 students outdoors. 3, 17-19 show need for safety. 30 Muskies battles cancer. 27 REVIEWS...... 32 Winner of eight ‘Best of the Christian Press’ awards, 2010 | Breaking news, exclusives at www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2010

Russia And Ukraine Know What’s Good For Them.

The Bible. In Public Schools. Now, in two countries at once. Russia and Ukraine. Over 250,000 students in 1,063 Public Schools. We have to hand it to them, they do know what’s good for them.

October 31, 2010

1-800-486-1818 · www.milliondollarsunday.org DECEMBER 2010 The Second Front the christian chronicle 3 Kindred spirits: Guest chapel Mail brings news and inspiration speaker is out

ittle glimpses of heaven arrive — by the hundreds of this world L— in our mailbox each week. OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Christian The Christian Chronicle University’s adopted astronaut, Doug receives church bulletins from Wheelock, spoke to students recently — across the nation — so many from 250 miles above the Earth. that we can’t Wheelock talked live via video feed from Inside Story possibly read the International Space Station, where he them all. serves as commander of the six-person crew. But when “Chance favors the prepared mind, ” we have a Wheelock said in a somersaulting space moment, we talk in which he discussed his Christian love opening faith and promised to return to Oklahoma up these trea- Christian in the spring — in person. sure chests “Regardless of what your goals and of news and dreams are for your life, the most important inspiration thing is to put your trust and faith in God Bobby Ross Jr. from our and to keep your life at the center of his brothers and will,” the astronaut told students at sisters all over America and Oklahoma Christian’s daily chapel assembly. even the world. “Because when you do that, everything else We see the orders of wor- tends to work out.” ship, the prayer lists, the On a lighter note, he joked, “I launched wedding announcements, on June 15th, and so I haven’t had a shower the missionary reports, the since June 15th.” names of those serving in In June, Oklahoma Christian hosted a the military, the attendance ERIK TRYGGESTAD shuttle liftoff party for Wheelock, and in and contribution figures, the At the World Mission Workshop in northern Arkansas, Snezana Lepki wears a shirt with the Canadian March, he was the guest speaker at a univer- reminders to bring change flag and stands by the flags of China and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has lived in all three countries. sity fund-raising dinner. While on campus for the local children’s home last spring, he spoke in chapel, ate lunch … and we feel a kindred spir- with students and visited several classes. it with congregations large He has served with the NASA space pro- and small, far and wide. gram since 1998. He was a mission special- Via our mailbox, we enjoy a Baptized three times ist on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2007, few laughs. logging almost 400 hours in space and per- We chuckle at an article forming three spacewalks. He has served titled “No Streakers in A REAL-LIFE ‘SNOW WHITE’ shares her journey of faith — from Bosnia to America. as the primary liaison between NASA and Church” (hint: put on the the Russian Space Agency. full armor of God) from the BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE sings is a practice she picked up in Canada, Wheelock is scheduled to return to Earth Canyon View Church of Christ said Lepki, a native of the small European on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in December. in San Diego and at one-liners Floral, Ark. nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. such as this from the Arnold hen Snezana Lepki sings in church, But the way she worships also reflects Church of Christ in Missouri: she focuses her gaze on the heavens the way she lives, her friends said. “If God is your co-pilot, you W— if the song praises God, that is. “She is one of the most other-centered need to trade seats.” If the song is about her fellow Christians — people I know,” said Baldwin’s wife, Rosalind. Via our mailbox, we enjoy a “Love One Another” or “We’re Marching to “Her love of Christ comes through.” few admonitions. Zion,” for example — she will “turn and face Lepki, whose first name “Snezana” is “Who will you worship you — and sing to you,” said Mavis Baldwin, Serbian for “Snow White,” is completing a Sunday?” asks the bulletin who worships alongside Lepki at the College master’s in education at Harding University of the West Garriott Road Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark. in Searcy. She and about 700 other students Church of Christ in Enid, Sure, it can be a bit disconcerting, traveled to Harding’s Camp Tahkodah for Okla. “The god of Ease? … Baldwin said. But “the idea is worship, and the 50th World Mission Workshop. JEREMY GAN The god of Mammon? … The that’s what she’s busy doing.” In a simulated Third World market, Lepki Doug Wheelock speaks from space to Oklahoma See BULLETINS, Page 4 Facing her brothers and sisters as she See BAPTIZED, Page 16 Christian University students. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY DECEMBER 2010 www.christianchronicle.org

Go online to find all the news in the print edition plus an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more.

• World market in Arkansas: See video from the global market simulation at the 2010 World Mission Workshop at Harding University Tahkodah.

• Blogging the news: Check out our new Christian Chronicle blog at www.christianchronicle.org/blog.

• Breaking news alerts: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out exclusive online features. ERIK TRYGGESTAD To sign up for our breaking news alerts by e-mail, Students, posing as vendors, haggle over contact [email protected]. prices in a market simulation. BULLETINS: In the digital age, paper still a blessing FROM PAGE 3 Ohio, and wonder if we’d be man (or god of Popularity? ... The god of woman) enough to try it. Pleasure? ... The god of Self-Pride? … But we’re certain of this: The roast tur- The God of Heaven?” key, mashed potatoes and gravy served Via our mailbox, we learn that the at a recent Wednesday night meal of the “Senior Saint of the Month” at the Manchester Church of Christ in New Cedars Church of Christ in Wilmington, Hampshire sound exceptionally appetiz- Del., is Mary Weir. ing. Invite your Chronicle friends next We learn about the dedication of time, OK? a Texas Historical Marker at the Via our mailbox, we catch up with Pleasanton Church of Christ in Texas, “Coy’s Corner” from Coy Hathcock whose roots go back 150-plus years. of the Westwood Church of Christ We learn about a new car maintenance in McMinnville, Tenn., “Nathan’s ministry, for retirees and single mothers, Notes” from Nathan Jorgenson of the at the South Yukon Church of Christ in Mount Comfort Church of Christ in Oklahoma. Fayetteville, Ark. and “Patrick’s Points” The little glimpses of heaven that arrive from Patrick Odum of the Northwest in our mailbox are printed on white paper Church of Christ in Chicago. and on blue, green, purple, yellow and We see references to a “TWO42 group” even bright pink paper — yes, we’re talk- at the Oregon City Church of Christ ing about you, Alma School Road Church in Oregon, to a “Hobo Supper” by the of Christ in Chandler, Ariz. Robinson and Center Church of Christ Katherine Cooper, wife of minister in Conway, Ark., to “Pew Packers” at Dan Cooper, produces The Proclaimer, the Bostonia Church of Christ in El the weekly full-color newsletter of the Cajon, Calif., and to “Teen F.A.S.T.” at the Pitman Church of Christ in Sewell, N.J. Starkville Church of Christ in Mississippi. It’s filled with pictures of weddings, We’re not exactly sure what all those babies and graduates, details on fellow- terms mean, but we know that “SWAP” ship activities and, frequently, kind men- is an acronym for the “Sisters With A tions of articles in the Chronicle. Purpose” who worship with the Great What’s not to love about that? Falls Church of Christ in Montana. Via our mailbox, we read about young Alas, it’s the digital age, and many families from the Mary Ellen and churches have stopped mailing bulletins Harvester Church of Christ in Pampa, because of printing and postage costs. Texas, going to visit a corn maze in Most news tips reach us these days by Amarillo and think that sounds like fun. e-mail, Facebook and Google alerts. We We read the “Bear Work Day Report” report breaking news immediately on the from the Yorktown Road Church of Chronicle website, often days and weeks Christ in Logansport, Ind., and wish we before our monthly print edition arrives at could see a picture of the 148 bears made your home or church. by 11 church ladies and young girls. Still, we savor the little glimpses of heav- We read about “Greg’s Intense Chili en that arrive in our mailbox each week. (not for the faint of heart)” at the chili supper of the Fishinger and Kenny CONTACT BOBBY ROSS JR. at bobby.ross@ Roads Church of Christ in Columbus, christianchronicle.org. DECEMBER 2010 Across the Nation THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 ARIZONA spotlight KINGMAN — “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” The Desert Church of Christ decided to follow that example from Acts 2:46 and meet together every night for a week. Members Laquita Searles and Carol Smith organized meals, while Ed Smith recruited men to lead singing, pray and present 10- to 15-minute lessons. The church averages Sunday atten- dance of about 90. The nightly services PHOTO PROVIDED BY DALE JENKINS drew between 55 and 68 people. Michael Hite, Dale Jenkins and Caleb O’Hara “The event touched many as the congre- advise church members on the best uses of gation drew closer to one another and, technology at TheMinistryGeek PowWow. more importantly, closer to God,” minister Steve McCall said. Ministry geeks get techy ARKANSAS SPRING HILL, Tenn. — TheMinistryGeek SEARCY — Combine Jesus’ parable of the PowWow, a technology in ministry confer- marriage feast with the Great Commission, ence, drew 47 participants from 10 states and you have the basic ingredients for to the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. the “Caring and Sharing” program of the Instruction on the best uses of tech- College Church of Christ. nology for the church was offered by Caleb Directed by deacon Eddie Cloer, the O’Hara, minister of the Ripon Church of outreach effort — started in 2008 — PHOTOS BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ, AMARILLO (TEXAS) GLOBE-NEWS Christ in California; Michael Hite, vice features a Monday night “friendship president of operations at Bear Valley Bible meal” with church members and guests Texas ministry serves children, adults with special needs Institute of Denver; and Dale Jenkins, followed by individual Bible studies. Above, Peggy Ford, Mark Schuster and Justin Jasper pray minister of the Spring Meadows church. About 150 people are fed physically during a Bible study at the Southwest Church of Christ The conference featured sessions on and spiritually each week, and more in Amarillo, Texas. The study was part of the church’s Google group calendars, presentation soft- than 70 have responded to the Gospel, ministry for children and adults with special needs, the ware, webpage development and online said member Ian Terry, who urges other Amarillo Globe-News reported. social networking. TheMinistryGeek is the churches to consider such an approach. At right, church member Hank Northcutt greets Keenon name of a weekly podcast that is part of “The combination of food, fellowship, Doss during the class. Brad Thompson, Southwest’s young TheEquipNetwork.com. devotion and individual study will result in families minister, and his wife, Karen, founded The Hali “The PowWow grew out of a need to a harvest of souls,” Terry said. Project, designed to serve families of children with special demonstrate visually and in a hands-on way needs. In 2000, Brad Thompson integrated The Hali tips given on the podcast,” Jenkins said. MASSACHUSETTS Project into the church and created a Bible class for adults Future training events are planned in BURLINGTON — Fun and food. Arts and with needs ranging from autism to Down syndrome. Dallas and Denver next year. crafts. Even pony rides. For the third straight year, the Burlington Church of Christ’s Kids’ the minister said. The yearly event draws members of courses; eight agreed to in-home Bible Festival drew children and their families Each person helped was invited to Churches of Christ who home-school studies; two wanted a visit from a church to the church building, minister Tony attend a gospel meeting featuring Steve their children. member; and five requested more informa- Thompson said. Kirby, pulpit minister for the Hilldale “The families traveled from many tion about the church, he said. “The first two years, the festival Church of Christ in Clarksville, Tenn. states, and there were also missionary “The fair booth continues to be the least brought in families who became families who came from as far away as intimidating evangelistic tool accomplishing members and regular attenders at the NEW YORK Australia,” said Bradley Cobb, a member the mission of the church,” Walker said. church,” Thompson said. PLATTSBURGH — “Volunteers in History” was of the McLoud Church of Christ in More than 1,000 guests from the the theme of a recent city parade. Oklahoma. TENNESSEE community attended the recent festival. The Plattsburgh Church of Christ aTHENS — “I Am Connected,” said the entered a float featuring a wooden cross SOUTH DAKOTA yellow T-shirts and lapel pins worn by MISSISSIPPI and this message: “The greatest volunteer HURON — For the 56th year, the Huron Athens Church of Christ members on a UNION — More than 30 of the Union Church in history served you.” Church of Christ operated a booth at recent Sunday. Ninety-three percent of of Christ’s 50 members participated in “Naturally, Jesus was the greatest volun- the recent state fair, missionary Timmy the congregation made commitments to a recent outreach event called “Share & teer,” minister Doug Kashorek said. “The Walker said. local ministries of the church, involvement Serve,” minister Rick Benson said. crowd reacted favorably.” Church member Bob Muilenberg built minister Travis Irwin said. “They were all blessed in their efforts a new booth free of charge, and his labors The church, where Tim Gunnells serves to serve the needy,” Benson said. NORTH CAROLINA “helped us accomplish the mission bigger as evangelist, is evaluating its facility needs. The congregation collected clothing, FLAT ROCK — More than 100 families from and better,” Walker said. “The Lord is evidently leading this household items and food. Members across the nation attended the 21st annual In all, 13 people requested Christian 250-member church to a different level of helped 31 families, representing 91 souls, “Roundhouse” gathering. evidence courses; 16 asked for Bible service in the community,” Irwin said. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION DECEMBER 2010

MARK MILLER Dads, sons learn to hit their ‘targets’ at Nebraska retreat Dave Bendickson, preacher for the Central Church of Christ in Davenport, Iowa, instructs Simeon Tremaine during the recent Dads-n-Lads retreat at Nebraska Youth Camp. Bendickson spoke on the theme “The Mystical Flight of the Arrow,” with lessons emphasizing faith, obedience, inten- tionality and the forces that guide men toward or away from their “targets” of Christ-likeness. About 125 men and boys attended the event, sponsored by Dad’s Ministries of York, Neb. Texas member’s heroics earn high honors SAN ANTONIO — Police officer Brandy service and injury in the line of duty.” Clearance Sale! Roell, a member of the San Pedro A week later, the Sons of the American NEED A BUS? Call for a complete Church of Christ, is being Revolution also acknowledged her cour- list of our honored for her heroism age. The group bestowed its Medal for Best Priced Buses! and sacrifice. Heroism on her during a ceremony at the The recognition came Petroleum Club in San Antonio. both for her actions and Two years ago, Roell was barely a CallCarpenter for suffering gunshot month out of the police academy when BUS SALES wounds in the line of duty. she and another officer were wounded going the extra mile since 1953 Roell was one of 13 pub- trying to arrest a man on a domestic Visit www.carpenterbus.com to see over lic servants to receive the violence warrant. As they walked up a 100 New & Used Buses in Stock. Roell We buy buses and welcome Trade-Ins. 2010 Star of Texas Award. stairway, the gunman opened fire with an During recent ceremonies in Austin, automatic rifle. The rounds penetrated a Call Toll Free: 800.370.6180 Gov. Rick Perry recognized her “selfless wall and struck both officers.

