New Year's Wishes from St. Anthony's Kitchen & Fr. Jim Bok in Jamaica
Guests line up for food at the St. Anthony Soup Kitchen.
Well, I am getting this just under the wire (6:15 p.m. EST)—but let me wish each of you a very happy and blessed 2013.
Life in Jamaica continues to be most interesting! It is a place of incredible contrasts. I am happy to report that our ministries prosper. God has been good to me here and he just keeps teasing me with little miracles here and there. Just last Friday a couple from the States stopped by—not the first time—and presented me with a couple bottles of spirits for the New Year and a little gift wrapped box. Upon opening it I stared at a stack of US dollars—cash money--$2,665.00—for our work at St. Anthony’s Kitchen. They asked some friends to support us and took up a collection. This sort of thing happens now and again—God teasing me and taking care of our work.
New puppy, JB, sleeps in the Nativity.
Thanks to all of you for your friendship and support and even your encouragement at my being here. Now I introduce the newest member of our MGH Friary community…J.B.
A homeless boy (he was temporarily living in our hall) brought us a homeless dog just before Christmas. He found the Nativity scene in church to be a comforting place. He’s a cutie! He is named for the two friars here; Jim and Bernard.
I ended 2012 with a new and incredible experience. It wasn’t on my bucket list but I always thought it would be cool to do—scuba diving. Sabine (a friend & Rotarian) and her husband have a business here.
Fr. Jim scuba diving in the sea.
She wanted to teach me how to do this. Had a lesson, suited up and went into the swimming pool and she found me worthy of the sea—St. Francis should have had the opportunity to do this. I was not real thrilled with the pink goggles but then it takes a brave man to wear pink! --JJ
So we begin a new year! Peace to each and every one of you! Fondly, Jamaica Jim
Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, is the pastor of Mary, Gate of Heaven Church in Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica
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