Campbell River Storm chaplain Bobby RauI want to extend to you and your families the very best as we look to 2016. I am so glad that this coming year is in His hands. There are many uncertainties and variables in our world that we perhaps haven’t seen before, so we simply look up in faith to the Lord, who is the Lord of All.
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Let me give you a quick summary of what I’ve been up to these last few months….
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With Cowichan Valley Capitals Chaplain Chris ClarkeEarly in November, I toured the north part of Vancouver Island, where I was able to visit with Bobby Rau, the chaplain of the Campbell River Storm hockey club. Bobby is a wonderful guy, who loves the Lord and is willing to share his faith with the Storm players. He is a busy guy – he’s also the coach of the local high school football team! On that same trip I met up Chris Clarke, who is just starting as the new chaplain in Duncan with the Cowichan Valley Capitals club. Chris has taken over from my good friend and long time Capitals chaplain Norm Sowden, who is praying about a new chaplaincy opportunity.
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Remembrance Day 2015 with the WarriorsMid November was a busy time, as I was honoured as team chaplain to lay a wreath for the West Kelowna Warriors hockey club at our local Remembrance Day ceremony. This was the first time that I was asked to do such a thing. What a moving experience that was! A few days later I took a trip to the Kootenays to visit some of our HMI chaplains there.
I met with Matt Moore in Invermere, who is taking over from previous chaplain Trevor Hagan. Matt is starting to build relationships with the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey club.
Columbia Valley new chaplain Matt Moore and past chaplain Trevor HaganOn that same trip I had a chance to visit with Trail Coach Nick Deschesne and their chaplain Bruce Taylor, as well as Creston Coach Jeff Dubois and their chaplain Harry Haberstock. Along the trail I was able to spend a few minutes with Paul Reimer, the chaplain in Cranbrook with the Kootenay Ice. A few days later I was able to meet up with Dave Funk, our new Penticton Vees hockey club chaplain.
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Creston Coach Jeff Dubois and Chaplain Harry HaberstockEarly December was the time for our ‘Pastor Don’s 5th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Christmas Hamper Drive.’ This event is spearheaded by the Warriors chaplaincy program. We had a fabulous Drive this year, delivering 50 Christmas hampers to needy families in West Kelowna. These hampers were paid for through the kindness of fans and staff of the hockey club. In mid December, I was able to hit the road for 4 days with the Warriors hockey club. It was a wonderful road trip, including a Saturday morning chapel, plus some personal chats with players. Times like this are so very special; it’s almost surreal when I am on trips like this. While all these trips are going on, I am still holding chapels every two weeks for the Kelowna Chiefs club in Rutland and of course the Warriors in West Kelowna. It is always a busy time in this ministry, but it’s a wonderful kind of busy. With the Lord’s sustaining help, I am feeling strong and healthy as I look toward the new year.
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Trail Chaplain Bruce Taylor and Coach Nick DeschenesThank you for your support, in prayer and finance. It is such a blessing to serve the Lord in hockey arenas throughout the province. You truly make it possible to do what the Lord has called me to do.
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With Kootenay Ice chaplain, Paul ReimerPrayer Points of thanks:
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-for 40 chapel programs operating in BC
-for young lives that are being exposed to the love of Jesus
-for new potential chapel programs to begin
-for a possible new summer HMI camp in Chilliwack
-for the faithful support of HMI BC
-for new chaplain Chris Clarke in Duncan
-for new chaplain Matt Moore in Invermere
-for new chaplain Dave Funk in Penticton
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With Penticton Vees chaplain Dave FunkGod’s richest blessings to you all for 2016!
I trust that you are doing well during this hectic fall season. Lorraine and I are certainly busy; our days are packed full. This is a fabulous time of year for me, with hockey in full swing, and ministry spilling all over the place! Ready to read about what’s going on? Okay, here goes…..
hmibc
Coffee with two Kelowna Chiefs players
September began for Lorraine and I with a rush, as it usually does with most people. I was asked to take part in the West Kelowna Warriors opening home game ceremonial faceoff which was a great way to start the hockey season. In mid September, after attending the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, my chapels began with both the Kelowna Chiefs and the West Kelowna Warriors hockey clubs. These chapels are held every two weeks, and almost all the players attend. It is so wonderful to discuss ‘God Stuff’ with the guys and end with a prayer!
West Kelowna Coach Rylan Ferster
Besides the chapels, I try to get together for coffee (as you can see with these two Kelowna Chiefs) or sometimes host players for an evening in my home. Lorraine and I had a great evening recently as four Warriors boys came over to our house. (We watched the Blue Jays win an game vs. the Royals, followed by a good talk and then ended the evening with prayer.) I have also become a good friend of Warriors Head Coach Rylan Ferster, and we have J & J and chat often. (J & J is our slang term for Java and Jesus; we never have coffee without prayer. It’s my rule!)
hmibc
At home with 4 West Kelowna Warriors
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, there were numerous changes in chaplaincy personnel this past summer. I thought I would introduce two of the new chaplains to you here. Dave Funk serves as chaplain of the Penticton Vees and Terry Dyer serves the Powell River Kings. Terry is also the team trainer and athletic therapist. I am so very glad to have these two join the family of HMI BC chaplains.
hmibc
Penticton Vees Chaplain Dave Funk
In early October, I made a quick trip up the road to Vernon, where I met chaplains Joel Olson (Revelstoke Grizzlies) and Michael Fox (North Okanagan Knights). Just a few days later, I was honoured to connect for a visit with Murray Fairweather who has been a great long time friend and HMI BC supporter. In mid-October I was privileged to sing the National Anthem for the Kelowna Rockets, something that I never tire of. I find that it is a wonderful opportunity for visibility and influence in the world of hockey.
hmibc
Powell River chaplain Terry Dyer
In the next few weeks I will be traveling to the north part of Vancouver Island and then I’ll head out to the East Kootenay’s (Invermere, Cranbrook/ Kimberley/ Creston and the Nelson/ Trail area). I have many appointments during these trips, and I would appreciate it if you could remember me in prayer during these times. Of course, safety on the roads is a big factor as well praying for good meaningful connections.
hmibc
Chaplains Josiah Olson and Michael Fox
Thank you for believing in this ministry and for supporting what we are doing here. I am so grateful to the Lord for His provision and grace and to you for your assistance. May the Lord bless and strengthen you, and reward you for your Kingdom faithfulness. hmibc
All for Jesus,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
hmibc
Great HMI friend Murray Fairweather
Prayer Points:
For safe travels on our BC winter roads.
For the 40 chaplains across BC.
For the players attending chapels.
For my trips with a few teams this winter.
For added support for this HMI BC ministry.
For new opportunities to minister.
Thanksgiving for many good ministry moments.
Upcoming HMI trips to North Vancouver Island and the Kootenays
News from the crazy world of hockey ministry here in BC