Chimala Mission, a 48-year-old ministry Church’s portable defibrillator saves life in East Africa, needs: FLORENCE, Ala. — The last thing Sallie Sims cardiac arrest, church leaders said. •An on-site administrator. remembers about going to a recent funeral “I finished the song and then, the next • American doctors and nurses to work at the CrossPoint Church of Christ was thing, I was in an ambulance, and a man at the mission’s 120-bed hospital. wondering if she would know the fourth was trying to put oxygen on me,” Sims • Experienced Bible teachers to train preachers for short- and long-term assignments. verse to the hymn “No Setting Sun.” told the newspaper. • Schoolteachers capable of teaching and When Sims collapsed, staff members Sims’ niece Stacy White expressed her training local teachers and launching a school. rushed to get the defibrillator that the appreciation for the church investing in • Workers with good mechanical and construction church bought in 2006 at the urging of a the defibrillator. “Based on what I’ve been skills to paint and repair buildings and equipment. church elder, The Times Daily reported. told, I’m convinced if not for the church For more information, contact Bill Stinson at [email protected] Sims is living proof that having an having that (AED) she would not be with or Randy Gray at [email protected] or (817) 319-7936. automated external defibrillator, or AED, us today,” she told The Times Daily. “She on site can make a difference in whether was gone; there was no heart beat, but a person lives after the onset of sudden thanks to the defibrillator, she’s alive.” DECEMBER 2010 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7

Affirming the Faith Seminar Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, 2011 Hosted by the Oklahoma City area churches of Christ Held at the North MacArthur church of Christ

Theme: To Him Be Glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus!

Keynotes: The Mission of the Church in Christ – Bruce McLarty, Searcy, AR

The Unity of the Church in Christ – Bill Watkins, Nashville, TN

The Holiness of the Church in Christ – Thomas Jackson, Florissant, MO

The Blessings of God in Christ – Tim Lewis, Oklahoma City, OK

*Parenting Class with Brad Harrub

**A special men’s class with Glenn Colley and a special women’s class with Cindy Colley from Gurley, AL www.affirmingthefaithok.com 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2010

Give a Child Hope for the Holidays!

ArmsofHope.com

Touching Lives. Reaching Generations.

Support a disadvantaged child or family today! Donate online or call 830.522.2200 decemBER 2010 Around the World THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9 ALBANIA spotlight Durres — Church members helped distribute medical supplies to hospitals in northwestern Albania, where severe flooding drove more than 4,000 people ‘Gobsmacked’ from their homes earlier this year. An Albanian-American community in Dallas saw TV reports of the flooding and by church’s love spearheaded the relief effort. They used Global Samaritan Resources, a church- nottingham, England — A church in this supported ministry in Abilene, Texas, fabled British city — where a dastardly to ship a 40-foot container of medical sheriff once hunted a thief named Robin supplies to Albania. Lodovik Tetaj trav- Hood — hosted an event called “2010 eled from America to Albania to help with Celebration” recently. logistics. Tom Bonner, a missionary in But the name of the event referred to Lushnja, Albania, supervised the arrival more than just the year, missionary Bob of the supplies. Alfred Zike, a missionary Eckman said. “2010 happens to mark 20 in Durres, Albania, assisted. years since we started this church plant in Nottingham and 10 ARGENTINA years since we moved into BUENOS AIRES — Let’s Start Talking is our building,” he said. an important outreach of the Caballito Members of the Church of Christ in this South American Stapleford Church of capital, missionary Joel Banks said. Christ in Nottingham gath- The Texas-based ministry sends ered to share memories of teachers around the globe, helping non- the congregation — good native speakers improve their English and bad. Eckman recalled Eckman skills using the Bible. an early gospel meeting “Before the year is out, Lord willing, attended by five people — himself, his we will have had 24 short-term workers wife, his two coworkers and the guest come and help us with this program,” speaker. Church members also recalled Banks said. fond memories of the congregation, which The Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in now has about 55 members. Brentwood, Tenn., provides housing for “Many tears were shed as well as many the workers in Argentina. howls of laughter as everyone spoke “How to continue working with all the highly of the blessing of being a part of contacts made through this ministry has the Nottingham church,” Eckman said. proved challenging,” Banks said. Participants also split into groups and The Caballito church hosts two Bible discussed how they can better serve their studies for people conversant in English community in the years ahead. and some one-on-one studies. Church During the celebration, church members member Osvaldo Valdez teaches a begin- presented Eckman with a card signed by ning English class, which meets before a all the members and gift certificates for a youth devotional on Tuesdays. PHOTO PROVIDED BY Miriam UPTON 30-minute flight in a vintage, open-cockpit aircraft and a vacation in Ireland. BRAZIL Serving souls — and soles — in Panama “As they say here in England, I was NITEROI — Christians in North and South Children in the village of Farallon, Panama, line up to get pairs of flip-flops. A group of church mem- ‘gobsmacked’ ... speechless,” Eckman said. America prayed for twin boys Graham and bers, including Mark and Miriam Upton and David and Lisa Carter, gave out more than 200 pairs of “This is a great church. We have our ups Gibson Gotcher. Church members also flip-flops to people in the village. The flip-flops were left over from hundreds of pairs brought by and downs, as does any church, but God filled the Facebook members of the Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro, Ark., as part of a mission trip to Panama continues to bless us in amazing ways.” pages of the twins’ during the summer. “Giving away flip-flops was an incredible way of getting to know the commu- parents — Wes nity and letting them know of our love for them and Christ,” Miriam Upton said. WEBSITE: www.nottinghamchurchofchrist.org.uk and Carrie Gotcher — with messages of support. and the pulmonary artery. congregation. VANUATU The Gotchers “We had around 15 people up at the The new church, which TULWEI — Missionary Eric Brandell trav- are part of a hospital praying for Gibson during his meets in Tengani’s home, eled to Malekula, the second-largest mission team in surgery, and we really felt at peace,” Wes baptized 16 people in its island in this South Pacific nation, to meet Niteroi. Carrie Gotcher said. first eight months of exis- with four young Christians who comprise www.niteroimission.com/gotcher Gotcher deliv- tence and has an average the island’s Church of Christ. The Carrie and Wes Gotcher ered the twins SOUTH AFRICA attendance of 32, Tengani Christians had constructed a bamboo and in Brazil at 28 PORT ELIZABETH — After graduating from said. thatch structure for a meeting place and weeks. The boys weighed about two and Southern Africa Bible College in Benoni, “We praise God for Tengani were preaching to five to 10 visitors each a half pounds each. Gibson Gotcher had William Tengani returned to his home- opening doors for us to Sunday, Brandell said. For more informa- surgery to close a gap between his aorta town of Port Elizabeth and planted a new preach his holy word,” Tengani said. tion, see www.missionvanuatu.com. 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 2010 Church members among dead in cholera outbreak

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE from a devastating earthquake in January — is expected to rise. Hospitals across An outbreak of cholera in Haiti has the Gonaives region are completely full, claimed at least 250 lives — including Pacius said in a report to Smith. members of three Churches of Christ. “A lot of people suffer right now,” At least 3,000 Haitians are infected Pacius said. “Some with cholera — a bacterial infection already are sick. Some often caused by drinking contaminated are waiting for their turn. water, according to news reports. Some are sad because Christians who worship with the they lost all their family.” St. Marc, St. Michelle and Dessalines Jean T. Elmera, minister congregations are among the dead, for the Delmas 28 Church said Dr. David Smith, a church member of Christ in Haiti’s capital, who oversees the Haiti Christian Port-au-Prince, has trans- Pacius Development Project in Little Rock, Ark. ported supplies donated Gueston Pacius, a Haitian minister and by Healing Hands International to the development director for the Arkansas affected areas. ministry, helped remove some of the “As a worker in public health for 18 dead bodies, Smith said. years, (I know) this could be avoided,” At press time, Pacius was in the port city Elmera said. “But poor hygiene and lack of Gonaives, Haiti, “going through the final of health education (have) downsized steps to get a host of medical supplies and Haiti into this hole.” water filters released” from a shipment sent by church members, Smith said. TO CONTRIBUTE to Haiti relief, see www.hcdp.net, The death toll in Haiti — still recovering www.hhi.org or globalsamaritan.org. Ministries request aid for Nicaragua flood victims

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Tropical Storm Matthew added to the region’s misery, killing four people in Church members in Nicaragua formed Nicaragua. Since March, 54 Nicaraguans a human chain to cross a rain-swollen have died due to the rains, according river as they returned from a recent to news reports. Thousands more have gospel campaign. been forced from their homes. “God was with us,” said Dr. Erick J. The rains also have ruined crops, and Garcia, who led the campaign to Ciudad food prices are skyrocketing, Garcia said. Dario, north of Nicaragua’s capital, The Northside Church of Christ in Managua. Soon after they arrived in Temple, Texas, is collecting funds to Dario, heavy rains washed out bridges help flood victims in Nicaragua. and roads between the campaigners and Another church-sponsored ministry their home in Jinotepe, Nicaragua. in Nicaragua, Mision Para Cristo, also is After the campaign, several of the collecting funds. The ministry is based in church members got sick. They likely Jinotega, Nicaragua. waded through contaminated water on the “As we look to serve those affected by way home, Garcia said. Despite the hard- the rains, our areas of focus are food, ships, the campaign yielded 11 baptisms. medicine, shelter and concern for their Garcia, a Nicaraguan physician, is emotional and spiritual needs,” said director of the Biblical Institute of Central Benny Baker, the ministry’s director. America (BICA) school in Nicaragua. He and fellow Christians are doing CONTRIBUTIONS may be sent to Northside Church of what they can to serve the people of their Christ, P.O. Box 3868, Temple, TX 76505 or Mision Para Central American homeland, beset by Cristo, c/o Highway Church of Christ, 128 Highway Church months of heavy rains and floods. Ln., Judsonia, AR 72081. DECEMBER 2010 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 2010

www.acu.edu

College of Education and Human Services Dr. Malesa Breeding, Dean, ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 School of Social Work The ACU School of Social Work invites applications for a tenure-track position as assistant/associate professor of social work beginning Fall 2011. Applicants should have an M.S.W. and an earned doctorate in social work or related field. Ph.D. or related doctoral degree is preferred but applicants who are A.B.D. will be PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD considered. Responsibilities include teaching social work courses at both the Bibles in hand, women listen as Jessie Akpanudo speaks at a Christian Women’s Forum event at B.S.S.W. and M.S.S.W. levels, pursuing scholarly research, and performing service the Ukanafun Township Church of Christ in Nigeria. Akpanudo launched the forum 39 years ago. for the university, profession and community. Applicants should have experience in diverse areas of social work practice, be able to teach across the curriculum, and engage the broader community in which the school partners. Nigerian Christian honored Department of Exercise Science, Health and Nutrition The Department of Exercise Science, Health and Nutrition invites applications for a tenure-track position. Applicants should have an earned doctorate in for efforts to empower women kinesiology with an emphasis in the exercise sciences. A Ph.D. is preferred, but A.B.D. will be considered. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to OBONG NTAK, Nigeria — Jessie Akpanudo in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom state. Women engagement in scholarly pursuits and be comfortable teaching in both classroom was honored recently for more than 38 who attend come from three local govern- and laboratory settings. The ability to mentor undergraduate research and/or the years of leadership among believers in ment areas (or counties) in the state. willingness to collaborate with undergraduate students on projects that develop this West African nation. Today there are about 60 Churches of sound research designs and practices is preferred. Akpanudo organized the Christian Christ in those three Women’s Forum, a monthly gospel counties. Department of Teacher Education meeting and lectureship, in 1971. The The elders of the The Department of Teacher Education seeks applicants for two tenure-track aim was “to counter the general belief Church of Christ in faculty positions. An earned doctorate in the field of education with an emphasis that Church of Christ women were Obong Ntak and minister in special education and/or reading is preferred. Applicants must provide evidence asked to remain perpetually silent,” said Nkereke Idio presented of exemplary practice in K-12 settings. A commitment to engaging in scholarly Akpanudo’s husband, Moses. Jessie Akpanudo with a productivity in the field of education is imperative. Responsibilities will include “Jessie started teaching them how plaque for her years of teaching courses in special education, reading and/or elementary education. to pray among the women folk, lead Akpanudo commitment. Applicants should demonstrate a strong background in effective teaching singing, read the Bible as well as teach “It was spiritually very strategies for diverse populations and an ability to create and enhance other women about Christ and his rewarding to all of us as a family, as collaborative partnerships with public school personnel. Commitment to the kingdom,” Moses Akpanudo said. “Many Jessie has been able to leave the mantle of the women were illiterate. They were of leadership to younger women,” her mission of preparing Christian teachers to serve in diverse settings is fundamental. taught to memorize many Bible passages husband said. “Whether she is present that helped them navigate through life at or not, the women’s forum usually goes all seasons.” on. Pray for this type of leadership In a letter to the dean, applicants should address their qualifications for The forum meets monthly at churches among the men in our local churches.” the position. They should include in the application a statement of how faith informs their teaching and administration; a discussion of their spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone numbers of five references. Review Peru church plans vocational training of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. ICA, Peru — About five years ago, a Church Chalco, wants his congregation to help. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities are of Christ in this South American city Chalco, who trained as a shoemaker, especially encouraged. launched a feeding program for impover- plans to pass along his skills to interested ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. ished youths in its neighborhood. youths. Another church member, Norma All applicants must be professing Christians and be active, faithful members Many children who came into the Chacon, is a seamstress who once owned of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service church through the program are a retail store and plans to teach sewing. in Christian higher education. The mission of ACU is to educate students for approaching their teenage years. The “So there is a need right now for the Christian service and leadership throughout the world. teens will be expected to support their accumulation of sewing machines and ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities. families, but few have marketable skills, the various tools needed in the manufac- said Bridgette Foote, a member of the ture of leather shoes,” Foote said. Beltline Church of Christ in Decatur, 100469-1010 Ala., which supports the work. To contribute, or for more information, contact The Ica church’s minister, Paulino www.beltlinechurchofchrist.org or (256) 353-1876. DECEMBER 2010 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13

