My Hero, Bud Fisher

My nephew, Bud Fisher, plays goal for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. Needless to say I'm very proud of him.

The following information was taken from the Bobcats' web site:

As a Sophomore in 2006–07:

Appeared in 39 contests...Recorded a 20–14–5 mark for the Bobcats...Registered three shutouts...ECACHL All-Tournament Team selection...An ECAC Hockey League All-Academic team selection...Made a career-high 43 stops in the win over Robert Morris on 10/13...Named ECACHL Goalie of the Week on 10/16...Stopped 53 of 56 shots over the weekend sweep of Colgate and Cornell on 11/17-11/18...Stopped 23 shots to earn his third career shutout at Princeton on 1/6...Made 17 saves in the win over Brown on 1/12...Made 24 saves to earn the win at Colgate on 2/17...Stopped 42 of 44 shots in a quarterfinal round sweep of Cornell on 3/9-3/10...Turned away all 23 shots he saw in 3/9 contest...Named ECACHL Co-Goalie of the Week for his performance against Cornell....Registered his fourth shutout of the season and sixth of his career against St. Lawrence in the ECACHL semifinals on 3/16...Tied an ECACHL tournament record with his third career playoff shutout with the St. Lawrence blanking.

As a Freshman in 2005–06:

Ranked second among all NCAA freshman goalies with 18 wins, trailing only Maine’s Ben Bishop (21)...Finished the year with an 18–14–1 mark to go along with a 2.54 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage...Registered three shutouts...Selected to the Quinnipiac Cup All-Tournament Team...Appeared in 34 games...Stopped 30 shots in the season opener at Michigan...Turned away 11 shots to earn his first collegiate win on 10/14 against RIT...Made 18 saves to earn his first collegiate shutout on 10/15 against Bentley...Stopped all 23 shots he saw to earn his second collegiate shutout against Robert Morris on 10/28...Turned away 35 of 37 shots to backstop the Bobcats to a ECACHL opening win over Harvard on 11/4...Stopped 27 shots to earn the win against Princeton on 11/22...Stopped 53 of 55 shots in a weekend sweep of RIT on 1/20–21...Made 23 saves to earn the win against Niagara on 1/28...Came up with 17 saves in the win over Clarkson on 2/3...Stopped 31 shots in the win over No. 18 St. Lawrence on 2/4...Made 33 saves in the win over Yale on 2/24...Stopped 57 of 60 shots in the playoff series win over RPI on 3/3 and 3/4...Pitched his third shutout of the year with a blanking of Colgate in game one of the ECACHL quarterfinal round series.

Before Quinnipiac:

Identified by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau as a draft prospect in early 2005...Played two seasons with the Lindsay Muskies (Ontario Jr. A) club...Played in 42 games between the pipes in 2004–05.

Personal:

Born in Peterborough, Ontario...Son of Karen and Jim Fisher...His older brother, Mike, currently plays with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League...Plans to major in business.

SEASON HIGHS
Saves • 43, vs. Robert Morris, 10/13/06
Least Goals Allowed • 0, three times
Most Goals Allowed • 5, three times

CAREER HIGHS
Saves • 43, vs. Robert Morris, 10/13/06
Least Goals Allowed • 0, six times
Most Goals Allowed • 6, at St. Lawrence, 11/18/05

Sweeney's a Spoiler

My friend Mike Sweeney of the Kansas City Royals was activated from the 60 day disabled list last night between games of a doubleheader.

In the 2nd game the Twins' starter Scott Baker was working on a perfect game going into the 9th inning. 24 batters faced. 24 batters set down. He hadn't walked a Royals' player or allowed a hit.

Then things changed...dramatically! He issued a walk to John Buck and then Sweeney got the only hit off Baker, a bloop single. I guess Mike can't stand perfection. He's a spoiler! A good one at that!

The Twins went on to defeat the Royals 5-0 with Baker picking up the win...and a one-hitter.

Welcome back, Mike! The PILGRIM PALS were praying for you when you had your surgery and following.

And I bet Scott Baker wishes you had waited until today to make your grand entrance!

Blessings, brother!

Ballplayer Banter

Two friends (of mine) carry on some bantering at home plate. Woody Williams the Astros' pitcher challenges Josh Bard the Padres' catcher to flip the ball into his helmet.

It's amazing what goes on during a game...that the fans don't see. Just kidding but these two players are both great guys who love the Lord.

