The High Calling of God

“The reality of exorbitant salaries, high class lifestyles and worldly ideologies does not negate or reduce God’s passionate quest to reach the professional athlete for Himself. If God has irrevocably called us to minister to this people group, we must not forsake His mandate regardless of their elevated position in life. They need to experience God’s redemptive grace no less than the homeless child in a far-off land. We must tell them of the Father’s amazing love as revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ.” – David W. Fisher/Founder/Epistle Sports Ministries

Honouring Mickey Renaud

Last night the Windsor Spitfires hockey team paid tribute to their captain Mickey Renaud who died suddenly two weeks ago.

Renaud, drafted by the Calgary Flames, collapsed and died at his home. The cause of death is still being investigated.

Before last night's game each Windsor Spitfire player came onto the ice wearing a replica of Renaud's #18 jersey with the captain's "C" emblazoned on the front.

It was an emotional prelude to the Spitfire's first game since this tragic death.

This morning Ben Davey, one of the Breakfast Club co-hosts on Life 100.3, commented on last night's tribute. He suggested that Renaud's parents must have looked on with mixed emotions as Mickey's teammates came onto the ice decked out like him. In effect the Renauds had 20 plus sons out there.

Similarly, Davey commented, God must look down on His children and see many reflections of His Son Jesus Christ. How are we reflecting the One whom we claim to serve? Are we decked out like Him or would it be difficult for others to recognize our allegiance?

We mourn the loss of a talented hockey player and pray for his family as they grieve this terrible loss. Last night's tribute was one hockey team's effective method of honouring one of their own.

David, the Letter Man

Carol picked up this book (pictured) at a thrift store recently. The title caught my attention. FAMOUS LETTERS, Messages and Thoughts That Shaped Our World.

Being involved in a letter-writing ministry I thought of the thousands of letters I have written and wondered if any of them would be considered "famous". Hopefully some of them have "shaped" the world of the athletes to whom they were written.

Our ministry, EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES, has sought to "Encounter Professionals In Sports Through Letters of Encouragement" for over 30 years.

The apostle Paul's letters (epistles) to the early church certainly shaped and impacted the believers in the first century. They were so significant (breathed by the Holy Spirit) that they have been preserved until today. They continue to instruct us in the way we should live. I praise God that "holy men of God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (1 Peter 1:21)

We can have such a positive impact on others when we write letters of encouragement. How often has a struggling pilgrim been uplifted and challenged to "carry on" by a timely word written by another pilgrim!

Why not drop a letter in the mail today. Encourage a fellow believer. It may not be a "famous letter" in the eyes of the world but in God's economy and in the eyes of the recipient it might be historically life-changing.

WRITE TODAY!

Scattered Scribblings

As a veteran of over 30 years in sports ministry I've been strangely silent on the steroids situation (notice the 4 s's?) Friends who I've met have been implicated. Time (or maybe just eternity) will reveal the truth, the facts.

Here are some scattered scribblings concerning sports:

My interactions with Roger Clemens (pictured) over the years were always positive. I may be proven wrong but I believe him when he says he wasn't injected with HGH (human growth hormones). I'm praying for you, Roger!

The bloody incident in Buffalo involving Richard Zednik was scary. Thank You, Father, for sparing this hockey player. May his recovery be quick and complete.

The Senators' trade with the Hurricanes was a good one in my estimation - at least for this season. Cory Stillman is a native of Peterborough (like me) and will add some secondary scoring to the Sens' lineup.

My friend Mike Sweeney has signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. It sure will seem strange not seeing him when the Kansas City Royals come to Toronto. I wish you God's best, Mike!

It's good to see Jordan Staal putting the puck in the net more often. I knew he would come around.

Remember the Patriots? They finally lost a game...the Big One.

If you listen closely you'll soon be able to hear the crack of the bat in Florida and Arizona.

It's exciting watching Zach Bogosian of the Peterborough Petes as he hones his skills awaiting the NHL draft in June. This could very well be his last season here. It's bittersweet to see a fine, young man in his teens go off to the NHL.

