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Brad Hagkull is a 37 year-old father of two and his youngest son, Benjamin is seven. Benjamin was born with Spina Bifida and gets around in a wheelchair. Two years ago, their family watched an inspirational story where the Hoyts - a father and his handicapped son - participated in the Hawaiian IRONMAN triathlon competition together (2.5 mile swim, 125 mile bike and a full marathon!) and Benjamin announced, "Daddy, I want to do that".
After several months of training, Brad and Benjamin competed in their first event - the Chill Out Duathalon in May, 2004. They completed their first triathalon that August in Harrison, British Columbia - a much shorter version of the IRONMAN. Both have caught the "tri-bug" and are now entering their third season.
As a youngster, I was active in soccer, softball, 4-H and in my high school years I was involved with Student Council. I worked in the produce department of a grocery store which helped support me through college and University.
I made a commitment to follow Jesus when I was 12 and stayed behind after Sunday School and prayed with my Teacher. At the time, I didn't really feel any different, but as I look back, my attitudes toward others (especially those that were very different than me) changed since becoming a Christian. It seemed that I was less focused on myself and God was beginning to do an amazing work through me.
It was while I was at Simon Fraser University that I became involved with Athletes in Action (AIA) a Christian organization that worked with student athletes like me.
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I was a walk-on place-kicker on SFU's Football Team during the 1990 and 1991 seasons. It was when I was on a ministry trip to Moscow with AIA that I sensed the Lord urging me to consider full-time ministry. That was 14 years ago. Since that time I have been part of the Pastoral Team at Broadway church in Chilliwack, B.C. which was also my home church growing up.
I have been married to Sheryl (she sat in front of me in a Fraser Valley College class) for 11 years and we have 2 wonderfully behaved boys - Caleb (8) and Benjamin (6).
Both of our boys have physical disabilities and our family is very familiar with the route to B.C.m Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
I am the assistant coach on Caleb's soccer and softball teams and he loves to play a variety of sports! Benjamin and I started doing triathlons together last year and it has been great to be involved with both boys in their athletic lives. Sheryl is the real runner in the family and is preparing to do a half-marathon in San Fransisco in the fall of 2005. You can read more about our athletic pursuits on our family's website -- http://www.teamhagkull.com
Our family has experienced God's blessings in very tangible ways and we love where we are in Chilliwack. As the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries, I'm modeling my life after some verses of Scripture found in Psalm 71: 17&18 "Since my youth O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, Do not forsake me O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."
December 21/2007
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When I was editor of The Chilliwack Progress, lo those many years ago, my wife, Edna, was a teacher at Central School, where Brad's father, Bob, was principal.
It has been encouraging to follow the spiritual pilgrimage of the Hakgull family, as well as that of Gary Simpson, the senior pastor at Broadway Church.
We knew Gary's grandfather, W.G.R.(Bill) Simpson who was the mayor of Chilliwhack township, then the rural township surrounding the city of Chilliwack. (Close readers will note the difference in spelling. When they amalgamated city and township, the more irreverent of the residents suggested that they "knocked the 'h' out of Chilliwhack".
We would like to wish God's best in the New Year to the Hakgulls, the Simpsons and the other people in Chilliwack who might remember us.
And our prayers are with Brad, Cheryl, Caleb and Benjamin, with the special health challenges they face -- and are overcoming by His grace.
Lloyd and Edna Mackey
Ottawa, ON