Protests and prayers CHRISTIANS RESPOND to George Floyd's death with outrage, rallies and calls for justice - The Christian Chronicle
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
An international newspaper Our mission: To inform,
for Churches of Christ inspire and unite
Vol. 77, No. 7 | July 2020 www.christianchronicle.org
Protests and prayers
CHRISTIANS RESPOND to George Floyd’s death
with outrage, rallies and calls for justice.
BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE join the battle against racial injustice.
W
The Minneapolis Central Church
arren G. Blakney Sr.’s of Christ mourned Floyd’s killing
fight for racial equality up close.
stretches back to 1961. “As a person, I’m outraged,” said
At age 9, Blakney met Russell Pointer Sr., minister for the
civil rights icon Martin predominantly black congregation.
Luther King Jr. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., “As a city, we’re trying to grieve.”
and passed out voter registration Nationwide, Floyd’s death galva-
handbills door to door. nized weeks of protests denouncing
“I saw a lot of systemic racism
things,” said the and police brutality.
67-year-old senior The demonstrations
minister for the North started in Minneapolis
Peoria Church of and spread, some-
Christ in Tulsa, Okla. times devolving into
“I’ve seen acid thrown rioting and looting.
at people. I’ve been in In Richmond,
the crowd when dogs Va., the windows
were turned on us. ... of the West Broad
I’ve seen white guys Church of Christ, a
jump out of cars with predominantly black
baseball bats to beat congregation, were
12- and 13-year-old shattered.
kids down and kill Protesters were
them.” still milling about
But nothing in the GREG JAKLEWICZ, ABILENE REPORTER-NEWS as minister James
last 50 years, he said, Attendees pray at unity rally Nesmith came to
has shaken him like at Abilene Christian University survey the damage.
the video of a white after George Floyd’s death. “Of course we don’t
Minneapolis police condone the violence
officer pressing his knee against or looting,” Nesmith said. “We wish
George Floyd’s neck as the hand- they would take a more civilized
cuffed black man complained, “I approach, but in the same breath, we
can’t breathe.” understand the frustration.”
“I sat there, and I prayed, and I The building of another African
wished that he would get his knee See GEORGE FLOYD, Page 14
off that guy’s neck so he could
breathe,” said Blakney, president
TULSA POLICE DEPARTMENT, VIA TWITTER
Amid protests after George Floyd’s death, Trey Elliott prays for Tulsa, Okla., Police of the Tulsa Urban League and RACE IN AMERICA
Chief Wendell Franklin. The 7-year-old made it his mission to pray for every past president of the local NAACP. TEEN SHOWS COURAGE AFTER RACIAL SLUR ................... 3
police officer in Oklahoma’s second-largest city. Franklin, a member of The Park “There was no sense of humanity.” DIALOGUE: BLACK MINISTERS WEIGH IN..........................21
Church of Christ in Tulsa, said of Elliott: “He is that mustard seed planted which Floyd’s May 25 death in police PETITION TARGETS HARDING AUDITORIUM NAME.............24
yields a tree used by all.” Franklin praised his city’s peaceful protesters. “May God custody stirred Blakney to urge fellow EDITORIAL: WHAT CHRISTIANS CAN DO............................29
continue to lay a blanket of protection over all Tulsa,” he said in a tweet. Christians — black and white — to VIEWS: AN ARMY OF GOOD SAMARITANS.........................28
2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2020
The present pandemic affects everyone, but some are
affected more than most. Sunset is providing urgently
needed aid to the hungry and hurting by working
directly with trusted ministries who are among those
who need help now.
Sunset is joining forces with key leaders, congregations
and ministries serving on the front lines in affected
nations and cities.
Your gifts will provide for the immediate needs
of God’s people and keep the light of Christ shining
brightly in the future.
Your help is needed in Brazil, Mozambique, Haiti, the
Navajo Nation and Central Phoenix Urban Ministry.
(more ministries will be helped as funds are provided)
Help Us Fuel Lamps for the Kingdom!
sunset.bible/global-relief
a ministry of Sunset International Bible Institute • 800.658.9553 • sunset.bible
JULY 2020 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 3
Civil rights hero’s
great-grandson
shows courage, too
I
n 1957, the white mayor
of Little Rock, Ark.,
showed courage by
standing up for nine black
students trying to integrate
Central High School.
Defying segregationist
Gov. Orval Faubus and an
angry white
Inside Story mob, Mayor
Woodrow
Wilson
Mann urged
President
Dwight D.
Eisenhower
to send U.S.
soldiers to
Bobby Ross Jr. quell the
violence.
VANESSA CARVALHO PHOTOGRAPHY | WWW.VANESSACARVALHO.COM
“Situation is out of control
and police cannot disperse
the mob,” Mann said in a tele- Love in the time of COVID-19: Nurse, husband reunite in NYC
gram to Eisenhower. “I am In New York’s Times Square, Wendy and Eric Davenport give and graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Ark., volunteered
pleading to you as president each other a facemasked kiss after two months apart. The to serve COVID-19 patients in hard-hit New York while Eric and
of the United States in the Christian couple served as missionaries in Rwanda before swiftly their four sons got settled in Oklahoma. When Eric arrived in
interest of humanity, law and evacuating amid the COVID-19 crisis in March. Wendy, a nurse New York, “I shed two months of tears in his arms,” his wife said.
order and because of democ-
racy worldwide to provide ANOTHER NURSE RETURNS from the front lines, Page 5.
the necessary federal troops
The future of worship
within several hours.”
To enforce the school’s
desegregation, Eisenhower
sent 1,200 members of the
U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne
Division and federalized the
Arkansas National Guard. AS CONGREGATIONS RETURN to in-person assemblies, coronavirus pandemic brings changes.
But Mann paid a steep
price. He endured hate BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE million confirmed U.S. cases and minister for the Broadway Church of
M
mail and death threats. 116,000 deaths at press time — special Christ in Paducah, Ky.
