Happy March days everyone!

While most folk are glad to see longer daylight and springtime warmer temps, in the hockey world this time of year means one thing – playoff time is close! The performance pressures around the rink increase as do the opportunities for chaplains to speak with their players. I am honoured to be with players when they are going through stressful times like this.

One morning after breakfast, I decided to text a few players to see if some might meet me for a coffee, a chat and a prayer at Tim Horton’s. I had no idea if anyone would show up, and when I drove up, no one was there. (I was a bit disappointed…) A few minutes after I sat down with my coffee, a couple players came in and sat down with me. Over the next five minutes or so, eight young men were sitting around a long table with me. I was able to chat with them all and finish off our coffee with a prayer, right in the middle of Tim Horton’s!! I now refer to that coffee meeting as the ‘8 man J&J’!

I recently was pleased to accompany the West Kelowna Warriors on their Vancouver Island road trip to Nanaimo and Port Alberni. I appreciate the coaches of the team for allowing me to hop on the bus and be a part of the trip. Let me share a few highlights from that road trip. On Saturday morning after breakfast I let everyone know that I will have a voluntary team chapel in my hotel room. (Chapels are always voluntary.) I went to my room and waited… and all 23 Warriors players filed through the door and absolutely packed my room! It was wall to wall players at chapel that day, my room was packed!

While I was in Nanaimo I met with the Nanaimo Clippers chaplain Peter Bird. What a wonderful young man he is! Peter is just starting chapels with the Clippers, and I’d appreciate it if you could remember him in your prayers. I also met with my good friend Trevor Kempner while I was in Nanaimo. Trevor is a sports nut and has a great love for the Lord. We had a great time chatting. The next evening in Port Alberni, I was able to meet with Dave Knudsen, who serves as chaplain for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Dave is a busy man, but still makes time for chaplaincy. Please remember Dave in your prayers as well.

 

Shortly after I got back home, I hopped on the bus with the Kelowna Chiefs hockey club and went on a short road trip to Osoyoos with them. Again, the coaches made me feel like a part of the team for which I am so thankful. As soon as we arrived back in Kelowna. the owner of the team said,’Donnie, we have team pictures tomorrow at 1 o’clock. I’d like you to be here”. So I was there…… On picture day, my life long pal Tom Linge from Victoria came to the arena with me. God bless you Tommy, you are a true beauty.

 

Recently I gave out 32 Hockey Ministries New Testaments at my last few chapels with the Kelowna Chiefs and the West Kelowna Warriors. I am so glad when these players make the choice to receive a Bible, because it is entirely optional. I pray for the guys that took these New Testaments, that they would be drawn toward Christ.

Finally, I look forward to the Warriors 14th Annual Faith Night on March 1. On that game night, we pack the arena with Christian people from many churches, and celebrate the Warriors at that home game, as well recognize the Christian community and the Warriors chapel program. I am including a Faith Night poster that the Warriors office made for that night, and posted on social media. Man, I have so much to be thankful for!

 

I am so, so grateful to my fabulous wife Lorraine, who lets me galavant all over the country, doing hockey ministry. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of Lorraine. Thank you my dear.
Well, that’s it for this edition of my Hockey Ministries update. I hope that you will enjoy it and also keep the ministry in your prayers.

 

Going hard into overtime,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

Prayer Points:
-Powell River chaplain
-Trail chaplain
-Peter Bird in Nanaimo
-Dave Knudsen in Port Alberni
-New Testaments recipients
-Upcoming Warriors Faith Night
-closing chapels well this season
-financial support

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