Twenty Years In The Making
37 Comments
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!
Hey I just want to say thanks to all the Katina brothers for all that they do and that your music always bring me to realize really how great our God is… Once again thanks and I always love it when you guys come to San Diego. Keep spreading the gospel!
Wow – what a milestone..20 YEARS! May God continue to bless you and your families!! I Love your music the message it sends out….very touching. It was an honor singing with you guys on Easter Sunday at The Rock! We’ll have to do this again
I know you were just out here in Sunny Diego but we’re sure looking forward to having you lead worship at the church again. Psalm 105:2 “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!” Many Blessings ~Anamichel
Hi Katinas!
I just want to say God is good! I’m thankful that He’s blessed you with such an opportunity to establish your ministry. What an awesome God we serve. I also wanted to say thank you for having the courage to go before the public and spread God’s Word. Twenty years is a long time coming. I admire the patience and faith you guys have for sticking to your ministry and your faith. I can’t imagine the trials you must have gone through.
Also, I wanted to say thank you for going back home to American Samoa. I attended your Rock the Rock concert in 2007 before I moved to California for college. I know you touched so many lives out there. I was deeply moved, especially when you came and visited my Aunty Pele. I’ve been saved since I was in junior high school; but on the last day of the concert, I re-dedicated my life to Christ. And I want to thank you for your songs and words of worship that opened up my heart to God again. I’ve been “stuck”… not turning my back on God; but not going forth and spreading God’s Word, not doing my part as a Christian. I’ve just been settling. But, knowing that you’ve made it through these passed 20 years, I’m very encouraged to get back on the ACTIVE Christian life. Thank you again. I pray for many many more years to come! (= Take care and God bless.
In His love,
Samantha Anoa’i
Just wanted to come in and JUST SAY Thank you so much for your Love and Friendship over the years, Wow! How time flies, I remember them early years, we’d come out everytime you all were in town.
Praise God 20yrs and still going strong!!! I know you all know this but man we love you guys big time.
Congratulations Brothers…
From Evai Tuliau Dellafosse
Hello Katinas!! just wanted to say I love your guys music and the work the Lord is doing in your lives. I actually did have a great opportunity and met Sam, on my 30 at the Calvary Chapel Chino Valley mens conference..you guys are awesome, keep it up!! And thanks for the autograph sam!!! God bless you guys
Hi Katina Brothers!
I left a big ol’ comment; but when I clicked “Submit” I don’t know where it went. So I’ll just restate everything I said before… just in case. (=
Well, first of all, God is good! I’m truly thankful that He’s blessed your lives with the ability to establish your ministry and spread the Word near and far. What an awesome God we serve!
My name is Samantha, or Sam… (= And I was born and raised in American Samoa. I recently moved up to California in 2007 to pursue college after high school. I attended your Rock the Rock concert you held back home in 2007. And I know you’ve touched many lives during that time. You guys really moved me; especially when you visited my Aunty Pele and gave her words of encouragement.
I was in junior high when I received Christ as my Savior; but since then, I haven’t done anything to feed that spiritual flame. All those years I was just stuck. Not turning my back on God, but at the same time not going forward and spreading God’s Word – I just settled, not doing my part as a Christian.
On the last day of the concert, I came forward and re-dedicated my life to Christ. And I wanted to thank you for that – for opening up my heart to God with your songs and words. And now, knowing how far you’ve come, I’m deeply encouraged to live that ACTIVE life for God. Twenty years is a long time coming! And I’m so proud of you for sticking to it. I can’t imagine the trials you must have gone through.
In closing, I want to let you know that you’ve ministered to my life as a Christian; and to let you know that your efforts are not going unnoticed. Thank you, again. I pray that your ministry will continue to succeed till He comes again. Take care and God bless.
In His Love,
Samantha Anoa’i
20 years and still going strong! Praise God for your music and ministry that has had an impact on my life since the first time that I heard “You Are God” on the radio shortly after I got saved. Equally impacting and perhaps more impressive has been the way that our relationship has been a blessing to me. To know men who possess such awesome talent yet walk so humbly is a rarity. You all truly “talk the talk & walk the walk” and serve as a constant inspiration and source of encouragement to all those who know you. I am looking forward to what the next 20 years will bring, the best is yet to come!
