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Author: Jim Cantelon

July 22, 2026

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

Most of the world (at last count 1 1/2 billion!) were watching the World Cup last week. The “beautiful game”. The world’s most popular game called “football”( which we call “soccer”). It was intriguing and almost addictive. But beyond the televised drama there were several social media posts with pics of opposing teammates in prayer huddles after the games. Added to that were personal testimonials from star players about their faith in Jesus. These were bookended by strong statements of faith from Spain’s winning manager Luis de la Fuente. He spoke boldly about his faith stating that life had no meaning without belief and trust in God. Who knew that the World Cup would become a platform for evangelism? There is, or should be, a caveat however. Jesus made it clear that verbal profession of faith must be accompanied by a life and lifestyle of faith. “By their fruit you shall know them”, he said about true disciples. The apostle Paul stressed “the fruit of the Spirit” as vital evidence of sustainable faith. Or as the famous theologian/philosopher Soren Kierkegaard put it, ”Mere mental assent to a doctrine is not enough. Where there’s no transformation there’s no Christianity”. The scripture tells us that even the devils believe and they do something many verbal Christians never do – they “tremble”. So it’s encouraging to see and hear world famous sportsmen state their faith. But the old adage still applies: we must “practise what we preach”.

Feb 18, 2026

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

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 the ground in “big air” contests. Truly amazing.

But what I find even more amazing is the geopolitical unity that descends on the Games for two short weeks. We don’t seem to care let alone notice the political and ideological differences that catalyze global conflicts outside of the Olympics. We see and cheer for athletes, not political systems and regional conflicts. It seems that these two weeks of athletic competition eclipse the constant chaos in our world. It’s almost that we are blindsided by peace.

Another, but little reported, unifier in our world is the slow but sure growth of the church. It’s a wonder but not surprising that two of the rogue nations in daily news, Iran and North Korea, are experiencing major surges of people finding faith in Jesus. And, there’s been a long term “underground church” thriving in communist China. It brings to mind Jesus’ words,”I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”. The Lord is not intimidated by political ideologies, dictators, and warmongers. He is at work. And He is Lord over the “right side of history”. Indeed He is Prince of Peace.

Feb 04, 2026

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

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 of our history it appears that those “sparks” are flying upwards in troubling volume. Wars and rumours of wars, whether two world wars or countless regional conflicts, have defined our troubles. We are as many put it “in a mess”.

Currently we are inundated with bad news. The Ukraine is still under bombardment from Russia, Sudan is embroiled in bloodshed and famine on a colossal scale, and Iran and the USA are on the edge of another regional war. Little wonder we are troubled and as Jeremiah put it, “sick at heart”.

We need to hear Jesus. He says, “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy of heart and I will give you rest”. This is more than a bromide, it’s a powerful word of truth from the Son of God. Nothing takes an omniscient Lord by surprise. He is, as always, sovereign.

Our troubles are a mere blip in history. Our Heavenly Father sees the end from the beginning and his will ultimately will prevail. It’s time to revisit the timeless statement of faith, “ In God we trust”.

Jan 21, 2026

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

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 people, especially those 20-35 years old are looking for lyrically substantial hymns, proven liturgy, and expositional preaching.

Many years ago the famous pastor and author A.W. Tozer (April 21,1897-May 12, 1967) speaking to his generation could at the same time have spoken to ours:

“This is a blasé generation.
People have been over-
stimulated to the place where
their nerves are jaded and their
tastes corrupted. Natural things
have been rejected to make
room for things artificial. The
sacred has been secularized,
the holy vulgarized, and worship
converted into a form of
entertainment.”

We need to remember that Christianity has never appealed to culture. Rather it has resisted it. Indeed it is counter-cultural, calling for cross bearing and the cost of discipleship. Yet, as one puts trust in Jesus one finds, as he promised, that “his yoke is easy, his burden light”. An irony for sure, but the point of faith is obedience to his word and the knowledge that we are not saved by works but “for” works. Indeed, we’ll be known “by our fruit”.

Jan 07, 2026

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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 Maduro’s downfall in Venezuela, etc etc make our petty self improvement new year commitments seem… petty. Better we should try to assume the “30,000 foot view” and take on the responsibility of lifting our troubled world to the Lord in prayer. There’s an old adage that declares, ”prayer changes things”. ‘Tis a mystery but for his own reasons God chooses to engage us in universal outcomes through our fervent, faithful petitions. Perhaps the most sustainable resolution we can make this year is to pray. Pray for our world. Pray for our families, our churches, our neighbours, and, of course, for ourselves. As the scriptures say prayer “availeth much”.

Dec 24, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

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

 

 

 

 

Nov 26, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

One of the defining scriptures in my life is Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable into God, which is your reasonable service. And be not confirmed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Soren Kierkegaard (May 5, 1813-Nov 11, 1855), the famous Danish philosopher/theologian, once said that “mere mental assent to a doctrine is not enough. Where there is no transformation there is no Christianity.” He’s saying that there has got to be a connection between faith and action. Theology without moral rectitude is vacant. One’s intellectual assent to biblical truth must inform and impact one’s emotion and will. Indeed, faith is an action word. We choose what we choose because we believe what we believe.

The Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Our life decisions reflect our hearts and our legacies are built by the choices we make. So it’s a wise person who thinks before acting.

November 12, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

My wife Kathy and I founded WOW 26 years ago. Our calling and vision was to mobilize African churches to transform their communities stricken by the decimating scourge of HIV and AIDS, leaving thousands of orphans and widows in its wake. We started with very little but over the past quarter century WOW has grown into a force in Jesus’ name.

