Remembering Israel “Izz” Godkin
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Israel was like a younger brother to us. He was married to his “girl”, Pele who is like a sister and one of our kid’s favorite Aunties. This past Saturday, he went home to be with the Savior. We’ve experienced death on several occasions. It’s never easy and it always feels too soon, especially in this situation.
Izz was only 24 years old. He and Pele were going to celebrate their 1st anniversary next month. They are expecting their 1st child, (a baby girl) this coming November. It still seems so unbelievable. It’s hard to accept that someone so strong, so young, so loved and so full of life is no longer here. We know he’s with Jesus now, but our selfish human nature wishes so badly that he was still here.
He was a beautiful soul. His soft -spoken personality was a bit of a contrast to his muscular build and long, black hair. Sometimes he wore it in braids and other times he just put it in a ponytail. He was usually sportin’ jeans, sweats, shorts, a jersey, or a t-shirt along with the latest Nikes he could find on ebay. When he walked into a room he was definitely the point of attraction. He could be intimidating if he wanted to, but his heart was way too loving and humble to come across that way. He played the bass and sang along with his brothers, Ishmael and Isaac forming the band known as the “Godkins”. He was a natural athlete. He was passionate about sports and enjoyed competing. Even on a fun “couple’s game night”, he always brought it! He was a joy go hang out with. Most of his childhood was spent in Washington State and San Diego, California. 2 years ago, the Godkins moved to Tennessee to pursue music full time. However, God had a much greater plan for Izz. It wasn’t long after he moved that he met Pele. She’s a beautiful person who would give you her last dime. (No, really!) I remember sitting in a green room backstage and Izz was going through the pictures on his cell phone. Someone walked by and asked him, “Who is that”! He replied so affectionately and with the biggest smile I’d ever seen from him, “This is my girl”. I knew at that moment that he had found the love of his life. I could go on and on about Izz but if he were still here, he would rather us tell you about his love for Jesus, his wife, his parents and his brothers.
He will be missed by all of us who were blessed to know him. The world lost a really good man. If heaven is as “sweet” as they say, it just got even sweeter! We will see you again someday little brother. With God’s help, we will take care of Pele and your beautiful daughter. Your Parents, Ish and Ice will be okay too. Our hearts our broken but that’s just the world we live in. We’ll get through, somehow, someway. It just won’t be the same without you.
We love you Izz!
The Katinas
If you are interested in making a donation to Israel’s family, you can do so by going to THIS FACEBOOK PAGE and click on “Ways To Give”. Thank you and God Bless you
Happy Father’s Day
7 CommentsOur Dad has a pretty unique life story. His Mother passed away giving birth to him. He was raised by his Auntie and Uncle who were ministers of a local church in the village of Pago Pago, American Samoa. He didn’t find out that they weren’t his biological parents until well into his teenage years. Although there were other kids raised with him in this loving home, he was the only one to keep the last name. Hence, we have hundreds of cousins, aunts and uncles, but don’t know of any other Katinas.
After leaving the islands to find a job so he could help support his parents back home, Dad joined the U.S. Marines. He went to Vietnam and fought for his country but upon returning home, he found himself fighting his own personal battles. He was broken down emotionally, struggling with alcoholism, and became very abusive. The only good thing about his life during that time was our Mom. But because he was so messed up, they were on the brink of divorce.
Thankfully we had an Uncle name Jesse who would come over to our house and share the love of Jesus. No matter how cold and hard-hearted Dad was, Uncle Jesse kept coming. Eventually, he received Jesus into his heart and the rest is history. After becoming a follower of Christ, Dad turned into a student of the Word. I remember him always carrying around note cards in the front pocket of his shirt so he could memorize scripture throughout the day. He started having Bible studies in our home and there was always someone he was witnessing to. A few months ago I met a lady who told me that Dad led her and her husband to Jesus. Thirty-five years later, she, her children and grandchildren are some of the key leaders in their church. Praise God!
As we celebrate “Father’s Day” this weekend, we want to honor our Dad, Uncle Jesse (who is now with the Lord), and so many other men who’ve helped us in the process of becoming men ourselves. Someone said, “To be a man, you’ve gotta see a man”! We, the Katinas wouldn’t be here if it had not been for some faithful, non-compromising, trustworthy, loving men in our lives who’ve helped us and at times, carried us along the way. There are too many to mention, but you and God know who you are. Our hope is that we will be men that our kids will write about someday. Preferably their stories will be ones of endearment and encouraging to the readers. But until then, we have much work to do. Wives to serve, children to raise, games to attend, songs to write, nations to reach and people to love.
