I am writing you this at the bedside of a very sick little baby girl, Cate, with a broken heart. I write here in Omaha, Neb., at the Children’s Hospital.

I have served you faithfully for 19 years as a youth pastor, coach, senior pastor, sheriff’s chaplain, and just as a fellow Whidbey Islander. My granddaughter Cathryn, (an 8-month-old twin) has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, called neuroblastoma. She is fighting for her life and doing a remarkable job. Cate is the daughter of Kurt Karjalainen, an OHHS 1997 graduate. As a Finn, little Cate possesses “Sisu,” meaning: a determined will which cannot be defied. And … I love her.

I’m asking for your prayers and your good thoughts. I have never asked for anything but just to be allowed to serve you, but however now must ask on behalf of Cate and her loving parents, would you please consider giving a tiny bit to help defray their enormous medical costs. Five dollars would go a long way. Please contact Deidre Davison at Whidbey Island Bank for details or send a check to Coupeville Community Bible Church in c/o “Cate fund.” I have no one else to ask but you whom we have loved and have loved serving. I am sorry to even to have to ask in this way.

May God bless you and keep you, and may He make His face to shine upon you, and may you be found forever in the shadow of His wings. We are trusting Him in this storm. Hug your children for those of us who cannot right now.

Pastor Rick and Debi Karjalainen

Coupeville Community Bible Churc