Gabe Makes Happy Sounds

Our friend Gabe Gross hit his first home run as a Nashville Sounds outfielder last night, giving the Sounds a 1-0 win over the Portland Beavers. Gabe's homer came in the 9th inning.

Hopefully Gabe will be back in Milwaukee before the September call-ups are announced but until then he will continue to thrive on being in the line-up every day.

CONGRATULATIONS GABE, and, "Hi Kelly!"

BRETT BUTLER - Prayer Request

Brett & Eveline Butler have been great personal friends and generous supporters of Epistle Sports Ministries for many years. Brett had a long and successful career in major league baseball with five teams and is currently managing the Mobile BayBears, the AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On June 15th, Brett celebrated his 50th birthday and Carol and I both had the pleasure of speaking with him and getting caught up.

Today we received the following e-mail from Brett & Eveline's daughter, Stefanie.

PLEASE KEEP BRETT & EVELINE IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU!

Stefanie writes:

For those of you who were not made aware of this the day before last; my mom asked me to e-mail everyone and keep you all updated on my dad's health. Brett was sent to the hospital this past Friday for what they believed to be Vertigo at the time. He was very dizzy; his equilibrium was off; and he was having trouble with his balance. However; once he was at the hospital and they checked him out and ran tests; they found that he had actually suffered from a mild stroke.
Thankfully Eveline was with him; she had flown in from Arizona by way of California and met them at the Mobile; AL hospital. They checked him out and said that the only type of paralysis that he has experienced thus far is in his equilibrium; which does throw off his balance; and makes him nauseas. This paralysis they said can be something that he totally recovers from within the next six months; or it could be something that he has to live with from this point on.

The stroke they believe is something that is hereditary (something from his parents); because he is in very good health and has no other symptoms that would lead him to have a stroke. His blood was clotted which was preventing him from getting enough oxygen flow to his brain; which in turn; caused the stroke. Since then; they have out him on blood thinner and are trying to prevent anymore clotting. He is going to be in the hospital for a few more days; but hopefully Eveline will be able to take him home shortly. He was in pretty bad shape on Friday; but has since then progressed a lot. I think that is definitely from all the prayers! Right now; someone is taking over his managing position until they decide whether or not he is going to be well enough to go back and finish out the season. But; if you know Brett; he's pretty persistent and I wouldn't doubt that that is a possibility! Either way; I will keep you all updated on any further information I receive.

Please just keep him in your prayers; as well as Eveline and the doctors. He's a strong man and when I spoke with him yesterday; he said "Stef; I don't know what's going on but I know that God is going to get us through it. We just have to remember that and trust Him." Ab and Katie and Blake and I are doing okay at the moment. Brett and Eveline appreciate your support and love and we will contact you with any further news. Thanks so much and God Bless!

His girl,

Stefanie

* I have just been informed that Brett is doing very well and that the doctors are going to be sending him home on Monday. I'll keep you posted otherwise!

Gabe Is Looking Good

Since my friend Gabe Gross was assigned to the Nashville Sounds, the AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, he has looked good, not only in his Sounds uniform (#27) but at the plate.

Gabe went hitless in his first game on Tuesday but has had 7 hits since then, not counting tonight's game.

Thanks for your prayers for Gabe & Kelly! Hopefully he will show the Brewers that he should be in the "bigs" and they'll call him up before September.

CONGRATULATIONS, Gabe! We're praying for the two of you!

Mike Coolbaugh Tragedy

Even though I'm no longer involved with Baseball Chapel on a hands-on basis I continue to receive their prayer requests and wish to pass the latest one on to my PILGRIM PALS. What a tragic story. Please pray for the Coolbaugh family.

Here's that prayer request:

Please remember the family of Mike Coolbaugh who died after being struck by a line drive in a game yesterday. Tino Sanchez, who hit the ball that struck Mike, could also use our prayers. The following is from Tulsa Driller Chapel Leader Victor Cruz:

I am so sorry to inform you of the fatal accident that took place Sunday-July 22 during the baseball game between the Tulsa Drillers and the Arkansas Travelers.

Tulsa hitting coach Mike Coolbaugh was struck in the head by a foul ball hit by Tulsa Drillers Tino Sanchez. Mike was transported to Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock and at the time, he was not conscious. Coach Mike, never recovered from his injury. I was informed by Tulsa catcher Rick Guarno, who is one of our Baseball Chapel player reps, of all the events, as they happened.

I understand that Coach Mike Coolbaugh is survived by his wife, two sons and Mrs. Coolbaugh is also pregnant. I also understand that they reside in San Antonio, TX. Please lift up the Coolbaugh family to our Father in Heaven.

