Across the Nation is a brief monthly rundown of news, links and quotes from the Church of Christ in the United States Have an idea for this column? Email Calvin Cockrell at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Ed Modicue, third from right, strikes a boxing pose with boys from Forsythe Church of Christ in Monroe, La.
LOUISIANA
MONROE – Ed Modicue mentors youth in physical, mental and spiritual discipline at his gym in north Louisiana.
Modicue, a member of Forsythe Church of Christ in Monroe, won five Golden Gloves titles in the 1970s – from the same amateur boxing organization that launched the careers of the likes of Muhammad Ali.
Now, Modicue trains boys in the art of boxing at his gym, but he uses the sport not as a tool for violence or victory. Instead, he strives to teach the youth to be the best they can be.
“Everybody is somebody” is his gym motto.
Modicue focuses on life skills such as self-control, preparation and healthy eating.
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He also emphasizes faith: A poster on the wall of his gym in Monroe encourages students to “put on the full armor of God,” from Ephesians 6.
He recently taught a boys’ class at Forsythe’s church about fitness and faith, said preaching minister John Dobbs.
“Ed is a genuine spirit with a heart for children who need a godly influence in their lives,” Dobbs said. “I call him ‘Champion’ because he is a champion in life and faith. Ed and his wife, Sheila, are bright lights of encouragement.
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baptize — CINDY and ABRAHAM ANDRES and KEIRA CRUISE of North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville, Ala. SKYLAR BASINGER of Oak Hill Church of Christ in Covington, Ga. JAMIE and HEATHER DUNCAN and Scott Jones of the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, Ala. JUSTIN FLYNN of the Mesquite Church of Christ in Texas. THEOPLIS REVOY HALE of the Oakland Church of Christ in Southfield, Mich. JADA IVY of Martin Street Church of Christ in Valley Water, Miss. WITH JOYNER of Camden Church of Christ in Tennessee. ARMANDO and IRMA MORA of Bridge Avenue Church of Christ in Weslaco, Texas. ALLAN need and ALEXANDRA STRINGFELLOW of Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. TODD NAPPER of Deep River Church of Christ in High Point, NC ALEC RADOSEVICH of the West Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas. BOBBY RAINES and HAILEY MELTON of the Wylie Church of Christ in Texas. ERICA RAMIREZ from Mannford Church of Christ in Oklahoma. ELAINA RENNICKER of the North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville, Ohio. PARKER SOUTHERLAND of Clear Creek Church of Christ in Hixson, Tenn.
Vlad Malykhin won the 2026 NCAA Division II national championship in the men’s pole vault.
THE PRINCIPAL — JOHN and BECKY HALEY2026 Friend to Youth Award by Florida College in Temple Terrace, Fla. The College is associated with the Churches of Christ. VLAD MALYKHIN2026 NCAA Division II national champion in men’s pole vault. Malykhin, a native of Shostka, Ukraine, is a senior at Harding University in Searcy, Ark.
broker — JEFF VEALSuperintendent of Harding Academy in Searcy, Ark. The pre-K through 12th grade school is associated with the Church of Christ and Harding University. Beef will also serve in the university cabinet. “He aligns with the mission of exceptional leadership, communication skills, and experience leading in a Christ-centered institution,” said Mike Williams, president of Harding University. “He is warm, charming, passionate and genuine.”
NAME — Joy LEIGH Jane DANNEJudge of the Alachua County Court in Gainesville, Fla., he graduated from Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Ala. BRYSON DAVISAssociate support, and BETHANY OWENSgraphic designer for World Bible School. INGRISD RODRÍGUEZacademic assistant for the Baxter Institute, a ministry training school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. JOEL SINGLETONminister of preaching for Brentwood Hills Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. LAURIE TIMMONSCEO Orphan’s Lifeline International. He is the founder of the child sponsorship ministry, which is supported by the Church of Christ. CUK WYETHminister for Casa Grande Church of Christ in Arizona.
Filed under: Nationwide Boxing Faith and sports Louisiana National Newsmakers Top Stories
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