www.acu.edu College of Arts and Sciences Texas; Zagreb, Croatia; and Accra, Ghana. A large proportion research. Applicants should possess a well-defined program of the teaching load will be online, so interest in teaching of research and should demonstrate competence in the Dr. Charles Mattis, Dean in such an environment, as well as facility with online integration of theological and spiritual issues with therapy. ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 instructional methods, is a high priority. Applicants should Applicants must hold the Ph.D. in marriage and family Biology be motivated, collegial and service-oriented leaders, with therapy or a closely related mental health discipline, exhibit The Department of Biology invites applications for a demonstrated competence in teaching and a well-defined competence as a classroom teacher, demonstrate eligibility for tenure-track position. All areas of biology will be considered, program of research as evidenced by peer-reviewed licensure as an LMFT in the State of Texas, and hold Clinical but we have particular interest in an applicant who could aid publications and presentations. Membership and Approved Supervisor status with the AAMFT. in the pre-health professions areas. Teaching responsibilities The Graduate School of Theology also invites will be a mixture of general and upper-division courses. applications for a tenure-track position in Hebrew Bible/Old College of Business Administration Research activity involving undergraduate students also Testament. Applicants should hold a terminal degree Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean is expected. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. and (Ph.D. or Th.D. preferred) in the field. Applicants also should ACU Box 29303, Abilene, Texas 79699-9303 demonstrate an ability to work in collaborative, collegial demonstrate competence in teaching and possess a Accounting and Finance relationship in a multi-discipline department. Information well-defined program of research as evidenced by about the department is available at acu.edu/biology. peer-reviewed publications and presentations. The Department of Accounting and Finance invites applications for a tenure-track position in accounting. English Department of Bible, Missions and and Ministry A terminal degree or A.B.D. status is preferred. The Department of English invites applications for The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry Responsibilities include teaching accounting courses the department chair position at the rank of professor or invites applications for a tenure-track position in theology. at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, pursuing associate professor. An earned Ph.D. in English is required, as An earned terminal degree (Ph.D. or Th.D.) is preferred. scholarly research, and performing service for the department well as a distinguished record of scholarship and teaching, an The area of specialty is open, but interest in relating and the university community. Teaching excellence is active agenda for promoting a vision of excellence within the Christianity to other world religions would be helpful. required, as well as an aptitude for research and publication. department, and demonstrated leadership and administrative The position will include teaching half time in the Applicants should have an interest in teaching and research abilities. An academic background in World Literatures and undergraduate Core Curriculum (acu.edu/core) in one or more of the following areas: financial accounting, Literary Theory is preferred. The chair will be expected to and half time in the applicant’s area of specialization. accounting information systems, or taxation. foster collegiality, build on department strengths, enhance the The applicant should demonstrate creativity in The Department of Accounting and Finance also invites expanding university integrated Core Curriculum, and promote interdisciplinary teaching and show scholarly promise. applications for a tenure-track position in finance. A terminal the department's educational and research missions. The The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry invites degree or A.B.D. status is preferred. Responsibilities include salary is competitive based upon qualifications. Information applications for a tenure-track position in Bible. Applicants teaching finance courses at both the undergraduate and about the department is available at acu.edu/english. should hold an earned terminal degree in either Hebrew graduate levels, pursuing scholarly research, and performing The Department of English invites applications Bible/Old Testament or New Testament (Ph.D. or Th.D. service for the department and the university community. for a tenure-track position. All areas of English will be preferred, strong A.B.D. considered). Applicants should Teaching excellence is required, as well as an aptitude for considered, but expertise in rhetoric and composition, have at least basic teaching competency in both areas. research and publication. technical/professional writing, new media, or world Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and creativity Marketing literature are preferred. Background in religious studies in classroom instruction and show scholarly promise. or the integration of faith and literature is desirable. Responsibilities include teaching courses in general The Department of Management Sciences invites Ph.D. preferred, A.B.D. required. Information about the education Bible and in the candidate’s area of specialty. applications for a tenure-track position. Responsibilities department is available at acu.edu/english. The College of Biblical Studies invites applications include engaging with undergraduate students and colleagues for a tenure-track faculty position in missions. Applicants in teaching, research and service. Qualifications include a Foreign Languages should hold a doctorate (Ph.D. or Th.D. preferred, strong doctorate in marketing or cognate field, research history The Department of Foreign Languages invites A.B.D. considered) in a relevant discipline such as missiology, and/or plan, and a strong commitment to teaching. applications for a tenure-track position. The ideal applicant anthropology of religion or comparative religions. Applicants will hold a terminal degree in Spanish or linguistics. The must demonstrate competence in teaching and possess a primary need is for teaching linguistics applied to elementary well-defined program of research. Experience in teaching In a letter to the appropriate dean, applicants should and intermediate language levels. Innovative opportunities cross-culturally is desirable. Applicants may receive a primary address their qualifications for the position. They should exist for leadership in language pedagogy and within the assignment in either the undergraduate Department of Bible, include in the application a statement of how faith informs Dialektos language program. Information about the Ministry and Missions, or the Graduate School of Theology. their teaching and administration; a discussion of their department is available at acu.edu/cas. In either case, the applicant should be prepared to teach spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; transcripts of all both undergraduate and graduate courses. ACU has a robust undergraduate and graduate work; and names, addresses College of Biblical Studies missions program that includes the Halbert Institute of and phone numbers of five references. Review of Dr. Jack Reese, Dean Missions, undergraduate and graduate degree programs applicants will begin immediately and continue until the ACU Box 29400, Abilene, Texas 79699-9400 with missions emphasis, and active engagement with position is filled. Nominations of and applications from Graduate School of Theology missions workers throughout the world. qualified women and minorities are especially encouraged. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches The Graduate School of Theology invites applications for Department of Marriage and Family Therapy of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and a position of director of distance education and tenure-track The Department of Marriage and Family Therapy invites be active, faithful members of a congregation of the faculty. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a theological applications for a tenure-track position. The M.F.T. program at Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service in discipline. The discipline is open, but the position requires ACU has held continuous COAMFTE accreditation since 1983. Christian higher education. The mission of ACU is to understanding of and engagement in global Christian ministry. Applicants will teach courses relative to modern theories of educate students for Christian service and leadership The director of distance education will coordinate the family therapy, family life cycle and human development, throughout the world. development of online delivery systems for graduate courses testing and assessment, and DSM-IV-TR diagnosis. Applicants ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in in our new Master of Arts in Global Service, a program that also will supervise graduate interns and mentor student employment opportunities. embraces potential residencies in such locations as Irving, 100469-1010 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE From the front decEMBER 2010 ROOKIE: Jim Morris reflects on faith, baseball and Arms of Hope FROM PAGE 1 “I was going through the Shawna said. “It didn’t matter that he was best time of my life with base- McDonald left a high-paying Jim Morris. He was just another ball while I was experiencing corporate attorney position to guy,” said Weisinger, now 18 the worst personal stuff you take over Arms of Hope. and a Schreiner College fresh- could imagine,” said Morris, He said Morris’ associa- man studying political science. who visited with the Chronicle tion with the ministry gives it during a speaking engagement instant credibility. BEST, AND WORST, OF TIMES at Abilene Christian University. “It helps raise awareness of an He’s the king of second Based on the movie’s heart- issue that is so overwhelming chances. At least that’s how warming final scenes, it seemed in our society today,” McDonald Morris, 46, describes himself. Morris, his wife, Lorri, and their said, citing the prevalence of Years after injuries cut short three young children would children born to single mothers his playing career, the high live “happily ever after.” Real and living in poverty. school baseball coach agreed life proved more complicated, “The problem is that when to try out for the major leagues though, and the couple divorced. we all live in our nice neighbor- if his underperforming players At spring training with the hoods and drive our nice cars made the playoffs. When the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2001, PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARMS OF HOPE and go to our nice church build- Reagan County Owls in Big Lake, Morris said, he received a Jim Morris, center, poses for a photo with Mikey Weisinger, left, and ings, we don’t see that. … The Texas, won the district title, he frantic call from his son. Andrew Landry, residents of Arms of Hope’s campus in Medina, Texas. value of having someone like kept his promise. “Hunter called me — he was Jim Morris involved with our To the amazement of scouts, 10 at the time — and he had miles northeast of Dallas. They praise the work organization is that Jim under- Morris threw 98 miles per hour seen too much at home,” Morris Between them, the two of campus minister Troy stands these facts, he’s met and signed a contract with the said. “He said, ‘Dad, how long campuses house about 80 Robertson, who frequently these children, these mothers Tampa Bay Rays. At age 35, he are you going to be gone?’ at-risk children in group-home baptizes residents. … and they have no bigger made his major-league debut in “And I’ll tell you, I had my settings and more than 50 “I’ve met so many wonderful advocate than him.” September 1999, striking out the Jeep packed when I went into single mothers and their chil- kids,” Morris said. “There’s first batter he faced. He pitched (manager) Jim Tracy’s office, dren, said Kevin McDonald, a kid, Sam, who did not trust BEYOND THE FINAL CREDITS in 21 games over two seasons. and I said, ‘I appreciate it, but I’m Arms of Hope’s president and me at first and was very Go play catch with Jim But Morris’ journey didn’t end out of here.’ I said, ‘My kids are chief executive officer. standoffish.” Morris. with the film’s dramatic climax. more important than the game.’” Morris’ first exposure to the But over time, Sam warmed The Jim Morris, that is. In an interview with The After his first marriage fell Christian home network came up to Morris. Weisinger, now living in Christian Chronicle, Morris apart, Morris accepted a blind when he was hired to speak at a “While we’re at church, he’ll young-adult transitional housing talked about life after base- date with his future wife, fund-raising event in Houston. come up and hug Shawna, and at the Medina home, sees ball, his Christian faith and his Shawna, a single mother and But as Shawna’s daughter he’ll come up and shake my Morris at church each Sunday. special relationship with Arms member of the Preston Road Chelsey — adopted by Morris hand,” Morris said. “And I think If he has a problem or concern, of Hope, a ministry associated Church of Christ in Dallas. — dealt with bipolar disorder he’s 15 or 16, and he’s 6-foot-3 he said, he knows he can call with Churches of Christ that All his life, Morris had and ADHD, the couple grappled and wide as this table. I mean, Morris and his wife. serves at-risk children and single believed in God and respected with how to help her. this kid’s going to be a big man. To Weisinger, Morris isn’t just mothers on two Texas campuses. the strong Christian faith of his After praying over the deci- But he has a great heart. a former major-leaguer. He’s a grandparents, he said. sion, they placed her at the “And this is a kid that got mentor and friend. But after he met Shawna and Medina home. taken off the streets and He’s a brother in Christ. began attending the Preston Eighteen months at the home brought in, and he leads devo- “Honestly, he’s been a great Road church, his own faith grew. straightened out Chelsey’s life, tionals when Troy is not there. blessing to us,” said Weisinger, More than ever, he opened his her parents said. The 15-year- These are kids that need that who received an autographed eyes — and his heart — to God’s old returned to live with them second chance,” he added. baseball as part of his high direction, he said. He baptized this past May. “And I am the king of second school graduation gift from his son and one of his daughters “I feel very blessed,” Morris chances. All of us are — Jesus Morris. “Every time there’s at the Preston Road church. said, “and there is nothing that I died for all of our sins. And so to an event, he’s there, and he’s “Why couldn’t I have started would not do for Arms of Hope.” look back and see what God has passionate about it.” here?” Morris remembers done in my life … I can look at The movie didn’t tell the full asking Scott Sager, Preston ADVOCATE FOR THE CHILDREN these kids and see that they’re story of “The Rookie.” Beyond Road’s preaching minister. Jim and Shawna Morris going to have a new start. All the final credits, God keeps “Jimmy, you don’t know how moved to the Texas Hill they have to do is grasp it.” writing more remarkable scenes. ‘good’ good is until you see how Country to be closer to Chelsey. Chelsey considers the Medina “If I don’t follow God’s lead ‘bad’ bad can be,’” Sager replied. The Morrises worship with children her brothers and every step of the way,” Morris the Kerrville Church of Christ, sisters, Shawna said. said, “I’m not married to BLESSED BY ARMS OF HOPE the congregation attended by “So they’re kind of our surro- Shawna, I’m not hooked up with Arms of Hope was formed children from Medina. gate kids because we want to Arms of Hope, and I don’t have last year with the consolidation In addition, the couple takes see them and keep up with the friends that I have. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARMS OF HOpE of Medina Children’s Home, 60 advantage of opportunities to them, and we go to football “And it’s because I finally “The Rookie” Jim Morris throws a miles northwest of San Antonio, volunteer and interact with the games and basketball games listened to what God was telling pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays. and Boles Children’s Home, 40 children and single mothers. and watch their sports,” me.” DECEMBER 2010 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 15

