Southern Ontario Cooperative of ESL Ministries
By Allan Pole The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was a highly debated issue in the first century between the Pharisees, who believed in a bodily resurrection, and the Sadducees, who did not. This teaching is foundational to our faith as followers of Jesus Christ. The meaning of life is defined by our […]
By Tom More During the holidays, my learners often scratch their heads trying to figure out the reason for the season. If one were to try to guess at Valentine’s Day’s logic, they might have particular trouble. Various traditions identify more than a dozen important church figures with this name, several of whom have connections […]
By Mary Ellen Tierney “Peace.” I hear God whisper. “How can I have peace when there is so much to do and COVID is swirling around?” I shout back, inside. “Peace.” He whispers again. The word “peace” is everywhere in the account of Jesus’ birth (the actual word itself, and implicitly in the angels telling […]
By Allan Pole Marty was touring Europe just as they were breaking down the Berlin Wall. Wanting to get some historic pieces of the Wall, he headed for Berlin. Because he found the hotels there beyond his means, he asked a young policeman if he knew of an inexpensive place where he could stay. The […]
By Linda Reed A Master Gardener, an older kindly gentleman, came to prune our apple tree in early March. He didn’t seem to know there was a coronavirus – he whistled while he worked. He mentioned advice from a professional apple grower: “Don’t feel sorry for the tree.” And so he whacked deeply. What had […]
By Timo Posti 9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive […]
By Allan Pole When a guest was received in Palestine 2,000 years ago the host performed certain courtesies. There was the kiss of welcome. Water was provided to wash the dust from his feet, and oil to anoint his head. The guests would recline at the meal and there was free access for the passer-by to […]
Abridged by Colin Brewster There was a man. He was a kind, and mostly good man. He was generous to his family, and honest in his dealings with others, but each year when Christmas came along, he had a problem. He just couldn’t accept the Christmas story. “I’m really sorry to upset you”, he told […]
By Allan Pole I am, by nature, a shy introvert. It’s not that I dislike people. I wouldn’t want to live out the rest of my days in a cabin on a mountaintop. However, I have been hurt and let down by people. Even though I enjoy interacting and socializing, I get worn down if […]
By Linda Reed At this time of year, many of us are wrapping up our ESL programs for the year. Some of us are tired, while others begin overseas ESL experiences. Often, the summer provides time for quiet reflection on the year past. Did we finish well? If we want to evaluate the year, what […]