My Journey
I began singing as a young girl and have always loved gospel music. Even at an early age, I chose songs that touched a tender spot in my heart, and hoped the music would do the same for those who listened. When our first baby was born still in 1988, the music in me was silenced for some time. I found it difficult to sing songs of hope and peace when I was searching for that myself. As time passed, I began to find songs that soothed my aching heart, and through these kinds of songs... felt healing begin.
Thus began the focus of my music and the release of my first recording project, "I'll Meet You in the Morning"... on the 10th anniversary of the loss of our son, Kyle. I have had the unique privilege of sharing in the private pain of many families who have lost loved ones. I have dedicated my music to bringing comfort, hope and peace to those who know the sadness and confusion of loss.
It is my desire to reach as many people as possible through my music, as they pass through the valley of grief, hoping I can make a difference... remembering how I longed for comfort as I wandered through my own valley.
Along the journey, God has been faithful, answering our prayers for a family. We are the proud parents of three healthy and vivacious children, two, through adoption. Kayla is now twelve, Adam is ten, and Garrison is nine. God is good. Our children do look forward to meeting their brother Kyle one day soon... when Jesus comes... (they want to teach him how to ride a bike).
It is my prayer, that somehow my journey will touch the hearts of others, making them more equipped to reach the wounded, aching hearts of those who grieve.
I'll meet you in the morning...
Karen
"Landon
and Karen could
have attempted to forget..."
"They could have become bitter in their loneliness... but they did not and have chosen, instead, to keep the memory of their loss ever before them, as difficult as that may be, so they can share comfort with others.
Review Cover Story - May 1999
by Myrna Tetz
Managing Editor
Support for the Journey
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solution, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief or bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
Henri Nouwen, from "Out of Solitude"
Friendships Along the Journey
"The Lord is using Karen in such a special way, not only through her music, but also through her heart for people. She is a wonderful friend and an inspiration to all who know her."
George Younce
The Cathedral Quartet, Stow, Ohio USA
"During a serious and extended
illness, Karen's recordings of hope and peace carried me through many long
and lonely moments. Her musical ministry far outreaches its intended
purpose to anyone who has faced a trial or hardship."
"Thank you Karen for allowing God to turn your personal
tragedy into an outreach that truly speaks to grieving hearts."
Janelle Scott
British Columbia, Canada
"I love how Karen's music cuts to the chase for any age... speaking to the moment without the listener ever having to utter their pain. This realization was so simply understood when upon entering the room, our little boy, Chandler (age 4) approached me as I listened to Karen singing... and softly said as he rubbed my back... 'I know, Mommy, you're having a tough day!!'"
Kim Heathcote
Alberta, Canada
"After we lost our nineteen
year old son on Swissair Flight 111 we quite unexpectedly received your
CD "I'll Meet You in the Morning". We literally fed our grieving
hearts with your music of comfort and hope. All our emotional turmoil, hurt,
and questions seemed to be replaced with hope and quiet assurance as we
listened repeatedly to the words and music. Though we were total strangers
to you, God somehow helped you know the needs of our hearts. We have had
the opportunity to direct others to Jesus, the one source of hope in tragedy,
by sending copies of your CD to other sorrowing people. Thank you for caring
enough to reach out and touch a hurting family.
Your grateful friends,
David and Janet Wilkins
California, USA
bereaved parents of Monte
"I have been tremendously blessed by the music ministry of Karen Ritchey. Her soothing melodious voice has made it easy for the words of the songs on the CD, "I'll Meet You in the Morning", to strike a responsive chord in my heart. I have always found myself drawn closer to God as a result of Karen's ministry in song."
Orville Parchment
President, SDA Church Canada
"When you are in the middle
of your grief... you can't imagine that anyone could feel worse. I still
remember being given your CD by my friend Tony. I was fine. Mostly. Until
I saw Kyle's hand print. Even now it gets me. But not as profoundly..."
"Your ministry is not your music alone. You ministered
to Beth and I in two ways... What you gave Beth was comfort in the beautiful
music and also the words God lead you to put on your CD..."
"What you gave me was a safe place to express my frustrations,
anger, fears, and hopes through our friendship. Mere words are not enough to
express our gratitude to you and your family."
God Bless! Ralph, Beth, Emily & Carolyn
Plant
bereaved family of baby Lianna, born still,
summer of 1998, British Columbia, Canada
"Karen Ritchey's most relaxed style
in singing gospel music, has made it my pleasure to play her CD on my radio
program, (covering southern British Columbia and Northwest Washington).
Her singing style is sincere and warm, and one cannot help but sense the
Holy Spirit using her talent to win souls for Jesus Christ!"
"Please carry on Karen, and continue to use your God-given
talent to bless others. Music is the palatable way to present the gospel, and
my listeners call to say what enjoyment they receive in listening to you!!"
Warmest Christian Regards,
Wilf Ray, CKBD,
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
"I enjoy so much listening to Karen Ritchey's recording... to me she is a cross between Cynthia Clawson and Sheri Easter... if you enjoy them, you'll enjoy Karen Ritchey! I enjoy listening to her in my car as we drive to our concerts... I recommend this recording to anyone who appreciates good gospel music."
