Hello there team!

I trust that you are doing well today, and that you are encouraged in the Lord these days.

  hmibc

I ask myself this question today: Why am I driven to stay in the hockey world starting my 17th season as a chaplain and missionary?  My answer: because I am convinced that Jesus is the answer for everyone, for their hurts, their heartaches and their self-indulgences.  This underlying theme has been the foundation for this ministry since my very first chapel back in September of 2000.  I trust as we read this that perhaps it will ring true for all of us.  (My mini-sermon is now over…!)

  hmibc

Here are some of the things that have been going on in the past while.

CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER NIGHT:  In early September, I had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the West Kelowna Warriors Opening Night game where the Canadian National Championship Banner was raised to the rafters.  What a fabulous night it was, with an arena filled with happy fans!  It was such an honour to be a part of an opportunity like this.  The place was absolutely electric that evening!  After the opening weekend, the Warriors went to the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, where I was pleased to help out with the colour commentary on the Warriors game broadcast.

  hmibc

CHAPEL NEWS:  I have already had a number of chapels with both the Kelowna Chiefs Jr. B club and the West Kelowna Warriors Jr. A club.  To have prayer with the entire team and to have their ears as I lead them is an amazing gift from the Lord.  One other chapel note: I am trusting the Lord to help me with a potential new chapel program in 100 Mile House, plus a re-start of chapel programs in Nelson and Kamloops.  Would you add these to your prayer list please?

  hmibc

TRAVEL STUFF:  In my travels, I had an opportunity to speak to a men’s breakfast group in Chilliwack, where I was hosted wonderfully by Dell Rempel, a good brother in the Lord.

I’ve have also had a chance to meet up with a few chaplains along the way…. such as Nanaimo and VIctoria chaplains Travis Barbour and Tony Janzen, as well as Prince George chaplain Jim Brown Jr.  Also, I thought that I would include a great shot of ex- West Kelowna Warrior now Calgary Hitmen goaltender Cody Porter, who I had the privilege of spending a bit of time with this past summer.  One more thing; Wayne Lamb, a good friend of mine recently passed through Kelowna, and we had a wonderful breakfast together.  Wayne served the Lord as the chaplain in Edmonton for the Oilers up until a few years ago.

  hmibc

Recently, I have spent much time visiting players here in Kelowna and encouraging them. Usually I will have 3 or 4 coffee appointments every week, just listening to the guys tell me their stories…. and then of course we end with a prayer.  I call that ‘J and J’, which stands for Java and Jesus.  The guys will often ask me if I have time for a little J & J, and of course I always do.

  hmibc

WRAPPING UP THE MONTH:  In the last few days of October, I will be on a four day road trip with the Warriors, and I would ask your prayers for this. I will be allowed to lead a chapel in the hotel at some point during that trip. Just how awesome is that?

  hmibc

Thank you for your support as I travel around BC every hockey season.  The winter makes the road conditions not always ideal, so your prayers are always appreciated and needed.  I am always encouraged to know this: that the Lord is more than able; that we can and will take steps of faith and move forward.  I am convinced that nothing is accomplished without His power and strength.

Prayer Points:

Only Jesus,

Don Richmond

Hockey  Ministries International

Pacific Region