Tino Sanchez is not doing well in dealing with this. Please keep him, the entire team and staff in your prayers.

Note: For more on this tragic story please check out the following link. Thanks for your prayers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/minorlbb/news/story?id=2945798

Nashville Bound

Most people, especially those in the music industry, would like to be Nashville bound. Not many, if any, of the Milwaukee Brewers would enjoy this trip. Their AAA affiliate, the Nashville Sounds, play in Music City.

Yesterday my good friend Gabe Gross was optioned to Nashville from the Brewers. When I read the news in the "TRANSACTIONS" column (which is daily reading for me...being in a sports ministry), I was disappointed and a little angry. Gabe was not getting the playing time in Milwaukee that he deserves. At least in Nashville he'll get in a good groove and show the powers that be just how good an all-round player he really is. Am I biased? Yes! Do I have a reason to be? Yes! He is a good player. He was the Toronto Blue Jays # 1 draft pick several years ago.

Here's an update on Gabe's assignment to Nashville that appears on the Brewers' web site:

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers' pitching staff grew to 13 strong on Saturday, when reliever Chris Spurling was reinstated from the bereavement list and little-used outfielder Gabe Gross was optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
The team opted for an extra arm because Ben Sheets is on the disabled list with a finger injury and the team is in the middle of a stretch of 18 games in 17 days, including a doubleheader in St. Louis next weekend.
Gross had played only sparingly. He was hitting .202 in 55 games, but got only 18 at-bats in June and 17 at-bats in July.
"Hopefully I'll be able to go down and get some at-bats," said Gross, 27. "It's been two years since I've been able to play every day, so that's going to be nice. I'm looking forward to waking up every day knowing my name is going to be in the lineup."
The Triple-A Sounds are on the road, so Gross will travel to Nashville on Monday to join the team beginning Tuesday. He vowed to make it back to the big leagues.
"I have never been more confident in my ability to play every day," Gross said. "I feel like if you put me in the lineup on the first of April and take me out the first of October, that my numbers won't just be adequate, they'll be very good. I have to convince somebody to give me that opportunity."
Back on June 18, the Brewers faced a similar decision but opted to keep Gross over Tony Gwynn Jr., who was sent to Nashville to get at-bats. Gwynn had since returned to the Majors and was kept this time around, according to manager Ned Yost, partly because center fielder Bill Hall is on the disabled list and Gwynn is a true center fielder.
Hall said Saturday that he expects to be back in the lineup Wednesday in Cincinnati, at which time the Brewers will have to make another roster move. If they stick with 13 pitchers, Gwynn may have to go back to Nashville again.
"It's real important to us that Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn are swinging the bat, because we're going to need them in September," Yost said. "They can be a big part of our bench and can win ballgames off of our bench. They're both young players and it's difficult for young players to stay sharp not playing every day."

GO GET 'EM, GABE!

Looking Back

Now that I've turned 62 I'm realizing that I have crafted more baseball-related memories in the past than I will ever be able to make in my remaining years.

A year and a half after stepping away from my position with BASEBALL CHAPEL I find myself recalling literally hundreds of those memories...fondly. Yes, there's a book in the works but I have enough stories for a dozen volumes.

Often Carol and I will talk of the times that we were ministering together before we adopted the boys. We made many friends in the world of baseball...as a couple.

With all the talk in recent weeks about Barry Bonds' assault on Hank Aaron's home run record, I find myself thinking back to the time that Barry's dad Bobby Bonds was a friend of mine. Bobby passed away several years ago but we had many talks during his career. I can clearly remember the day in the visitors' clubhouse in Montreal when Bobby told me about Barry. He spoke as a loving and proud dad. Who ever would have thought that Barry would become such a prominent figure?

Now, as Barry approaches the record of 755 home runs, I find myself feeling old. Ancient!

I recall with fondness the night that Hank Aaron bested Babe Ruth's record of 714 homers. Hank had been my favorite ballplayer since I was a kid. How exciting to watch that 715th homer clear the fence!

The excitement won't be there when Barry hits his record-breaker! Sadly, the record will be tainted!

My fondest memory finds me kneeling in the kitchen with my mom when I was only 6 years old. That morning I welcomed Jesus Christ into my life and became a born-again Christian. Nothing can taint that memory! It's forever etched in my mind and I'll always be grateful for a godly mother who showed me the Way!