For the past year I’ve been through alot. I lost my job, lost my apartment, the death of family members and filing for bankruptcy. I was devastated and at times I felt that my life was not worth living. I wanted to commit suicide. Nine months ago I started to “backslide” and turned away from God. I stop going to church services, started partying and started drinking. I didn’t wanted to do with anything that reminded me of God. I put away all my bibles, books and devotions in a closet and locked it. I also threw away all my christian music; except 2 cd’s of The Katinas. The cd’s have been in my car for the past year. Everytime I washed my car and clean the interior I wanted to throw them away, but for some reason I just didn’t.
Last week (May 29 2009), I left the club at three in the morning after partying all night. I felt empty and starting thinking the time when at one point I walked with God. I told myself that I really missed God. I missed His fellowship and telling me that everything was going to be OK. I wanted to worship and asked God for forgiveness. I reached down to the passanger seat and pulled The Katinas Collection cd. I pulled over and started worshipping with the song “You Are God”. I kept hearing it over and over. After almost 30 minutes of worshipping I prayed and asked God for forgiveness. Your songs really made me see how much I need to go back to church. Now, I can’t wait to go to church on Sunday. I also started reading my bible. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I know with God’s help I can do it! Now, I have hope and I know things can’t get any worse.
Thank you for writting beautiful music. I hope to see you guys soon in a concern. I know God has a very special place for The Katina brothers in heaven. Congratulations on your 20th year. May God bless you!
A few months ago, I had the privilege of introducing my father(a long time listener) to the Katinas.
I still remember my father speaking briefly to Sam that morning. He(my father) shared how it had impacted him that the Katinas remain humble and faithful to their calling….commenting on how “What you see on stage, is what you see off stage” and how rare to find such a humility of those in the spotlight.
No words of my own could say it better. I thank the Katinas for the impact I see they’ve had on loved ones and friends alike, and I thank the Katinas for their continued ministry and following of God’s calling on their lives.
Bless you all.
I heard a short a capella version of “One More Time”, about 2 years ago, and it made me realize, as a singer, that you can write Christian songs that not only touch Christians, but non-Christians as well!
Through Christ, each one of you has inspired me to become not only a better musician/artist, but a better man for Christ.
Thank you.
When I first heard the Katina’s I could relate it to this:
John heard “the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne” in heaven. Revelation 14:2, 3
—Praise God and God bless, keep up the wonderful sound of your ministries!
Thank you for reaching out to me when I really needed it. Thank you for sharing the word with me. I know I have come along ways in my faith but I owe a big thank you to the brothers for helping me understand our God better!! Thank you for allowing me to post encouraging words on the web page because it’s so important to reach people who don’t yet know God!
Please don’t ever stop reaching out to people because you guys do that well!! Please keep posting the word online because those words have been so encouraging!
Congrats on 20 years!!!
God Bless,,
Elizabeth
Congrats guys. Its been a long time. Bet at times to you, it seems like only yeaterday. I remember well, that “warm up year” when you were putting it all together. Diane and I were so amazed at your talent, and knew the first time we saw you at service in Centralia, that you were gonna make a big impact in God’s Kingdom.
I still listen to that first tape you made in 1988 before starting out with Wilkerson, and hear that raw talent that has been so blessed and polished by His hand.
I have enjoyed seeing you guys when you come to the Portland area. Though it is hard because Diane isnt here to enjoy you with me any longer, I know she is always watching and taking pleasure in seeing how you have all grown..esp Jesse, who was her favorite lol….I think back at the good times in the beginning, and take joy in the present and the blessing you are to me and the world.
God Bless you the next 20 years and,
fa’afetai
Sincerely,
Gary (lol from centralia, i know i say that whenever we meet lol)
Happy 20th!! Be Blessed!!
Hey Katinas, I jus wanted to say thank you for your music and your ministry around the world! I had the honor of hearing u live at the Word Of Life, Las Vegas and it was so amazing! I jus love your music, and keep spreading the Gospel! Aloha
Kia Ora from New Zealand!!
Wow, 20 years and still going strong! I had the great honour and priviledge of meeting the Katinas in their home nation of Samoa, while I was on a short term mission’s trip with Mercy Ships several years ago now. Our team was working in the local hospital of Pago, Samoa while the Katinas did concerts and other local activities. We were part of their vision to reach the island for Christ, and this was such an honour. Along with the rest of the team of Mercy Ships, I was richly blessed and indeed had the most life changing experience while in Samoa.
