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THE KATINAS TREE
KATINAS GREEN
Dec 28th, 2010 16 Comments

FOREVER FAITHFUL

Today we are headed home on our last flight of the year. We’re flying back to Tennessee from California, with a stop in Denver so I’ve had a lot of time to think about how faithful God has been to us brothers and our families. He’s truly amazing! His greatness goes beyond my ability to articulate. The best I can do is to say, “He is forever faithful!”

Back in January, we had a team meeting, contemplating if this was the year that would mark the end of our 20 years of full time ministry. Financially, things looked rather bleak and the forecast for the spring wasn’t very bright either. Somehow, someway God turned things around, once again!

In July, our cousin Israel Godkin went home to be with Jesus. He was 24, newly married and expecting his first child with his beautiful wife, Pele. His passing was shocking, unexpected and very difficult to say the least. We realize he’s in heaven, but we miss him dearly. Pele, who is like our own sister, gave birth to a lovely girl, Izzy last month. She’s a “mini-Izzy” and a reminder to all of us, that Israel is still alive.

This past fall marked a year since our homeland of Samoa was devastated by a tsunami and earthquake. Although the aftermath of the tragedy continues to impact our people, the recovery is progressing as well.

Why do I ever doubt? Why do I struggle with worry? Why do I ever wonder if He’ll come through for me? I’m not sure myself. It frustrates me to think that I would question Him ever. But today, I want to testify of my God’s faithfulness! His love endures for always. He is my strength and my strong tower. The peace and healing that He brings are limitless. The bible says that He holds all things together. In the words of our good friend, Pastor Steve Berger, “Even when we might be having a come-apart, Jesus isn’t”. He’s holdin’ it down, up and together all at the same time! He’s a present help in time of need!

As you enter 2011, take some time to reflect on what God has done for you this past year. Whether it’s been a remarkable journey or the toughest year of your life, the fact that you are reading this is proof of God’s faithfulness. The rest of your days are truly the best of your days. Remember that God is for you and not against you. He loves you! He’s got great plans for you. Trust Him! Abide in Him! (John 15:5) He’s forever faithful!

Joe

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  • http://Website Trine Bjørkedal

    Thank you Joe!

    You words are always good to read and it gives me understanding and comrfort. My year has brought me through alot of pain, but I have been abel to see the plan behind the pain. This year have give me strength I thought I didn’t have, it have brought my familiy closer together, even my faith has become stronger even if I felt like giving up. This year has brought me more good then bad when I see what the pain has given me in the end.
    I hope for a good 2011 and my prayers hopes for a good 2011 will be brought to you also :)

    Love from Norway

  • http://Website Sapai Levu

    Thank You Joe for sharing!!..In reading this I too, am truly thankful for God’s Faithfulness!!…Its been a trying year,nd have gone thru many storms,good as well as the bad,but yet God remains Faithful!! I am reminded that we will go thru these storms of life, nd that God will come in HIS time nd NOT ours…I am truly amazed and blessed to have been raised up back in the days together with all of you, nd knowning that we are still serving God!! Send my alofa’s to all the boy’s or should I now say grown men….thank you again for sharing nd reminding me that no matter what we go thru in life, God remains FAITHFUL!!!..love u, Have a blessed New Year…love nd blessings,

    Vito & Sapai Levu nd Family/Oside,Ca

  • http://Website Debbie from Philly

    Great reminder Joe! Thanks for that! “having a come-apart..Jesus isn’t”! Excellent words from your pastor friend!! I’ll try to memorize that one. Oh, if we all could Abide in our Lord 24/7….unfortunately it’s a struggle some days because we’re human. :-) Love, hugs & prayers to all youz guyz and your families!! Hope your Christmas was blessed! Have a safe journey home to TN! God Bless!!

  • http://Website Patrick Toilolo

    Well said Joe, Malo lava. Joe you Know I lost both my parents this year. including my father inlaw. Not day goes by just thinking of them espescially my mom who was my hero in so many ways. for the past ten years My mom been struggling and battling in and out of hospitals then finally her battle ended on Sept 28, 2010. I thank God for the time i had with my mom. Mom always had a faith in God she had a strong spirit was one tough bug. I guess Thats why i call her my hero. Its been a very sad and depressing year for my family. but some how some way we manage. Reading your Blog Joe Reminded me agian that we couldn’t have held it together without God’s love. Instead of being thankful and joyful how about…………………….Forever Faithful

    love you bro,
    Pat

  • http://Website Patrick Toilolo

    Well said Joe, Malo lava. Joe you Know I lost both my parents this year. including my father inlaw. Not day goes by just thinking of them espescially my mom who was my hero in so many ways. for the past ten years My mom been struggling and battling in and out of hospitals then finally her battle ended on Sept 28, 2010. I thank God for the time i had with my mom. Mom always had faith in God she had a strong spirit was one tough bug. I guess Thats why i call her my hero. Its been a very sad and depressing year for my family. but some how some way we manage. Reading your Blog Joe Reminded me again that we couldn’t have held it together without God’s love. Instead of being thankful and joyful how about…………………….Forever Faithful

    love you bro,
    Pat

  • http://Website Janice

    Awesome words again Joe! You know most of my story this year, many trials. But God helped me realize that through it all He is still faithful and He loves me more than ever! All through the year, along with the trials, I’ve recieved many little blessings, things or circumstances that reminded me of His presence in my life. At the end God always prevails! We are so blessed to have such a faithful Father! Ps. 27 He lifts us up, He is our stronghold our faithful companion even when our mothers and fathers forsake us. He protects us from the evil ones who raise up to devore us! At the end we win, if we remain focused on Him!
    Happy New Year, Joe! I’ll miss all of you on the cruise this year. Trying to get time off in January so I can see all of you @ Harvest, please pray it will happen!
    Love you guys!
    Zackeeya

