Dear HMI Pacific teammates,

It’s a great time to be a hockey follower, because… it’s just about playoff time! However, it’s also always a great time to be a Jesus follower, because of His life-changing message of love to people everywhere. I want to thank you for being a part of hockey ministries here in BC, whether you are an avid hockey fan or not; or simply because you are committed to the message of the gospel.

This past few months have seen many adventures, such as my January trip to Trail. The weather and the snowy roads made travelling difficult, and I am thankful to the Lord for guiding me safely along hundreds of kilometers of winter highways. I am also thankful for the many chaplains and chapel programs that are operating in BC, and I ask you to remember these wonderful chaplains in your prayers. However, there are many teams who do not have chapel programs operating, and I’m trusting the Lord to open the doors for these clubs as well.

I will be travelling somewhat during the upcoming playoff season, and I would appreciate your continued prayers for the people I’ll meet and the conversations I’ll have. I pray for open hearts and minds, that the Spirit will go ahead of me to prepare people for meaningful chats. Road trip wise, it looks like I will be in 100 Mile House for the British Columbia Jr B Championships (April) and also in Portage, Manitoba for the last half of the Centennial Cup Canadian Jr A Championships in May.

Along my recent travels, I’ve met with the Salmon Arm chaplain Kyle Reddemann, Kimberley chaplain Jeremy Friesen and Cowichan Valley (Duncan, BC) chaplain Kevin VanderVeen. When the Cowichan Valley Capitals came through Kelowna, it was so good to see former Warrior and chapel attender Austin Chorney. These kinds of meetings are special, because of all the wonderful chapel times and friendships that we have shared in the past. Also, when the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League came to Kelowna to play the Rockets, I was watching the warm up at ice level before the game when the Victoria goaltender banged on the glass and startled me… (he laughed!) It was Shane Farkas! Shane was in my chapels in West Kelowna and it was so good to see him and chat with him that day.

In early February, we held our 11th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Faith Night. What a fantastic event! We had a huge crowd come out for the game, and the entire night turned out to be absolutely wonderful. Local pastors were involved constantly during the entire game, and I am grateful that the Christian community here is so supportive. What a wonderful celebration of the chapel program and the Christian faith community.

I was so honoured in the past few weeks to distribute bibles to the Warriors and Chiefs players here in Kelowna. These bibles are laser imprinted with the team logo and each players name and number. (They are really sharp…) I would ask you to pray as the players read my personal note inside each bible and also that the Lord would speak to these young hearts. Also, I recently had a chance to have a wonderful J&J time (coffee and prayer) with a couple of 20 year old players as they decided to ‘hang up their skates’ for the last time. Lucas Cullen and Spencer Hora are wonderful young men, and I was privileged to have them in my chapels for a number of years. I will continue to keep in touch with these young men, as they have their entire lives ahead of them.

Finally, Lorraine and I had the opportunity just a week ago to travel up to Vernon on a Sunday, where I spoke at Alexis Park Church. This is the church where I pastored from 2000 until 2006. I admit, it was slightly strange standing behind the podium of that church after so many years. I am thankful for the opportunity to share with the church there.

Thanks for spending your valuable time reading my latest news, and may the Lord bless you. I should be going now, as I have somebody waiting at the arena for me….

All for Jesus,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

Prayer Points:
-for 40+ BC chapel programs
-for teams without chapels
-for playoff chapels
-for my playoff travels
-for bible recipients
-for open hearts and minds
-for new donors