A Lighthouse of Hope. In Nigeria, Obong University NEEDS YOU! PHOTO PROVIDED BY EVERTT HUFFARD Maurice and Inam Jadon, Bishara and Anicee Bishara, and Miyada and Suhail Shleyan stand outside the meeting place of the Nazareth Church of Christ in northern Israel. OU — Is the ONLY four-year university in Africa affiliated with Churches of Christ. NAZARETH: ‘The real work has started’ OU — Must pass the Nigerian Universities FROM PAGE 1 Several other U.S. congregations Commissions requirements to receive Nazareth for five years and return almost have supported the Nazareth church, every year to encourage the church. Huffard said, including the Echo permanent accreditation. “The last year we lived in Nazareth, Meadows Church of Christ in Oregon, I did a lot of teaching on leadership,” Ohio, the Park Avenue Church of Christ Huffard said. “For the past three years, in Memphis and the Piedmont Road WE MUST RAISE $100,000 at their request, I have been coaching Church of Christ in Marietta, Ga. the church in developing leaders.” “For almost 50 years, the church (in to meet their requirements. Maurice Jadon, the church’s minister Nazareth) has been under the oversight for more than 30 years, was an ardent of American churches,” Huffard said, supporter of the congregation’s effort to “so I view this process as a great step identify potential elders. in the maturing of the church to have - Please Help Us! - “My wife and I feel like we have been its own spiritual leaders. It has been an carrying the responsibilities and bur- interesting innovation since no church in dens of the church alone for decades,” Nazareth has elders.” RiverGate Church of Christ Jadon said. “Now we are blessed with Two thousand years after Jesus P.O. Box 1007 – Madison, TN 37116 these two families to share the load. This walked the streets of his childhood has been an extremely exciting time for home, Nazareth has a population of us and the whole church.” about 65,900 people and is the largest Find us on Facebook Jadon explained the importance of predominantly Arab city in the State of elders to the congregation during the Israel. Many Arabs there practice Greek dedication service. Orthodox or Coptic Christianity. The The church worshiped in Arabic and city’s Muslim population is growing. English, in recognition of its American Evangelism in Nazareth is challenging, guests. Jadon said. Now that the church has Among the attendees was Bob Mayes, elders, “the real work has started,” he an elder of the Signal Mountain Church added. of Christ in Tennessee. That congrega- “Both elders and myself will begin to tion has supported Jadon for 13 years. prepare the congregation for better life, Also present was Bob Cowan, an elder for service in the kingdom and for eter- of the Red Boiling Springs Church of nal life,” Jadon said. Christ in Tennessee, which will take The church knows the work will be over Jadon’s support in January. Donnie difficult, filled with ups and downs, he Barnes, minister for the Red Boiling added, but “we choose to grow.” Springs church, also has been an encour- “Our goal and dream,” he said, “is that ager for the church in Nazareth for 40 the Church of Christ in Nazareth will be a years and participated in the service. center of preaching” to save the lost. 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT DECEMBER 2010 BAPTIZED: Bosnian’s faith journey leads to Arkansas — and China FROM PAGE 3 — still stuck in Bosnia — from aries Howard Norton and Tex posed as a vegetable vendor. whom she had not heard in two Williams visited Edmonton for She called to befuddled months. Days later, she made a lectureship. Lepki had dinner students in Serbo-Croatian as contact with him. with them and asked for advice. they wandered the market, She asked to become a Norton recommended Harding, attempting to buy food. Christian. The campers told where he served on the faculty. “Dobro jutro! Svježe paprike! her how to pray Jesus into her Lepki applied and was admitted. Pogledajte kako su lijepe!” she heart. Then, to show them Days before she left for yelled. (“Good morning! Fresh she was a believer, she was Arkansas, Lepki’s frantic peppers! Look at them, how immersed in a lake. pace caught up with her. She beautiful they are!”) suffered from severe exhaus- Camp Tahkodah, Harding’s FROM AUSTRIA TO CANADA tion and spent much of the next missions-training site in the Lepki’s boyfriend, an ethnic six months recuperating. She Ozark Mountains near Floral, is Ukrainian, asked her to move to prayed constantly for healing a personal refuge for Lepki. Canada with him. — and for the souls of those Here, she reads her Bible and The couple spent five months treating her. prays, remembering the angels in Vienna, Austria, with nearly She learned to moderate her God placed in her life — even 800 other refugees from the war schedule — somewhat — and before she knew who God was. in the Balkans. Lepki helped enrolled at Harding in 2006. As Ukrainian refugees from Bosnia she completed her bachelor’s WAR, DEATH AND A NEW LIFE translate their stories into ERIK TRYGGESTAD in ministry, she worked with an Lepki grew up in Banjaluka, English for their applications for In the market simulation at the World Mission Workshop, Snezana Lepki, in outreach to Asian students. She a city in the former Yugoslavia. relocation. booth, and fellow street vendors practice their selling techniques. traveled to China for a year to When Lepki was a baby, her She also prayed for them. teach English. She also shared grandmother, a Polish Catholic, Seeking a place to worship, her conversion. She couldn’t weeks, she went to work every her faith. “stole me away and ... baptized she visited International find anything in Scripture about day and cried the entire night. In China, “so many people me in a creek — kind of devoted University in Vienna, associ- praying Jesus into her heart. She moved into an apartment want to know about God,” she me to God,” Lepki said. ated with to Churches of Christ. But she did find verses about with Law’s daughter and threw said. They also showed her kind- Privileged and smart, she There she met April Boring, baptism for the remission of sins. herself into evangelism. She ness. When she got bronchitis, studied engineering and an American who had worked “I just want to please the hosted dinners for neighbors and her students took care of her. physical therapy. She wanted for a year in Belgrade with Lord,” she said. “If he told me talked about Jesus. She learned for nothing but felt a spiritual Adventures in Missions — a to do it this way, I’ll just do it.” to eat with chopsticks. She slept IN SEARCH OF A PLACE TO SERVE void in her life. She tried yoga program of Sunset International On Sept. 26, 1993, she was four to six hours per day. As she completes her — and even karate — to fill the Bible Institute in Lubbock, baptized at the Edmonton She took a three-month vaca- master’s at Harding, Lepki is void, but nothing helped. Texas. Boring promised to find a Church of Christ. tion and traveled to the former “looking for a calling,” she said. Then her world collapsed. congregation for her in Canada. “Isn’t that funny?” she said. “I Soviet nation of Lithuania to She would like to teach the After the fall of the Iron Lepki’s boyfriend had an aunt had three baptisms. Finally, one work with Churches of Christ Gospel in Asia — and eventu- Curtain and the death of in Edmonton, Alberta, about counts!” there. She participated in Camp ally in her native Bosnia. She Yugoslav president Josip Broz 400 miles north of Montana, Ruta, sponsored by churches in would like to reach out to the Tito, Yugoslavia dissolved into who agreed to sponsor his DIVORCE, RECOVERY AND A MISSION Lithuania and Mississippi. large immigrant population — rival factions of ethnic Serbs, relocation there. Lepki could Lepki shared her newfound Ilja Amosov, a minister for including some 70,000 Bosnians Croats and Muslims. come too — only if they were faith with all who would listen. the Church of Christ in Vilnius, — in the St. Louis area. Lepki was studying in Sarajevo married. Though he wasn’t a An Asian-born church member Lithuania, remembered her She has tried to form mission when the shooting started in Christian, she agreed. Perhaps, and hairdresser, Jenny Law, strong faith and determination teams but to no avail. Finding 1992. She fled to Banjaluka and someday, she could change him. became her partner. Law intro- to spread the Gospel. sponsors is difficult, especially eventually to Belgrade, where “Big mistake,” she said, duced her clients and friends to “There are people you for a single woman, she said. she continued her studies. She reflecting on the decision. the Gospel through Lepki. remember for the way they Mavis Baldwin, her friend at watched on TV as her homeland In Edmonton, Lepki was “She recruited, and I taught dress, the way they speak, the the College church, said Lepki self-destructed. invited to a Baptist church. them,” Lepki said. “Many way they look,” Amosov said. will be “the biggest asset to any “What is happening?” she Then a letter from Boring people became a Christian “But everyone remembers mission” she chooses. thought. “My friends — who arrived with the name of a because of her.” Snezana for the way she loves Lepki said she is confident that are 22, 23 years old — are Church of Christ in the area. While Lepki drew closer and the Lord and her neighbors.” God has plans for her. She is dying. Is this the end? We Lepki attended both and was closer to God, she felt farther She also visited Bosnia and amazed how he has taken “some- barely started living.” involved in Bible studies almost and farther from her husband. studied the Bible with her body who is nobody, a refugee” On summer break, Lepki trav- every night of the week. In the He worked late hours as a mother, who then was baptized and used her to serve him across eled to her grandmother’s home summer, the Baptist church musician. Lepki got a job at a by Croatian minister Ivan Tesic. three continents. in Poland. A cousin invited her stopped its Bible studies, but nursing home and continued Back in Edmonton, Lepki took “I was the one that was fighting to a Christian camp. the Church of Christ continued. her studies in physical therapy. classes through an extension God,” she said. “I feel like Paul She was shocked by the love “Oh, these are more zealous,” After 10 years of marriage, program of Sunset International … when God told him, ‘You will shown by the campers. She Lepki thought. “I will go there.” Lepki’s husband told her he Bible Institute. She decided to be suffering for me a lot.’ Now prayed for the first time, asking The Church of Christ was having an affair and wanted pursue ministry full time. I’m here to suffer for him and God to protect her boyfriend members asked Lepki about a divorce. For the next two In 2005, veteran mission- bring glory to his name.” DECEMBER 2010 Currents the christian chronicle 17 Hands-on ministry Mission-minded students sample life in developing nations at the 50th annual World Mission Workshop

BY erik tryggestad | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE developed a short film based on the biblical story of the prodigal FLORAL, Ark. son. Then they filmed it. “Stinkin’ tudents drilled water wells Creek,” a shack that simulates rural in an African village, built poverty in America, was the setting. clay “rocket stoves” in rural The workshop was “more experi- Guatemala and learned how ential” than its predecessors, Nicolay to teach kids to read among said. “You’re actually out there doing Sthe slums of Haiti — all on a camp- stuff instead of talking about it.” ground in northern Arkansas. Not all the participants came for Harding University Tahkodah, or the hands-on events. HUT, was the setting for the 50th Asia Todd, a freshman at Abilene annual World Mission Workshop. Christian University in Texas, The 1,350-acre site, north of was interested in meeting other Harding’s campus in Searcy, Ark., students. She grew up in Chiang was designed to be “a kind of Mai, Thailand, missionary boot camp, where we where her parents ... prepare prospective mission- are missionaries, aries for cross-cultural ministry and recognized the through rigorous simulations,” said workshop’s role in Monte Cox, dean of the College of forming mission Bible and Religion at Harding. teams for the future. In 1961, the university, then “This is a Harding College, hosted the first magnetic, hot spot World Mission Workshop for 80 Todd for mission-minded students. The event rotates annu- people,” Todd said. ally among colleges and universities “I don’t care about associated with Churches of Christ. composting or rocket More than 700 students attended stoves. I just want to this year’s workshop, sleeping in meet people.” cabins or tents at HUT or across Tom Ngobi, a junior the street at Camp Tahkodah, a at Rochester College Bible camp and retreat center also in Michigan, said he owned by Harding. Ngobi was impressed by At Camp Tahkodah, they listened his fellow students’ to guest speakers and participated dedication to reaching a lost world. in Bible studies. At HUT, they “These are definitely students attended classes among “villages” with special hearts,” said Ngobi, a made to resemble real-life settings native of Jinja, Uganda. The students’ in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the concern for souls in Africa was Caribbean and Appalachia. particularly inspiring, he said. Chris Nicolay, an Oklahoma “These people want to help my Christian University sophomore country,” Ngobi said. As a result, “I ERIK TRYGGESTAD from Helena, Mont., participated should have more passion for my Students turn the handles of a drilling apparatus used to dig water wells in developing nations. Caleb in a class on filmmaking in the place. It’s really challenging — in a Holsey of Oklahoma-based Water4 (online at water4.org) and Veduste Niyonsaba, an Oklahoma Christian mission field. He and fellow students good way.” University student from Rwanda, conducted the demonstration at the World Mission Workshop. 18 DECEMBER 2010 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19

Mark Moore of Kibo Group International speaks to students at the World Mission Evertt Huffard portrays a Middle Eastern Church member Gary Jackson discusses mission work in Asia with students around a Workshop. Moore oversees Kibo’s Mother Administered Nutritive Aid (MANA) program. vendor during a market simulation. campfire at Chang Cheng, a simulated Thai village, at Harding University Tahkodah. A taste of life in the developing world In a simulated market, World Mission Workshop participants experience the challenges some families face just preparing a meal

BY erik tryggestad | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas. water. Family members were respon- and milk. Pickpockets and armed learned in the market. In real life, “it would have been sible for procuring milk for the baby guards roamed the street, harassing Sarah McDaniel, an AIM student FLORAL, Ark. scary,” she added. and food for the adults. the students. Beggars asked for from Lubbock, said the incomprehen- ating lunch never was this hard. The task — buy food and prepare Skipping a meal was not an option, handouts. sible merchants and unhelpful public Mission-minded univer- a meal — seemed simple enough. the organizers explained. Families in A small group of volunteers officials left her feeling hopeless. sity students lived — and Students were divided into large developing nations didn’t have bags portrayed American tourists — “Just think about the people who Using a combination of foreign languages and hand gestures, Elizabeth Jackson barters shopped — like refugees at “families.” Each family was assigned of trail mix and granola bars back in talking loudly, breaking in lines and have to do this every day,” McDaniel with students during a market simulation at the World Mission Workshop. the 50th annual World Mission a baby — a small balloon filled with their tents. endlessly snapping photos. said. EWorkshop. Before going to market, each family Some students laughed and others Back in the market, the mission- up a paper cup with a few U.S. dollars Lufiyele, a native of Zimbabwe, As part of the hands-on seminar had to get a kit with cooking utensils, looked bewildered as they attempted aries who alternated roles as sales- and some change. (Apparently, no one came to the World Mission Workshop at Harding University Tahkodah, a fire permit and money. to buy enough food to prepare a people, police and thieves said that donated the fake money they were to promote Pillar of Legacy, a mission the students spent an afternoon The students soon found them- meal. When their hands were full of the experience gave given to buy food.) effort that seeks to provide sustain- navigating a simulated Third-World selves mired in the bureaucracy that vegetables — or when they ran out them a better sense of “One person said, able development to the Tonga market. plagues many developing nations. of the fake money they were given at the people they serve ‘God bless you,’” people of his home country. Harding students transformed a Volunteers — posing as bankers the bank — they made their way to in the mission field. added Bunner, the As he watched the Americans navi- small patch of northern Arkansas and guards — yelled at the students clearings across the campsite to start “You don’t feel like daughter of mission- gate the market, Lufiyele said he was forest into a developing nation — to form lines, sometimes giving them cooking. a real person. People aries in Togo. surprised how quickly they went into complete with ramshackle stores, contradictory orders where to stand. In a simulated United Nations just ignore you,” said Kaleb McLarty, a “survival mode,” concentrating on loud, pushy vendors and camou- Some families received cooking kits refugee camp, one family lit a fire Louisa Duke, who high school senior the immediate goal of feeding their flaged, corrupt police officers. and permits, only to be told they had and debated the best way to arrange walked through the in Searcy, Ark., also families — and ignoring the people in McLarty Lufiyele “I’ve been to Chinatown in New obtained them in the wrong order. cinder blocks and a steel grate to market as a blind played a beggar in the need around them. York, and I thought that was crazy,” They had to start over. cook their rice thoroughly. Finally, beggar. Duke, a former missionary to market. Lufiyele said he has seen American said Bailey Burgess, who grew up in When they finally made it to the they gave up and decided instead to the African nation of Zambia, is a physi- “Some were generous ... would look Christians in foreign countries do the the small town of Crossville, Tenn. market, things didn’t get much easier. boil their potatoes, sweet potatoes cian’s assistant in Fort Worth, Texas. at me with kind eyes,” he said. same. The Arkansas market was even PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD Vendors yelled to the students in and onions into a sort of stew. Nine-year-old Connie Bunner led But most didn’t notice him. “As missionaries, how do we live in more chaotic, said Burgess, a student A “family” of workshop participants gath- myriad languages — none of them Sitting on logs under a light blue Duke through the crowd. A few And only one person asked him if every aspect of society?” he asked. in the Adventures in Missions, or ers vegetables and water in the market English. They haggled endlessly over United Nations flag, the family people reached into their pockets and he knew Jesus — an African named “How often do we miss the opportuni- Bob Sartoris discusses “Filmmaking on the Mission Field” with students at Stinkin’ AIM, program at Sunset International simulation at the World Mission Workshop. the prices of eggs, potatoes, onions members reflected on what they had made a donation, Bunner said, holding Daniel Lufiyele. ties God provides for us to minister?” Creek, a simulation of American poverty at Harding University Tahkodah. 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2010 WBS IS A SOUL PROVIDER. There’s nothing like WBS. Join us. The worldwide ministry is teaching two million Help us fulfill the Great Commission. truthseekers at a time. Thousands of everyday Teach. Give. And make sure your church plans an Impact Sunday for WBS. Christians are involved in teaching. God blesses us to accomplish so much, so cost-effectively. 8PSME #JCMF For every dollar WBS uses, one soul studies the Bible. 4DIPPM That means even more can come to know TeachingTeaching the the WordWord.. Reaching Reaching the Worldthe World!! 800-311-2006 • [email protected] the Good News of Jesus. Amazing. www.worldbibleschool.net • www.impactsunday.net

