Author: Jim Cantelon

May 13, 2026

My wife Kathy and I were in Halifax Nova Scotia recently for a national pastors’ conference. On the Sunday, we went to St. Paul’s Anglican Church just two blocks from our hotel. Founded in 1749, it is the oldest building in Halifax and the oldest place of Anglican worship in Canada. It is beautiful inside and out and has “presence”. As we worshipped, I was struck with the timeless message of the Gospel. Liturgies and non-liturgies come and go over time, but, as the scriptures say, Jesus “is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. Indeed, the light is everywhere. I also reflected on our...

April 29, 2026

Like you I’m very concerned about the state of our world. From space, as we witnessed last month through the Artemis astronauts’ pictures, earth is a jewel beyond compare. Truly a “spaceship” for billions of us in the dark matter of a seemingly infinite universe. The astronauts saw no boundaries on earth, no war, no power struggles, indeed no conflict of any kind. Just beauty and peace. I wish that were true for us on the ground. We’ve never seen such turmoil. Never such human suffering. Never such evil. We need help. We need to look up. So here’s a word from King David as he praised the...

April 15, 2026

The whole world watched amazed as the recent NASA Artemis space flight to and around the moon took place. We were and are all captivated by the picture of our beautifully blue earth “rising” from the far side of the moon. And we have been reminded that our marvellous planet, brilliant in an infinite sea of dark space, truly is, as one of the astronauts put it, “a lifeboat” for humanity. The vastness of our solar system, which hardly registers in the massive size of the universe, is truly humbling for us. As the psalmist put it, “What is man that Thou art mindful of him?” King...

April 1, 2026

Recently my wife and I spent a few days with one of WOW’s international partners. Over the course of those days we met with elderly widows living without family care, orphans, children living with HIV and/or various cancers, and special needs children, all of whom are being supported by our champion pastors and church-based volunteers. We were very touched as we distributed food, medicine, and sweets to these precious souls. And we were/are so grateful that our care is ongoing day by day, week by week, and year by year. Faithfulness is key to sustainability. As we spent this moving time...

March 18, 2026

During a time of war it’s not unusual for us to be overly pessimistic or optimistic. Sometimes we’re simply negatively or positively trite, as in “all is lost” or “it’ll all work out for the best”. A third alternative is to quote the Bible. For instance: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with his feathers, and under His...

March 4, 2026

We’re in day 3 of the USA/Israel attack on Iran as I write. The law of unintended consequences is already evident, not only in “friendly fire” tragedies, but also in terms of other major nations being drawn in. Already it has become a regional war as Iran is attacking most of the Middle Eastern countries. As you read this blog it’s probable that many more unintended consequences will have occurred. My wife and I were just in Jerusalem a few weeks ago. The hotel where we were staying has a remarkable view of Mount Zion and the Old City. We spent wonderful moments sitting on our...

Feb 18, 2026

Much of our western world has been in the grip of Olympic coverage. And it IS gripping. There’s something pretty much irresistible about “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” as one USA network famously put it over 50 years ago. Most of us cheer for our national athletes but we also find ourselves fascinated and drawn into many of the personal stories behind them. Some competitors have made amazing comebacks from accidents and injuries that would sideline lesser people for life. But there they are racing down icy mountains at breakneck speeds or flipping and twisting 50 feet above...

Feb 04, 2026

The book of Job is regarded by most commentators as the oldest book in the Bible. It’s a remarkable work dealing with the universal theme of suffering and evil. The troubles described bear a remarkable resemblance to much of what we face here in the 21st century let alone what humanity has dealt with over aeons. Perhaps one of the most quotable quotes comes from Eliphaz, one of Job’s three “comforters”: “Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Or to put it in other words, “Life happens”, and it’s not always a happy happening. When we look at the last hundred years...

Jan 21, 2026

There have been several articles, posts, and blogs recently about our social media culture’s push back against our addiction to screens. Smart phones, computers, and YouTube increasingly are being seen as detrimental to relationships, physical fitness, and mental health. Our demand for instant stimulation and information is wearing thin. What’s more this social media compulsion has bled over into church life. Our services in many ways have become easy answer, simple solution, and pop culture with soft rock music and “Ted Talk” motivational sermons. And we’re tiring of it. More and more...

Jan 07, 2026

New Year’s resolutions are “de rigeur” every January. We make these resolutions with tongue in cheek. We rarely follow through no? Most have to do with losing weight, joining a fitness club, or some other subjective concern. It’s an exercise in navel gazing. Such self-focussed resolve is looking more than a bit superficial this year. Our world is in crisis. Wherever you look you see conflict. The war between Russia and Ukraine, Middle Eastern tensions, protests in Iran, various African catastrophes (especially Sudan), the mounting tensions in Cuba and other Central American nations after...

Dec 24, 2025

This Christmas, may the light of Christ shine into your heart and home. May His peace quiet every worry, His hope renew your strength, and His love remind you that you are never forgotten. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we pray you experience the joy of Emmanuel—God with us—today and in the year to come. Blessings to you and those you love. —Jim and Kathy Cantelon

Dec 3, 2025

My wife Kathy and I have just returned from Africa where we visited our WOW champions in South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi. Among other encouraging and inspiring experiences, we had the pleasure and privilege of giving brand new heavy duty bicycles to a number of volunteers. These bikes are funded by you as you faithfully support WOW’s ministry. A bike makes a huge difference in the daily lives of our godly volunteers. It reduces travel time by two thirds. Before the bike they would walk, sometimes 6-8 hours(!) just to minister to one or two sick and dying orphans and widows. Now that...