James Blackwood, Sr.
Memphis, Tennessee
"When I listen to Karen's testimony through music I know she is "connecting" -- both with me, and also with our Voice of Prophecy listeners whenever we have occasion to feature her testimony at our public presentations. She is transparent. Her experience is authentic. Genuine through and through. No frills and exaggerated hyperbole. Her personal story grips my heart--what a message! (And a superlative singer to boot!)"
Lonnie Melashenko
Director-Speaker
Voice of Prophecy, California
"One sentence just doesn't seem like enough space to let everyone know how helpful you and your music have been. I would write an essay to let everyone know. You have truly been wonderful. Thank you!!!!!!"
Jennifer Buterakos
bereaved Mommy of baby Tyler
Dec 5.98 - Jan 7.99, Michigan, USA
"This CD has become one of our favourites and most days Karen is singing in our kitchen... such meaningful words in each song, such comfort and hope... what a ministry she has... helping grieving parents and families, as well as trying to educate those who wish to help, but don't know how. God Bless you Karen!"
Gerry and Wilma Just
British Columbia, Canada
"It happened right after I heard you sing in person on that lovely trip to Red Deer. The next weekend as I drove to my speaking appointment in Pennsylvania, 2 hours away, I put on your CD. How I loved your songs of encouragement... especially, "Roses Will Bloom Again" "Serenaded By Angels," etc. Sometimes I'd listen to a song, then hit the repeat button and listen again. How your music soothed me. All through the weekend, as I ministered to others, I remembered the words and melodies of your songs and how they encouraged me. That Sunday, on my way home, I did it again. Listened, hit replay, and often listened to the same song over again. The trip flew by. I can honestly say, "My spirit is more gentle, my heart more tender because you cared enough to sing songs of renewal and courage." Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. We're truly sisters traveling to God's kingdom." Smiles,
Ginger Church
Review and Herald
Hagerstown, Maryland, USA
Courage for the Journey
"This road that we walk is so rocky and sometimes it seems endless, but gifts like these are like a bench to rest on along the pathway!"
From a bereaved parent who received
a
complimentary CD.
" ...your music, letter, and kind gesture have inspired me to reach out and try to comfort several other 'strangers' who have lost a child since we have..."
Another bereaved parent.
"I believe in what you are doing, and I wish to help... here is my gift, please use it to send your CD's to the grieving families from Columbine High School in Colorado."
Gordon & Edna Hunter
Kelowna, BC
Responses like these keep my own cup of courage filled enough to keep singing songs of hope and sending music to bereaved families... believing that this is what our Heavenly Father has commissioned me to do... for Him. We are strengthened by your commitment, your faithful prayers, and your willingness to share this music with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Together we can embrace those who mourn, share our Hope, and make a difference... one heart at a time.
Together for the journey...
Karen & Landon Ritchey
Kayla, Adam, Garrison
& baby Kyle... a tiny life for eternity
Share the Journey
Currently, we have sent out over 1000
complimentary CD's and cassettes, along with letters of encouragement... our
capability to continue this outreach has been largely from the donations
of people who share this vision. Often the very families who have reached
out to, have shared our dream of reaching further. All contributions
are used to give the gift of encouragement... through music.
(tax deductible receipts issued on request).
Journey Milestones
"I'll Meet You in the Morning" was nominated for inspirational gospel album of the year, 1999, by the Canadian Gospel Music Association.
In April 2000, Karen placed first as female gospel soloist, in an international talent search, sponsored by Nashville Direct, Hendersonville, Tennessee.
The "Streams of Light" award from the Adventist Review magazine was presented to Karen on July 4, 2000 in Toronto, Canada. This award is in recognition of her significant personal ministry in the community and church.
Karen was invited to share her music and ministry at 3ABN television studios, in Illinois in August 2003. Karen and Landon were privileged to be interviewed and to sing a few songs during the interview. It was a wonderful experience there and the atmosphere at 3ABN was very warm and welcoming. Karen was invited back sometime, and intends to take them up on their offer one day!
In May 2004, Karen, Landon and family were invited to be guests on 100 Huntley Street, in Burlington, Ontario. The children were delighted to be on TV!! Karen was able to sing two songs on the show as well. The staff were very, very kind to us. It was very evident that they love the Lord. We hope to return there again too!
December 31, 2004 was the airing of the TOP 20 most requested Songs for 2004 on VOAR a christian radio station in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. The song 'WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE', from Karen's 'Because He Promised' CD featuring Karen's Grandma (age 92), Karen's Mom and Karen, was voted #1 for 2004! That was very exciting for us all. Special thanks to Jason Cole, host of VOAR's weekly Top 8@8 countdown.
To Contact Us
Karen Ritchey
29 Fairway Drive, Lacombe, Alberta
Canada, T4L 1R4
Phone: (403) 782-2415
Email: karenritchey@shaw.ca
Purchase Music