White supremacists burned asks or no masks? health measures are greeting most In Virginia, the Blacksburg Church
crosses on his family’s Sing and make a joyful noise worshipers. of Christ will emphasize
lawn. He lost his insurance — or not? “We will have short- social distancing, make
business and any hope of a Required temperature ened services, commu- hand sanitizer available
political future in Arkansas. checks at the door? nion to pick up upon and possibly use the
Sean Richardson, youth These are among the questions entering, temperature fellowship hall for extra
minister for the Bammel facing Churches of Christ nationwide monitors at the door, seating “so folks can
Church of Christ in Houston, as congregations move to resume little to no singing, spread out even more,”
recalled Mann’s experi- in-person assemblies, a Christian planned seating and Lisa Leichner said.
ence as he preached on the Chronicle survey found. either multiple services “They’re suggesting
Lovejoy Leichner
Sunday after George Floyd After three months of closed doors, or multiple rooms in but so far not requiring
was killed in Minneapolis many churches have started returning our building for small groups to meet masks,” said Leichner, who was
police custody on May 25. to the building. But amid the ongoing and stream the worship service,” said among more than 100 members and
See HISTORY, Page 4 coronavirus pandemic — with 2.1 Jed Lovejoy, worship and children’s See WORSHIP, Page 10
4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY JULY 2020
HISTORY: Teen stands up for fellow Christian after classmate hurls racial slur
FROM PAGE 3 No matter the situation, you can’t
“See, typically in history when stoop to the lowest of the lows. You
people have chosen to side with just can’t,’” recalled the 2020 Klein
those who are High graduate, who plans to study
oppressed, they finance at Texas Tech University
themselves get this fall.
treated as those “I didn’t fight him,” Trevor added.
who have been “I didn’t threaten him. I just said,
oppressed,” ‘You can’t do that.’”
Richardson said in
the video sermon, ’THAT JUST FELT REAL GOOD’
W.W. Mann which came amid When A.J. heard what Trevor had
national outrage over done, he couldn’t believe it.
Floyd’s death and coast-to-coast “I was shocked,” A.J. said. “I had
protests against racial injustice. never had someone do that for
me. … Most people would have
NO MERE HISTORICAL FOOTNOTE just said, ‘Oh well, keep going.’ I
The African American youth was actually shocked but grateful.
minister’s mention of Mann, who … It made me feel like I matter
moved to Houston in 1961 and lived to someone other than my family.
there until his 2002 death at age 85, That just felt real good.”
was no mere historical footnote. Trevor easily could have chosen
Richardson traced the late mayor’s not to say anything.
lineage to present day — to an But his conscience — his heart —
18-year-old Bammel youth group wouldn’t let him stay quiet, he said.
member named Trevor Mann. “I felt like Jesus was talking to me,
No doubt, Trevor’s place in saying, ‘You have to do something
American history — at least at this VIDEO STILL VIA ZOOM about that. You can’t just ignore this.’”
point in his life — pales compared A.J. Poole Jr. shows a video of the touchdown play that ended in a racially No, Trevor’s action didn’t change
with that of his great-grandfather, charged incident. Watch the full interview with Poole, Trevor Mann and Sean the course of history like his great-
whom he met as a baby. Richardson at christianchronicle.org/georgefloyd. grandfather’s telegram did.
But Trevor, too, showed courage But the courageous teen made a
in the face of racial prejudice. That would be the N-word. At a Sunday night youth group difference where he could.
It happened after his friend Alvin “I was shocked that he said it,” function, Richardson asked Trevor if That’s the lesson for us all.
“A.J.” Poole Jr., a fellow Bammel said A.J., now a student-athlete at he knew the player involved. “Voices like Trevor’s,” Richardson
church member, played Trevor’s high McPherson College in Kansas. “But “I actually did,” Trevor said in a said, “can bring attention to not
school in a 2018 football playoff game. then it was kind of like, ‘Well, that’s Zoom conversation with The Christian just issues in the world but prac-
A.J., then a senior offensive not the first time that I’ve heard that.’” Chronicle. “We played together in tical examples of what you can
lineman for Westfield High School in If A.J. had given in to his anger, middle school. I was really shocked do — being a voice, standing up,
Houston, recalls the he would have risked because the tough part, which I don’t embodying Jesus,
intensity of the 10-6 more than a poten- think Sean or A.J. knows, is that he’s walking alongside
victory over Klein tial penalty against actually a Christian, too. someone and not
High School. his team, his youth “And that’s pretty hard to under- allowing oppression
“I remember my minister said. stand. How could someone who of any kind to impact
mindset was, ‘Let’s “I think A.J. putting loves Christ do that?” his fellow human.
just score,’” A.J. said his hands up gets me That Monday morning, Trevor “That’s the example
of the winning touch- emotional every time had a class with the player who used we want to set,” the
down in the second Poole Trevor Mann because that’s some- the racial slur. Richardson youth minister added.
half. “And I remember thing we have to do,” “I went up to him, and I said, “And I’m incredibly
I drove him (the white player) into the Richardson said. “We have to put our ‘Hey, you played in that Westfield proud of A.J. and Trevor both for
dirt one play. And he got real mad. He hands up and walk away because game, right?’” Trevor said. “And he how they independently but collec-
punched me in the face. And I’m not the way the story can be spun is that said, ‘Yep.’ And I said, ‘You said the tively handled this situation. It’s
going to lie. I punched him right back. we are now the violent one. And so N-word to one of my really close a true embodiment of how Christ
“But the next play was when we A.J. has had the conversation with friends. One of my brothers.’ lived.”
scored. And I drive him to the back of his parents multiple times of how to “And he felt bad. He was devas-
the end zone. … And he tries to fight engage in instances of injustice.” tated. And he knew he was in the BOBBY ROSS JR. is editor-in-chief of The
me again. And I just put my hands wrong. He tried to play it off that he Christian Chronicle. Reach him at bobby.ross@
up into the air. And I’m walking away. ‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT’ was just frustrated.” christianchronicle.org. Follow him on Twitter at
And he’s all in my ear, saying all these Video of the confrontation made it Trevor remained firm. @bobbyross. Watch the full Zoom interview at
things. And then he says that word.” easy to identify the opposing player. “I just told him, ‘You can’t do that. christianchronicle.org/georgefloyd.
