Old Katti

In a previous article where I told the story of the miracle-house in Norway, I mentioned an old publication called Korsets Seier (Victory of the Cross). I keep printed versions of them at the coffee-table, and it makes it much more easy to read a little bit every day. So many stories touched me and inspired me, so I have decided to translate some of the texts so that not only english-speaking readers can enjoy them, but also so that the story of Gods miracles can reach a little bit further than this 100 year old publication.

I have translated from Korsets Seier, 1910. Vol. 7. Nr 1. Today I will share the story of an older lady in Russia, who had a close relationship with God, and He lead her life in a beautiful way. If Katti was 64 years old in 1910, then most of this story happened in the 1800's, and some of the story during the Romanov dynasty.

Illustration made by me with gouache paint.

Enjoy reading!

Brother C. G. Grubb, belonging to Simpsons mission, shares about Gods work in Russia. He talks about how he met brothers in Riga and had a blessed moment in a gathering of 20 young preachers. The leadershop are strict in their control of all travellers; but the people are so very hungry after hearing the word of God.

One of his most interesting experiences was his meeting with “Old Katti”. She is sixtyfour years old, and is a poor farmers wife. “Old Katti” arrived to meet an English brother. Regarding this meeting, he says: “In five hours I sat by the feet of Katti and listened to Gods work in her life. She has since her conversion developed a most deepfelt relationship with her God. She knew him.

About her life and her conversion, she told me the following:

“In thirtyfive years she was a poor drunkaress. She and her husband fought, cursed and lived a terrible life. She finally could see the dangers of the terrible life she was leading, and in her great need she called out to God: “O God, I wish to find Jesus! I wish to be salved, for salvation, to know you and know what it’s like to be born again. I was baptised in the lutheran church when I was a small child”. She kept going for two years, trusting the Lord.

One day Katti walked through the streets of Petersburg. The sun was shining brightly and everyone was dressed up for church. In that moment, the Holy Spirit fell upon Katti and she was baptised just like the apostles were on Pentecost. “I want to tell you what happened”, she said: "Everything became new. A new sky, a new earth, new flowers, new trees. I almost danced as I walked along the road”.

Walking towards the church, God told her: “Go down the street, turn the corner to the second house, and there you will find a sick child.” Katti did what God told and as she put her hands on the forehead of the dying child, she said: “Lord Jesus, you are the ressurection and life, blessed Jesus heal this child”. And new life came to the child, and it immediately became well.

Here is another incident: One day when she was in St. Petersburg, God said: “You will travel to Finland”.

“I? Travel to Finland?”

“Yes, Katti”

“And what station will I go to Lord?” and the Lord showed her the station.

Katti had just sold some work and received 9 kr, which at the time was a lot of money for a poor farmers wife.

“Yes, I will travel”.

She bought a ticket, and when she arrived at the station she said: “What am I to do, Lord? Why have you sent me here?”

She then noticed a wagon, pulled by two mighty horses. She asked the coachman: “Are you Christian?”

“No, I am not,” he answered. “But there is one of your kind in our estate who would be glad to see you, and strangely enough I came down here to meet my master but he did not show up.”

“The Lord has sent the horses and the wagon for me,” she answered.

“Well,” the coachman proclaimed “If it’s so, then it’s best you get in the wagon.” and Katti got in. The horses rode as if they never had gone so fast before.

“Yes, you do know, you are carrying the daughter of a King”, she said.

Katti soon realised why the Lord had sent her there.

There was a christian at the estate, only one, who knew the Lord Jesus. And this man had prayed to God. In his prayer he said “I am so lonely here, O God. Send me someone for encouragement”.

When Katti arrived she said: “Here I am”.

“I knew the Lord would send someone”; he answered. “And who are you?”

“I am Katti.”

Katti held several meetings there. The Lord brought the people together (no advertisements or great talk of it). They just showed up, and Katti spoke to them.

Another time the Lord said: “Katti, walk to the Winter Palace".”

“To the Tzars palace?”

“Yes, Katti”

“How am I to get through the guards security?” she asked.

“I will make sure you do”, the Lord answered.

Katti then walked to the winter palace where the Tzar lived. The guard looked at the old lady, and concluded she was no danger, and let her pass. Katti went forward and inquired to meet one of the servants that she knew of. In the palace, under the Tzars apartment, a great deal of the servants and Katti gathered. She witnessed to them with passion about her Lord, and many were deeply touched.

These are all some of the events in this womans life. God is with her, and it is blessed to walk with God. I could tell many more things, but this should be enough. How certain it is to rely on the Lord, and how wonderous are Gods way and leadershio.

The Lord poured his Spirit out in a remarkable way over us here in St. Petersburg. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Praise God for whaty He has done in Russia. I believe God will pour his Spirit over Russia. Lord, make haste, for your name sake.

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And that’s the story of Katti. When I read this story, I could relate so much, and this is the reason I decided to share this story.

Before I was saved, I had no idea what being saved even was. I also thought sin was something that the church used back in the days to swindle money from people. Haha. All I knew is I wanted to FOLLOW God, not just believe in Him. I wanted a relationship with Jesus.

And so I surrended myself to the will of God, because He knows what I need more than I do myself. He loves me more than I love myself.

I used to think being “saved” just meant you changed your life yourself. For example stop being a foul mouth for God. But actually I discovered, I can’t do it by myself (at least not without great difficulty). I need God. You need God. We all need God. And God helps us with these things that are too hard to do ourself. He carries the burden for us so we are not alone.

A few days after I decided I wanted to follow Jesus, and made him Lord, I was filled with the Holy Spirit. It was like day and night. I did not know what was happening, except had I not already been sitting I would have fallen to my knees. Showers of love poured over me, and my lips automatically turned into a smile. My heart felt warm, and it was like being drunk on wine, only not truly, because I was completely concious, it was much better. It was beautiful.

And ever since that day, the Holy Spirit pours over me still regularly, giving me courage, comfort and even help in situations where I normally would be overcome with fear and sadness, I’ve felt an absolute support by God.

This does not mean I am special because this happened (I’m not. Oh, absolutely not.) - in fact I believe this can happen to anyone who seeks God and seeks Him. I believe God longs for His children to have a relationship with Him.

I try my best to be in prayer a lot, so that I more easily know God. Stories like this makes me feel less alone. So I will be on the search for more stories to share. Gods miracles bring joy and happiness to everyone.

-Camilla