HMIBC JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 NEWSLETTER

On a Kelowna Chiefs road trip
On a Kelowna Chiefs road trip

Dear HMI BC team mates,

I am sure that I don’t have to tell you that we are living in days that test our faith in Christ; days to pray and to trust in the Lord for His direction!  Much is happening in this HMI BC ministry world that is far beyond my or anyone’s control. (Of course)  These can also be described as exciting ministry days!  So…. here is a brief rundown of what has been happening over the last while.
 HMIBC
Early in January, I had the opportunity to hit the road with the Kelowna Chiefs Junior club. We travelled to play in Princeton, BC, which was a first for me.  I was so glad to be included in the trip and to be personally invited into the coaches room pre and post game.  Also in January, I made a trip to Trail to speak at Gateway Church.  The church there blessed me with open arms, and I am so very thankful.  Shortly after that, Lorraine and I travelled to speak at Calvary Church in Williams Lake.  Again, the pastor and people were wonderful and we felt their warmth and love.
  HMIBC
HMI Ontario staff member Jeremy and Amy Martin
HMI Ontario staff member Jeremy and Amy Martin

Later in the month, I was so happy to be able to meet fellow HMI staff member Jeremy Martin and his wife Amy.  Jeremy and Amy are involved with HMI in Ontario, and this was the first time I had the privilege to meet them.  I was blessed to spend time with this fabulous couple…

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For a while now, I have been wanting to present personalized New Testaments to the Warriors and the Chiefs, with the team crest laser-engraved on the front cover along with players names and sweater numbers.  It was in February that I finally was able to complete this and present the players with their own New Testament.  I wrote a note in each one, and explained why my card was inserted in John 3:16.  Please join me in praying that these young men will be lead by the Holy Spirit and discover the love of Christ.
  HMIBC
With Calgary Hitmen goaltender Cody Porter and his mom
With Calgary Hitmen goaltender Cody Porter and his mom

In mid-February, I travelled down to Penticton to be a part of a Mission Emphasis Sunday at Bethel Church.  Pastor Dave Funk and the church have been supportive of HMI BC for a long while, and I am grateful for their partnership in this ministry.  Also in February, Lorraine and I took a few days to head to Vancouver to see a young hockey player who has been busy in rehab.  Cody plays goal in Calgary for the Hitmen, and in January he was injured. Cody was a former Warrior in West Kelowna who attended my chapels, so when I heard about his injury I thought it would be good to go see him.  Lorraine and I had a wonderful lunch with Cody and his mom Dana, and ended up having a prayer for him.  I am so glad that we went to see him, and am also grateful to all of you who support this ministry, who make a trip (and trips) like this possible.  We never know what the Lord has in store in people’s hearts and lives. I believe that my job is to ‘show up’ in their lives and simply be Jesus.

  HMIBC
2017-Faith-Night
2017-Faith-Night

In late February, we held our 8th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Faith Night.  This game night was probably the best that we have had.  The arena was filled with Christian people from all kinds of church groups and traditions; we had the biggest crowd of the Warriors season.  Between the choir singing the National Anthem, the interview video, the pastors on the ice throwing gifts into the crowd, to the welcome announcements for every church group in the city, it was an incredibly satisfying night.  I am so grateful to the Warriors organization to put on such a ‘Faith forward’ event.  Also, I was honoured to be invited to be a presenter on ice at the Annual Warriors Awards Ceremony.  Among the awards I presented were the Chapel Program Award and the Humanitarian Award.  Only the Lord can orchestrate these kinds of things!

  HMIBC
Pastor's Ball Hockey on Warriors Faith Night
Pastor’s Ball Hockey on Warriors Faith Night

As you might have heard, the West Kelowna Warriors hockey club, where I have served as chaplain for all 11 years of their existence, are for sale. If they move from West Kelowna, this will be very difficult for this city and personally for myself. Even though I continue serve the Kelowna Chiefs as well, the Warriors have been a significant portion of my chaplaincy ministry here in the Kelowna area.  I am making a presentation to the West Kelowna City Council on Feb. 28th, to ask them to reverse a decision they made regarding the Warriors.  At the same time, there will be a large Warriors rally outside City Hall. I am honoured as the chaplain to speak to City Council on behalf of the club and to have the opportunity to lead in this area.  I pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.

  HMIBC
Warriors Awards Night Presentation
Warriors Awards Night Presentation

In the next few months, I will have an opportunity to make presentations regarding chapels programs to both the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) and the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) Boards of Governors. It is always an honour to speak to a room full of largely secular people about the benefits of a Hockey Ministries chapel program.  I am thankful for open doors, and I pray for wisdom and guidance from the Lord during these important presentations.

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And finally, as spring is almost here, my attention is starting to turn to the 8 weddings (most of them are hockey related) that I have scheduled for this summer, as well as our 2 HMI hockey camps.  Please be praying for all of these wonderful ministry opportunities.
  HMIBC
Warriors Awards Night with Jared Marino
Warriors Awards Night with Jared Marino

Prayer Points:

  • Survival of the West Kelowna Warriors
  • Presentation to the BCHL Governors
  • Presentation to the KIJHL Governors
  • Summer camp in Williams Lake
  • Summer camp in Chilliwack
  • Warriors and Chiefs New Testaments
  • New chapel programs
  • Summer hockey weddings
  HMIBC
Warriors Awards Night with Connor Sodergren
Warriors Awards Night with Connor Sodergren

That’s it until next time, thanks for reading this update!  May God bless you today!

Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region