Does anyone not think Mike Fisher is the consumate pro?

I'm one of a handful of fans who like Andrew Raycroft! Give the guy a break!

Keep your eye on David Booth of the Florida Panthers. He's a keeper! A fine Christian too!

I might be biased but Bud Fisher is one of the finest young athletes (and men) you will ever meet. Check out the Quinnipiac Bobcats link on the Pilgrim Scribblings blog.

That's all for now, folks!

Questions For Fish

Tonight we had our twice-monthly chapel service called MONDAY WE HAVE FISH with the Peterborough Petes. What a night! We didn't even get to the questions on the handout I had prepared. The guys, led by captain John Armstrong (pictured) had more serious issues that they wanted to discuss.

How can we know that the Bible is true?

Why have there been so many wars over religion?

If there is only one true religion are all the rest wrong?

What happens when you die?

Great questions that taxed me and yet thrilled me at the same time. Many of the players had other commitments tonight so we only had 13 players present but it was one of the most thought-provoking evenings we've ever had.

I praise God for the opportunity He has opened up for me over the last 12 years to pour truth into the lives of these young men 16-20 years of age.

Thanks for your prayers!

Bud Blanks Yale

I took the following info off the Yale University Athletics web site after Bud Fisher did a number on Yale tonight.

Here's their news brief:

Puck Bounces In Favor of Cats

Yale Falls 3-0 to No. 16 Quinnipiac

Jan. 12, 2008

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Three different players scored goals and Bud Fisher stopped all 16 shots as the No. 16 Quinnipiac men's hockey team handed Yale a 3-0 loss before 3,486 at Ingalls Rink in ECAC action.

Another Bogosian

Zach Bogosian, sophomore defenceman with the Peterborough Petes, isn't the only Bogosian being recognized recently. Zach has been ranked 3rd overall by NHL Scouting in advance of the upcoming NHL draft in June. His older brother Aaron is a freshman at St. Lawrence University and was name ECAC Rookie of the Week last week.

BOGOSIAN EARNS 2ND ECAC ROOKIE HONOR

Jan. 7: St. Lawrence University freshman center Aaron Bogosian has been selected as ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week for the second time this season after helping the Saints to a 6-5 upset of 7 th-ranked New Hampshire on Sunday.

Bogosian had a goal and set up the game-tying goal as the Saints came from down 5-3 in the third period to win with three goals in the last 7:06 of regulation. The Saint rookie from Massena, who played junior hockey at Cedar Rapids last season, has scored a goal in each of his last three games and has scored six of his eight points on the season in his last three starts.

Bogosian, who has played in all 19 games thus far for the Saints, was also named Rookie of the Week after a Saint split at Ohio State in early December.

Bud Does It Again

My nephew, Bud Fisher, has made me proud again. The following post appeared on the Quinnipiac Bobcats website this week:

Bud Fisher Named ECAC Hockey Goaltender Of The Week
Written by: QuinnipiacBobcats.com

Release: 01/02/2008

Quinnipiac junior Bud Fisher (Peterborough, Ont.) has been named the ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Week, as announced by the league office on Jan. 2, 2008. The award is Fisher’s third of his career.

This past weekend, at the 2007 Sheraton/TD Banknorth Catamount Cup, Fisher took home Most Valuable Player honors after Quinnipiac won the cup with back-to-back wins over Western Michigan, 2-1, and Vermont, 5-1. Fisher, who allowed just one goal to each team, had 18 saves against Western Michigan while registering 19 against Vermont in the championship on the Catamounts’ home ice.

For the year, Fisher has allowed 16 goals in 481:24 minutes over eight games for a 1.99 goals-against-average. With 180 saves on 196 shots-on-goal, Fisher also boasts a .918 save percentage. Fisher currently ranks 12th nationally in GAA and 26th in save percentage.