I would like to thank the Katina’s for such an incrediable experience, and for the mission heart that they have for their home land. May the Lord bless and keep you and make His face shine upon you.
Blessings to you on this fantastic evening and may He give you another 20 years of music ministry!
All my love,
Ruth Mangnall
(Former Mercy Team member)
I can’t believe it has been 20 years! Congratulations! You are an amazing group of singers, even more profound is your ability to show your walk with the Lord is real and that you rely on Him for everything. My first memories of The Katinas were you all coming to Christian Life Center in Dayton Ohio and John and Sharee finding interest in each other. I funniest first memory is when Sharee was pulled over on our way to Big Prairie Camp for speeding. I think she just couldn’t get there fast enough to see John! Of course as was her track record then, she didn’t get a ticket. At least I don’t remember her receiving it.
Sorry Shar had to share.
The music you share is a joy to and changes many hearts, but I believe most of all it is a joy to the Father’s heart. May God continue to bless you, keep you, and strengthen your families and walk with Him everyday. Through every trial he has been there and will continue to be there. Amen? LOL . . . I just had to ask for an amen there, never done that before! God Bless!
Happy 20 YEARS Kuzins, in any case I bought your Live DVD and they broke into my house and they stole it and have been looking for it here in South Africa and they told me that they no longer sell it, is there other means that I can get it?
The DVD is called Roots if I’m correct, and guys I really love your music also how many cd’s have you guys recorded b ecause I only have Destiny and the one where you are standing among trees I forgot the title…
Wandile
yo bruhs, want to say CONGRATS to you all on your 20 years in the ministry. I’m glad that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, worshiping & praising with you, going to church with you, working with you, singing with you, clowning around with ya’ll on tour too. You all are the best bunch of guys I’ve ever met in my life. I knew you were special from the first time I met you all at Shoney’s on Bell Rd. years ago. My how we all have grown up and come so far in the Lord. Well keep singing and ministering and serving FO GAWD!(smile) And although you all are Lakers fans, I still love ya and look forward to my Orlando Magic kickin ya’lls tails on the court tonight.(laugh) I also look forward to serving with you in the future!! Keep God first and everything else will fall into place.
Stronger,
Nissi
I first heard about your group while preparing for the 2006 ELCA National Youth Gathering. I found your music online and after that was so excited to hear you live! I’m very excited to see you live again, in July for the same event. I’m sure these 20 years have been both long and short. Congratulations, and keep bringing the wonderful ministry to those who want and need it!
Congratulations on 20 years! I don’t think I had heard of you guys until you starting working with Skorinc. My friend is a huge fan of your music and we are looking forward to seeing you in November. May God continue to richly bless your ministry & family as you serve Him!!!
My cussins the Katinas chose to use the gifts that God gave them in a life of service – choosing to serve others instead of living for there own wealth, welfare, and popularity. They chose true service instead of service that was self-centered. They sacrafice alot leaving thier love ones behind chose humility and obscurity instead of fame and fortune. God blessed these men for thier service, but bless there wives and kids who supports them the most.
God has gifted you guys in so many ways. I am truly moved by all you have done. I wish i could be there on your special day, but than again my spirit is there does that count………..lol
Lots of love from your kuzin………….Pat Toilolo
P.S Joe let me know when you write your first book.:)
First of all, I have a confession to make. I forgot to tell John last week @ the night of worship in Chino Hills. I promised my husband I would tell you if he asked his question about the “America The Beautiful” song. He vowed that you guys made up the words to the song “America The Beautiful” which was confirmed to be untrue by Joe Friday night. He had to hear it from one of you guys! He wouldn’t believe my daughter and I.
I was listening to some of the old Katina songs from back in the day………when all of a sudden I bursted out in laughter…………..
Sorry John, you and Jesse sounded soooooo young! Hearing you sing now is so way different! You’ve matured in your voices, your words, ministry, and most importantly, your relationship with God.
It’s been such a blessing getting to know all of you and see you grow spiritually.
I’m thankful for your wives and kids who have sacrificed time with all of you so you can “Sing about Jesus”. Can’t wait to talk to each of them personally someday, they have each blessed me in different ways, my heart and prayers go out to them.