JULY 2020 COVID-19 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5
Nurse felt called to serve in New York
OKLAHOMAN KYM LANGFORD witnessed death and hope while caring for numerous coronavirus patients.
BY CHELLIE ISON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE was forced back open as the hospital
A
needed more rooms for those
s Kym Langford clocked out suffering with the virus.
of her shift, she couldn’t help As if things weren’t compli-
but wonder about one man: cated enough, the hospital had few
Would he still be there when nursing aides and little support staff.
she returned for her next shift? Langford found herself taking out
He was 35. A father. A husband. A the trash and cleaning bathrooms
patient with COVID-19. with Clorox wipes.
“He needed a ventilator, or he was The hospital’s regular staff was
going to die,” Langford said. “But we getting sick. Some even died. There
didn’t have any at the time.” were nights when all of the nurses
Roughly 1,500 miles on a floor were from other states,
from her Oklahoma just like Langford.
home, Langford “The blind leading the blind,” she
cared for dozens of said. “We didn’t know the hospital or
patients on the front the phone numbers of the doctors.
lines of New York It was really, really hard.”
City’s battle against
the coronavirus. A SHOCKING SCENE
Langford Some of their faces Earlier in their marriage, the
— including that of Langfords had spent six years as
the kind man with the uncertain fate missionaries in Jinja, Uganda. Kym’s
— stick with her. (He survived.) time there inspired her to go to
“I took care of a ton of patients, nursing school when they returned
and I saw a lot of people die,” the to the U.S.
42-year-old mother of three said. Her Uganda experience, she said,
“Most were elderly patients who may even have helped her handle
had underlying conditions, but there the stress of working without basic
were also several that were young.” resources in New York.
For six and a half weeks, Langford Such a scene, especially at a U.S.
worked long, agonizing shifts at hospital, was shocking to see.
the Harlem Hospital, battling not “I’m talking about something as
only the virus but also the lack of simple as those little oxygen sensors
adequate medical supplies. you put on your finger, and you can
“The first three weeks, we were PHOTO PROVIDED BY KYM LANGFORD watch and see how someone’s oxygen
really in that climbing phase,” said Kym Langford sits in front of a sculpture designed to encourage residents in New York. level is,” Langford said. “We did not
Langford, normally a lab coordinator have those. … This is a respiratory
at Oklahoma Christian University’s that’s my personality.” ‘BLIND LEADING THE BLIND’ disease, and I had no idea how my
school of nursing and a nurse at Said her husband, Ben, a Bible His anxiety quickly dissipated patients were doing, most of the time,
a nearby hospital. “They use that professor at Oklahoma Christian because he knew her training, her when it came to their breathing.”
terminology, ‘We don’t want hospi- University and a minister for experience and her mentality were a Communication with the patients’
tals to become overwhelmed,’ and the Springs Church of Christ in good fit for serving in this way. families also was limited. The
that was happening.” Edmond, Okla.: “She just said, ‘I For the first 12 days straight she hospital didn’t have staff to answer
Langford had signed on with an think I could do this. I think I’m worked 12-hour shifts, overnight, the phones on each floor. Most
agency that works with the Federal gifted for this.’” serving between 10 and 13 patients rooms didn’t have private phones.
Emergency Management Agency. The decision made him a little each shift at the Harlem Hospital. Many patients had lost their phones
Within 24 hours of contacting the anxious. That’s about three times the patient getting to the hospital.
agency, she was on a plane headed “But I thought she was right,” he load to which she was accustomed. “Families were desperate to find
to New York City. said. “When we dropped her off at Most rooms held four patients, out what’s going on,” she said.
“I thought, ‘Well, this is a really cool the airport and said goodbye, I had with no barriers between them. The Some patients were unsure if
opportunity to go and serve,’” she a moment of thinking, ‘What are floor Langford spent several nights they would ever see their families
said. “So it was really spontaneous, but we doing?’” on had previously been closed. It See NURSE, Page 6
6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE COVID-19 JULY 2020
NURSE: Oklahoman reflects on her journey
FROM PAGE 5
again. She prayed with those who
were especially anxious and willing.
One night she made it a point to
allow each of her patients to use her
phone to send a text message or
make a quick call to a loved one.
“You’re in a crisis,” she said, “and
these family members needed to
know what was going on and if their
loved one was doing OK.”
It was exhausting. And the fear of
getting the virus herself was real.
“You know there’s the risk of
getting sick,” she said, “and so I was
just, I thought, ‘I don’t want my time
here to come to an end,’ and I also
didn’t want to end up in a hospital in PHOTO PROVIDED BY KYM LANGFORD
New York City.” Kym Langford holds one of the many
notes of encouragement she received.
SHE’D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN
Knowing her family was safe back said she will keep wearing a mask
home helped her to stay focused. and social-distancing herself from
She was diligent about taking care others. After seeing firsthand the
of herself, sleeping as much as she damage the virus can cause, she
could, taking supplements, drinking wants to do what she can to protect
a lot of water and eating healthy. her family and others.
Langford worked all but a few Langford knows of some who have
nights. But after her first 12-day questioned the reality of the virus,
stretch, she and a couple of other despite knowing her.
nurses were given a night off. They “There are a lot of people out there
stayed up so they wouldn’t mess up that think it’s not real,” she said.
their sleep schedule. They walked After working through a peak,
around the city for she said that questioning “blows
hours. The typically her mind.”
bustling metrop- “It’s real, and it was really, really
olis was eerily silent, horrific,” she said.
empty almost. The prayers of so many of her
They saw a few Christian brothers and sisters,
homeless people. A Langford believes, helped her
bunch of police. complete her work without
“It was so crazy,” becoming ill.
Ben Langford
Langford said. Thanks to media coverage back
During her last three weeks, more home and an earlier article in The
nurses arrived. That helped reduce Christian Chronicle, many believers
the stress. During those weeks, the around the world prayed for her.
measures New York City had imple- “There were people praying for
mented in hopes of flattening the my wife that didn’t know my wife,”
curve also seemed to be reducing, Ben said, “and I just thank everyone
slowly, the number of patients for doing that.”
coming into the hospital. As unbelievable as Langford’s
In early May, she was released to experience turned out to be, she
go home. Before returning she was said there’s no doubt that she would
tested for the virus and the antibodies. do it all over again.