In that time our African champions with their local church-based volunteers have ministered to thousands of dying and at risk patients. And at least once, sometimes twice, a year we have visited our ministry partners to encourage and inspire them in their endless work. We speak to entire villages, sometimes with as many as 2000 sitting on the ground in relentless heat to hear words of challenge and encouragement. Then, as always, we walk from these gatherings to the humble dwellings of those in need of prayer.

We’ve prayed for hundreds personally over the years but from time to time there are patients who linger in our memory.

One such patient is a 65 year old Malawian by the name of Luciano. He was/is suffering from HIV and AIDS complications, as many do, but also from an affliction that I can recall in none that I’ve ever prayed for: leprosy(!).

As he lay on the ground outside his mud brick home I was struck not only by his vulnerability but by the stigma and discrimination that has historically accompanied this frightful affliction. I remembered that Jesus resisted the cultural rejection of lepers and against all wisdom actually touched them physically as they came to him for healing. I felt I could do no less. So I bent down and laid my hand on his fevered head as I prayed. I could hardly find words to speak.

It occurred to me that the old adage applied: “There but for the grace of God go I”. Sooner or later we will all be lying on a bed of affliction. We are all mortal. How important then to commit ourselves to the mercy and love of God. To hear him welcome us home with “Well done” is the goal.

Oct 29, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

When Kathy and I travel dusty rutted roads to remote rural villages in Africa, we’re often reminded that what to us is third world is not necessarily so for the inhabitants, especially those being cared for by our WOW partners. The pic above is a good example.

Here’s a single mom, obviously proud of and enjoying her young son. Both are healthy. Both are happy.

And, both are benefiting from WOW’s comprehensive Home Based Care (HBC) ministry, in this case “Somebody Cares Malawi”. We have been in partnership with SCM for 24 years and have seen thousands of dying orphans and widows lovingly ministered to with weekly HBC visits.

The opportunistic diseases that plague HIV infected patients are numerous. Everything from oral thrush to dysentery, bed sores, dehydration, diabetes, various kinds of tuberculosis, and occasional leprosy(!) challenge our godly volunteers relentlessly. Yet they faithfully soldier on, their hearts motivated by love of God and neighbour.

Again and again over the years we have witnessed the recovery and renewed vitality of many patients who were at death’s door but are now happy and healthy like the young woman in the picture. Their joy is both physical and spiritual. They sing and dance in gratitude to the Lord. They have no sense of deprivation. They are content.

This is why we always return to North America humbled and inspired, our African friends constantly reminding us that regardless of outward abundance or lack, the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Oct 15, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

Recently in Malawi Africa, Kathy and I spent a few days with our team of volunteers visiting and praying for dying villagers. The dusty ox cart trails between the villages and the oppressive heat exacerbated our awareness of the adversities these precious people face every day. Over the past 25 years we’ve prayed for countless patients under the care of local church based volunteers, true angels of mercy.

In the picture you see us praying for a noble looking 65yr old man who is HIV positive and has leprosy. As I prayed, I recalled how Jesus healed many lepers and, against cultural convention, touched them as he ministered. I felt I could do no less. So I placed my hand on his head and held him up before the Lord.

In the picture, you also see our dedicated volunteers reaching out in fervent, compassionate prayer. Over the past 25 yrs of WOW’s ministry, several hundreds of these ministering angels have faithfully provided Home Based Care for “the least of these” as Jesus put it in his name. They are true heroes sometimes spending an entire day walking to and from the care of their patients. Their dedication is humbling and inspiring.

It’s an honour to partner with them.

Oct 1, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

Many times over the years Kathy and I have visited remote African villages where our local church volunteers are compassionately providing home-based care (HBC) for afflicted and/or dying orphans and widows. In the dust, heat, and adversities of disease and soul stressing poverty, these indomitable volunteers provide the loving extension of Jesus’ hands to “the least of these”, as he put it. They are truly agents of healing and hope.

Many of them are widows themselves living on the edge. Some are living with HIV, their viral load managed by medication, and all are poor. But WOW, through our local champion pastors, makes sure they have food and medical care to enable them in their selfless work. WOW also provides bicycles enabling them to travel the long rutted roads to their patients in a third of the time it would take to walk.

I see them as ministering angels.

What has impressed and humbled us over and over these past 25 years is their total gratitude for our help. What’s more they see our support as a gift from God and they give him the glory with guileless child like enthusiasm. Even the elderly widows sing and dance for joy.

I’m always aware that our work is supported by the Lord and his people. It truly is a team effort. And we praise the Lord with our African brothers and sisters for his steadfast love and faithfulness.

Sept 17, 2025

Written by Jim Cantelon on . Posted in Blog.

One of WOW’s ministry countries is Malawi in Southern Africa. It is the 4th poorest nation in that massive continent. Like most other African nations, over 50% of the population is under 30 yrs of age. Under educated and under employed, this huge number of young adults are an explosion waiting to happen, especially now in that a general election is about to take place. During the last election hundreds of young adults demonstrated against what they saw as a rigged process with stone throwing, burning tires on the roadways, and threatening unwary drivers with violence. We were caught in one of those uprisings with our ministry team but escaped unharmed. Scary nonetheless.

Election tensions in combination with food shortages, electrical “brown outs”, ongoing HIV and AIDS crises, opportunistic diseases, a massive fuel shortage, and the stresses of ongoing poverty are some of the heavy burdens Malawians have to bear. Malawi is broken.

But there is hope. WOW’s champion partner “Somebody Cares” is lighting a candle in the darkness. Caring for thousands of orphans and widows in the name of Jesus they are without doubt “salt and light”. We’ve been working together for 23 years seamlessly and redemptively. Many of the young orphans we cared for two decades ago are now proactive young adults making a saving impact on the nation.

The scriptures say that the Lord knows them that are His. There’s no doubt that His known ones are present and hard at work bringing hope to “the least of these”. Malawi may be down but by God’s grace they’re not out.