ADVERTISEMENT SOWING THE SEED I want to give this ONE TIME gift for now: $ ______I want to commit to the SOWING THE SEED Gift Program by giving: WBS Supporters Know: $30 $60 $100 Other $ ______MONTHLY ANNUALLY (Give securely with your credit card at www.worldbibleschool.net/give.) 30 • 60 • 100 Mr. Just $1 Lets One Soul Study Mrs. ______GIFT PROGRAM Ms. CEDAR PARK, Texas have a much greater effect. prove this over and over again. Spouse ______orld Bible In Jesus’ great parable, the sower Do you want to share Jesus Address ______School dutifully scatters seed—the Gospel and make that kind of impact, too? City ______State _____ Zip ______study Message—in a variety of soils. The Your gift to WBS can, helping us W Ph ______(day) (night) helpers don’t need ones who “hear the word, accept reach and teach more. If you join E-mail ______reminding that it, and produce a our Sowing the Seed Gift Program, they are impacting crop—30, 60, or your committed monthly gifts of Church ______lives, one at a time. WBS supporters even 100 times $30, $60, or $100 will translate Address ______are, too: for every dollar used by what was sown.” into 360, 720, or 1,200 souls learning City ______State _____ Zip ______WBS, one soul studies the Bible. (Mark 4:20). WBS of Jesus during a year with WBS. Return to: P.O. Box 2169, Cedar Park, TX 78630 Plus, they know that that dollar can success stories What an impact! DECEMBER 2010 Dialogue the Christian chronicle 21

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE sional counselors, social and recreational directors, etc. teve Patton ministers for a growing, A local church should be about saving multiethnic church — the University the lost, edifying the saved and teaching Church of Christ in Tampa, Fla. Since them to be compassionate and morally upright influences for good in their daily 1999, the congregation has nearly life. We believe that Christianity centers doubled in size, and it now has about in the individual rather than in the S350 members. For 16 years, he has served as the organization. church’s minister and now is an elder as well. He is a member of what commonly is In what ways, if any, can members of non-institutional and mainstream called the “non-institutional church” or “non- churches of Christ work together cooperation church,” a part of the fellowship for the good of the kingdom despite that opposes the sponsoring church approach their differences? for missions and benevolence. Instead, they Laura Kelly We believe that almost all that is done see biblical pattern for sending funds directly Steve Patton stands in front of the University Church of Christ’s building in Tampa, Fla. in the kingdom is done as individuals to the missionary or of sending benevolent in our daily walk. We are thankful to be a part of the body of Christ. However, funds directly to the elders of a church. A conversation with our mindset is not to build a worldwide Patton, 60, told The Christian Chronicle that organization of churches but to bring churches of this persuasion believe that funds the lost to Christ one at a time. The first from a congregation must go directly to an century church did this by emphasizing evangelist or a missionary, rather than to individual responsibility — not by trying to organize groups of churches into another congregation that oversees the work. Steve Patton large-scale organizations. In the U.S., about 1,975 congregations If we work with our brethren in institu- identify themselves as non-institutional, with LONGTIME MINISTER on beliefs of non-institutional Churches of Christ. tional churches, it would be in our daily a combined membership of about 119,000, walk as we do things together as indi- according to the 2009 edition of Churches of Churches of Christ over institutional and specific matters. The absence of a pattern viduals in the community for the good of Social Gospel issues, I had no intention for nationwide or worldwide cooperative our society. But we would not try to unite Christ in the United States. of preaching. I went to college with plans efforts of churches in the New Testament with other congregations to pursue inter- After graduating with an associate’s degree to teach at the college level and preach causes us to practice congregational inde- congregational activities. Maintaining from Florida College — a non-institutional by appointment, but by the time I was pendence in evangelism and benevolence. the independence of the local church is Church of Christ college near Tampa — 22 I had decided that I must give my life I believe the world can be evangelized critical to following the New Testament. Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in 1976 fully to preaching the Gospel. just as it was in the first century without from Middle Tennessee State University in churches working together in unauthor- What needs to happen to draw us all What beliefs distinguish non-institu- ized ways that weaken congregational closer together in God’s kingdom? Murfreesboro, Tenn. In addition to local work, tional churches from other Churches independence. I believe there needs to be a renewed he speaks for churches across the U.S. and reg- of Christ? A second difference involves supporting respect for the Word of our Lord as the ularly makes missionary trips to Africa and the The differences are in flux, it appears to human institutions out of the church final authority. Our growth at the Univer- Seychelles islands, off the east coast of Africa. me, with the chasm widening as the years treasury. I believe there is no authority for sity church in Tampa has been because we He loves his family, enjoys his computers pass. Because of a strong a local church to take from reach people who — as one visitor recently belief in congregational ‘I believe the world can be its common collection and put it — are tired of “teaching that is not and is a passionate fan of the Crimson Tide, independence, I can only donate to other organiza- Bible-based and touchy-feely preaching.” the University of Alabama’s football team. speak for the local group evangelized just as it was tions such as schools, People are looking for a solid rock on Patton and his wife, Pam, have been of which I am a part. in the first century without medical clinics, child-care which to build their lives and provide them married for 36 years and have two married But the fundamental churches working together institutions, missionary clear guidance and direction. All New daughters, Emily and Laura, whose families differences among those organizations, etc. I believe Testament Christians need to see that who share my beliefs in unauthorized ways that the money given is to be distinctive approach as still relevant in a also worship at the University church. His about the local church are used for evangelism, edifi- world that is without a moral compass. father, Herschel Patton, 91, preached for 45 rooted in attitudes toward weaken congregational cation and benevolence in Turning New Testament Christianity years and served as an elder in the Jordan biblical authority. We independence.’ the ways outlined in the into the same message as is found in the Park Church of Christ in Huntsville, Ala. believe the New Testa- New Testament. rest of Christendom only diminishes the ment writings are meant Steve Patton A third difference power of a distinctive Gospel that can How did you become a Christian, not only to inspire but to involves what is often truly transform lives. and when did you begin preaching? authorize. That includes revealing what referred to as the Social Gospel. I believe One of the great joys of my life has been I obeyed the Gospel at the age of 12 a local congregation is about and how it the local church is a spiritual group with to see so many turning to the Lord because in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., where I later functions. a spiritual role outlined clearly in the his message is distinctive and meaningful. graduated from high school. My father The first difference one might observe New Testament. That work does not We are about saving souls with the simple was a preacher, and we lived in Alabama, in non-institutional churches is rooted include building schools, athletic facili- gospel message about our Lord, and we all Texas and Tennessee in my early years. in the belief that the amount of church ties and social activity centers. Nor does need to make sure that is at the center of Having grown up in an era of conflict in cooperation is limited by Scripture to it include staffing a church with profes- the work of every church of the Lord. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DecEMBER 2010

3rd annual 48th Annual West Coast Preachers and Leaders Forum “Women of Hope” February 6 – 10, 2011 conference Hosted by: Healing Hands International January 21-22, 2011 Theme: “An Anchor of Hope in the Eye of the Storm” For more information or to register: visit www.hhi.org or call (615) 832-2000

Theme: “Kingdom of God” Honoring: (On Earth) Roberta Edwards Hosted by: Las Vegas Area Churches of Christ To Be Held At … Port-au-Prince, Haiti North Las Vegas Church of Christ 2626 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. North Las Vegas, NV 89032 (702) 648-8283 [email protected]

Visit: Tired of shopping for that person who has everything? www.givebread.org Give a gift that keeps on giving to a family in need. for more information. Donate a goat, chickens, a water well or even a micro loan to a family. We’ll send a donation certifi cate in the honor of your “hard to shop for” loved one. DECEMBER 2010 the christian chronicle 23 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES sports CHRISTIAN HOMES & FAMILY SERVICES Albert Pujols’ wife honored ABILENE, Texas — Nancy Miller, president emeritus of Christian Homes & Family ST. LOUIS — Christian Family Services, Services, is retiring from the adoption which is associated with Churches of ministry she led for 32 years. Christ, recently hosted its annual Vision During Miller’s tenure with the of Hope Dinner. The event raised more ministry, 2,180 birthmothers received than $76,000. Don McLaughlin, minister free maternity care during their of the North Atlanta Church of Christ, and unplanned pregnancies; Deidre Pujols, wife of St. Louis Cardinals foster parents cared for star Albert Pujols, spoke. Deidre Pujols 1,139 children; and 1,419 was honored with the annual “Heart of children were placed for CFS Award” for her work with children. adoption into Christian homes and families. “Her entire lifetime has been devoted to Christian service,” said Gary Miller Miller, chairman of the ministry’s board of trustees. President Sherri Statler said: “She assumed the leadership of a Church of Christ DEREK COLE ministry when it was rare for a woman to do so, and then she led with grace, Pancakes for Parkinson’s: For a good cause, and tasty too humility and devotion to the children Makenna Root enjoys her breakfast at a special Pancakes for Parkinson’s meal at Ohio Valley PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICES God entrusted to our ministry’s care. University in Vienna, W.Va. The recent event was part of a national campaign to educate the Deidre Pujols, with husband Albert and Her story and its timing are unique in public and raise funds for research aimed at finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Makenna is Christian Family Services director Steve Awtry, our brotherhood.” the daughter of Caylen and Kate Root, members of the Grand Central Church of Christ in Vienna. was honored at the Vision of Hope dinner.

HIGHER EDUCATION “If there were more Faulkner universi- capacity to hold 200 people for events. golf team won the national championship ties around the United States, how much LCU recently dedicated the new of the United States Collegiate Athletic ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY better would our nation be?” she asked, building, named for key donor Jack Association. Clayton Bissett serves as ABILENE, Texas — As a mother of three, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. Cardwell and his wife, Evonne, who gave head coach. Jennifer Shewmaker has come to under- a $1 million lead gift for the project. The stand the impact that sexualized media LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY Cardwells are members of the Westside YORK COLLEGE messages can have on children. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lipscomb is estab- Church of Christ in El Paso, Texas. YORK, Neb. — Erin DeHart, assistant “Media messages are prevalent and lishing the Nelson and Sue Andrews professor of education at York, recently powerful in our society,” said Shewmaker, Institute for Civic Leadership. PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY took a 22-day study trip to Israel, associate professor of psychology at ACU. The institute will honor the Andrews’ MALIBU, Calif. — This fall, Pepperdine hired Germany and Poland to continue her Shewmaker’s three years of research legacy of civic leadership through five new full-time faculty members and extensive studies of the Holocaust. on the effect of sexualized messages academic programs, community engage- two visiting faculty members who are The trip was funded partially by a on children and adolescents recently ment, research and a leadership council, members of Churches of Christ. grant from the Holocaust and Jewish earned a grant from the Christian Lipscomb President Randy Lowry said. Provost Darryl Tippens said the Resistance Teachers’ Program. Scholars Foundation. The grant will Linda Peek Schacht, a former senior university cherishes its relationship with allow her to expand her research inter- fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Churches of Christ. “We believe that views and surveys throughout Texas Public Leadership, will serve as executive with every hire, we are declaring the MEDICAL MISSIONS and neighboring states. director of the Lipscomb institute. true mission and trajectory of the univer- sity for the next generation,” Tippens PREDISAN FAULKNER UNIVERSITY LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY said. “Hiring faculty from Churches of TUCKER, Ga. — “Walk for Honduras” events MONTGOMERY, Ala. — “An Evening with LUBBOCK, Texas — For 52 years, the F.W. Christ, then, is a serious goal for us.” in Chattanooga, Tenn., Atlanta, Dallas and Sarah Palin” raised $1 million for Mattox Administration Building had New hires include full-time faculty Oklahoma City are expected to raise more Faulkner’s student scholarship program. been the front building at the entry point members Gregory S. McNeal, Dorothy than $325,000 to support the ministry. The recent sold-out event drew nearly to LCU. However, the new Cardwell Collins Andreas, George Carlsen, At nine facilities in eastern Honduras, 2,500 to a Montgomery hotel ballroom. Welcome Center is changing the “face” of Matthew Joyner and Eric Olson and Predisan provides more than 38,000 In her speech, the former Alaska the university as viewed from 19th Street. visiting faculty Carrie Giboney Wall and patient services each year in health- governor and 2008 Republican vice- The welcome center has a 65-foot, all- Suzanne Fournier Macaluso. care, community development and spiri- presidential nominee shared anecdotes glass rotunda at its center, from which tual outreach. The ministry’s tagline is about faith, its role in her life and how it four wings extend east and west. The ROCHESTER COLLEGE “Proclaiming Jesus, Healing Lives.” shapes one into a person of value. copper-tiled rotunda towers above the ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — For the second For more information, see www. Palin praised Faulkner in her speech. height of the four wings and has the straight year, Rochester College’s men’s predisan.org. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS DECEMBER 2010

RYAN BARTELS Faulkner dedicates football field to Gene Stallings’ son Coach Gene Stallings and his wife, Ruth Ann, greet more than 600 fans and well-wishers at the recent dedication of John Mark Stallings Field at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. “Beyond my wildest dreams” is how Stallings described the naming of Faulkner’s football field in memory of his late son, who was born with Down syndrome. “This is such a wonderful, unbelievable day for Ruth Ann and me — to have a football field named after little Johnny,” said Stallings, a Church of Christ member and former coach for the University of Alabama, Texas A&M and the NFL’s Cardinals. Greg Perry, founder of global ministry for orphans, steps down GRAYSON, Ga. — Greg Perry, who launched Perry will continue to serve on YouthReach International in 1993, has YouthReach’s board. stepped down as a mem- “Greg has worked to bring the hope ber of the ministry’s staff. of Jesus Christ to thousands of children The ministry, formerly worldwide,” said David Hennessey, known as World Wide YouthReach’s executive director. Youth Camps, “provides “Hundreds have followed his lead by positive adult relation- going to the mission field and serving the ships for orphans and forgotten in their own countries.” at-risk children through Under Perry’s direction, YouthReach mentoring opportunities sent more than 100 short-term teams to 15 Perry with local Ukrainian and countries. The ministry’s mentoring and Russian … mentors,” according to its orphanage outreach programs serve more website, www.youthreach.org. than 600 Russian and Ukrainian orphans. DECEMBERDec10EmploymentAd:SPR04EmploymentAd 2010 10/20/10 2:44 PM Page 1 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25

F A C U L T Y P O S I T I O N S A V A I L A B L E F A L L 2 0 1 1

All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christian education.

