Dear HMI BC crew,

How are you all doing these days?  I trust that you are well.  I pray for you and thank the Lord for you constantly.  Your prayer backing and financial support are not only vital, they are greatly valued and appreciated!  Here are the latest (and many) headlines from the HMI BC front:

On May 3, functioning as an HMI chaplain, I had the great pleasure of officiating at a wedding where my connection was through hockey   These are very special times where relationships transcend the game.  The young bride and groom were just wonderful and it turned out to be a great day of celebration.

A few weeks later, from May 12-17, I traveled to Portage la Prairie, MB to attend the Canadian Junior Hockey League championship tournament, known as the Royal Bank Cup. (RBC)

I was glad to meet many of the good people at the event, and spent some time with the Portage Terriers chaplain, Harry Funk.  I have made it my tradition to attend as many RBC’s as possible, (if they are held in the West) and this was my 7th.  I had the opportunity to have a good chat with Kirk Lamb, the President of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Part of my overall philosophy of ministry to simply ‘show up’. If I don’t do that, I’m not available to accomplish much.  So…. I’m determined to continue to show up.

On May 25 and 26, I took a quick trip to Vancouver Island, to visit with Travis Barbour, our new chaplain with the Nanaimo Clippers.  We had a good visit and also made sure we connected with the Clippers Coach Mike Vandekamp. Please be praying for Travis, as he is new to hockey chaplaincy.  Within two days of returning home, I attended the Kelowna Chiefs Junior hockey club spring training camp, where Head Coach Jason Tansem surprised me by introducing me to all the new players and parents.  Again, just showing up…….

In early June, I attended a farewell for Brent Gough, Assistant Coach of the West Kelowna Warriors.  Brent and his family are moving to Phoenix, AZ, where he will serve as the Head Coach of the Arizona AAA Bobcats U18 team.  Lorraine and I are pleased to attend these events, representing the Lord Jesus, Hockey Ministries and the chaplaincy department of the WK Warriors.  Also, in June, the British Columbia Hockey League welcomed it’s 17th team, the Wenatchee Wild.  This new BCHL team is based in Wenatchee, Wash., USA, and have played for a number of years in the USHL (United States Hockey League).  I have already been in talks with their Head Coach, Bliss Littler and will meet their existing chaplain soon.

As you can tell, there is no shortage of things to do, people to see or places to go!  I am so very thankful to the Lord for strength as this journey continues; as many doors that have not been open in the past have started to swing wide…. just how awesome is that?

It was mid-June in Vernon when I met with Revelstoke Grizzlies Head Coach Ryan Parent and the new team chaplain Joel Olson.  Coach Parent has been very open to chapel programs, for which I am grateful.  Please be praying for Joel as he starts in September with the Grizz.  I had to make another quick trip to Vancouver Island in late June to visit with a few new chaplaincy candidates in Campbell River.  I am praying that one or both of these young men will work out.  A special moment for me came on that trip when I could visit my old hockey friend and ex-Nanaimo Clippers Coach Bill Bestwick.  Bill and I differ on many things, but there is no question that I can call him my friend.  Just to end coffee with a prayer was very special. (It’s part of my ‘Java and Jesus’ routine… you get some java, but you also have to take a prayer – Jesus)  From there I met Peter Lewis in Duncan BC, who is considering the vacant chaplaincy with the Cowichan Valley Capitals.  From Duncan it was on to Mill Bay to meet Norm Sowden, who is beginning a new chaplaincy with the Kerry Park Islanders Junior Club.

On my way home I met my Dad for dinner in Saanichton, just north of Victoria.  Dad is soon turning 89 years old and is a shining example of a veteran Christian who is still letting his light shine in a world that needs the love of Christ.  On the way home, I stopped to see Brian Wade, who will serve a team that is new to HMI chaplaincy, the Aldergrove Kodiaks.  The Coach of the team is open to a chapel program which is wonderful.  Please be praying for Brian as this program begins in September.  Just the other day I drove to Nelson to meet with John Thwaites, the new chaplain of the Leafs and with outgoing chaplain Cam McFadyen, who has done a fabulous job there.

On a very difficult note, Jamie Weberg, the chaplain of the Penticton Vees hockey club, has been battling cancer for over a year now.  Jamie passed away on Sunday, June 28 at 35 years of age. He leaves behind his wonderful wife Kristen and their two small children Emma and Jenzen.  Truthfully,  I am quite devastated by this turn of events.  Even though I walk in faith, I can’t help but having a broken heart over this.  Please be praying for Kristen and the entire family.

This month’s prayer points:

 Well that’s it.  It’s been a long one this time!  I trust that this will give you a window into the exciting world of Hockey Ministries here in BC.  Truthfully, Lorraine and I could use a bit of a break… we have been hitting it hard for quite a while now.  We would appreciate your prayers.

With all we have, serving the One who gave His all,

Don Richmond

HMI Pacific Region

ps. Another tidbit — through my national anthem singing and with many sports connections, I have been privileged to sing anthems at opening ceremonies of a regional and BC provincial fastball tournaments.  It is very different singing the National Anthem at home plate compared to singing in the arena at ice level!