With The Petes In Saginaw

I'm here in Saginaw, Michigan on a road trip with the Peterborough Petes. This afternoon we had a chapel service in my room. With only three chairs in the room, we had to improvise. In other words, I had to share my bed with 9 other guys.

We had 18 players, two trainers and myself in the room as I challenged them concerning the lives they are writing each day. The handout was entitled "We're Writing Our Story Each Day Of Our Lives...Write Well."

Last night we were in Windsor and tomorrow (Sunday) we're in Sarnia. Tonight the guys snapped their losing streak with a well-deserved win over Saginaw.

Bud Shuts 'Em Down

I'm so proud of my nephew Bud Fisher! He led the Quinnipiac Bobcats to a 4-0 victory over Princeton on Saturday night earning the shutout!

He had been out of action for awhile with a banged up finger but he was shutting 'em down Saturday night!

CONGRATULATIONS, Bud! We love you a lot!

Fisher: Big Hits, Bigger Heart

The following story appears on the Ottawa Senators home page today:

Rob Brodie Ottawa Senators

Nov 7, 2007, 11:03 AM EST

Upon first glance, he’s perhaps the grittiest of players the Ottawa Senators send out onto the ice each night.

But the heart and soul makeup that defines Mike Fisher doesn’t begin and end with hockey. Not when you’re a guy who never forgets to count his blessings every day.

“A lot of it is my God-given abilities,” Fisher said when asked what drives him to excel on the ice. “We’re all given different things, and I think one of them is the determination I have. I don’t take my health for granted, and try to give it everything I have when I can.”

That drive turned Fisher, a “mostly offensive player” in junior hockey, into one of the Senators’ hardest hitting forwards.

“It’s a fun part of the game,” said Fisher. “I feel like if I’m playing physical, then usually I’m into the game and at my best and can make plays, too.”

Senators fans, who’ve voted him their favourite team player in ottawasenators.com polls the past two seasons, surely appreciate Fisher’s hard-nosed style.

“I guess I try to leave everything on the ice, and fans just appreciate effort and hard-working guys,” said Fisher, who’s clearly humbled by the fans’ support.

Fisher, a devout Christian, applies the same approach to life outside the rink. He’s often one of the first in line to help out someone in need.

“It’s rewarding and having a faith in God, too, for me it puts a perspective on things that are important, like trying to help others,” he said. “I feel blessed to be in the position I’m at, and I just want to help out if I can and try to give back.

“A lot of guys on the team are great that way. We’re all in a unique position, and it’s an honour to be able to help out.”

Senators Win...Again

Mike Fisher and his Ottawa Senators did the expected again last night...they defeated their rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-1 in the ongoing Battle of Ontario.

Give the Leafs a powerplay and you can almost count on Ottawa netting a short-handed goal. It happened again last night.

Crying towels anyone?

On a more serious note, why not pick up the latest issue of Sports Spectrum magazine which features a story on Mike Fisher.

Clearing Another Hurdle

Yesterday I took a chance and tried to reach Colorado Rockies' manager Clint Hurdle by phone. My intention was to leave a message of encouragement so I waited until later in the afternoon when I knew he'd be at Fenway Park in Boston. To my surprise Clint picked up the phone and we had a wonderful visit hours before Game 1 of the World Series.

We prayed together before we hung up and it was so good to have that time together. Unfortunately the Rockies had grown rusty from a long layoff and they were pounded 13-1 by the Red Sox. It would be easy to think that my prayer accomplished nothing but I refuse to believe that lie. Clint remarked that our prayertime was the best gift he received all day.

Check out this link for an account of the hurdles that Clint has had to clear over his checkered career.

God bless you, Clint!

Fish In Sports Spectrum

The latest issue (November/December) of SPORTS SPECTRUM magazine has a feature on Mike Fisher (Bud's big brother), written by his uncle, David Fisher...me.

Check out a brief preview of the story at the following link:
http://www.sportsspectrum.com/articles/article4.html

Then...be sure to subscibe to this excellent publication!

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!