Hello out there, it’s another edition of Hockey Ministries in BC!

It is such an incredible privilege to minister in the hockey world, especially during 2020. I am keenly aware of the favour that the Lord has given me… to be able to safely and carefully minister to young junior players, as well as coaches and other staff. I have already had a number of really good chapels, which I sincerely believe is largely to do with the pressures of Covid. It honestly seems like the players are listening and engaging more intently. There are certainly additional challenges these days, such as access to arenas, Covid friendly ways to bring food into the chapels, no fans at games, etc, but… with God, nothing is impossible. As I told my guys at chapel very recently, “If it’s important, we’ll find a way. If it’s not, we’ll find an excuse.”

I have a miracle to tell you about! Each year, I hold an annual Christmas Hamper Night with the West Kelowna Warriors. For the past 9 years, through the chapel program we have supplied 50 to 60 Christmas hampers to needy families in our city. This year was looking like a big problem, because my fundraising for this always occurred at a Warriors home game but this year Covid restrictions dictate that there are no fans allowed in the arena. I prayed and asked the Lord to intervene. I was directed to our local Tim Horton’s and when I sat and explained the situation to the owner, before my coffee was cold I had a cheque for the entire amount in my hand! Thank you Lord, how’s that for an up-to-date miracle? God is Faithful!

Now to explain some of the pictures: In early September I ran into Max and Monique French. Max was the Captain of the Warriors a few years ago in 2012 & 13, and a great supporter of the chapel program. He has gone on to a good long pro career in Europe. The wonderful part of this story is that just last year I was honoured to officiate at Max and Monique’s wedding. I feel that this is another example of God’s using chaplaincy to bring guidance to young hockey players. Also in September, I had the opportunity to officiate my first heli-wedding! We all masked up for the chopper flight and held the ceremony on a mountain top. I was also thrilled to officiate another September wedding (socially distanced of course) of some long time, hard core fans of the Warriors…. so much so that the ring bearer was the Warriors mascot, the General! Finally, I spend a great September morning with the Warriors Coaches having breakfast by the lake. These times are very important, because it takes things like this to build trust and relationship which are the currency of chaplaincy.

I am pleased to let you know that we are very close to re-starting chapel programs in Surrey with the Jr A Eagles and also in Langley with the Jr A Rivermen. I would ask you to please remember these chapel programs in your prayers. Also, if you could remember all the chapel programs in the province, as each chaplain negotiates Covid challenges. And when you are praying, could you remember young Brayden, a Junior age hockey player who is battling leukemia, and Gavin, a 10 year old player who is also battling cancer. I believe in the power of God and in the power of prayer.

Even in these difficult days, God is doing and will do great things!

May God bless you all,

Don Richmond

Hockey Ministries International

Pacific Region