Across the Nation: Cards for new Christians, sojourning and serving and more quick takes
Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Calvin Cockrell at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Tony E. Roach, left, presents an award to Rickie Harris during Harris’ installation at the Minda Street Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas.
GEORGIA
DALTON — It began with a single greeting card from an unknown sender.
Two years later, the spirit behind that card has blossomed into an informal ministry reaching more than 6,000 newly baptized Christians across the U.S. and Canada.
Lorraine Smith, a member of the Central Church of Christ in Dalton, Ga., began the ministry after her 14-year-old grandson, Carter Goble, received a heartfelt-but-mysterious letter congratulating him on his baptism and encouraging him in his walk with Christ.
Young people in Georgia help with a greeting card ministry.
“The fact that someone thinks enough of me to send me a card from Florida makes me very happy,” Goble told his grandmother.
Smith decided to send out 18 cards to new believers she learned about through Facebook.
Soon, she recruited the rest of the Central church’s elementary department, youth group and ladies ministry as the effort expanded to about 85 cards a week — each with a handwritten message, Bible verse and signature.
“When you become a Christian, Satan is going to come after you with everything he’s got, and you need the encouragement to fight him off.”
Central kids sign cards during class time, an effort that counts toward their Good Samaritan points for the Lads 2 Leaders program.
“Not a card goes out that is not prayed over,” Smith said. “My perspective is, when you become a Christian, Satan is going to come after you with everything he’s got, and you need the encouragement to fight him off.”
ILLINOIS
CHICAGO — The Sheldon Heights Church of Christ paid tribute to retiring minister Leonardo Gilbert and his wife, Brenda, at the congregation’s recent 94th anniversary celebration.
At the same time, the congregation welcomed new minister Justin M. Carter and his wife, Brittany.
Retiring minister Leonardo Gilbert and fellow elders of a Chicago church pray for the new senior minister, Justin M. Carter.
TEXAS
BURLESON —These Christians “travel with a purpose.”
Volunteers with National Evangelism With Sojourners, overseen by the Burleson Church of Christ, journey across North America to serve churches, children’s homes, camps, schools and other Christian organizations.
They support gospel meetings, vacation Bible schools and other activities to help reach souls — often performing physical activities, from building and repairing to sewing and crafts, at no charge.
Sojourners also facilitate instructional programs to assist congregations and individuals with spiritual growth and challenges in the Lord’s kingdom.
Sojourner volunteers repair the back porch of the Home of Recovery and Restoration in Winnsboro, Texas.
Retirees are the organization’s most common demographic, but any member of a Church of Christ who has a servant heart and time to commit to kingdom work can apply.
Volunteers should be able to participate in at least one sojourn per year, which typically lasts two weeks. The nonprofit recently dropped its requirement that Sojourners own a recreational vehicle — though it still recommends them.
To apply to become a Sojourner or to request help, visit www.sojourning.org.
NEWSMAKERS
BAPTIZED — HUDSON BROWNRIGG of the North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville, Ohio. BENJAMIN BAILEY and CASH BAILEY of the Oak Hill Church of Christ in Rome, Ga. AARON HANSBERRY of the Torch Hill Church of Christ in Columbus, Ga. OLIVIA KERR of La Grange Church of Christ in Texas.
AWARDED — TAYLOR HUNTSMAN with first place after receiving a perfect score in a Bible Bowl competition during the Quartz Mountain Leadership Session at Quartz Mountain Christian Camp in Lone Wolf, Okla. Huntsman’s father, Lance, is minister for the Stonewall Church of Christ in Oklahoma.
From left, Taylor Huntsman, Todd Dobson, John Edmerson, Milton Sewell and Laura Williamson.
APPOINTED — TODD DOBSON as chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based Midfirst Bank. Dobson is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University. JOHN EDMERSON to the board of trustees of York University in Nebraska, a university associated with Churches of Christ. Edmerson is a longtime minister, vocalist and former editorial council member for The Christian Chronicle.
NAMED — RICKIE HARRIS, resident minister for the Minda Street Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Harris was one of 21 preachers trained in the church’s Sound Doctrine Training Program, led by TONY E. ROACH, who planted the church in 1979. Harris’ wife, Shalawn, is longtime healthcare professional. MILTON SEWELL to the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) Hall of Fame. Sewell is chancellor and former president of Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. LAURA WILLIAMSON, children’s minister for the Edmond Church of Christ in Oklahoma.
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