Well friends, I could go on and on but...there are so many other stories to be told and so little time to tell them.

Ask me about Tim Foli sometime...

"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread." - Psalm 37:25 (ESV)

Dean McAmmond

Of course not all of our Pilgrim Scribblings readers are Ottawa Senators fans but please pray for Dean McAmmond. Dean is a fellow Christian who loves the Lord and honors Him. He was elbowed by Anaheim Duck Chris Pronger in Game 3 and is questionable for tonight's Game 4 in Ottawa. Pronger was suspended for tonight's game.

I've met Dean and he is a great guy! I love the way he plays the game and we'll miss him tonight if he's not ready to compete. Thanks for praying for Dean...not only that he will recover quickly and completely but that his testimony for the Lord would be strong and steady.

THANK YOU!

Dean is pictured here being helped off the ice by his teammates after the hit from Pronger.

Little Fish Rattles the Sabres

Sens Take Opener 5-2

The Ottawa Senators, led by Mike Fisher, put a beating on the Buffalo Sabres tonight in the first game of the Eastern Conference finals. Fisher's shorthanded goal almost five minutes into the game set the pace and his tireless play throughout the game caught the attention of Don Cherry...again. Cherry's post-game comments were filled with praise for the Peterborough native!

Back home in Cavan, Ontario, Mike's uncle David (Big Fish) was cheering in his usual, laid-back, quiet manner!

GO SENS GO!

Mike Fisher

My Pilgrim Scribblings readers know where I stand when it comes to Mike Fisher, my nephew. I've made no bones about the fact that I'm proud of him, I respect him and I think he's a talented, gritty player. A disputed non-call in the Monday night game against the New Jersey Devils caused some to question Little Fish's integrity. Not me! Check out the following link:

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2007/05/02/4146655-sun.html

Today Mike really got front page coverage in the Ottawa Sun (see picture).

The Senators took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series tonight by defeating the Devils 3-2 with Mike scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.

Here's an article that appeared in today's Ottawa Sun concerning Mike:

Pulling off his helmet as he enters the Ottawa Senators locker room, Mike Fisher keeps his head low as he walks past a throng of reporters, cameramen and photographers.

He smooths over his drenched brown hair, pulls on a black ball cap and puts on his game face in front of a phalanx of cameras, notepads and spotlights.

"Yeah, it's a slow day," says the 26-year-old forward with a rueful chuckle.

It's the morning after Game 3 of the Senators second-round matchup against the New Jersey Devils and the buzz is all about Fisher's well-timed bump of Devils goalie Martin Brodeur just seconds before Tom Preissing's goal in the early minutes of the third period.

Beads of sweat drip from Fisher's scruffy playoff beard as he tells reporters that the knock was unintentional, that he doesn't play dirty, that he tries to play by the rules.

In a nearby equipment room, Fisher's stick hangs on a rack, with the words Romans 12:12 scribbled along the side. It's a prayer Fisher says every time he steps out on the ice.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble and always be prayerful.
'GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY'

"It's just a reminder. Sometimes, you go on ups and downs and just to be happy for what God has given you and try to give God all the glory," says Fisher as he rests on a locker room bench after the morning skate.

Today, the spotlight's on his derring-do foray into a goal crease and tomorrow, the focus may be a questionable hit or his dearth of playoff goals.

Either way, the Peterborough native sees his play on and off the ice through the prism of a committed and deep Christian faith.

"I just try to stay on an even keel and not get too high and not get too low as well and keep a good perspective on everything," says Fisher.

"Before games, I try to just give Him the game and try to give my best effort every night and He'll take care of the results, for sure," he says.

Fisher is one of a handful of Senators players who seek out the wisdom of the Bible to guide them in their careers and personal lives.

A few times a month, Fisher drops by a 20-minute non-denominational gathering led by Laurie Boschman, the original Senators captain who now runs the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario chapter of Hockey Ministries International.

The Christian charity, which has links with about 200 North American junior and pro hockey teams, runs chapel programs for players in 10 of the NHL's 30 teams.

"It's all player-driven," says Boschman, adding "it would surprise you the number of players who are interested."

Boschman guards details of who and how many Senators players attend the chapel, saying players' participation depends on the program's privacy.

There are some regulars and others drop by just to "check it out," says Boschman.

"As former hockey players, we understand some the pressures these guys are under and the challenges they face," he says, adding he's there to "walk with them."

A pro athlete's life is a charmed one, but some questions about life, death and relationships remain the same for the superstar player and the fan in the stands.