She tested negative for COVID-19, “I wouldn’t hesitate. I do feel like
which meant she could go home I made a big difference,” she said.
without needing to quarantine from “I do feel like all of these nurses
her family. She was, however, positive coming in from all over the United
for the antibodies, which means she States helped a ton and that there’s
had been infected at some point. a lot less death in these hospitals
Even with the antibodies, she because we were there.”
JULY 2020 COVID-19 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7
Churches feed the needy during pandemic
BY ERIN FLOYD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE
T
hroughout the COVID-19
pandemic, Churches of Christ
across the nation have had to
get creative in finding ways to serve
their communities.
The economic shutdown left many
families struggling to put food on the
table, which provided some churches
an opportunity to step in and help.
From Texas to Ohio, food drives
and meal services helped fill the
gaps for families in need.
“It is so encouraging to see the
church come together to serve
those in need,” said Caroline
Morales, a children’s minister DOUG PETERS
and volunteer coordinator with Texas National Guard members help distribute food at Grace Crossing, a Community Church of Christ in Conroe, Texas.
Houston’s Impact Church of Christ.
“We have been able to serve more were able to meet, converse with, “Of course I said, ‘Absolutely! I near Louisville, Ky., provided a meal
families in a much more efficient pray with and minister to the people would be happy to do it,’” Berry said. to its community in another form: a
manner because of their help. We they were serving. Berry’s congregation partnered drive-thru cookout.
are so thankful that Jesus brings us But due to COVID-19 safety pro- with Borden Dairy, the Dallas Minister Bryan C. Jones brought
all together to love others.” tocols in the county, the National Independent School District and the idea to the congregation as a
The Impact church has served the Guard was called in to assist in the local faith leaders to give out 1,000 way to let the community know that
community through its resource and distribution. gallons of milk — in the pouring rain the church was there to help them.
food distribution centers since 1986. Grace Crossing minister Doug — to families in need. Volunteers The church served hot dogs, ham-
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Peters said the number of church vol- were sporting rain jackets, ponchos, burgers and chips. Members also
the church would unteers was limited, umbrellas, and of course, masks. passed out hand sanitizer and toys to
serve an average of and instead of meet- “My fear was, we have these the kids. In all, 177 families were fed.
225 families a week. ing and ministering thousand gallons of milk, and people “It just felt good to let people know
Since mid-March, that to people face to face, wouldn’t show up in the rain. But that we’re here for them, to help
number has grown to food recipients were they came,” Berry said. “We were them out,” said Shannon Pearson, a
as many as 800. required to stay in supposed to be there from 3 until member of the Newburg church.
Jeanine Devine and their cars. 6. Well, at about 5, we were back in
her husband, Frank, “We look forward to our cars going home because we
who is an elder of the the time we can have were turning people away.”
Memorial Church of more interpersonal The Gray Road Church of Christ,
Christ, about 10 miles relationships and north of Cincinnati, hosted a
west of the Impact have a close conver- contactless grocery drive for its
church, have been vol- sation and (take) community. About 40 mask-wearing
unteering at the food prayer requests with church volunteers helped provide
drive once a week. the people,” Peters produce, chicken, fish and laundry
“I Iove coming to said. “But, for now, detergent to 1,100 families in need.
Impact because it’s the important thing is “We entitled it ‘Caring in a Crisis’
seeing God in action,” that we’re serving the because we believe that the church
Jeanine said. “It gives people by distributing ought to be able to care at all times,
you the goosebumps.” food, and we continue especially this time,” minister
About 35 miles PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAMMIE BERRY to do that in the name Jeremy Flowers said.
north of Houston, Dallas West member Chris of Jesus and are “It means a lot to me because com-
Grace Crossing, a Buford distributes milk. prayerful for them in ing up as a child my family depended
Community Church this ministry.” on getting subsidized food from vari-
of Christ in Conroe, Texas, has also Two hundred miles north, Dallas ous community resources,” he said.
changed the way its food distribu- Mayor Eric Johnson called his friend “I’m just glad because now I’m in a PHOTO VIA WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NEWBURGCOC
tion ministry operates. Sammie L. Berry, minister for the position personally, spiritually and Quinnette Connor spins a cappella
Before the pandemic, the congre- Dallas West Church of Christ, asking financially where I can give back to tunes for those who drive up to
gation held a food distribution every if he would help organize an event to the community where we reside.” receive meals from the Newburg
month from its pavilion. Volunteers provide milk for families in need. The Newburg Church of Christ Church of Christ near Louisville, Ky.
8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE COVID-19 JULY 2020
Socially distanced summer camp?
PRECAUTIONS AND CANCELLATIONS are an unfortunate reality for church groups in 2020.
BY LAURA AKINS | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “As time passed and we learned
N
more, we felt the risks were lower
othing about the year 2020 and we had a better grasp of what
has been easy. needed to be done to make a safe
From a worldwide pan- camp environment,” said John Curtis,
demic to racial tensions, a member of the Pettijohn board of
many Christians wish they directors. “Plus, camps were given
could step away and recharge at the go-ahead to reopen under the
their beloved Bible camps. next phase of the state guidelines. So
But many church camps won’t host we gave the July session directors the
traditional sessions this summer. opportunity to hold their sessions if
Others are canceling altogether. they felt comfortable doing so.”
“I’m very sad because it was Session leaders will be required to
finally my turn to go, and all of take campers’ temperatures before
the sudden it was canceled,” said the youths exit their vehicles, fol-
Reese Rivera, a fifth grader who has lowed by daily temperature checks.
watched her siblings go to Camp PHOTO PROVIDED Extra cleaning procedures will be
Blue Haven in New Mexico since A previous session at Sooner Youth Camp in Ardmore, Okla., demonstrates the taken for the bathhouses, dining hall,
she was 3. “I was looking forward difficulty of social distancing during a camp. This summer’s sessions were canceled. kitchen, sports equipment, along with
to the campout and extra hand washing stations around
swing my siblings TAKING A FINANCIAL HIT a way to use camps like ours to share campgrounds. And all camp staff
told me about.” Charles Grinnell, president of the his message.” — cooks, managers, maintenance
Directors and National Association of Christian personnel — will wear masks to mini-
board members of Camps, said he and his board of direc- TO CAMP OR NOT TO CAMP? mize outside contamination.
camps associated tors are not making recommendations Sooner Youth Camp in Ardmore, Camp Deer Run in east Texas also
with Churches of to Bible camps as to whether they Okla., was planning to hold both of will open its gates to eager campers
Christ told The should open or close this summer. its July sessions, capping the num- beginning June 21, with many of the
Christian Chronicle But the organization is able to ber of campers well below capacity, same COVID-19 precautions.