Thank God also for Neil who makes sure you are always on track. Such a blessing to see he’s willing to take pictures of you with the fans when time is running short.
Looking forward to the many blessings God has in store for you!
We love you guys!
I’m officially inviting you guys over for a home cooked meal and boba tea next time you’re in town!
Til next time, Kuzin Janice
20 years in the ministry… Man, ya’ll are old!Just joking with you.Congrats on making this far. I’ve never seen you in concert nor have I met you, but I definitely appreciate the music you make.Whether I’m in my car or home, listening to it always puts me in a good mood. I don’t know how long God is going to put it your hearts to keep doing this, but however long it is I wish for ya’ll nothing but the best (God’s best).Congrats again and much love!
I remember when my family and I first saw you at valley christian assembly in fall city washington. My mom was the lady with all the kids
and I was the baby. We’ve been listening to your music ever since. All the songs that God has given you have always touched my heart. Like when someone preaches a sermon and it seems like it’s directed towards you. Thank you for all the hard work you do and thank you for listening to God’s calling. God Bless!!!
congrats my bros!!! 20 years!!! WOW!!! God has used you mightily to touch many lives. man im so grateful for you guys. I was a big fan as a kid and i’m glad ive been honored to know you personally. You guys have been a tremendous blessing in my life.Y’all are the best!! Love you brothers!!!
Congratulations on 20 years of music and ministry!!! I first saw you guys at a “Christmastime” concert with Michael W. Smith five years ago and have been blessed ever since. Just recently, my 11-year-old daughter and husband had the opportunity to worship with you at our church, Eagle’s Nest Worship Center. What an awesome time in the Lord!!! My husband really enjoyed your music and ministry and my daughter is still talking about it. In fact, she requests your CD whenever we are traveling or have some “downtime” at home. She also enjoys watching the new DVD. This is a big deal for us considering she is mildly autistic and rarely shows emotion. Also, a million thanks to your wives and family for the many years of support and for sharing you with the “rest of us”. May the Lord continue to bless you, your ministry, and your families as you continue to “proclaim the gospel throughout the world”!!!
HEY! Congrats and thank you so much for 20 years of Glorifying the Lord with your ministry and music. I have had the blessing to hear you guys play live 3 different times! Twice for Easter Sunday At Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara a year ago, and then again this past December. Each time blew me out of the water and challenged me and broke me. I am grateful for your stories… especially the sotry of your Father, what a blessing and a legacy he began with you guys!
Hopefully sooner rather than later we here in SB will have some SUN… and more Katina music to go along with it!
Sincerely,
Shauna
I’m sorry I’m late in sharing this but I hope you know how much your ministry has meant. I’ll never forget the first time I heard you guys sing was in a small Samoan church in LA, your father was present too and I believe it was in the beginning stages of your ministry before you signed with a recording label. I was visiting from San Diego and invited by one of your cousins Shiann I think and it was his girlfriends church we went to, Anyways, It was perfect timing because I had recieved the Lord just two years prior and needed that extra boost in my walk with God. I was 19 or 20 years old then and 41 now so that sounds about right. Anyways, I was encouraged by your hearts and your voices and years later when you offered to help us in San Diego do an outreach to the youth your heart showed truly for God and His people. Thanks for all the inspiration you have been to me and many others. Love, Your sis in Christ
I just want to thank you guys for coming to Durban, South Africa!!!
I have been to the concert and I was blown away by your voices. I have never heard music sound so sweet ever – it is truely a gift from God.
your music has impacted my life so greatly as I am a worship leader and as a child it has always been my dream to sing abroad and proclaim God’s love.
what inspires me the most your (all of you) humbleness and your sincere worship to our Heavenly Father , Jesus Christ.Both my husband and I have been truely blessed by your ministry and we are honored to have seen you guys perform live.
We were very dissapointed taht we didn’t get to personally meet you guys afterwards but we will hopefully one day.
Please do not make this the last trip to Durban, South Africa! There are still so many people that would love to see you guys and didn’t get the chance this time .
we are always praying for you’ll and may God always bless you’ll and you’lls families as you go out doing His work.
Be Blessed , take care and we love you guys – keep up the good work and excellent music:)
My family and I were blessed to see you guys again at New Venture this past weekend (June 27th). It is such a tremendous blessing to see you and hear your music! I find it so easy to just truly worship the Lord with your songs – they are heart-felt, easy to follow, and just bring a sense of God’s peace and love. Your humility and love for the Lord is so evident by how you lead worship.
