‘Deeper and Wider’ inner city ministry
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — “When ministering in the city,…
Across the Nation: A church library for kids, a Bible academy for elementary students and more quick takes
Our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S.
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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): Faulkner University professor Matt Vega, left, takes a selfie with student government treasurer Julia Buhaiova and secretary Ellen Martin.
ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK — At the Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ) at Sandstone, a place for young readers is nestled into a cozy classroom, ready for members and visiting families alike to walk in and find their next favorite book.
The library is decorated with cute, charming posters as well as Bible verses for the children to learn from while in the space.
It’s furnished with soft beanbag chairs and small sofas, adding to the fun and comfortable atmosphere. The shelves sport a wide variety of genres, colors and age ranges.
A reading nook offers a place for children at the Sandstone library.
The library — stocked with books from a local thrift store — operates on a stamp system. Children bring their chosen books to be stamped and write their names on a chart. A child who has read 10 books from the library can choose a book to take home and keep.
The church hopes that by fostering a sense of community for the families that come through the library, parents and children see how learning together and being present, even in quiet moments, can draw people closer together.
The Christians at Sandstone hope, too, that the ministry can bring young families closer to God.
OKLAHOMA
EDMOND — Children at Oklahoma Christian Academy took their first climbs, swings and slides on brand new playground equipment recently at Mrs. Kelsey’s Wonder Park.
School administrators named the new facility in honor of Mary Ann Kelsey, who served for 18 years as principal of OCA’s elementary school. Kelsey, a member of the Edmond Church of Christ, stepped into the vice principal role as the new school year began. Mariah Ousley moved into the role of principal for the elementary school.
“For years, Mrs. Kelsey has dreamed of upgrading our playground,” said marketing director Laura Akins, “and it was such a special moment to dedicate our new play space in her honor.”
Mary Ann Kelsey reacts after she learns that Oklahoma Christian Academy’s new playground bears her name.
Noah’s Park & Playgrounds, an Edmond-based company, provided the playground equipment. Administrators also thanked HCI Paving Solutions and CSC Construction LLC for their work on the Wonder Park. “We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make this long-awaited dream a reality,” Akins said.
OCA, which is associated with Churches of Christ, serves about 600 students in grades Pre-K3 to 12. The school is a member of the National Christian School Association.
TENNESSEE
COOKEVILLE — In 2025, the Sycamore Church of Christ launched the Starlight Bible Academy, a released time program that allows children to receive off-campus religious instruction during school hours with parents’ permission.
That first semester, 92 students from Sycamore Elementary School — just across the street from the Sycamore church — enrolled in the program across eight weekly classes.
Starlight Bible Academy teacher Stacey Gonzales helps a second grader, Cortlan Benton.
This fall, the program expanded to include four more elementary schools in Putnam County and another in neighboring Jackson County. Four congregations in the area will help host some of the 220 students enrolled from these schools.
The classes are free, and students receive a Bible. Most walk from school under supervision, but churches provide transportation if needed.
“We help students look to God to find their purpose and meaning to life,” said Kevin Daughrity, family minister for the Sycamore church. “We have been granted a divine opportunity to teach many ‘unchurched kids’ the Gospel of Jesus Christ!”
NEWSMAKERS
AWARDED — SUNCOAST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, a ministry of Suncoast Church of Christ in Lake Worth, Fla., Top Private Christian School of 2026 by Educator Insider Magazine. Jaqua’ Hunte is principal of the school, which has about 100 students. TIA RIVERS, a student at Faulkner University in Montgomery Ala., received a continuing education grant from the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood chapter in Troy, Ala. Rivers is pursuing a bachelor’s in nursing. “Despite life’s challenges, she has remained faithful, resilient and committed to achieving her goal of becoming a registered cardiac nurse,” Faulkner officials said.
From left, Jaqua’ Hunte, Tia Rivers and Nono Nze.
ELECTED — CREED SPIVEY, president; YOUSSEF AMIN, vice president; ELLEN MARTIN, secretary; JULIA BUHAIOVA, treasurer; and NONO NZE, student liason of the Student Government Association at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala.
From left, Will Garrett, James Togbah and Madison Wondra.
NAMED — JOE ASKEW, vice president of undergraduate admissions for Harding University in Searcy, Ark.SEAN EVANS to the board of trustees at Harding University. Evans is general counsel of Walton Enterprises. MICHAEL DANIELSON, MICHAEL HOWELL AND DEWEY LEGGETT, elders of the Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. WILL GARRETT, youth minister for the Tuscumbia Church of Christ in Alabama. He is a 2026 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. CHRISTOPHER SHANKS, president of The Ford Meter Box Company. Shanks is a 1987 graduate of Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City. JAMES TOGBAH, head coach of soccer programs at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, Tenn. JON WILLIAMS, clinical care coordinator for Cherokee Home for Children in Texas. MADISON WONDRA, academic dean for Oklahoma Christian Academy in Edmond, Okla. She succeeds Suzanne Heng, who retired after 37 years in education.