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. Seeking full-time professor in the have a master’s degree in athletic training or a related field (terminal Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The 12-month position primarily degree preferred), will hold current credentials by Board of Certification includes creating, coordinating and delivering instruction within the phar- for Athletic Trainers, and be eligible for state of Arkansas licensure. Also, macology program as part of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. they will have three years of experience as a certified athletic trainer, have Engagement of students in research and the establishment of an active current CPR/AED certification, and be physically capable to provide the research program will be supported. Qualified applicants will be active athletic training functions described above. Teaching experience preferred. members of the church of Christ who possess a Ph.D. degree in pharma- Submit resume and letter of interest to Dr. Randy Lambeth, director of cology. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong interest in car- athletic training education program, at [email protected]. diovascular and/or endocrine pharmacology with postdoctoral experience Seeking full-time faculty position. A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in exercise as well as to those with two or more years of academic experience. A pro- science or related area is required. Demonstrated potential for independ- fessional degree in pharmacy is desirable but not required. ent research and grant writing is preferred. Primary responsibility of the Submit resume to Dr. G. Scott Weston, search committee chair, Box position is a commitment to quality classroom instruction of undergradu- 12230, Searcy, AR 72149-2230, or [email protected]. ate/graduate courses in exercise science and kinesiology. Establishment of Seeking candidates for pharmacy practice residency partnered with a research agenda is strongly encouraged. Additional responsibilities will ARcare, a private, non-profit corporation, aiming to provide affordable include advising students, serving on departmental and university com- care to meet primary medical, behavioral health, and dental care for resi- mittees, and community service. dents in rural Arkansas. A one-year program, it is designed for the indi- Submit resume and letter of interest to Dr. Kenneth R. Turley, chair- vidual seeking to develop the expertise to assess, design, implement, and man, to [email protected]. monitor a safe and effective evidence-based, individualized medication therapy plan in an ambulatory care rural setting. Participants will gain PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM. Seeking full-time faculty experience in community-based rural health clinics involved in direct care members to teach courses in the basic sciences and/or clinical sciences. of a diverse patient population. The resident is expected to become profi- The academic rank of each position will be commensurate with appli- cient in the management of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cant’s experience. Expertise is sought in basic sciences (gross anatomy, behavioral health, and special populations such as immunosuppressed and human physiology and/or exercise physiology, neuroscience, and biome- geriatric patients. Eligible candidates will have a Doctor of Pharmacy chanics). Candidates should have a Ph.D., Ed.D., or other advanced degree and will be eligible for Arkansas licensure. degree in content to be taught. Other positions sought in clinical sciences Submit inquiries or curriculum vitae, college transcripts, letter of (cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, acute care and integu- intent, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Julie Kissack, director, mentary physical therapy, adult neurological physical therapy, and pedi- Box 12230, Searcy, AR 72143, or [email protected]. atric physical therapy). These candidates should have eligibility for physi- cal therapy licensure in Arkansas, D.P.T. with extensive documented clini- DEPARTMENT OF EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCES. cal experience in content area, or D.P.T. with clinical certification. Seeking full-time position for an athletic trainer. This position is a nine- Preferred candidates will have an advanced doctoral degree (Ph.D., month assignment and provides faculty/staff benefits. The position will Ed.D., D.Sc.) with a clinical degree in physical therapy. Preference will be include teaching responsibilities in the CAATE accredited program, clini- given to applicants with experience in higher education, post-doctoral cal responsibilities in athletic training facility, and direct supervision of research experience and/or clinical specialization. students as an approved clinical instructor. Additional responsibilities will Submit inquiries or letter of application and current curriculum vita to include serving on university and departmental committees, advising stu- Dr. Mike McGalliard, director, at [email protected] or Harding dents, and other departmental duties as assigned. Qualified candidates will University, Box 12292, Searcy, AR 72143.

Harding University is a private, liberal arts institution with more than 6,800 students from all across the United States and more than 50 foreign nations. Harding has eight academic colleges: Arts and Humanities, Bible and Religion, Business Administration, Communication, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sciences. All positions are contingent upon funding. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2010 YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTER Retiring? Northeast Church of Christ in Kingsport, Tennessee, is seeking a full-time Youth and Family Minister. We are located in the scenic Move here and help the mountains of East Tennessee and are part of a family-oriented community with church located in Shirley, excellent public schools. The Northeast church is led by elders and consists of a Arkansas, near Greers Ferry Lake. loving, generous membership of approximately 200. We are mission minded in We are 10 miles from Clinton, six miles from Fairfield Bay. Acreage and the local community and internationally. Our current Youth Program is an active reasonably priced homes are available and spiritual group of more than 40 students with strong elder, congregational in the surrounding area. We are a sound and parental support. church that is interested in the commu- nity and mission work. Contact Larry For more details see: www.northeastyouth.org. Williams for church and real estate To apply please send resume, with references, to information at 501.253.0059 or [email protected]. [email protected].

The ‘can’t put down’ houseparents needed! biography of famous little person actor, Children’s Homes, Inc. has an opening for Michael Dunn, who houseparents in our residential education played Dr. Loveless in program in Paragould, Ark. Housing, the old ‘Wild, Wild competitive compensation/benefits, & West’ TV series. regular time off provided.

Google them! Ask for them at your Oklahoma Christian University – School of Education Interested? Contact Paul Schandevel favorite bookstore! Order online at FACULTY POSITION: Full-Time, Tenure-Track 870.239.4031, ext. 124 amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com. [email protected] Phone in your order to RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach undergraduate courses in Foundations of Education, Tate Publishing: 888-361-9473 Children’s Homes, Inc. • Help. Hope. Home. Human Relations/Behavior Management, and Reading in the Content Area for 5515 Walcott Road; Paragould, AR 72450 Secondary majors

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Student advisement, portfolio assessment, MINISTER NEEDED: supervision of student teachers, pursuit of scholarly activities (all faculty The Church of Christ in Hyde Park, Austin, members of this department share these responsibilities) Texas, is seeking a full-time minister for our small congregation. We hope to find a minister who can inspire and chal- PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have an earned Ed.D or Ph.D. lenge the members for growth through with a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in elementary or secondary the word of God. Also, he must be person- ally involved with both members and non- schools, experience in assessment and data collection, and current teaching members. This position is not for a novice, certification. Familiarity with NCATE and SPA program review also is desirable. but for an experienced man that would like a challenge. We have five elders, nine SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications deacons and are a friendly congregation. If you are interested, contact the elders. phone: (512) 453-2702 REQUIREMENTS: All applicants should be active members of the Churches of e-mail: [email protected] Christ and should be committed to the mission of the university. mail: P.O. Box 4011, Austin, Texas 78765

Interested applicants should send their current vita, transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation (one must be a source from a home church congregation), a writing sample, and a teaching philosophy which specifically addresses the Want a career integration of faith and learning. that leaves you Send materials to: Dr. Robyn R. Miller, Chair feeling great and School of Education Oklahoma Christian University pays you good Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136 money for helping Questions can be answered by e-mail others? Call [email protected] 1-800-771-9795. DECEMBER 2010 PEOPLE THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27 Coach’s light shines as she fights for her life NOW IN HOSPICE CARE, Ohio church children. She has brought member keeps praying, studying her players to church many times, and once a year, she has the Bible and inspiring those brought the whole team.” around her with her faith, The coach has made regular character and hope. mission trips to places such as Guyana, which she said has BY HAMIL R. HARRIS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE given her a chance to serve and learn from other cultures. n the Tuesday last spring Despite her illness, when Donna Newberry Newberry’s mind remains sharp. Onotched her 900th career When a reporter suggested that win as a NCAA Division III soft- her life might be “in the bottom ball coach, she was too weak to of the ninth inning,” she quickly stand along the third-base line. corrected him. Instead, the coach of “It is the seventh inning,” she the Fighting Muskies of said. “There are only seven Muskingum University in New innings in women’s softball.” Concord, Ohio, sat in a chair next to the dugout and yelled ‘AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US’ orders to her team and assistant Newberry has handpicked coach Kari Hoying. her assistant Hoying, a former “There is no greater compet- Muskingum player, to succeed itor than Donna Newberry,” her as coach. said Debbie Lazorik, retired Hoying said Newberry has head women’s basketball prepared her well. coach and athletic director for As a player, Hoying said, “I Marietta College, the Ohio got the brunt of everything. Athletic Conference foe that It was very difficult because Newberry’s Muskies defeated, she knows how to push your 8-3, for the milestone win. buttons. But today I thank her “She was every bit focused PHOTO PROVIDED BY MUSKINGUM UNIVERSITY for it because it made me a on that game, and she was still Donna Newberry, center, topped 900 career wins in her 36th season as softball coach at Muskingum University in New better person. barking out commands and Concord, Ohio. The faithful church member is fighting for her life after battling a recurrence of breast cancer. “She also taught me to lead talking to the kids when they with morals and to lead with came off the field,” said Lazorik, record and a 415-102-1 confer- Pinnacle.” Lubeck Church of Christ in character,” the assistant coach who attended the game. ence record. She also won more When Newberry began her West Virginia. added. “There is not a time that than 400 games as Muskingum’s career at Muskingum, she As a young girl, Donna goes by that I am not thinking ‘THE BATTLE OF BATTLES’ women’s basketball coach. coached softball and basketball. Newberry served as a flower about what I am going to say In a fight for her life, But despite her athletic While the college eventually girl in her aunt Betty Pfalzgraf’s because it is a pure reflection Newberry, 58, an active success, Newberry has endured built better basketball facilities wedding. on her as a coach.” member of the New Concord so much personal pain. for the men’s teams, the women Pfalzgraf said she always In October, Muskingum dedi- Church of Christ, scheduled Fifteen years ago, she was played for many years in the knew that her niece was special. cated its softball field in the her chemotherapy treatments diagnosed with breast cancer. oldest of three gyms. That gym “She never compromised coach’s honor and renamed it for breast cancer to allow her It went into remission and then was nicknamed “The Pit.” her values,” said Pfalzgraf, a the Donna J. Newberry Softball “best days” on game days. came back 12 years ago, three Both of Newberry’s grand- member of the Belpre Church Field. “I was willing to suffer a little years ago and now, she said. fathers served as ministers, of Christ in Ohio. “You create champions in pain on this end, but I felt like “This time it is the battle of as does her brother David every sense of the word,” was worth the investment,” battles,” said Newberry, who was Newberry, who preaches for IN THE SEVENTH INNING Muskingum President Anne C. Newberry said of maintaining under hospice care at press time. the Little Hocking Church of As a Christian, Newberry Steele told Newberry. her commitment to the team But despite her pain, Newberry Christ in Ohio. has let her light shine through “You lead by example, and that she led to 18 conference still sees a steady stream of visi- The coach said she learned her actions, said Dick Harris, you teach our students to hone championships and a 2001 tors and takes part in bedside to push and set high standards minister of the New Concord the personal attributes needed national title. prayer and Bible studies. from her mother, Juanita Church of Christ. for success in any endeavor For the last 36 years, She also has a lot to say Newberry. Her father, Earl “I have known her for 27 ­— drive, perseverance, mental Newberry has been a living about coaching and the values Newberry, taught her patience. years, and she has been a toughness, a keen intellect and testimony of faith and determi- that she has tried to instill in “She has always been a tremendous asset to the the desire to learn and grow, nation in women’s athletics, say hundreds of young people. person who, when she has done church,” Harris said. “She has to improve their skills and to those who know her. Those values are a big part of something, did it to the very taught Bible class for most expand their abilities. Her achievements include her recently completed autobi- best of her ability,” said Juanita of those years, and she really “You inspire us all to reach for posting a 906-410-1 overall ography, “From the Pit to the Newberry, a member of the knows how to relate to the new levels of excellence.” 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE DECEMBER 2010 Newsmakers