"It's about what the Bible has to say about those areas and how we can apply it to our own lives," says Boschman, who says there's growing acceptance among pro teams for spiritual guidance.

In the U.S., few bat an eye if a pro baseball, football or basketball player talks about God publicly.

Boschman says religion is part of the pro sports landscape thanks to a feeder system in U.S. colleges where chaplains are just another member of the support team for young athletes.
When athletes go pro, it's a seamless progression and there's no stigma about professing their beliefs publicly, he says.

Boschman says it's taken time for religious support groups like HMI to gain the trust of NHL teams.

"Once they become familiar with us and there's a trust that develops, they understand there's nothing spooky about who we are and what we do," says Boschman, who attended his first hockey chapel in 1980 when he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

MORE DEDICATED PLAYER

While he says finding God helped him become "a more dedicated athlete and committed hockey player," Leafs owner Harold Ballard belittled Boschman's born-again Christian faith, blaming his beliefs for making him a soft player.

"I didn't have any problem with the fact you could play aggressive, physical and tough and be a Christian," says Boschman, adding that there are "still some preconceived notions about what a Christian hockey player looks like."

Fisher, with his rugged looks and easy smile, has become an NHL poster boy for how good guys can play tough and keep their eye on a prize beyond the Stanley Cup.

Raised in a Christian home, he cites his parents as key role models who kept him grounded during his years playing with the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL.

In his nine years with the Senators, Fisher formed a kinship with Roger Neilson, the beloved assistant coach who died of cancer in June 2003.

"He was a good role model for me and well respected in the game and a guy who obviously loved God but loved to have a good time and had a good sense of humour," says Fisher.

"The way he battled cancer and fought and was at peace with whatever God had for him was amazing," says Fisher, who regularly attends Kanata Wesleyan Church.

In the summer, Fisher is one of many NHLers who help out at HMI's camps for young players.
"Kids want to know what God has done in your life and I try to share with the impact and the importance that having a faith is to me," says Fisher, who devotes some time every day reading the Bible or in prayer.

A few years ago, a series of injuries sidelined Fisher, prompting him to question his future and take solace in his faith.

"I really doubted whether I could become the player I could be," he recalls. "Just having a faith in Christ and knowing that he has a certain plan for me and just giving it all over to Him, that's when I kind of relaxed."

"Now, I don't take the game for granted at all because I appreciate being healthy and being able to play. It's kind of a gift," says Fisher.

"God kind of gives you the patience to deal with those types of things."

Note: See why I like Mike?

Another note: Pilgrim Scribblings reader Lauren-Mary was at tonight's game in her ice-level seats cheering on Mike Fisher and the Senators. She received the tickets as a graduation gift. Check out her blog at: http://www.followingjeremiah2911.blogspot.com for details. CONGRATULATIONS, my friend!

GO FISH!

This morning's Ottawa Sun cover got me all excited and then I realized it was refering to my nephew, Mike Fisher, and not me. We're both "Fish" but when we're together Mike is LITTLE FISH and his uncle is BIG FISH.

Last night Mike passed his previous record for points in a season when he scored 2 goals and picked up a helper in the Senators' 5-2 win over the Canadiens. Mike now has 22 goals (tying last year's career high of 22) and 25 assists for 47 points. Last year Mike had 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 68 games. This season he has amassed 47 points in 64 games with an opportunity to add to that total in the final four (4) games.

Do I sound like a proud uncle? Good! I am! I'll get to see Mike play in Ottawa against Jordan Staal and the red-hot Penguins next Thursday.

There'll be mixed emotions in that game but "blood is stronger than water" they say.

Bud Has Great Weekend

My nephew Bud Fisher had a great weekend as the Quinnipiac Bobcats won both games and will play in the ECACHL tournament semi-finals this weekend. CONGRATULATIONS, Bud!

The following story appeared on the Quinnipiac web site:

Quinnipiac University sophomore goaltender Bud Fisher (Peterborough, Ont.) was named ECAC Hockey League Co-Goalie of the Week on Monday afternoon. Fisher stopped 42 of 44 shots over the weekend to lift his club to the ECACHL tournament semifinals for the first time in program history with a sweep of Cornell.

Fisher opened the weekend by notching his third shutout of the year and fifth career blanking in a 1-0 overtime triumph. In all, he turned away 23 shots in that contest.

