Hello there team!!
We can be encouraged to know and be confident in this: that the Lord is Faithful, in every situation. I am confident that He will bring us through, because He that is within us is greater than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Okay everyone, here are a few ministry highlights from the past months. It was an honour to be asked to be a part of the West Kelowna Warriors 21-22 team picture, which I count as very special. I am thankful to the Lord to have been given an open door to every coach and player on the team. I pray that the seeds that are planted result in eternal fruit.
11th Annual Christmas Hamper Drive Christmas was an active time in the HMI Pacific world… Even with Covid restrictions, we were able to assemble 90 Christmas hampers for needy families in West Kelowna. It’s rewarding to lead this effort as a ministry of the team chapel program. I also took a bit of time having some Christmas fun with the Kelowna Chiefs club, and as you can see, we enjoyed ourselves! (I think it helps if chaplains are fun people!)
Chapel sessions have been very well attended, with real good discussion times around biblical topics. Most of the players join in at varying times during the chapels, contributing their ideas and thoughts. We always end with a prayer circle and our chapel motto. I have included a few pictures of chapel prayer circles, with both the Chiefs and the Warriors. My tradition is to stand at the door at the end of chapel and fist bump every player… and give them a ‘God loves you’ or a ‘God bless you’. It’s very common for them to respond as they leave, “Thank you, love you Donnie”. In fact, just recently, I had a player connect with me over a coffee, and pour out his heart about things that were going on in his life. Of course, I directed him to the Lord Jesus by praying with him.
Also, I am already filling up my summer schedule with hockey weddings… it’s become a wonderful summer tradition; with great spiritual opportunities. Speaking of weddings, just before Christmas I was asked to officiate a wedding during the first intermission at a Warriors game. It was such a blessing, that I can hardly express what it was really like. I have included a few pictures of the wedding here for you. To lead the entire arena in prayer to the Lord, in a prayer of blessing and gratitude, was completely overwhelming. May God be praised!
In late January, we held our 12th Annual Warriors Faith Night. Even with Covid restrictions, we had a fabulous night! I have attached the game introductory video that was played on the screen that night. I trust that you will be encouraged by it.
Thank you for your prayers and your tremendous support. Honestly, it is so good to be a bit more free to minister these days. While it still isn’t completely the old ‘normal’, it has improved significantly. And for that, I am thankful. So, thank you again. You are such a faithful team.
Still working hard in the corners,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
Prayer Points:
-safety on road trips
-Godly influence at playoff tournaments
-distribution of players New Testaments
-for my many ‘J&J’ coffee meetings
-for the HMI 40 chaplains across BC
-for continued open doors for the Gospel