AWARDED: John and Gena Davis, Beaumont, Texas, and Carl and Mary Claire Heffington Jr., Antioch, Tenn., the Distinguished Christian Service Award at the Harding University 87th Annual Bible Lectureship. Dr. John Bailey, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by Hope Harbor Children’s Home & Family Ministries in Claremore, Abilene Christian University in Texas. Bailey, a dentist, Oklahoma, is seeking a house parent couple who are faithful members is the founder of Body and Soul Ministries, a nonprofit that provides medical, dental and optical care to of the Church of Christ to work in a cottage with six young teens. Hope people who would otherwise go untreated. Harbor hires both husband and wife with a competitive salary, providing meals, room and board, utilities, medical coverage, and a generous NAMED: Ken Bissell, president of amount of time off. Supervision and training are provided to equip the new Harding University Alumni couples who are interested in becoming part of this work. Network, formerly Harding Alumni Hope Harbor also has an opening for a master’s level counselor. Association. Bissell is public relations Winter manager for Acxiom Corporation in Hope Harbor is expanding its services to include off-site counseling. Searcy, Ark. Amy Fraser, assistant pro- Wonderland Services will be provided under Hope Harbor’s supervision, but will be fessor of music, Tracey Wyatt, associ- offered out of offices in church settings. Successful applicants will have ate professor of psychology, and Jason Rendezvous a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, and will FitzSimmons, director of the Success Bissell have excellent communication skills. Responsibilities will include short- Center at York College, York, Neb. In West Yellowstone, Montana term child and family centered counseling and parent training work- NEW ELDERS: Michael D. Anglin, “Walking in the Light” shops. As this ministry will take place in offices made available by the Silver Spring, Md., church. Terry Churches of Christ, and in direct collaboration with church leadership, Pratt, the South Holland, Ill., church. Sponsored by the West qualified applicants must also be members of the Church of Christ and Yellowstone Church of Christ comfortable working in this setting. NEW MINISTERS: Tom Harguess, December 9-12 For more information, call Ralph Richardson at (918) 343-0003, ext. Hammon, Okla. church. Robert Webster, South Holland, Ill., church. (800) 548-9551 for reservations 230, or e-mail [email protected]. Fraser ANNIVERSARIES: 69th: Elton and Eleanor Dilbeck, Roswell, N.M. 56th: Clyde and Glenda Schinnerer, Edmond, Okla. Needed: Minister to the Youth and their Families BIRTHDAYS: 102nd: Agnes Miller, Edmond, Okla. 101st: Nellie Snyder, Nashville, Tenn. 100th: Lola Gordon, The Edgewood Church of Christ is Tomball, Texas. Margueritte Simpson, Houlton, Maine. 99th: Virginia M. Warner, Sun City West, Ariz. 96th: located in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Mildred Goodwyn, Little Rock, Ark. We are 40 minutes southeast of 95th: Dorothy K. Prater, Millport, Ala. Boston, 30 minutes from Cape Cod and 93rd: Ola McDaniel, South Holland, Ill. 25 minutes from Providence, R.I. We are looking for Edgewood’s Minister to 90th: Eleanor Dilbeck, Roswell, N.M., the Youth and their Families to provide Elton Dilbeck, Roswell, N.M. passionate, visionary leadership for Gordon our youth and family ministry (6 – PASSAGES: Charles Byron “C.B.” 12th grade) resulting in a sustainable, Arnette Jr., 92, Oct. 14, Murfreesboro, Tenn., old- relevant and vibrant ministry so that est living member of the East Main Street church in young adults will connect to Jesus and Murfreesboro, where he taught Sunday school class grow in his likeness. Responsibilities for many years. Howard A. Buckley, 78, Aug. 16, will include developing four areas of Belpre, Ohio, member of Sixth and Washington Street ourService youth & family ministry: church, Marietta, Ohio. Blake Sickles, 79, Oct. 11, elder for 31 years for the Brentwood and Bridgewood Education – Focused efforts of Christian churches in Fort Worth. Jean Armor “J.A.” Thornton, serviceand training to the church and community 90, Oct. 11, Booneville, Miss., member of Booneville Activities – Times of study, worship church, served on the President’s Advisory Board at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. Logistics – Building of Christian - relationships Milton Webster, 66, Oct. 17, Jacksonville, Ala., elder of – Strengthen communica the Jacksonville church, oversaw Polishing the Pulpit, tion among participants the Smokey Mountain Marriage Retreat and House www.edgewoodchurchofchrist.org to House/Heart to Heart ministries. Leslie Harry Please visit our website Williams, 73, June 10, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, devoted 40 years to ministry, the last 15 years as min- for details concerning how to apply. ister at Espea Heights church, Port Elizabeth. decEMBER 2010 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 29

Nov. 6-8 Communication Conference on Marriage and Family. “Families Matter.” Northeast church, Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact www.northeast church.com or Tim Tripp at (513) 489-4659. Nov. 12-14 Fifth annual Fall Delight retreat for college girls. Church of Christ University Center, Stillwater, Okla. Contact: Sabrina Wood at [email protected]. Nov. 12-14 Fall Gospel Meeting. “Seek First the Kingdom of God.” East Capitol Street church, Washington, D.C. Contact (202) 398-6738. Nov. 12-14 Fall Weekend Revival. Featuring Jamell K. Hamilton. West End church, Atlanta. Contact www.thewestender.com or (404) 753-6271. Nov. 13 Young Ladies’ Day. “Daughters in the City — Living Above the Influence.” District Heights, Md., church. Contact (301) 568-1071. Nov. 27-Dec. 1 Newark, N.J., church 73rd Anniversary & Gospel Meeting. Contact Eugene Lawton at (973) 374-4563 or trumpet2@ comcast.net. Nov. 28 Hispanic Fellowship. Iglesia de Cristo 16th and Decatur church, Washington, D.C. Contact (202) 882-4711. Nov. 30 Mid-Atlantic Preachers Meeting. East Baltimore church, Baltimore. Contact (301) 894-5412. Dec. 3-4 Ladies Lectureship. Southside church, Durham, N.C. Contact (301) 894-5412. Dec. 9-12 Winter Wonderland Rendezvous. West Yellowstone, Mont. Contact (800) 548-9551. Dec. 16 Mid-Atlantic Preachers Meeting. “Revitalizing the Congregation.” Olney, Md., church. Contact (301) 894-5412. Dec. 30-Jan. 1 Polar Bear Weekend. For ninth graders and above. Camp Wamava, Linden, Va. Contact www.wamava.com. Jan. 16-19 2011 Christian Education Conference. “Remember, Revive, Renew, Rejoice.” Sheraton Gunter Hotel, San Antonio. Contact www.cec2011.com or Chris Frizzell at (817) 573-2613 or [email protected]. Jan. 19-22 Sunset Vision Workshop. “O Worship the King.” Sunset International Bible Institute, Lubbock, Texas. Contact www.sibi.cc or (800) 658-9553. Jan. 21-22 Women of Hope conference. Third annual. “An Anchor of Hope in the Eye of the Storm.” Embassy Suites Hotel, Franklin, Tenn. Contact www.hhi.org or (615) 832-2000. Feb. 6-10 West Coast Preachers and Leaders Forum. 48th annual. “Kingdom of God (On Earth).” North Las Vegas church, Las Vegas. Contact (702) 648-8283 or [email protected]. Feb. 6-11 75th Annual Freed-Hardeman University Bible Lectureship. “Proclamation and Promise: Major Themes in the Minor Prophets.” Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, Tenn. Contact www.fhu.edu. Feb. 25-26 Affirming the Faith Seminar. “To Him be the Glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus!” North MacArthur church, Oklahoma City. Contact www.affirmingthefaithok.com.

Complete CALENDAR available at www.christianchronicle.org. 30 the Christian chronicle Opinion DECEMBER 2010

editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins Church vans demand safety first

either case involved a The specific safety tips: most precious cargo. Church of Christ, but • If you are an owner, make In the two recent tragedies, two recent tragedies sure the vehicle is properly consider this: Properly inflating in which aging church maintained. tires and buckling seat belts vans blew tires raise • Owners should make sure might have saved lives. Nimportant questions about drivers are fully trained, expe- Beyond basic steps, many church vehicle safety and rienced in operating a van and congregations require anyone maintenance. properly licensed. driving a church van to These questions demand the • Vans are highly sensitive to complete a safety training immediate attention of church loading and should not be over- course. We urge other churches leaders nationwide. loaded under any circumstances. to consider doing the same. In the first case, a Overloading not To assure proper maintenance Georgia church van ‘Driving a church only increases and help with safety concerns, headed to an out-of- vehicle requires rollover risk, but it other churches rent newer state revival blew a makes the vehicle vehicles for longer trips. tire on a highway proper training and more unstable Taking transportation safety and flipped repeat- maturity. If a person in any handling seriously means never pulling edly, ejecting all 19 maneuvers. out of the church parking lot people on board and drives poorly or • Owners should without everyone buckled in. It killing a minister, unsafely, no matter make sure that means never putting more people his daughter and properly sized tires into a van or other vehicle than two others. who it is ... make a are being used on legally allowed. It means never TO OUR READERS In the second change. Now.’ their vehicles. driving above the speed limit. case, six people • Before every And, yes, it means always died when a New trip, drivers should paying attention to the road. Send us your church directory York church van blew a tire and check the tires for proper infla- “Too many times the driver is flipped several times. tion and make sure there are no trying to have fun with the kids, We praise God that, even informs, inspires and unites The 10 deaths in separate signs of wear. Tire size and infla- and that’s not a good mix,” one amid a changing media envi- Churches of Christ. crashes prompted the National tion pressure information can be church member told us. ronment, the monthly circula- As a service to the church, Highway Traffic Safety found in the owner’s manual. Driving a church vehicle tion of The Christian Chronicle we are making a limited-time Administration to recommend • If you are a passenger, make requires proper training and keeps increasing. offer: We would like to add users of 15-passenger vans take sure you buckle up for every trip. maturity. If a person drives This edition will go to your entire church to our specific steps to keep occupants Accidents happen. Not every poorly or unsafely, no matter more than 107,500 individual mailing list at no charge. All safe. The agency directed its tragedy can be avoided. who it is — parent, minister or addresses in all 50 states, names and addresses are kept advisory to churches and others But the federal guidelines even elder — don’t be afraid to reaching nearly a quarter of a confidential. For more infor- that may be keeping older vans provide an important starting make a change. million readers. mation, e-mail virginia.ware@ in service longer than usual point for taking every precaution Now. But our goal is to reach even christianchronicle.org or call because of tight budgets. possible to protect churches’ Lives depend on it. more members with news that (405) 425-5070.

Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] of The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages Christian University. Reviews Editor: Harold Shank feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful [email protected] discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or less The Christian Chronicle® is published Circulation Manager: Lynda Sheehan and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments to the monthly and is served by a national www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] print or online editions are considered to be letters to the Board of Trustees that is charged with the Associate Editor: Joy McMillon editor and may be published. Please include name, city and responsibility for policy and governance. Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] state of residence, as well as home congregation. All trustees, editors and staff are active P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford members of the Churches of Christ. Delivery: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman Editor, President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon Administrative Assistant: Virginia Ware publication, but a newspaper with news and opinion [email protected] [email protected] content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Correspondent: Ted Parks reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. Ed Biggers Sylvia Branch Dale Brown Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. Dwain Chaffin Bill Davis W. L. Fletcher III National, Partners news: [email protected] Advertising contains commercial messages from those who Ralph Harvey Emily Lemley Woody Loden Jr. Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad TO SUBSCRIBE: purchase the advertising space. News coverage, opinion James Moore Robert Oglesby Sr. Mike O’Neal International news, features: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org columns, reviews, letters to the editor and advertising Barry Packer Max Pope Kevin Ramsey Advertising Director: Tamie Ross e-mail [email protected] do not necessarily represent the views of or constitute Harold Redd Harry Risinger Milton Sewell [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. endorsement by the editors, the staff, the Board of Trustees Gary Tabor DECEMBER 2010 opinion the christian chronicle 31 letters African minister asks Turning darkness into light for continued support Yes, Christians in the U.S.A. IN WAKE OF TRIALS, ordinary couple possessed should support the preachers in Africa. (See “Should Christians extraordinary hope, as their children recall. in the U.S. support African preachers?” Page 1, November.) BY Robert Bland Jr., Dave Bland AND Dawn Ivans I am saying this because I am FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE a young evangelist who is at the moment caring for a congrega- tion of about 100 members. This is due to some good Christians who supported me in Bible col- lege and are still supporting my ministry to help grow it. bout 40 miles south of a few horses. Dad built a tree shop to the pasture and from of all ages. They built a tree This does not mean that I the Wyoming border, nursery to nurture saplings to the sheep shed to the pigpen. house, rope swing, zip line and should not also do something to Anestled between two major plant on the farm. Bells were placed on certain sack swing that leaves the most help the situation. My wife man- canyons in the front range It was in this rejuvenated “problem” animals — the adventurous breathless. ages the family stationery shop. of the Colorado Rockies, lies environment that the three of rambunctious ram and the The Bland farm has hosted The majority of Africans are Pleasant Valley. us grew up, learned hard work over-stimulated steer — to Easter egg hunts, church poor, and they need someone to It was in this tranquil haven, and responsibility and, most alert Dad when he was in picnics and a day camp for chil- help them excel. flanked on the west by moun- importantly, saw Christian harm’s way. dren with special needs. Lawrence Lamptey | Accra, Ghana tains and on the east by a large virtue modeled in the lives of Like many others, Mom Troubled youth come to the bluff, that our parents, Bob and our parents. and Dad often farm to learn responsibility and Praise for simple living Helen Bland, bought a little Managing ‘Looking back, we marvel struggled Christian values. farm in 1961 and relocated our a farm, even financially. Dad served as an elder for (See “‘Ordinary Radical’ young family. for someone not at the oddity of the Dad’s blind- the Meadowlark Church of shares his story at ACU,” Page Two years earlier, our father with vision, is ness meant that Christ in Fort Collins, Colo., 1, November.) lost sight in both eyes as a demanding. “blind farmer and his wife” Mom became for about 30 years until his There was a business profes- result of congenital cataracts. For someone but at the enormity of their the bread- hearing deteriorated. Mom and sor at Oklahoma Christian in Rather than let the blindness who had lost winner while Dad have lent their voices for the 1970s who quietly lived tear them apart, our parents his sight, the character, their unwavering Dad worked duets at more than 100 funerals the simple life so that he could drew closer together. With task could faith and their on the farm. It and put on special events at share with refugees from Asia. courage and resolve, they met have been was a difficult nursing homes. There was a mission professor each new challenge. overwhelming. unconditional love.’ adjustment. Looking back, we marvel at Abilene Christian University As they transformed the But for Dad, Still, they met not at the oddity of the “blind who hauled his family of five rundown farm into a home for things just don’t happen in every challenge with a combi- farmer and his wife” but at the around in a two-door Honda so our family, they tore down old a Christian’s life. God has a nation of faith in God and love enormity of their character, that he could share with others. buildings and built new ones. purpose for everything. Dad’s for each other. their unwavering faith and These men did not live simply in Where weeds once grew and world of darkness became an Dad frequently reminded us, their unconditional love. order to be seen of men, but did ramshackle buildings once opportunity to shed the light of “You’ve got to bend your atti- it quietly, without fanfare. stood, a barn, woodshed, hog hope to others. tude to fit your circumstances.” ROBERT BLAND JR. is a professor of Shane Clairborne may be a fine pen, granary and workshop In order to navigate safely Earlier this year, Mom and public administration at the University of man. I trust that he is. But I could were erected. around his 12-acre farm, Dad Dad celebrated their 60th North Texas. DAVE BLAND is a professor of not help but think of Matthew The farm became home created a network of guide wedding anniversary. preaching at Harding University Graduate 6:16 when I saw that picture. to a menagerie of chickens, wires, strung just a little over They still use their farm to School of Religion in Memphis, Tenn. DAWN Let’s live simply, but let us not turkeys, beef cattle, milk head-high, from the house to serve others, making it a virtual IVANS, a homemaker and private music make a show of it. cows, hogs, sheep and even the workshop, from the work- outdoor playground for children teacher, lives in Fort Collins, Colo. Thayer Salisbury | Toledo, Ohio