The next night, he bounced back from a tough first period to stop 19 of 21 shots in a 3-2 win over the Big Red. Most importantly, Fisher stopped all seven Cornell shots in the third period, including a late flurry with the Bobcats protecting a one-goal lead.

The Bobcats now move on to the ECAC Hockey League tournament semifinals, where they will face St. Lawrence on Friday night at the Times Union Center in Albany. The two teams will face off at 4:30 p.m. The winner of that game will advance to Saturday's championship game at 8 p.m. The loser will play in the consolation contest at 4:30 p.m.

Holy Land Boy Makes NHL Debut

Last night (Friday, March 9th) Ennismore, Ontario native (Peterborough area residents affectionately call Ennismore the "Holy Land") and former Peterborough Pete and Lindsay Muskie, Bryan Young made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers. CONGRATULATIONS, Bryan! "Younger" was one of the most faithful attendees at our MONDAY WE HAVE FISH sessions during his years with the Petes.

We're proud of you, Bryan! All the best!

Breaking the Bread of Life

What a joy to take the Word of God and share it with the Peterborough Petes. This photo was taken at our most recent MONDAY WE HAVE FISH. 23 players attended. Thanks for your prayers!

Zachs and Justins

Too rushed to reduce the red-eye. Thought I'd introduce you to two Zachs and two Justins before I fly away to England. From top to bottom...Zach Harnden, Justin Caruana, Zach Bogosian & Justin Soryal. We all had a great time tonight at MONDAY WE HAVE FISH!

Monday We Had "Real" Fish

Tonight (Monday, February 26th) we had our twice-monthly chapel service with the Peterborough Petes. What an incredible evening! We had the best fish & chips in town from Captain George's. Every player on the team was there with the exception of one guy who came to me earlier and explained why he couldn't make it.

After a great meal we gathered around the fireplace in the Alumni Room at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and I shared a few verses from Proverbs chapter 3.

After viewing a short DVD on what it means to have a "relationship with Jesus Christ" I prayed with the guys and they were on their way.

Each time we meet I sense the Spirit of God moving in wonderful ways and I praise God for the incredible opportunity He has given me to shape the lives of these young, impressionable men. Thanks for your ongoing prayer support for this ministry.

Note: I tried to add more pictures to this post but couldn't. I'll try again.

Capital Gains

Wow! I spent the last two days in our nation's capital, Ottawa. On Friday I conducted a chapel service for the Ottawa Senators and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the players. Following the service my friend David Kennedy and I were treated to lunch by my nephew Mike Fisher at our favorite Ottawa eating establishment, Baton Rouge. Their ribs are incredible!

This afternoon (Saturday) we watched the Sens beat the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 5-3 with Mike playing a strong game and scoring an empty net goal to put the game out of reach. We enjoyed the game from the Senators' private box courtesy of the Sens' President, Roy Mlakar. Roy has become a good friend over the last few years.

I commented to David during the game, "I'm almost feeling guilty that "ministry" can be this much fun." Seriously...it was a joy to be in Ottawa and to serve the Lord through the outreach provided to the hockey world through Hockey Ministries International.

God is good!

Epistle Sports...Reminiscing

It's hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I resigned from BASEBALL CHAPEL after serving as the Toronto Blue Jays chapel leader for 29 seasons. Memories abound! I've captured many of those happy moments on camera over the years. Over the last few days I've been rummaging through some old photos and found these. Interesting...

From top to bottom:

• The good ol' days of Carter, Fisher and Alomar
• Big Fish with a big fish. Actually Blue Jays' radio broadcaster, Jerry Howarth, caught it. I just got to hold it.
• Toronto Blue Jays' minor league Baseball Chapel leaders at a get-together in Toronto at the ball park. Front row, left to right - Terry Hoke - Hagerstown Suns, Jeff Raub - Syracuse Chiefs, Vince Contessa - Knoxville Smokies. Back row, left to right - Jack Scruton - St. Catharines Stompers, David Fisher - Toronto Blue Jays, John Fitts - Dunedin Blue Jays
• John Olerud signing an autograph for a young man during a hospital visit
• Pete & Barb Metzelaars (Buffalo Bills) and their sons. Pete spoke at a Blue Jay chapel service that day.
• Honoring Detroit Tigers radio broadcaster, Ernie Harwell, just before his retirement.

Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to touch many lives over those 29 years of baseball ministry. I'm a blessed man and God gave me many lifelong friends.

32 Years of Ministry to Athletes

Please keep EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES in your prayers.

We are into our 32nd season of ministry to professional and amateur athletes and we are trusting God to do great things this year.