I am really touched by how close the five of you are – my family and I are very close and it’s a blessing to see another family who also shares closeness.
We absolutely LOVE your songs! Keep following Jesus and may God continue to richly bless you, your wives, and your children!
In July of 2007, I was able to be blessed to experience the Katinas live for the 3rd time. The Katinas were playing in Mobile, Alabama (where I currently live) on a Saturday night. I had been waiting for them to come back to Mobile for years but I was out of town. Here’s the amazing thing about this experience. The day before, Friday, the Katinas were playing at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, in my home town where I was born and raised. So on Friday where I grew up, and on Saturday where I currently lived. Can you guess where they played on Sunday? That’s right, in Rialto, California, just a few miles from where I was doing business. What were the odds? God was looking out for me that weekend. He wanted me to experience the Katinas as much as I did. My wife flew out to California that Saturday and we were blessed with the Katinas on Sunday. The Katinas have touched my wife Michelle and I in many ways. God Bless You All!!
Saw you perform last October at Madison Square Garden in NYC. It was an awesome experience! I have never seen my 11 year-old daughter worship the Lord so intensely as she did that night. Your music touched both of us very deeply. May God continue to bless all of you.!!
I have been following your music for several years. If I am not mistaken, I first heard you sing at a church in Miami over 12 years ago. You were awesome then and you still are today. I can really say that the Lord has blessed you.Your music continues to move me as I worship along with your songs. May the Lord’s anointing still be upon you as you continue to sing unto him a new song!
MALO LE TAUTUA MO LE ATUA…….TALOFA KATINAZ……FIRST N FOREMOST I THANK GOD DAT YOUR MINISTRY WITH YOUR MUSIK HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION FOR PEOPLE AROUND DA WORLD, ESPECIALLY OUR OWN POLYNESIAN PEOPLE….I’M PROUD TO KNOW THAT 5 YOUNG MEN OF SAMOA HAS TOUCHED EVERY NATION WITH THEIR MINISTRY THRU MUSIK. I’VE MET ALL OF YOU IN HAWAII WITH YOUR PARENTS WHEN I WAS ABOUT 12-13YRS OLD, AND I THINK THAT WAS THE VERY FIRST TIME THAT YOU CAME TO HAWAII, I CAN ACTUALLY SAY THAT THE MUSIK HAVEN’T CHANGED WITH YOU ALL…..IT WAS A SOUL TOUCHING THEN AS WELL AS NOW….25 YEARS LATER. SO PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY FOR BEING AN INSPIRATION IN OUR LIVES AND FOR RAISING YOU ALL ABOVE TEMPTATIONS AND ALL THAT CAME N STILL COMING YOUR WAY. CONGRATULATION FOR KEEPING THE FAITH AND ALSO PUTTING GOD FIRST BEFORE ALL ELSE….WE WILL ALL KEEP PRAYING THAT OUR GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND ANOINT EVERYONE OF YOU…WITH HUMBLED HEARTS AND CARING SOULS TO CONTINUE
YOUR MINISTRY THRU MUSIK TO SAVE SOULS AROUND THE WORLD AND ESPECIALLY OUR POLYNESIAN PEOPLE….AGAIN THANKS AND CONGRATULATION TO YOU ALL….FAAMANUIA LE ATUA I LA OUTOU TAUMAFAIGA MO LO TATOU ATUNUU O SAMOA AE MAISE LE LALOLAGI ATOA…..TOFA MA IA MANUIA….
Hey guys; well i am a huge big fan from Am.samoa. & i went to Christian church in Hawaii, & i totally hope they still remember me. anyways happy 20th year. May the good Lord bless you all , and be with you thru everything you do. alofa tele atu . P.S im the girl who took lots of pictures with you guys in Samoana High School. TCCIC.
Hello, I was wondering if anyone can help me out. I’ve been looking for one of the Katina Brothers earlier albums from maybe the early 90′s. I must have been in 7th grade when they came to our church in Vista California (Pika’s church) AoG, and they performed songs like “Mother”, “We want to be used” etc…I bought their casette at the concert, the cover is a picture of them wearing blue button shirts, they were all really young. If anyone knows where I can buy a copy of this I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.