Gospel artists respond to Samoan tsunami; Katinas, Natalie Grant, Melinda Doolittle in concert

Photo of Katinas from press kit

Katinas, Natalie Grant, Melinda Doolittle in Concert to Benefit Samoa

In response to the 8.2 magnitude earthquake and resulting walls of 15-20 foot high tsunami waves that hit Samoa on Tuesday, September 29th, popular gospel artists and native Samoans, the Katinas, who lost both friends and family in the disaster, are planning a benefit concert with guests Natalie Grant and Melinda Doolittle.

Katinas Lose Friends, Family to Tsunami

"Our Dad, 4 sisters, brother and 2 nephews that live there are okay," the Dove-award-winning Katinas reported in a recent letter. "However, some of our friends and close family members are still missing.  We have confirmed news that one of our cousins from the village of Leone (our Mother's birthplace and place where our Dad pastors) died yesterday in the aftermath of the tsunami.  The latest death toll has surpassed 100 and many are still unaccounted for."

Hope for Samoa Benefit Concert in Nashville

To help their small island nation recover from the waves of death and destruction that surged more than a mile inland, The Katinas are organizing "Hope for Samoa" - a benefit  for their homeland to be held next Wednesday, October 7th at the Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Natalie Grant and Melinda Doolittle Join Katinas

Other gospel artists already set to join the Samoan band include GMA Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant and American Idol's Melinda Doolittle.  Salem Broadcasting radio personalities, Doug & Kim, the 'Doug & Kim in the Morning' show will emcee the event.

Katinas Return to Samoa

The Katinas are planning their 3rd annual missions trip to Samoa this November. "Samoa is dear to our hearts" the band states. "Growing up there prepared us for what we've been doing for the last 20 years. We have been blessed to travel the world and minister the message of Jesus through music.  Now we are blessed to give back to the very place we come from."

How You Can Help

Fellowship Bible Church is located at 1210 Franklin Road in Brentwood. If you cannot attend the benefit concert, you can go to The Katinas' website at www.katinamissions.org and make a monetary donation.   All donations are tax deductible.

This story updated at: Michael W. Smith and Jeremy Camp join Katinas and Natalie Grant in 'Hope For Samoa' benefit concert