Rivera that they’re heartbro- provide resources and updates having them eat meals in small The camp’s website asks campers
ken for Rivera and on how COVID-19 is affecting groups and socially to practice physical
countless other kids. Christian camping and what to distancing them as distancing for 14
“I’m sure there will expect moving forward. much as possible. days prior to camp.
be moments through- “Many camps are not opening at But just before They must wash their
out the summer that all due to state regulations forbid- press time, the hands often and are
will be tough,” said ding overnight camps or because camp’s board decided not allowed if they’ve
David Moses, associ- of cautious boards,” Grinnell said, to cancel. Some come into contact with
ate dean of students “while some camps are opening with members said they someone who tested
Moses for Abilene Christian a shortened season.” were 80 percent sure Johnson Duty positive for COVID-
University and Camp Wyldewood in Searcy is camp could go on, 19 within 14 days of
director of the West Texas school’s one of many Christian camps whose but if there were any doubt, the camp. They also must sign waivers.
Leadership Camps. directors made the heartbreaking camps should be called off. Despite the new requirements,
“Yet, I am at complete peace with decision to cancel summer sessions. “So many summer camps (church, many youths are still signing up and
the decision,” he said. “It was the “It’s hard to imagine this place sports, art) have already canceled joining wait lists.
right decision, plain and simple.” being empty all summer,” said their summer plans, making this an “This year seems special because
Other colleges and universities executive director Chad Hudelson. even tougher decision for our board all other youth events have been
associated with Churches of Christ Without those sessions, Wyldewood of directors,” said Lisa Johnson, canceled,” said Casey Duty, a
have canceled their summer camps, will take a hit financially. About two- who has attended Sooner Youth Pettijohn camper from Arlington,
including Encounter at Lubbock thirds of its revenue comes from its Camp since the summer of 1974 as a Texas. “I’m sure (camp) will have a
Christian University in Texas and summer camp program and only camper and then counselor. different feeling but will bring a new
Uplift at Harding University in Searcy, one-third comes from rentals for appreciation ... because it’s the only
Ark. Both are providing virtual expe- retreats throughout the year. TEMPERATURE CHECKS AND WAIVERS big thing to look forward to.”
riences for youth groups. Oklahoma “We will make it through this diffi- Thirty miles east of Ardmore,
Christian University’s Zenith and cult time,” added Hudelson, who was Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp is INFORMATION ON CAMPS in this report is subject
Camp Cornerstone are selling camp a Wyldewood counselor in the 1990s. still planning to host campers this to change. Find this story at christianchronicle.
shirts to keep morale up. “We believe God will continue to find summer. org/2020camps for updates.
JULY 2020 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9
Foster’s Home for Children
in Stephenville, Texas, is looking for a
Christian couple to be full-time caregivers.
Foster’s Home employs both husband
and wife to minister to hurting children
using the Sanctuary Model of Trauma
Informed Care.
Salary based on experience;
competitieve benefits package;
excellent support team.
For more information, please contact:
Harriet Frazier
Vice President of Children’s Services
(254) 968-2143, ext. 284
and/or complete application at:
www.fostershome.org
10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE COVID-19 JULY 2020
WORSHIP: Amid coronavirus threat, churches take precautions
FROM PAGE 3
leaders surveyed by the Chronicle.
“I think the biggest concern for
me is members who are more at risk
returning because they miss their
church family,” she added, “and
then having others also present who
didn’t take precautions to avoid the
virus or aren’t taking it seriously.”
At the Forsythe Church of Christ
in Monroe, La., members will find
assigned seating, at least 6 feet
between families and bathroom use
for emergencies only.
Missing from the Louisiana
church’s meeting plan: any guilt for
those who choose to stay home, be
it because of age or a compromised
immune system.
“There are multiple examples
of church gatherings being super-
spreader events,” noted a letter by RICARDO BARRERA
the Forsythe elders, “and we are Members of the Elgin Church of Christ, northwest of Chicago, wear masks in an effort to keep the virus from spreading.
working hard to avoid such a result.”
The Elgin Church of Christ, a Church of Christ in Grand Prairie, Chris McCurley, preaching minister TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER MONTHS APART
Spanish-speaking congregation Texas, said: “We can’t or won’t force for the Oldham Lane Church of Some churches, including the
northwest of Chicago, is inviting our senior members to stay home, but Christ in Abilene, Texas. “Through Decatur Church of Christ in Texas,
one-third of members to participate we want them to know we encourage online content, daily Facebook devo- began meeting weeks ago.
in each Sunday assembly. them to stay home for a while longer, tionals, Zoom meetings, drive-by Beverly Ross, whose husband,
“The other two-thirds stay home and it is OK. The new normal will fellowships, etc., we have been able Rick, preaches for the North Texas
and watch online,” minister Ricardo be missing many of our treasured to stay connected.” church, said it “took an army of
Barrera said of the church’s means traditions, such as children’s classes, But McCurley said he’s excited volunteers” to pull off the first
of creating space in a normally hospitality table (snacks), coffee and to see his “Oldham Lane peeps” Sunday back.
crowded auditorium. the most difficult of all — hugs, kisses back in the church building, albeit “We had volunteers to sanitize
Steve Beall, elder of the CrossPoint and handshakes.” with social distancing and the most between services, people to remind
vulnerable members encouraged to us of social distancing and people to
REOPENING PLANS VARY stay home. pass out communion in baggies,” she
The federal Centers for Disease At the Downtown Church of wrote on Facebook. “I faced the front
Control and Prevention issued Christ in Midland, Texas, members door where I could see every set of
interim guidance “to help commu- will pick up individual communion eyes coming in our north entrance.
