Author: Jim Cantelon

The government of Malawi recently empowered the police to strictly enforce mask wearing to counter a troubling surge in Covid-19 infections. The police are taking this newfound authority seriously and, as I know from my many visits to this impoverished nation, they are overly zealous in their enforcement. The people, long-suffering as usual, carry on. Stress on stress is the reality for Malawians. They are in the grips of two pandemics- HIV and AIDS (which has been wreaking havoc for over 20years) and now C-19. This on top of systemic poverty is enough to break a nation’s spirit. But no. I’m...

For the first 12 months of Covid I was surprised and grateful that it’s impact was seemingly doing an end run around Sub-Saharan Africa. India was/is another story. Chennai, where we work with a small but vital church in Home Based Care for orphans and widows is a designated Covid “hot spot”. Our work there has ramped up considerably. We’re not only caring for afflicted orphans and widows, but the state government has asked us to help care for the first responders in the slum where we work as well. Thankfully the Lord has increased our resources so that we can take on the added challenge. And,...

Fearing COVID, struggling Malawian women forgo prenatal care BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — Prenatal services at the health clinic were free, but the motorcycle taxi fare cost more than Moni… Read the full story I’m including this recent report from Malawi to give you insight into what our ministry (wowmission.com) is facing. We minister to thousands of totally impoverished orphans and widows. Our Home Based Care (HBC) work is providing critical food security, medicines, and weekly ministry visits to so many women and children caught in this cycle of desperate need. It’s challenging, humbling,...

June 20th was “Fathers Day”. I called both my sons to affirm them as great dads and they reciprocated. They’re terrific fathers and (so they say!) so am I. Good stuff. But what about the legions of people out there who don’t have warm feelings about fathers? Abandonment, abuse, neglect, indifference…so many affected by dysfunctional dads. For them it’s a leap of faith to call God their “Heavenly Father”. The word is weighted with negatives. The “love of God”, so easily falling from the lips of many, has no resonance. I have great empathy and admiration, then, for those who make the leap from...

A major gap in American history books is the inclusion of black history. There’s no doubt America wouldn’t be the world leader it is today without the major role played by its African American population. They have prevailed through persecution, misrepresentation, and social stigmatization, yet continue to rise above adversity to contribute magnificently to American culture. Their resilience is astounding. With WOW we work with thousands of African orphans and widows. Everyone in our humble ministry is black. Kathy and I are in the minority for sure, but our sense of brotherhood with our African...

This Sunday, June 6th, is the official launch of my latest book,“Cantelon’s Casual Commentary-A 21st Century Guide to the Life of Jesus for the Internet Generation”. It’s the product of 3years of work. That’s why it’s 520 pages (Yikes!). The book is my take on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke/Acts, and John. It’s “casual” but informed by my 7 years of living in Jerusalem Israel and founding/pastoring King of Kings Church (kkm.network ). Available in hardcover or e-book on most online outlets. Or you can access via this website or wowmission.com I had you in mind as I wrote. I hope you gain...

If you are a sports fan you’ll have watched several high profile events lately with large unmasked crowds cheering on their teams. The NBA, MLB,NHL, and PGA have all, it seems, returned to business as usual. The scene of thousands of fans swarming Phil Michelson on the 18th hole as he won the recent PGA championship is a vivid example of the benefits of America’s ambitious Covid vaccination program. Contrast this freedom with the grim realities of the pandemic in India. Our WOW partner in Chennai told us a few days ago about the disaster that has descended upon them. Tens of thousands dying...

So, who knew the Covid-19 pandemic would ever reach its second year? We’re all tired. Even though there is huge progress in some countries (like the USA and the UK) most countries, especially the poor ones, are in the depths of struggle. One of the hot spots is India. With our WOW ministry (“Working for Orphans and Widows”- wowmission.com) we are very involved in Chennai. Our local church champion in that progressive southern Indian city is vitally engaged in Covid relief for a number of orphans and widows. The new state government has recently reached out to them to help with essential Home...