  • http://Website Randy Sisco

    Thank you Joe for sharing. Seems like we have all had our ups and downs but I know for me that mine are never bad since my Father loves me so much. He has blessed me so much this year in all kinds of ways. I was blessed twice seeing you guys, first was a Bridgefest, which was amazing, and then the second was up here in Poughkeepsie when you blessed us all at Calvary Chapel. I still can’t sing your songs without breaking out in tears of happiness. I am blessed every day when I get up knowing that my Father and Daddy is with me. Since I became saved in Aug 2009 each day is filled with joy. So thank you to you and your brothers for all you do in Gods name. May 2011 be filled with an overflow of blessings. May your words put songs in peoples hearts and have them come to God.

    Blessings to you and your families. Much love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ

  • http://Website Easter Tufele

    One thing I am thankful for, is you Joe! You never judged me or made me feel as if I am not good enough to be here. It has been a really trial some year for me but I made it through with the Lord’s help. My strength and faith both have been tested to it’s limits, and with the grace of God and his mercy I am still here and enjoying an addition to our family (Abraham). I asked you once to pray for me and mines, you did without any questions. You don’t know me that well, as kids we all worshiped together back home in our humble beginnings. I wanted to thank you very much for your friendship and prayers, may the good Lord continue to bless you and yours always. FOREVER FAITHFUL!!!

    Love and blessings,

    Easter,Lau and Abraham

  • http://Website Tapu Sotoa

    Malo Uso,
    my home church is in transition with Worship Leaders as of the 7th of January. Your blogs timing comes perfect as a means of encouragement. God is faithful forever. People just fail to see His love all the time. Ieova Jireh will provide as always. Thank you all for your faithfulness in living out the Word in His Service. May God continue to bless you all abundantly for His Purposes. Alofa atu ia Sam, hope to hook up with him some day.

  • http://Website Gomes Girlie

    I will have to say I hope you come close to Virginia. I would love to see you. I just learned about you and love your music. The end of 2009 and all of 2010 have marked the toughest times in my life yet and reading your blog, listening to your music continue to give me strength and remind me that God is my rock and will not fail me and he has bigger and better things in store. I thank God for you and pray for you all and your families!

    Thanks again.

  • http://Website Pele

    Wow. I woke up at 3:30 a.m. to feed our little girl and stumbled over this blog. God’s timing is always perfect and your words were SUCH an encouragement to this struggling heart. In the midst of my questions, confusion, and inability to understand the way or “why” things happen in our lives, I still choose to believe that we serve a GOOD God who is always faithful and will never leave or forsake us. I’m thankful that my God gave me a beautiful husband and precious child, and even though I miss him in a way that I could never describe, I’m CONFIDENT that we will all be together again one day soon and thankful for Jesus sacrifice that made this possible. The longest lifetime together on earth could never compare to an eternity in heaven…this is what I tell myself each morning when I wake up and realize that Izz is not beside me. So thankful for you Joe, as well as the brothers, wives and kids. I would not have made it this far without your prayers, love and support. You are the real deal and I’m honored to call you brother. Love you!! Pele & Baby Izz

    P.S. I know I’ve told you this a milliion times, but be prepared for Izz to give you guys the biggest hug ever when you get to heaven for taking care of us!!

  • http://Website Debra Valencia

    Joe Katina- you have a teacher’s heart completely drenched in a spirit of encouragement! Thank you for sharing and being honest and wanting to uplift and motivate your current family in Christ, and future brothers and sisters in Christ… I know that even the encourager needs encouragement; I receive that from your sharing (via live performances and blogs). I feel so ushered into a heart of surrendered praising & worship for our Creator through your guys’ ministry.

    2 Corinthians 4:7 ” YOU [We] now have this light shining in you [our] hearts, but you [we ourselves] are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. THIS MAKES IT CLEAR that your [our] great power IS FROM GOD, not from yourselves [ourselves].

    I remembered you all in my prayers before, during and after (as you traveled home) your last performance in SJ, CA 12/19. I also prayed for all of the wives and children as well during this holiday as they, I’m sure, probably had all they wanted for Christmas and the New Year, by being with their wonderful daddies/ husbands. May the Lord bless you and keep you always.

  • http://Website Debra Valencia

    P.S. Sister Pele; I am SO So so sorry for your loss. : * (

  • http://Website faith

    “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.”Psalm 37:3

    That’s the passage you guys brought up on a devotional over a year ago that really caught my attention right now over the holidays and into 2011.This past year I have struggled to find a job(and still struggling to find one).Even though I know this sounds like nothing compared to what others have gone through on this site, I still have to be thankful that He has kept me in the midst of this storm.I know that God has me in His hands and is going to show favor on me to find a job and better than that a career, but just like the scripture says I have to trust Him.

    I pray that God will continue to open up doors for ya’ll to serve people through your music.Much Love and Thanks for the encouragement!

  • http://Website Bree

    This has ministered to me greatly joe, i recently lost a friend to suicide and have had a hard time getting through it. asking the why’s, how’s and what if’s… but i am greatful for the constant reminder that GOD is always in control!

  • http://Website Carina M

    wow… so inspired. Thank you for sharing this. Jesus is really our SWEET LORD!!! Always looking up to HIM, whatever the situation says…. He is FOREVER FAITHFUL!!!!

    Thank you again and enjoy your blessings :D

    Take it easy! Shalom!