nities of faith discern how best to wafer/cup sets at entrances and “I found myself drawn to the eyes
practice their beliefs while keeping see hymns and Scripture readings of the people I hadn’t seen in over
their staff and congregations safe.” displayed on a screen. To lessen 10 weeks,” she added. “Many of us
Original CDC guidance was germ exposure, no pew Bibles or wore masks to protect the vulner-
changed at the White House’s songbooks will be available. able among us. But those eyes spoke
request. In developing guidelines for it all. Some were exhausted, some
Some leaders who responded to resumption of services, the West were a bit confused looking around
the Chronicle’s survey voiced frus- Texas church grappled with whether to take in the changes, some were
tration with members politicizing the to allow singing. “Given how long totally excited to be back!”
question of when to reopen. the virus remains airborne … we The Hentown Church of Christ in
Specific reopening plans vary may end up reviving the ancient rural Blakely, Ga., has no room in
from congregation to congregation, practice of chanting,” minister Greg its small building for members to
depending on leaders’ attitudes Fleming joked in May. separate themselves.
concerning COVID-19’s threat and Gary Kirkendall, minister for Instead, the Georgia congregation
wide-ranging state restrictions on the 120-member Hilton Head has turned to “drive-in” services.
large-group meetings. Church of Christ in South Carolina, “People sit on the tailgate of their
TRACY MOORE “When we closed our doors, the echoed Fleming: “There is concern trucks or in the hatchback of their
Signs urging social distancing greet staff asked the question, ‘How can that projecting singing voices cars,” church treasurer June Winkler
worshipers at the Vero Beach Church we take everything we do and trans- will increase the opportunity for said. “Each family brings their
of Christ in Florida. late it to an online format?'” said spreading the virus.” communion emblems. There is noJULY 2020 COVID-19 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11
PATTI SIKES
Family units spread out at the Rochester Church of Christ in Minnesota as the
congregation emphasizes social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
handshaking or Southern hugging, “We want to be together in our
but it is wonderful to see each other, worship, and to do that, we want
and even though we are 6 feet apart, to be singing together all the same
we can still communicate.” songs,” shepherd Mark Kelly said
Other churches remain unde- in a church video. “We’ll be hearing
cided on when to resume in-person the same message from God’s word,
gatherings. spoken to us by the same person.
The Oakland Church of Christ in The same prayers.”
Southfield, Mich., has had multiple The Rochester Church of Christ
members suffer from the virus, in Indiana is coming together for
minister Edward Cribbs said. worship but not Bible classes.
Other members have lost children, “We think we have figured out how
siblings, parents, in-laws, cousins to do it responsibly,” minister Jim
and friends to COVID-19. Dillinger said. “The whole mask vs.
The Michigan church’s tentative no mask argument is going to be an
goal is to return to the building in issue, in my opinion.”
July. Work is ongoing to prepare the The church is encouraging but not
building for that time. requiring members to wear masks,
“We are installing hands-free Dillinger said.
fixtures in bathrooms. We are “We also have a separate room for
expanding monitors in classrooms those not feeling safe to mingle,” he
and offices to allow for viewing of said. “Our county is rural, so it’s had
services outside of the auditorium,” very few positive cases, and that has
Cribbs said. “We are installing hand lessened fears considerably.”
sanitizer stations throughout the After months of virtual services,
building. We are purchasing masks some changes may be more subtle
and gloves for use by members.” than others.
“Even though people have
‘RED, YELLOW, GREEN’ APPROACH missed greatly getting to see each
In Alabama, the Madison Church other … they have loved the whole
of Christ has developed a “red, casual pace,” said Danny Holman,
yellow, green” approach for meeting. minister for the South Main
The red group worships at home. Church of Christ in Greenville,
The yellow group meets at the Miss. “Sunday mornings are much
building but wears masks. The less stressful.
green group gathers in a different “When I was a youth minister, we
area of the church with social always worried about being detri-
distancing but no masks. mental to families by over-program-
To promote unity, each group ming,” Holman added. “Now I am
watches the same prerecorded having to ask that about the church
service. in general.”12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JULY 2020
• Online B.A.
in Bible
and ministry
• Flexible
scheduling
on your time
• Scholarships
available
VIDEO STILL VIA YOUTUBE
Stuck at home? Join the Chronicle for a ‘virtual visit’
Doyle Corder, worship minister for the Southwest Church of Christ in Amarillo,
Texas, and his family sing during a broadcast of the congregation’s worship
service. The church is featured in The Christian Chronicle’s “virtual visit” series.
Other congregations in the series include the Kent County Church of Christ in
Rhode Island, the Corona Church of Christ in California, the Thomaston Road
APPLY NOW! Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., and the Fiske Boulevard Church of Christ in
Rockledge, Fla. (Make sure to watch minister Randy Cole Sims Sr.’s radio ser-
mon “A Frog in the Master Bathroom.”) See christianchronicle.org/virtualvisit.
ARIZONA ... as well as engaging in various
SURPRISE — The coronavirus outside projects,” Milliner said.
pandemic forced the Surprise “Good can come out of adversity.”
Church of Christ to stop meeting in
person, but it didn’t keep the congre- TENNESSEE
gation from serving its community. ENGLEWOOD — The Liberty Hill
“Behind the scenes, a group of Church of Christ in McMinn County
ladies have set up calling each is celebrating its bicentennial.
member to check for needs, whether One of the nation’s oldest Churches
excellent
it be physical or spiritual,” church of Christ, the congregation had a
secretary Vicki Fausett said. special service recently to mark the
Other ladies formed a sewing circle milestone, although the coronavirus
to provide masks when there was a pandemic kept attendance down.
rates shortage. They made hundreds of
masks for the Navajo Nation, a local
rehab center and a food bank. “At a
Church member Joe Guy, McMinn
County historian and sheriff, gave a
presentation on the church’s history.
time when so many feel lost because Dwane Casteel, associate director
because we value our investors of a pandemic, the Lord’s church of Churches of Christ Disaster Relief
sees a need to be met,” Fausett said. Effort, was among those present.
