Hockey speaker scores with Omemee audience
Hockey Ministries International’s Brent Tremblay
OMEMEE — A pastor from Hockey Ministries International scored with the congregation of the Omemee Baptist Church when he appeared as a guest speaker Sunday.
Brent Tremblay shared his story of making his dream to play in the National Hockey League in 1979, but having it all end abruptly after only ten games due to an injured back.
He said a hospital therapist was a Christian and encouraged him to attend meetings.
“It’s been 32 years since I’ve been saved,” he told the congregation.
The crushing career setback became his catalyst to find a new path of faith. He spoke of the reality of life. “What happens when our dreams go south?”
“We all have dreams – what we can do for God, for others, to better our lives.”
He said that closed doors in life and failed plans are often beyond our understanding. “It may not be God’s plan. We may not be equipped physically, mentally or emotionally.”
“It’s ultimately God who opens or closes doors,” he said.
“Our most authentic blessings are never the result of our own work. They’re the result of God’s work.”
“It’s not me, me, me in Omemee. It’s Him, Him, Him,” he said to laughter.
He said “we live in a world of entitlement. Everyone thinks someone owes them.” But he reminded his listeners that “God owes us nothing. He gives us grace.”
Tremblay told people to relax and trust in God. “You will fail in many attempts and aspirations, but He will never fail in His work in your life. That’s the God that I serve.”
Tremblay grew up in North Bay and continues to live there with his wife and five children. He said in an interview he works as a contractor and has been preaching through Hockey Ministries International for the past six years.
NOTE: He spoke in Kingston the day before appearing in Omemee. He is available to speak at any congregation. He can be contacted at 705-4927523 or emailing brenttremblay@cogeco.ca . Lindsay Post