To the HMI Pacific family,

Man, it’s feeling like the chills of fall around here… brrrr! So, grab a warm coffee as you read my latest HMI Pacific update.

I thought I would begin with a memory of Shawnigan Lake hockey camp this past summer. This picture puts a big smile on my face, thinking not only of the great times we had, but also the seeds of the gospel that were sown in the hearts of young hockey players.

Over the past few months, I have had many ‘J&J’ coffees, with both coaches and players. One of these was with Kailus Green, who was traded from the Warriors in West Kelowna to the Powell River Kings. When players get traded, (which is tough, but it’s just a part of the business) I try to connect them with the chaplain on the team they are joining. I also had a good ‘J&J’ coffee with HMI staff member John Bechtold, who was passing through Kelowna in September.

During the hockey season, I find myself traveling quite a bit. I’m either visiting chaplains, at arenas around the province visiting coaches, or holding chapels in Kelowna and West Kelowna. I had the unique opportunity to address the Beaver Valley Nitehawks Junior club in Fruitvale, BC. (That’s just east of Trail.) That really was a special time, and I thank Nitehawks Coach Terry Jones for allowing me to speak to his players. I have included a few pictures of my travels and my chaplains visits; Dan Eagle in Coquitlam, Josh Norman in Castlegar, and Lee Young in Summerland.

In the west Kootenays, I was able to stop in at the Jack Goddard arena in Grand Forks and visit with the Head Coach of the Border Bruins, Dave Hnatiuk. We had a great visit and the door is open for a new chapel program with the team. I pray for the right person to come along and serve this team. I am also praying for the Lord to provide chaplains for hockey clubs in White Rock and in Richmond.

I also made a trip to Trail to visit with a new potential chaplain for the Smoke Eaters. As I write this update, nothing is confirmed on this front, so I am praying about this as well. While in Trail, I stayed at the home of Mike and Sheila Davis, who have been tremendously gracious to me for many, many years. I am thankful for these wonderful Christian friends who have steadfastly stood with me in this ministry. While in Trail, I was invited to share with the men’s group from the Trail Alliance Church. I have included a picture of that evening. It was an encouraging time of story and prayer; I enjoyed being together with these men who love the Lord and have a heart for hockey chaplaincy.

Just a few weeks ago, I was blessed to make a quick trip up to Williams Lake to speak at Calvary Church. Thank you to Pastors Jay and Brad for treating me well. Calvary Church has been a faithful HMI church almost since the time that I started with Hockey Ministries back in 2006. It was good to see many long time friends at Calvary, most of whom I have a long history with.

In the coming days I will travel with the Kelowna Chiefs on a road trip to the east Kootenays: Fernie, Kimberley and Creston. I ask for your prayers for this trip as I get to know the players a bit better and as I conduct my traditional ‘chapel on the road’.

Blessings to you as you serve the Lord in your own unique calling.
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

Prayer Points
-for new chaplains for White Rock, Richmond
-for new chaplains in Grand Forks, Trail
-for players who receive New Testaments
-for safety on my winter travels
-for open doors and open hearts
-upcoming road trip with the Kelowna Chiefs
-for continued support of this ministry

Spending of funds is confined to board approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for an reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for such program or project will be used where needed most.