His great-great-great grandfa-
INDIANA ther, Barney Casteel, was the first
BROWNSBURG — Forced to cancel preacher for the congregation,
its Vacation Bible School because which traces its roots to 1820. His
of the COVID-19 shutdown, the father, Hayse Casteel, did fill-in
Start investing today at www.TheSolomonFoundation.org
Brownsburg Church of Christ tried preaching there in the 1950s.
a creative approach. “I preached my first sermon there
Instead of its regular four-day, in the 1950s,” Dwane Casteel said. “I
in-person VBS, the elders asked held gospel meetings there during
4.65% APY is based on a minimum investment of $10,000 for a term of 5 years. 3.565% APY is based on a minimum investment of $10,000
member Ron Milliner to develop the 1960s and 1970s. In the ‘new’
for a term of 3 years. 2.99% APY is based on a minimum investment of $500 for a term of 1 year. The content and material contained herein
are not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Investment Certificates of The Solomon Foundation. The offer is made solely by and
a four-week online study on Noah cemetery behind the present church
through our Offering Circular, which you should read carefully before making an investment decision. The Investment Certificates are sub-
ject to certain risk factors as described in the Offering Circular. Investment Certificates are offered and sold only in states where authorized. and the flood. Milliner is a retired building, my uncle Kenneth Casteel
Investment Certificates of The Solomon Foundation are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency. TSF has the right to
call Certificates for redemption at any time upon sixty (60) days written notice. In such event, interest will be paid to the date of redemption. instructional technologist. was the first person buried there in
Families will be “looking at videos, 1948. ... You can begin to see why this
reading and discussing materials church means so much to me.”JULY 2020 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13
Is Your Calling
Biblical Scholarship
DID you know...
or Servant There are more members of the
Churches of Christ in Nigeria than in the USA?
Leadership? AND there are about 2,500 Churches of Christ
without a regular preacher?
Get prepared.
HELP US CLOSE THE GAP!
Study for a Higher Purpose
At Austin Grad, gain a rich biblical understanding to teach, lead, and
minister within your church and community.
Programs include Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Bachelor of Arts
in Christian Studies, with choice of online or on-campus courses, and
a wide range of short Biblical Studies Specialization programs. West Nigeria Christian College Nigerian Christian Bible College
Contact Us to Take For More Information:
the Next Step
(866) 287-4723 (615) 542-6282
www.AustinGrad.edu AfricanChristianSchools.org
HEALING ADDICTION THROUGH GOD’S LOVE
The Church of Christ in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is supporting
a God-centered treatment program for men at SOZO Addiction
Recovery Center, where, in the last four years, 49 men have chosen
to become baptized into Christ as part of their recovery experience.
This is particularly significant because the program only treats
10-12 men at a time.
In addition to mental health and addiction counseling in small groups
and one-on-one sessions, the men become active members of the
congregation and experience first hand the healing power of God’s
love in a Bible-based congregation.
For more information about this uniquely successful program, visit:
www.sozorecoverycenters.com
Executive Director, Bob O’Dowd
(501) 226-9575 bonhsv@suddenlink.net14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JULY 2020
DON MOONEY VIDEO STILL VIA ZOOM
A man rests amid flowers and memorials for George Floyd during protests in Minneapolis. Anthony Walker, minister for the Highway 231 South Church of Christ in Murfreesboro,
Floyd, 46, was accused of trying to pass a fake $20 bill. He died in police custody. Tenn., prays during “A Virtual Hour of Prayer,” attended by 169 Christians on Zoom.
GEORGE FLOYD: Ministers’ letter targets violence against unarmed blacks
FROM PAGE 1 and leaders of local congregations of duty to exercise our faith through ministers stood on the steps of the
American congregation — the Lewis churches of Christ across our nation, prayer,” said Orlander Thomas, Simpson Street Church of Christ —
Street Church of Christ in Little are deeply disturbed by multiple minister for the Southside Church two blocks from King’s home — at a
Rock, Ark. — was torched. reported acts of violence that have of Christ in Durham, N.C. prayer vigil attended by 300 people.
“The senseless act of violence been perpetrated recently against • In Memphis, Tenn., where Organizer Richard L. Barclay,
and indignation bestowed upon our unarmed African American men and King was assassinated in 1968, white senior minister for the Stonecrest
place of worship has brought much women,” said the letter signed by minister Josh Ross and black min- Church of Christ in McDonough,
sorrow, dismay and confusion,” the a diverse group of more than 300 ister Jimmy L. Stokes II convened Ga., said the peaceful gathering’s
church said on its Facebook page. Christians. “These incidents have “an honest discussion ... on racial purpose was “to raise awareness
“However, Satan may forced us to come injustice, the Holy Spirit, unity and of the critical need for a dramatic
have destroyed the face-to-face with the why #blacklivesmatter.” change in the manner in which our
house of God, but he will ever-increasing num- “There’s a lot of cities are policed” and “to breathe
not destroy the people of bers and the results of good officers in our into our communities a breath of
God who remain faithful racial hatred.” country. In fact, Christian love and care as the best
in his son Jesus Christ.” Richard Price, my son is a sher- antidote for this pandemic of hate
minister for the North iff’s deputy,” said and disregard.”
