Mary, Gate of Heaven in Negril, Jamaica, all lit up for Advent and Christmas. Photo by Jim Bok, OFM In September 2008 I arrived as a missionary in Negril, Jamaica. October came and went and then November came…

Fr. Colin King with students and teacher in Revival, Jamaica, last year. Challenges to education All Jamaican schools shut down in March thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. The new school year was to open on Monday, September 7,…

Santa didn’t disappoint the children at St. Anthony’s Kitchen. While family and friends were back home freezing in Cincinnati, I was roasting my earlobes off on the hot and sunny Friday before Christmas. Kids and grown-ups were gathering…

Fr. Jim at his 70th birthday party Word spread fast about the breaking of my leg the night I had my 70th birthday party.  Thanks to everyone for your concern and prayerful support.  I am currently in the rehab…

Front row L-R: John Bok Sr., Margaret, Jim (Fr. Jim Bok, OFM)Back row L-R: Mary, John Jr.(Fr. John Bok, OFM), Jerry My dad, John Bok, was one of the kindest, gentlest, respectful, honest and just persons I…

A neighbor of St. Anthony’s Kitchen waves as the water flows by Help and hope in the face of despair   3-foot-high water down the street from St. Anthony’s Kitchen (Monday, widespread flooding followed four hours…

Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, pastor of Mary, Gate of Heaven Church sends this update from Negril, Jamaica. Christmas at “The Kitchen” is quite the gathering.  Normal operations have us serving breakfast to about 50 children each morning as they head off…

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…