Looking back over almost 23 years of music ministry, we’ve just about seen it all. We’ve sung in front of crowds of thousands upon thousands. We’ve sung to dying patients in the hospital. We’ve wept with prisoners. We’ve performed our music in different languages in different countries. We’ve logged a lot of years, a lot of miles, and seen a lot of faces. Yet, one of our most cherished opportunities is actually the one that’s waiting for us when we come home from traveling: singing for the young people right in our own backyard of Nashville, TN.
In an era when “bullying” has become one of the top trending buzzwords and issues in our society, we recognize the importance of using our platform to center the discussion upon the Word of God. It’s likely the “bullying vs. anti-bullying” discussion will be a controversial topic for years to come, so it’s critical that we share with our young people the Truth that is Jesus Christ.
“I really appreciate you guys coming. It’s hard to take a stand, and you really encouraged us today. It was the way to start my day!” Those were the words of Brandon, a Franklin High School student and local basketball star, who attended the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) assembly where we shared encouraging words and music. Over the past few weeks we have been able to reach local Nashville teenagers with a message called “Positive Words” – the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21) and our words have the power to tear down or lift kids up. Students were grateful for our visit, and teachers even sent thank you cards to our homes. In fact, the secretary of school cried throughout the length of the gathering because the message meant a lot for her teenage daughter, who has been on the receiving end of critical words from her peers lately. To think that she is just one of many young people dealing with negative thoughts and insecurities makes our spiritual mandate even more urgent.
We started our local mission at Franklin High and carrying over to Paige Middle School at a school-wide assembly. We covet your prayers as we minister to more students in the upcoming weeks at more FCA and YMCA events. We know we can be a blessing when we travel on the road, but we also realize that investing in the next generation locally is what builds the Kingdom beyond what we could ever imagine. God is at work! Check out this video from Paige Middle School. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaPP2tyxsNE
Thank You for Praying: Update on Sam Katina
We can truly feel your prayers covering our ministry and lifting our spirits up in times of hardship. Back in December, during a checkup for what he thought were the early stages of pneumonia, our brother Sam was made aware that he had a heart murmur. Upon further examination, his cardiologist told him that he had 55% leakage in his heart, and that it could easily escalate into an emergency situation if not dealt with immediately. Sam is a guy who has been a model of health his whole life, so as you can imagine this was all surprising and a bit concerning for him and our family. He went in for surgery only weeks ago to repair that leaky valve, and the procedure was a great success! Praise the Lord! Your prayers have really covered him during this whole ordeal and are still lifting him up as he is on the road to full recovery. Thank you again for all your love, prayers, and support!
The Katinas