‘RESULTS OF RACIAL HATRED’ Green Street Church of Stokes, who serves • Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson,
On Memorial Day, Christ in Tupelo, Miss., the Northeast Side a Church of Christ member, touted
police were called after was the letter’s chief Church of Christ. “I prayer as the cure for the strife that
Floyd was accused of try- architect. Price said the support the blue, but Stokes gripped his city, as noted by the
ing to pass a fake $20 bill message seems to be what I also support is Dallas Morning News.
at a convenience store. resonating with many righteousness.” At the Dallas West Church of
Officer Derek church leaders. Social injustice isn’t new, he said, Christ, Johnson invited four ministers
Chauvin, who pinned “Something about pointing to the crucifixion of Jesus. to pray: Sammie Berry of the host
Floyd’s neck with speaking and saying “You see Jesus being taken by congregation, John Mark Davidson
his knee and ignored PHOTO PROVIDED BY WEST BROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST something is wrong is the hands of Jewish leaders, and of the Skillman Church of Christ,
the suspect’s cries, is The broken windows are seen so powerful,” he said. Pilate says, ‘I have no fault,’ and J.K. Hamilton of the Mountain View
charged with second- at the West Broad Church of Among other Herod says, ‘I have no fault,’” Stokes Church of Christ and Jonathan
degree murder, third- Christ in Richmond, Va. developments: said. “It was the religious who said, Morrison of the Cedar Crest Church
degree murder and • As fires, tear ‘Crucify him,’ to the point where of Christ. Each prayed for a symbolic
manslaughter. Three other officers gas and violence reigned on the they let a murderer free.” eight minutes and 46 seconds.
who were at the scene are charged streets of many American cities, Said Ross, who preaches for the That’s the length of time that “a
with aiding and abetting. 169 members of Churches of Christ Sycamore View Church of Christ: human being with a heart and soul
After the killing, a group of black gathered online to pray for justice, “White supremacy, abuse of power, had a knee pressed onto his neck on
ministers, including Blakney, penned compassion and peace. forms of oppression — there are the rough pavement of a city street,”
a letter calling for justice in the deaths “In a time of civic unrest, when a lot of things we have to name so Davidson said.
of Ahmaud Arbery, Dreasjon Reed, our country is torn apart because we can move to a place of racial • Just off Interstate 10 in the
Breonna Taylor and Floyd. of racial injustices and systemic reconciliation.” heart of Houston, members of the
“We, the undersigned ministers oppression ... it is our Christian • In Atlanta, a diverse group of Fifth Ward Church of Christ staged aJULY 2020 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICHARD BARCLAY PHOTO PROVIDED BY NATHAN HOLLAND
Andrew Hairston speaks at a vigil at the Members of the Washington, D.C.-area Springfield Church of Christ in Virginia hold signs declaring “Black Lives Matter” and touting
Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta. justice, love and mercy. After George Floyd’s death, the church decided to “stand for the oppressed,” member Kathy Bailey Holland said.
peaceful sit-in, flashing signs such as “How do we get unity in a world being black in America.”
“Love,” “Dream,” “Peace,” “Honor” where people say color doesn’t Among the hundreds who signed
and “Mercy” at passing motorists. matter, but they say, ‘I’ve got this the letter was Sara Cawood, a Sunday
“At this critical time in the United black friend,’ or, ‘I’ve got this white school teacher at the Kingston
States and the world ... we’re issuing friend?’” he added. “The very adjec- Church of Christ in Tennessee.
a call to justice, peace and love,” tive that you place in front of the “I feel guilty for being silent for too
minister Gary Smith said, “but in a name says that there is an issue.” long and being a part of churches
manner that’s pleasing to God.” Real progress will require more where no one speaks up about injus-
• In West Texas, the Carl than familiarity between black and tice,” said Cawood, a 72-year-old white
Spain Center on Race Studies and white Christians, Threatt said. woman. “Too often silence is taken to
Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian Rather, children of God — such as be agreement, so I’ve decided to own
University organized a community the Northside and Johnson Street my responsibility to make my views
rally promoting national unity. members — must become family, clear and stand for justice.”
“In this hour of boiling hostility, he said. Said Adam Metz, minister for the
the clouds of hatred Those two congregations worship Alum Creek Church of Christ in
are pouring down the together at least twice a year and Lewis Center, Ohio: “What especially
acid rain of chaos upon partner on Vacation Bible School. drew my interest is that this letter
the uncovered head of “But folks, we can do more,” was crafted by fellow ministers who
a dis-United States of Northside minister Jim Gardner happen to be black. The racial divide
America,” said Jerry said. “And we must do more as a is acutely complex in our fellowship,
Taylor, the center’s living illustration and testimony to GREG JAKLEWICZ, ABILENE REPORTER-NEWS and I feel that African Americans get
founding director. “We a divided world of what unity and Darren Hagood addresses an outdoor far too little voice. ... I have striven
call all Americans to be Taylor harmony in Christ can be.” rally at Abilene Christian University. to just be quiet through this process
receptive to prophetic and listen to the voices who know
truth that can deliver the nation from ‘DECADES OF SYSTEMIC RACISM’ actions concerning our fracturing. and understand this so much better
its current state of spiritual disorien- David Watkins III, minister for We expect for every believer and than me.”
tation and social disintegration.” the Twin City Church of Christ in American, regardless of race, to rec- In the outcry
• Two Benton, Ark., congrega- Texarkana, Texas, stressed that the ognize the value of black lives and over Floyd’s death,
tions — the white Northside Church letter penned by the black ministers advocate for our fair and equitable Blakney sees reason
of Christ and the black Johnson concerns more than Floyd’s case. treatment.” for hope.
Street Church of Christ — held a “This is about decades of systemic In an interview, Watkins described “That’s in-your-face
special joint assembly with the theme racism and oppression against black a police officer stopping him for kind of stuff,” the civil
“Unity and Harmony in Christ.” people,” Watkins said. speeding last year. The minister’s rights activist said
“How do we get unity in a time The letter states: “Collectively, son, then 7 years old, was in the car. of the video. “And if
Blakney
when people, in the name of unity, we call for every American of every “The speed limit changed on me. God is in you, that did
are busting in the stores and steal- ethnicity to use their voice to decry I was speeding. The cop pulled me something to you as an individual to
ing? How do we get unity in a world the systemic racism that hunts over,” Watkins said. “The first thing say, ‘Something needs to be done.’
where our president will knock peo- down black and brown men and my son said to me is, ‘Daddy, is he “And so I think the young whites —
ple out of the way to have a photo women. We agree that no longer going to shoot you?’” I think many of them are now getting
shoot with a Bible in his hand?” will we accept the hollow words For a child to ask such a question, involved in this process,” he added.
asked Christopher Threatt, Johnson of our caucasian counterparts Watkins said, “is all that I need to “Hope does spring eternal in my soul
Street minister and elder. without the investment of their know about what he knows about because (the world) can be different.”You can also read
