Happy summertime, HMI Pacific teammates!

While it seems as though the hockey world is quiet at this time of year, there is still much going on behind the scenes. And… Hockey Ministries is right there.

Let me fill you in on a few details about the end of the hockey season. I am thankful that I was able to continue chapels with the West Kelowna Warriors into May, as the BCHL playoffs continued. (I’m not sure how I got the chapel picture, but somebody took it at the start of chapel one day. It’s my standard practice to begin chapel with a prayer.) Also, from time to time I am asked to set up a small table or booth at a church on a Sunday morning. This picture was taken on a Missions Sunday, highlighting local mission outreaches.

In late May, I travelled to Estevan, Saskatchewan for the Centennial Cup Canadian Junior A hockey championship tournament. This year was the 11th Jr A championship tournament that I have attended. It was good to catch up with so many people in the greater hockey community.

I was able to have lunch with the Estevan Bruins chaplain Nolan Lacoste and also spend some time with the Bruins head coach Jason Tatarnic. Part of attending tournaments like this and going on the road to different games is because I believe in just showing up: the ‘ministry of presence’ where influence is gained by being seen on a regular basis.

I have a short acronym that I use fairly often in hockey ministries: JSU. (Just Show Up). It was at one of the tournament games that I ran into Kim Barnstable, a good friend from Kelowna who had also travelled to Estevan. It was great to see Kim, who was back in his old stomping grounds in southeast Sask.

I have a wonderful miracle story from my trip. On my way to Estevan, I heard a distinct rattling sound under the front end of my Honda. There are miles of lonely highway in Sask, and I was not really comfortable as to what to do. The rattling continued for a number of hours between Medicine Hat, to Swift Current and eastward. As I approached Moose Jaw, I knew that I had to do something, and I asked the Lord for His help. (That’s always a good thing to do!!) I looked for a Honda dealership but saw nothing. I decided to take a random exit and see what would show up. BAM! There it was, within 300 metres, Knight Honda in Moose Jaw! I pulled in and talked to the service manager. Obviously, I didn’t have an appointment, but that didn’t matter to him. He took my keys and pulled the car into the shop. In 25 minutes he gave me the keys and said, “it’s all fixed up, have a good trip, no charge!” I was blown away by the kindness and help that I received, and was immediately reminded that I had talked with the Lord before getting to Moose Jaw, asking for His help. Amen! Providence over coincidence….

I am thankful for opportunities to connect with people who have been in chapels in the past, or that I have worked with in some capacity. One such meeting was with former Warrior Adam Plant. Adam is a great young man, and it was wonderful to run into him in Peachland.

I also ran into former Warriors Liam Blackburn and Wyatt Head. These are very special meetings, just because I believe that the Lord is always there in the middle of our talks. I was also pleased to have a good chat with former Warrior and Penticton Vees play by play announcer Trevor Miller. (I worked with Trevor as his colour commentary sidekick on many occasions.)

As I look forward to the summer, I ask you to please pray for the hockey camp that I will be helping with at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. As well as the camp, I am scheduled to officiate at a number of weddings, (mostly hockey related) and I am grateful for your prayers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter today, and thank you for your encouraging support in so many, many ways.

Have a wonderful summer!

Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

• For the Shawnigan Lake camp
• For chaplains as they take a break
• For new ministry opportunities
• For continued support
• Summer hockey weddings

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