We depend on the prayers and financial support of the Lord's people.

Last night we had 21 of the Peterborough Petes in attendance at our bi-weekly MONDAY WE HAVE FISH Bible studies.

Thanks again, dear friends!

"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." - Colossians 3:28 (NIV)

Stewardship Opportunity

Side #1 - THANK YOU!

They say there are two sides to every story and that’s usually true. There are also two (2) sides to this insert. Side #1 deals with something I enjoy talking & writing about…YOU…the “team” of prayer partners and donors that God has so graciously assembled. I know that it’s the Lord’s doing because of the diversity of people that have become involved in supporting this ministry in one way or another. As I filled out today’s bank deposit I was made aware of this again. Gifts from a Toronto Blue Jays security man, a lady I met back in the 70’s in my Christian bookstore, a couple I met years later when speaking at a church in another city, a baseball executive and a judge. They have all become a part of the EPISTLE team and we’re so grateful for your manyprayers and for your generous stewardship. When I scan our mailing list I see names of ballplayers I met back in the late 70’s when the Toronto Blue Jays were just getting started. There’s quite a diverse collection of names and addresses and each one has contributed to the ongoing success of EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES. Names of several former Peterborough Petes are included. As we approach the end of another year we have so much to be grateful for. God has given us such an incredible team of friends and partners! THANK YOU is all I can say to each one of you who has stood with us and helped us make a difference in the lives of athletes. May the Lord bless you and make His presence known to you this Christmas season. He is worthy of our praise and adoration! Please read Side #2 for the “rest of the story”. Thanks for being on the “team”!

Side #2 – THE REST OF THE STORY!

2006 has been such an incredible year in many ways. We have been sustained by the Lord Himself in the midst of many trials and frustrating circumstances. Health concerns, situations with our two special needs sons, several difficult transitions and the ever-present issue of financial support have been on our hearts throughout the year. God has proven time and time again that He is faithful. “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” (Psalm 138:8) For over thirty (30) years the Lord has provided for EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES in miraculous ways. My concern is that our regular, monthly donor list is so small that our faith is stretched each month as we trust God to provide ‘’the difference” in His own wonderful way. Perhaps this is faith-building but it’s also very stress-producing as well. For all these years I have maintained that “God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” In times past we would be forced to build up credit card debt and then pay it off as the donations came in. As we approach the end of another fiscal year, we need an additional $35,000.00 to balance our books and cover our deficit. This can seem insurmountable but in the past God has met our needs in ways that we don’t expect or even understand. We have received individual gifts in the past that would wipe out this amount. Please join us in praying that this need would be met by the end of the year and that we would be able to launch into a new season of ministry in a strong, financial position. Thank you so much for hearing me out as I’ve related “the rest of the story”. We are trusting God for a miracle and we know that “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” – Eph. 3:20 - David

December 2006 Newsletter

CHRISTMAS LETTER - 2006

Dear Friends:

Can you believe it? We’re in the middle of the Christmas season and in a few days we’ll be into another new year…2007. It seems like just yesterday that we were lamenting the return of the kids to school in September and almost four months have passed since then.

It’s been a hectic time for the Fisher family. Our sons Matthew (11) and Nathan (10) started at a new school, Rhema Christian School, and our granddaughter Victoria (14) is in her first year of High School. It’s been quite a transition for all of us.

During the fall I had another bout with cellulitis in my face which put me on the shelf for a week. Several weeks later it appeared like the cellululitis had returned. Another week-long dose of antibiotics was prescribed as a preventative measure and we were grateful to learn that the condition hadn’t returned.

I spent a couple of nights in the Sleep Clinic at our local hospital and discovered that I do, in fact, have sleep apnea. For the last three weeks I’ve been using a CPAP machine each night. It’s still too early to see if I’m benefiting from “being plugged in” every night.

Our work with the Peterborough Petes continues to be very encouraging. After our trip to the Memorial Cup last May, we are in a rebuilding mode this season with a lot of rookies on the team. Building relationships with these young men has been so rewarding! They are so attentive and anxious to learn about the Christian life.

Transitioning away from our Baseball Chapel responsibilities with the Toronto Blue Jays was difficult but our relationship with the General Manager, J.P Ricciardi, and the Manager, John Gibbons, grew even stronger. Friendships with some Blue Jay players and visiting players were maintained and new friendships were formed as well during my mid-week visits to the ballpark. I sure missed those Sunday chapel services though! The preparation and presentation of messages was such a blessing!

