Paul Allen, Hockey Ministries International - Ontario, appears on 100 Huntley Street this week:
Dear Friends,
We would like to take a few moments to express our gratitude to the many who have shared their prayerful concern with the tragedy that took place involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
Our colleague John Bechtold, who oversees the HMI ministry with the SJHL, has provided on the ground oversight to our many league chaplains who have served in the midst of the numbing sadness. You may have heard the Humboldt Broncos team chaplain Sean Brandow as he shared from his broken heart at the Sunday evening vigil. Sean arrived at the scene about 20 minutes after the accident and the police allowed him through to be of assistance.
The news reports give us a glimpse of what Sean and the first responders saw, heard and were faced with. Nothing would prepare one for the suffering and death that was before them. At the point of writing, the loved ones of the players who died continue in a dark pain of disbelief and the survivors and families know that their physical and emotional injuries have changed them forever.
Few events in my life have brought Canada together in shock and grief as this moment has. We also know that many are facing a life long journey of grieving their deep loss. Life for most of us will demand that we remember but also move on. Please pray for those who will be present to love, care and pray in the years of grief that lie before this dear community. When you remember please pray that the presence and healing of Jesus our Good Shepherd would be with each precious, suffering family and those serving them over the days and months to come.
On behalf of Laurie Boschman, Jeff Jackson, Jeremy Martin, Joe Smith and HMI Team Ontario, thank you for praying and sharing in this time of need.
Paul Allen
www.hockeyministries.org