Living missionally It means actually Living missionally To live missionally VOICES means to live following the means to live in means making life like a verb — Great Commission service to God, in sure that, no What does it mean to live not like a noun. — living it out, reaching out to matter where I missionally? It means to live serving those next the lost with the am and no matter life as a servant, door or across the Gospel. That is what I do, I’m Asked by managing as someone who street. It means the focus of your pointing to God assistant managing editor Erik has been given a sharing the love of life. That is what and not myself. Tryggestad at the 2010 World gift by God ... to be willing to lay Jesus Christ, being bold about our you do full time. Mission Workshop in Arkansas. down your life for others. faith in a relevant way. Anabel Reid | Lubbock, Texas Kristian Travis | Boston Johnnie Frye | Oklahoma City Joshua Parnell | Mammoth Springs, Ark. 32 the Christian chronicle reviews DECEMBER 2010 Youth ministry history is refreshingly atypical

By RANDY SPECK | For The Christian Chronicle tion of the history of spirituality There is something about this reading books that I want to regarding youth in America form of narrative that speaks to put into use is to begin imme- s a youth minister for — and how churches have me. As much as I would love to diately creating a plan of imple- more than a decade — placed their emphasis on youth. read just for the sake of reading, mentation. With Senter’s book, Aand as superintendent of a Then follow descriptions of the a book like this poses the ques- I had to pause to process all I Christian K-12 school — I have various methods and program- tion, “How can this information was reading, which would some- read my fair share of books and ming used. be used right away?” times slow my momentum. This articles about reaching kids. Weaving together the events There are definite opportu- small criticism may be more of a Whether it’s an activity-based of U.S. history, the changing nities for youth leaders and reflection of me as a practitioner program (run, run away) or a dynamics of the country’s youth teachers to take the material rather than as a scholar. program focused on the buzz population and the evolving and translate it into an imme- As Senter clearly relates, words “spiritual formation,” I characteristics of churches is diate teaching opportunity for youth ministry didn’t begin with have seen and read a lot. not a small task. But Senter students. the addition of youth ministry But Mark Senter’s “When does it with professorial pen Much like a school teacher degrees in Christian colleges. God Shows Up — A History and a youth minister’s touch. may use civics and government Its roots run deep, and various of Protestant Youth Ministry Senter chronicles the history to illustrate an educational objec- denominations have viewed in America” was a of youth ministry tive, Senter gives me the oppor- youth culture through a variety bit of a shock for a ‘Sin and stress by attaching time tunity to use literature such as of lenses. guy who thought he period pieces of liter- Sawyer and Gatsby — along Mark Senter III. When God But whatever the viewpoint, had seen it all. didn’t begin with ature and entertain- with movies like “Grease” — to Shows Up — A History of the end result needs to be: I assumed the this generation ment to illustrate the teach kids that life for teenagers Protestant Youth Ministry in “How do we create an envi- book would be a tidy issues faced by that always has been about trying America. Grand Rapids, Mich.: ronment where students have 150-page manual of teenagers, so period’s youths. to find your way in the world in Baker, 2010. 363 pages. $26.99 the opportunity to come into a outlining the brief connection to the He uses Mark which you live. Sin and stress closer relationship with God?” history of youth Twain’s “Tom didn’t begin with this generation Youth leaders and teachers In “When God Shows Up,” ministry, high- past has a real Sawyer” to illustrate of teenagers, so connection to spend countless waking Senter provides a clear picture lighting various benefit.’ the youth culture of the past has a real benefit. hours combing through mate- of how our predecessors have trends and then the late 1800s in the Recent discussions of social rial searching for something dealt with the issue through offering a recom- Midwest. justice and the place that teen- relevant. the years. Now it is up to this mendation into the newest He compares that culture agers play in shaping the I believe Senter gives 300-plus generation of leaders to recog- method of reaching teenagers. to the Roaring Twenties, world’s future are great, but pages of relevance that can nize the culture in which they I was pleasantly wrong. using references from F. Scott Senter reminds me that there be used right now for today’s live and lead accordingly. Upon first glance, a 300-plus- Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” was a time in which students youth leaders and for today’s page book on the history of Senter’s heart for youth were not just debating life, students. Randy Speck is superintendent of youth ministry in America ministry exudes through the they were having to live it. In The material is rich and deep Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills, struck me as overreaching. manuscript as he combines so many ways, that stands in — so much so that I felt over- Mich. He is passionate about Then I started reading. The historical information and prac- contrast to the youth culture of whelmed at some points of the developing student leaders. Contact him at book offers a fantastic descrip- tical applications. today. book. My initial reaction to [email protected]. NEW AND NOTEWORTH Y

BIBLE STUDY SUFFERING AND FOR WIVES Commentary C. Michael Moss. The TRAGEDY Patsy Loden. Loving David McClister. A Secret of Joy: Studies Terence E. Fretheim. Your Husband: How Commentary on in Philippians. Nashville, Creation Untamed: The to Transform Your Hebrews. Temple Terrace, Tenn.: 21st Century Bible, God, and Natural Marriage and Honor Fla.: Florida College Press, Christian: 2010. 113 pages. Disasters. Grand Rapids, Your Covenant. 2010. 546 pages. $24.99. $7.99. Mich.: Baker Academic, Huntsville, Ala.: 2010. 160 pages. $19.99. Publishing Designs, 2010. McClister, Bible Moss, dean of the 256 pages. $12.99. and language teacher College of Bible at Ohio This five-chapter vol- at Florida College in Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., offers ume guides the reader to the most help- This spiral-bound volume offers daily Temple Terrace, Fla., provides a non- 13 chapters covering the entire book of ful ways of thinking about God’s role in readings for an 11-week personal study technical, verse-by-verse analysis of the Philippians. natural disasters (such as hurricanes), on being a godly wife. Each set of read- epistle to the Hebrews. Aimed at helping Christians find joy in the recurring problem of human suffer- ings includes brief Bible studies, person- While footnotes and an extensive living, each chapter explains a section of ing and the role of faith and prayer. al stories, thought questions with space bibliography provide direction to other text and concludes with a set of discus- Biblically based, the volume includes to answer and advice for marriage. literature, the volume concentrates on sion questions. footnotes and a Scripture index. Loden, who has a DVD series on the a theological understanding of the pas- The book would be suitable for a class Fretheim teaches at Luther Seminary same topic, is a member of the North sages and how Hebrews relates to the study or for a small-group setting. in St. Paul, Minn. Jackson Church of Christ in Tennessee. Old Testament. DECEMBER 2010 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

Great Christmas Gift Idea! Stop Declining A four-book set for only $35! Tina Rae GROW / Save Souls Collins, member of the church of Christ, No Excuse Evangelism! offers her internationally acclaimed www. “Emily” series — intriguing, witty, NewsletterEvangelism suspenseful 100-page novels set in the .com mid-1900s in the Appalachian 714.523.2435 Mountains of eastern Kentucky. These The Department of Psychology and Family Studies at Oklahoma Christian ‘I highly recommend this powerful University is currently seeking a full-time professor of Psychology. Qualified books delight young readers while gently teaching about honesty, good judgment, evangelism tool.’ — J.J. Turner individuals should hold the Doctorate degree in psychology, or a related field, faith and more. ‘It works when tried.’ Stafford North with demonstrated ability and experience to teach undergraduate courses For a synopsis and ordering info, please — in a variety of areas — including the university’s general education class in visit www.mykentuckybooks.com or call ‘Don’t knock it if you have not psychology. Since the department emphasizes the science of psychology, the (859) 200-4213. successful candidate will also demonstrate strong research and statistical skills. tried it.’ — Flavil Yeakley Individuals who are ABD will be considered and academic rank and salary will be based upon experience and qualifications. Qualified applicants must be active members of the churches of Christ and should include the following materials:

• A cover letter indicating interest in the position • A vita • A statement of teaching philosophy specific to a Christian, Liberal arts MISSIONS institution Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage • A statement of church affiliation and acceptance of institution’s values Christian University missions. After participat- • A list of at least three academic/professional references and one reference ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was from a local capable of leading his own mission team. And church leader — with telephone and email contact information he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he • A copy of all academic transcripts (an official copy must be submitted prior to organized a team of HCU students to join him in formal employment) his home country of Peru, where they conducted Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an • A statement of research interests, including any publications and conference HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is presentations. planning a second trip. From being led to leading... that’s the goal of the Christian Service and campaign The review of applications will begin immediately with the successful applicant programs. Ramon plans beginning employment in the fall semester of 2011. The position will remain to return to Peru after open and the application process will continue until the position is filled. graduation, but he will have left a legacy of leadership... and a Please send all application materials to: dream in the hearts of other students. That’s Ryan Newell, Ph.D. the type of missions Chair, Department of Psychology and Family Studies experience you can expect from HCU. Oklahoma Christian University It’s our focus. P.O. Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Phone: (405) 425-5450 www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 w [email protected] 3625 Helton Drive P.O. Box HCU Florence, AL 35630

More than a million hits per year The 30-year-old YOUTH MINISTER NEEDED Visit Our Website AMEN Ministry The Central Avenue congregation in Valdosta, Georgia, is seeking a full- connects Christians DownloaDable aDvanceD bible StuDieS in the United States time Youth Minister. A congregation of 475, we are located in a community & a cappella Singing military with local churches of Christ of 100,000 people in Southern Georgia. Local institutions include a state both overseas and in the U.S. Please university of 12,000 students, an Air Force Base, a regional airport offering send name, contact information and direct flights to and from Atlanta, and a number of wonderful private, public, especially e-mail addresses to: and Christian schools. Both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are within driving AMEN Ministry distance. We are looking for an experienced youth minister to work with our http://amenministry.info children and teens. We are biblically sound yet progressive in methodology. 135 Larchmont Drive Salary is negotiable, based upon education and qualifications. For further Hendersonville, NC 28791 information and a job description, contact John Klimko, Church Administrator, Phone: (828) 891-4480 at [email protected] www.mainstreet–churchofchrist.com E-mail: [email protected] 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION DECEMBER 2010 As time flies, reflections on family, faith and resolutions for a new year

e used to mark time by the ticking serious Bible studies. of a clock, but the digital age has Since 1981, I have been deeply inter- Plays Five Instruments Wended that. ested in The Christian Chronicle as a The passing of a year is like a bolt of vehicle to encourage lightning, and I am incredulous that 2010 Insight great unity among a body is nearing an end. I seem to be one of deeply fractured over the few old adults who still makes reso- minor issues. lutions — which I review regularly and Although I have strive to progress in carrying out. spent time editing and So I treasure the end of a year as a reporting, my main Spring Sing Host time to take stock of where I am person- contribution has been ally, socially and spiritually. keeping the tone and This year has been eventful for the spirit of the reporting McBride clan. Our youngest grandchild, positive. Garrett McBride, turned 7 in July. Bailey McBride I have been challenged My second child, Lynette Brown, and to share ideas month her husband, Pat, celebrate their 25th after month for 29 years. Although I wedding anniversary in December. have always been given a lot of latitude, Traveled to 19 Countries Their oldest daughter, Kailey, turned 18 I have always tried to look for positive last March. insights about people, churches and the And on New Year’s Day, our oldest kingdom of God. grandson, Luke Roe, will marry Rachel The Chronicle has the strongest staff Varno, a girl he met when they both ever. For this great work I am resolved were participating in an international to pray more and to help promote the study program in Costa Rica in 2007. value of having an informed brother- Music/Psychology Major And Joyce and I just keep chalking hood that accepts diversity and differ- up the years and doing what we love ences in opinion. the most — teaching: she in church I am especially blessed that Oklahoma preschool and I at Oklahoma Christian Christian still permits me to do what VISIT OUR WEBSITE University. I have believed since the first day I for more information My resolve for 2011 is to spend more walked into my own English Literature time with my younger grandchildren and Survey class — that God meant for me on student life at to listen more to my children. to teach 18- to 22-year-old students. It is Harding.edu/StuLife One of the great blessings of my life work, but it always has felt natural. has been my amazing family at the As I have taught, I have extended Memorial Road Church of Christ in my preparation beyond literature and Whatever your interests, there is a place at Edmond, Okla. composition. I teach philosophy and Harding University for you. With more than 90 Although we have worshiped and interdisciplinary studies. The subjects areas of study, seven international campuses, served with the same church for 44 are special, but my great interest is years, it is not the same church. It has the brightest and best minds of young and 140-plus religious, academic, social, and grown from about 100 members in 1966 Christian women and men. musical clubs and organizations on campus, to an average Sunday morning atten- I also am delighted to have good you are sure to find your niche. dance of about 2,400 in two services. teachers as colleagues. They are profes- The church has had remarkable sional and have professional goals for leaders who understand the importance preparing students for graduate studies of keeping members active. Our annual and professional careers. They live their Missions Sunday raised more than half a faith and serve by going the second million dollars for missions on top of the mile. vast resources in the regular budget. I am determined to keep expanding Faith, Learning and Living In 2007, the congregation set out my knowledge, my ability to under- to have 1,000 members involved in stand people and my capacity to love. I Bible classes and daily chapel service • 53 National Merit Scholars missions, and at least 300 more than seek God’s help in knowing and under- Lectures by world leaders • 6,800 students from 49 states and 53 foreign countries the target were active in foreign and standing what is most important in 2,600 graduate students • Honors College • NCAA Division II athletics domestic efforts. Members are encour- developing minds and characters. 7 international campuses • All classes taught from a Christian viewpoint aged to work on neighborhood projects Time flies. That means we must make and to become “fully devoted followers” the most of every minute. Harding.edu • 800-477-4407 • Searcy, Arkansas of Jesus. Redeem the time. I am resolving to be more active in serving others — even as I continue COntact [email protected]. DECEMBER 2010 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 * *** * * * ** * * * ** * * * * * * * * ** * Cast Your Nets for the Master. * * Elders and * * Church Leaders: Your congregation can start * * your own * Christian School * * * * or Pre-school Partners For Christian Education can help! Free manuals and counseling. See our web site for more information. Partners For Christian Education P.O. Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136 Office Phone: (405) 471-6003 www.pfce.com 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DECEMBER 2010