The Lord continues to give us strength as we face the daily challenges of raising two adopted boys with special needs. Sometimes we’re ready to pull our hair out but we continue to see progress as these guys get older. We often say that bringing up these wonderful boys will either “keep us young or kill us”…one of the other. We love these guys dearly and Carol advocates for them in ways that continue to amaze me.

Thanks for your ongoing interest in the Epistle ministry. Your love, interest, prayers and financial support have been appreciated so very much! Thanks for being part of the “team”! Without you we couldn’t continue! We know that!

We pray that you will be able to celebrate Christ’s incarnation and lowly birth in a meaningful way with family and friends. “O come let us adore Him…Christ, the Lord!”

Lots of love, David, Carol & family

P.S. Not your typical feel-good, everything’s rosy, kind of Christmas letter, eh! GOD IS GOOD THOUGH AND WE HAVE MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR!

THERE WAS NO SONG…

The following song/poem was birthed in my spirit two Christmases ago as I thought of the "songs in the night" that the Lord so graciously gives me. That night, when I awoke, there was no song, and that prompted my subsequent reflections. I'm so grateful for the words of the blind hymnwriter of a bygone day, Fanny Crosby, who penned these marvelous words: "I know I shall see in His beauty, The King in whose law in delight. Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps, and giveth me songs in the night."

There was no song In David’s town that evening; Where God incarnate Graced a rustic stall. Tired and taxed they came For Caesar’s census; So unaware that roy’lty Would call.

Then angels told The shepherds of His coming; They came to see Emmanuel, God’s Son. That dark, cold night Welcomed Christ the Savior; And glory reigned Before the night was done.

He came to bring Salvation and forgiveness; For which the world Had waited for so long. The Christ of God The hope of all the ages; Brought peace on earth And birthed a brand new song.

And now by faith In Christ the King of Glory; We are assured one day In heav’n a place. ‘Til then we’ll journey On our way rejoicing; And some day soon We’ll see Him face to face.

The trials endured As pilgrims heading homeward; Are temporary And will not last too long. So hand in hand We’ll cross the final valley; Eyes fixed on “home” We sing redemption’s song.

David W. Fisher – Dec. 2004

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS…2006 (in no particular order)

- Working with the Peterborough Petes during their OHL Championship season and going to the Memorial Cup with them in Moncton, NB
- Being presented with the Petes’ OHL Championship ring by their General Manager, Jeff Twohey
- The relationships with J.P. Ricciardi and John Gibbons of the Toronto Blue Jays
- My ongoing relationship with Gabe & Kelly Gross who were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers last year
- Becoming good friends with my BASEBALL CHAPEL successor, Nigel Wheeler
- The mentoring/encouraging friendship that David Shantz, the Peterborough Petes goaltender and I enjoyed last season
- Watching both Mike and Bud Fisher excel in their game…hockey…Mike with the Ottawa Senators and Bud with the Quinnipiac University Bobcats
- Moving into our new office in Peterborough and working closing with my two friends/colleagues who share office space in the same building, Mark Hines & David Kennedy
- Enjoying and strengthening my friendship with former Peterborough Pete, Steve Montador
- Being encouraged often during the season by Mike Sweeney of the Kansas City Royals
- Conducting a chapel service for the Otttawa Senators and building on my friendship with the Senators’ President, Roy Mlakar
- Being encouraged by the work of fellow Hockey Ministries International colleague Jamie Ramer as he, with the Lord’s enabling, was successful in seeing a number of new chapel programs started in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
- The encouragement received from the Commissioner of the OHL, David Branch who has become a good friend
- The ongoing friendships with BASEBALL CHAPEL leaders in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system
- Speaking at the Chaplains’ Roundtable in Lansing, MI again this year
- Spending a day with John & Kelly Olerud and their son Garrett when they were in Toronto earlier this season

INTERNET MINISTRY…

It has been a rewarding year as we continue to develop our internet presence through our two (2) blogs, PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS and the Barnabas Blog. The response from our readers has been very encouraging! Check out our sites at:

http://www.pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com

http://www.acts436.blogspot./com

"...that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4b (ESV)

EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES
294 Rink Street – Suite 101
Peterborough, ON K9J 2K2
Phone (705) 743-7650 ext. 2
dwfisher@nexicom.net
http://www.epistlesports.blogspot.com http://www.dwfisher.blogspot.com

Friends of Epistle Sports Ministries

Some of our Epistle Sports Ministries friends:

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