Happy Father’s Day!
Sam, James, John, Jesse and Joe
THE ANNUAL KATINAS & FRIENDS CRUISE CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
CommentNashville, TN – May 18, 2010 – The Katinas & Friends Cruise which will sail January 17 – 21, 2011 from Long Beach, CA and is a monumental event for the group. Celebrating its fifth year of fun, music and ministry, it also is a record breaking reservation year with nearing sold out status.
“This is a great reunion time with family and friends who have become family,” said Niel Otineru, General Manager of the Katinas. “Since registration began, the response has been amazing and the Katinas are ready to make this the best cruise yet!”
As the Katinas focus on their new “Family Night Live Concerts,” happening all over the country, the group will carry the theme of their concerts, Faith, Fellowship and Forgiveness on the cruise. “Our desire is to bring a renewed spirit, physically and spiritually to every person attending,” said James Katina.
Special guest on the Katinas & Friends Cruise include Pastors Dave and Debbie Katina, Kim Bolton and Quimi. Stops on the four-day cruise include the Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
One On One
8 CommentsLast week Lori and Eli, our youngest son took a trip to Olympia, WA to visit her family. It was unusual for her to be “on the road” while I stayed home. It sure made me appreciate her more and what she goes through on a regular basis when I’m gone. Although I missed her, I experienced something really significant! My 13 year old, Josh and I got to spend some “one on one” time together. We hung out, watched some movies, ate junk food, enjoyed the NBA playoffs, stayed up late, played pool, shot some hoops, went to his baseball games and hung out some more. One day we ate at a buffet for breakfast and a buffet for dinner. It’s kind of sickening when I think about it now but we sure enjoyed ourselves. It was a blast!
I’ve always known that Josh was a good kid but after last week I realized even more how exceptional he really is. He’s a natural born leader. He’s kind and respectful. He’s quick-witted and very funny. Even though he’s a teenager, he’s been able to maintain a sweet spirit. I’ve told him on several occasions that he’s the kind of guy that I wish I could’ve been when I was his age. In a nutshell, he’s the bomb son!
Sometimes we fail to value the qualities in others because we really don’t know them as well as we may think we do. It’s the same way with God. We can’t fully appreciate who He is unless we spend “One on One” time with Him. It’s vital for us to get the alone time with Him. For many, He’s an old man with a long gray beard too Holy and sophisticated to approach. For some, He’s a judge who has no tolerance, waiting to punish us and spew out doom and gloom on whatever we’re going through. I challenge you to take up some “One on One” time with Him. Not just for a weekend but everyday. Get to know Him intimately. Read His word. Meditate on it. Hang out with others that love Him, but make sure you’re getting that individual, quality time between you and Him. He’s got so much for you. He wants you to experience a full life. If you will take the time to listen to Him and talk with Him about the desires of your heart, He will direct you and help you to make your paths straight!
Psalm 91: 1- “ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”
Isaiah 55:6- “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on him while he is near”.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will give you the desires of your heart”.
You think you know God pretty well now, wait ‘til you get in the pattern of spending that “One on One” time with Him. He will open up your mind to a whole new level of possibilities. He will change your heart and make you brand new!
Joe
Happy Birthday Jesse
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Today, we celebrate another birthday of one of the coolest guys on the planet, our brother Jesse. We are grateful for you and are so proud to have an amazing brother who loves God and has a passion for people. You are an awesome husband, a great dad and a true friend to so many. We celebrate your life today!
Happy 70th Dad – The Music, The Message, The Man
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For the past 20 years, we’ve had the privilege to share our music with so many of you. As we’ve traveled the world it has become distinctly evident to us that “The Message” in the “The Music “ is a powerful combination. We have literally seen lives changed, communities restored, brokenness healed, and so many other miracles right before our eyes. None of this would be possible had it not been for the saving grace of Jesus through the life of “The Man” who started it all.
Today we’d like to honor that Man.
Dad, as you celebrate 70 years of life, we want you to know how proud we are of you. We love telling your story wherever we go. It’s a story of redemption that has blessed thousands. Your faith in God and love for people inspires us everyday to keep pressing on. Your discipline and drive has taught us to be excellent in whatever we do. Your trust and dedication to God’s word reminds us constantly to be “doers” and not just “hearers”.
