Just for fun

11 December 2019

Retro: Shout with the Shepherds!

Jim Just for fun, Ministry glimpses, Retro 2

Shout with the Shepherds, shake them blues!

Ten years ago today we were doing a Christmas program at the community centre in the community of JesÃºs MarÃa. It included a pastorela (a Christmas play) (see the actors on the right), some sing-a-long music, presentations to students, and a devotional from Rod. And, of course, some hot ponche for all at the end!

We were actually brand new in JesÃºs MarÃa at the time. There was no church in the community (that would start in March). So the participants were made up of people from our church planting team, people from the church in Santa BÃ¡rbara, and people that we had met through the community centre.

We invited family and friends of our students to attend, and had a great time.

Baking classes and English classes were big, and so the music was intentionally bilingual. Shari and I did some special music, singing “Good News” by our friend Mark Sorell, with one chorus translated into Spanish (one line quoted at the beginning of this post, of course!). So – here we are – ten years ago tonight!

Good news of great joy Which shall be for all the people Good news of great joy Spread it 'round the world

15 November 2019

Retro: First Day in Mexico Special

Jim Just for fun, Mexico, Retro 0

Going through some old receipts earlier this year, I was wondering if I could figure out what our first purchase was after moving to Mexico. Other than legal stuff at the border, of course. Must be food, right? What could it be? Tacos? Churros? Burritos?

Well, we think we figured it out. 13 years ago today, on our way driving down, we stopped at Church’s Chicken. Shame on us.

I don’t know if there is any irony stopping at an American restaurant chain, which was originally started across the street from the Alamo. I do know, however, that we were shortly sicker than we had ever been in our lives with some stomach bug. I doubt it was Church’s Chicken – the theory at the time was that it was peanut butter that we ate later (another very non-Mexican food!), but we may never know.

Anyway, there’s the receipt to prove it. A couple of combos with fries, an apple pop and a Coke. Well, those sound like us, anyway. 🙂

I’m not sure I’ve eaten at Church’s Chicken since. But thanks for the memories!

I could be wrong, but I think this is the place:

5 November 2019

Retro: Tiffany Bakes

Jim Just for fun, Ministry glimpses, Retro 0

This isn’t the greatest photo, but I keep using it because it was an historic day. 🙂

10 years ago today was the very first baking class. It was at Claudia’s house (seen on the right in the picture below), and 8 women attended, with Shari, Mayra, Aurora and Tiffany teaching. They made Christmas sugar cookies.

But it was most historic because Tiffany came and visited from Arkansas (in the middle). Tiffany moved down the following year and served with us here for more than three years, and actually became Claudia’s neighbour.

So – first baking class, first visit from Tiffany – two things that led to a lot more great ministry in the years to come!

4 October 2019

Retro: National Children’s Ministry Conference

Jim Family, Retro 0

Here it is – can you believe it? 10 years ago today, Shari was at a national children’s ministry conference near Pachuca, Mexico. About 250 to 300 people attended from all over the country, learning more about how to guide children to the Lord Jesus.

So here are a couple pictures of Shari and friends – and to learn more from the archives, just go to Shari at the National Childrenâ€™s Ministry Conference.

2 September 2019

Retro: Laura Secord Homestead

Jim Family, Just for fun, Retro 0

This photo from 10 years ago today, visiting the Laura Secord Homestead in Ontario. This house was the starting point of Laura’s 32km journey. The end point was the house of my great great great grandfather (John), where she warned Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon of an impending American attack. The warning came in time, and in the end Colonel Charles Boerstler of the US Infantry surrendered, with 484 of his men. For more, see Canadaâ€™s Heroes: Laura Secord.

Shari and Hannah at the Laura Secord Homestead

A couple more notes – here’s a picture from the inside, I think of the master bedroom . . .

Bedroom - Laura and James Secord — Bedroom in the home of James and Laura Secord

And finally, here’s where she ended up, to warn to British/Canadian troops – the DeCou house, which no longer exists . . .

3 August 2019

Retro: Yours to Discover

Jim Family, Just for fun, Retro 0

How in the world do I choose a photo from August 2009? Ten years ago this month we were touring around Ontario, Canada. We had the privilege of seeing so many people – family and friends – — I thought about making a huge grid of them all, but surely I would leave people out. We are really looking forward to visiting Ontario again – Lord willing He will provide a way!

Anyway, I finally decided on a very Canadian picture. So – 10 years ago today we were in Moose Factory, in a teepee. That’s correct.

Here’s a map showing where Moose Factory is:

Anyway, outside the teepee a painted sign said,”FRESH BANNOCK ON A STICK PLAIN OR RAISIN $3.00 EACH”. Well, who can resist fresh bannock? So in we went – very smokey place, but of course that just adds to the flavour.

Fresh bannock in Moose Factory, August 2009.

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