Where does the time go? It’s December again and time for the Jones family newsletter 2025.
70 In A War Zone
This December, our only grandson completes his first decade of life and Jocelyn and I are in our seventh decade. We are two decades older than the seniors we worked with in 1990 when we arrived at Central Tabernacle in Edmonton. Does that make us old?
We don’t think so.
Jocelyn and I were able to travel and work for seven weeks this summer in Ukraine’s war zone. Those experiences were near the top of our memory pyramid for 2025. We’re writing this on December 6th and last night Jocelyn received pictures on WhatsApp from our translator in Kryvyi Rih. They made her teary. We love our friend half away around the world. Being in a war zone was not on Jocelyn’s bingo card but it was a precious experience. She travelled further east towards the frontlines delivering humanitarian aid than any Canadian woman since the war started in February 2022. It wasn’t safe but it was good. Just showing up speaks volumes to people in crisis.
That’s a lot like the meaning behind Christmas. Emmanuel. God with us, became like us to save us. We plan to return to Ukraine in December 2026. 
Grandkids
Quinn is 14 and in Grade 9. Lena is 12 and in Grade 7 at the same school as Quinn. Vince is 10 and in Grade 4. Annora is 9 and in Grade 4. Jayda is 7 and in Grade 2. They are involved in either Taekwondo (Annora broke her first brick this year), Flag Football, Volleyball, Badminton, Basketball, Drama, or Floor Hockey.
We looked back at the Singing Christmas Tree in 1992. Cory was 10 and JM was 8. Such good memories of them singing in the King’s Kids Choir over 12 performances in front of 13,000 people. 
Our best memory of 2025 was in 2024. All our grandkids and their parents and Jocelyn’s mom were together for Christmas. Mom is heading towards 95 this year and at times we think she is healthier than we are.
Shuffle Off To Buffalo
Cory, Jean Marc, and Vince and Bob went to Buffalo so Vince could see his favourite NFL team, the Bills. He officially became a part of the Bills mafia, tailgating and drinking shots of red and blue Koolaid. We sat in the top row of our section in a 40km wind on a cold day. And we loved every minute of the experience as the Bills won and Vince was treated to his favourite player, Josh Allen’s, game of his life. 
The cabin at Sunnyside was our summer gathering place when we returned from Ukraine. The Saskatoon Joneses and the Leduc Joneses were together for a few days in August. Swimming, paddleboards, Bar-B-Qs, ice cream, lake friends, and a trip to the Kraay Family Farm were the hi-lites of our time together.
Work
Bob’s role with the ABNWT District changed this summer. The word “austerity” was embedded in our vocabulary as staff cutbacks created an expanded role for Bob. Added to his existing responsibilities were Director of Leadership Development and Church Transitions. In other words, never bored. His job took him across Alberta and to Saskatoon, Regina, Toronto, and Virginia. In 2026 we head to Halifax in May for the PAOC General Conference and training times Bob will be involved in.
Bob also made connection with Joash Thomas the Canadian director of partnerships for the International Justice Mission. Bob reviewed Joash’s first book, The Justice of Jesus, and became allies in the cause of justice. If you need a gift suggestion for yourself this Christmas, get the book.
Jocelyn continues to study and speak en Français every day. This year we even learned some Ukrainian. We’re still in the house we moved into in August 1990 and plan to be here for the foreseeable future. When, not if, Bob retires we plan to spend more time at the cabin.
Goodness
In a world that is less certain than it was at the start of 2025, REVwords will continue to speak with a clear voice to cut through all the online disinformation. We’ll resist the fear and rage baiting, and keep speaking up for justice, and the gospel of Jesus.
And doing good will be our way of fighting against evil. We hope you’ll continue to join us. Thank you to everyone who support our ministry in Ukraine in 2025. We are making preparations to return in 2026.
Merry Christmas!
Got a favourite picture or memory? Please post a comment below. Thank you.
Hope grows here. We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.
We’d love to have you Subscribe to REVwords. We’ll put helpful content into your inbox Mondays and Fridays.