You were a good Marine. You planted a church even when you weren’t the Pastor. You witnessed to anyone that would listen and many of those people are now leaders in their churches. You helped so many young people discover their love for music. You took steps of faith time and time again. You taught us how to lead and instilled a work ethic in all of us. You taught us to be men and to never to give up. You told us that humility and fear of the Lord would keep our families and us well. You’ve been a loyal Pastor for the last 30 years. You took the little that was given to you and dedicated it back to God. You loved Mom faithfully until death. That alone has impacted us more than you can imagine. Above all, you’ve been a great Dad.
We hope that the next years of your life will bring more joy and fulfillment than you’ve ever imagined. May you continue to experience the goodness of the Lord as you live your greatest days yet!
We love you!
Your sons and daughters
Happy Birthday Jesse
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We want to wish our brother Jesse, a Happy Birthday. He may be the youngest of the five of us, but he is truly a leader and someone that we all rely on. He’s a loving husband, an awesome Dad and a great brother and friend. Oh yeah, he’s pretty good on the basketball court too. A lot of people say that he keeps us looking young. Can you guess how old he is?
Happy Birthday, Jesse! Your Brothers
One Life To Live
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Psalm 90: 10-12; We live for 70 years or so (with luck we might make it to 80), And what do we have to show for it? Trouble. Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard. Who can make sense of such rage, such anger against the very ones who fear you? Oh! Teach us to live wisely and well! (The Message Bible)
It was a Thursday afternoon in Tacoma, Washington. April 21, 1988, 21 years ago yesterday, our Mother, Siainiu Liu Katina, went home to be with Jesus. She was only 50 years old but anyone who had the privilege of knowing her would tell you that she lived a full, flourishing and favorable life! She was the Mom that all of our friends and cousins wish they could have. She was beautiful, elegant, sensitive, resourceful, and loved people so readily. She battled cancer for 4 years and though it was very painful to see her decline physically, we learned the most valuable lessons of life during that time. To honor her memory, we want to share with you some of those lessons.
1. Make the best of every situation!
We moved to Samoa in 1977. It was a tough transition for our family. Dad and Mom had steady jobs in Oceanside, California and we were blessed to live in a middle-class neighborhood. Then we discovered, Samoa. To be honest it was not “the islands of our dreams” at the time. No running hot water. All of us contracted various diseases because of the change of climate and diet. Moving from village to village, living with relatives that were speaking a foreign language. And worst of all for any American-born child, “no McDonald’s”! Mom was our constant source of encouragement. She did her best to stay positive even when situations were difficult. James reminded us of how resourceful she was. She could make a great meal out of nothing. We couldn’t afford to buy clothes from the store so she would buy fabric and sew our clothes. She tried her best to stay current with whatever was in style. She wasn’t always successful, but we didn’t have the heart to tell her, “Mom this doesn’t look like what everyone else is wearing.” Like her, we tried to make the best of the situation!
2. Pray!
She prayed about everything. For several years, our house was just a shell without walls. It was divided by curtains. We would hear Mom just about every night, crying out to God for our salvation. She wasn’t gifted musically, but she constantly prayed that her children would be used to bring people to Christ. She prayed fervently for her siblings, nephews and nieces. She prayed that they would accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s amazing that even after her death; those prayers are still bearing fruit today! It always seemed like when Mom prayed, God answered.
3. Love People!
She would say this to us continually, “Love People!” They were words she lived by. Occasionally, we would have troubled teenagers or homeless families living with us. Dad’s discipline and strict rules would keep them in check and give them a house to stay in. But Mom’s love and tender heart would bring transformation and provide them with a home. We literally saw lives changed because of the depth and sincerity of Christ’s love in her. She embodied so many great qualities. But her greatest attribute was love.
We could do a 52 week series and still have plenty to say about Mom. But I’ll close with this. She lived each day, the way she lived her 50 years, “to the fullest”! I often wonder what it would be like if she could have met her Grandchildren. She never got to see any of them. I wonder how proud she would be of the wives we chose. I imagine she would enjoy visiting with each of them and telling them our childhood stories. What would it be like to have her at one of our concerts? What would she think of the men she raised and prayed for? She never got to see us perform a full concert. She died shortly before our first recording came out.
I am certain of one thing, the legacy she left behind still speaks loud and clear. She lived her life wisely and well! You and I have the opportunity today to do the same. We have “one life to live!” Live it wisely. Live it well.
Until next week,
Live Strong!
-joe
PS We will continue the “Looking” series next week.
Happy Birthday Joe
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We want to wish our brother Joe a Happy Birthday. We won’t announce how old he is. Let’s just say, that this is his last year in the 30′s. Fill free to let him know that the best is yet to come.
