Freedom
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It is 1 o’clock in the morning here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s been a whirlwind since we landed last Friday and I will never forget this experience. For the past 5 days we’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world.
South Africa is a wonderful country with very hospitable people. They are easy to hang with, love their sports and are always trying to feed you. As you can imagine, we feel right at home. However, they would tell you themselves that their history has been a “struggle”. The segregation, racism, oppression and poverty have wreaked havoc for a long time in this country. It wasn’t until the early 90’s when things started to turn around. I wouldn’t give it the respect it deserves if I tried to explain the details on the changes, how they came about and how far this country has come in such a short amount of time. I would highly recommend some personal study and research on “Apartheid” and it’s destruction.
Just a few hours ago, we were blessed to be able to sing in front of thousands of young South Africans as they sang along at the top of their voices. Dancing, chanting, jumping and worshipping with hands lifted to heaven. Shouting unto God with a voice of triumph! It was a thundering sound that will forever be etched in my heart. It was a cry from deep down. No longer a desperate weeping because of anger or sorrow. But a jubilant and unmistakable celebration of “Freedom”! How sweet it is to witness a people, once bound by slavery and the darkest of times, now “Free” to “Be Free”!
The challenge for South Africa is the same challenge that people everywhere are faced with today. How will we use our freedom? In Galatians 5:13 its says- “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. Our Pastor Rice Broocks put it this way, “Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want to do. It the power to do what you ought to do”! What will you do with your freedom? How will you use it? Remember, it was purchased with a very high price. Don’t waste it! Don’t take it for granted. Don’t abuse it! Freedom isn’t free! Someone died so you and I could be free!
Remember
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PSALM 103:1
O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD. FROM HEAD TO TOE, I’LL BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD, DON’T FORGET A SINGLE BLESSING!
Some of you may know that this week we, The Katinas are celebrating 20 years of full time ministry. Our wives are putting “something” together for us this Thursday evening. I say “something” because while they’ve been planning this for months, we’ve been totally in “the dark”. We have no idea what’s happening! It’s exciting but I must confess, my brothers and I are a bit nervous. Usually we are the ones planning and putting the “show” together. It could get interesting. We’ll keep you posted!
At times we can become so driven and focused on the future. But there are moments when it is just as important to “remember” the past. When I reflect on the countless miles we’ve traveled, the beautiful people we’ve met, the lives that have been impacted, and the journey we’ve ventured so far, I am amazed at God’s enduring love. When we were just kids on and island dreaming that some day God would use our lives and music to touch the world. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.
I encourage you today, to “remember”! Think about how God’s mercy and provision has kept you going. Remember how and what He’s set you free from. Meditate on how much He loves you. Bless Him! Praise Him! Thank Him! Worship Him! Even if you’re facing the most difficult of challenges, it is God who is faithful and will bring you through. If you’re past is too dark and you just want to put it behind you, remember that in God the best is yet to come!
Remembering God’s grace,
Joe
Twenty Years In The Making
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Greetings Katina Nation! This is not James, Jesse, Joe, John, or Sam but a “behind-the-scenes” member of Team Katina with a special request. You may or may not be aware that 2009 marks a milestone for The Katinas. While you could say that they have actually been involved in music ministry their entire lives, their journey into full time music ministry officially began 20 years ago in 1989 as the brothers hit the road with evangelist Rich Wilkerson. Since then it has been an amazing (and sometimes trying) journey as God has taken these 5 brothers from the humblest of beginnings and has since allowed them to literally minister all around the world (and in three different languages!). God has allowed the brothers to work with the best the industry has to offer as well as giving them opportunities to minister alongside some of the most incredibly anointed & godly men and women of our time. Most importantly God has given the brothers a platform to reach the world and touch the lives of countless number of people, fulfilling their early request “We Want To Be Used”!
To celebrate this milestone the Katina wives have donned their party planning hats and have put together an incredible banquet to not only honor The Katinas but also those who have contributed to their music & ministry over the last 20 years. However the celebration would not be complete with recognizing Katina Nation and the role that the Kuzins have played over the years! The brothers value your support and cherish your daily prayers that cover not only them but their families as well. Ideally each and every one of you would be in attendance with us, unfortunately that is not possible. However you can still participate in honoring the brothers by posting your comments below. If you have ever had an encounter with the brothers they would love to hear your story. Maybe you have not had a chance to see the brothers live but have been ministered to by their music. Whatever your story, testimony, or comments may be we kindly ask that you take a moment and share it with the brothers and the world. Thanks in advance for your participation, stay tuned for a recap of the event!
