Morrows In Brazil

Revive Therapeutic Community

2011-11-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot with the men at the Revive Therapeutic Community in Gravataí. Every time I leave after visiting with these men I am reminded of what it really means to be a Jesus man- letting go of your pride, taking a humble position, and asking for help with daily struggles.

New Friends

2011-11-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot with Felipe and Mario. Mario is a patient at the Revive Therapeutic Community in Gravataí. He has almost completed his goal of one year in therapy and we have become good friends over the past year. He has an amazing heart for the Lord and has taught me what it means to be a servant.

Andrei & Grasiela Wedding

2011-11-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

I had the privilage of performing the religious ceremony for Andrei and Grasiela Oliveira in Restinga on November 19th. Andrei is a graduate from the Hope Therapeutic Community and met Grasiela while she was a volunteer there. Please pray for this special couple as they begin married life together.

Hope Therapeutic Community

2011-11-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot with the Hope Therapeutic Community men in Lami. These men spend nine months learning how to live like Jesus and learning how to structure their lives through actively participating in a body of faith, therapy, and discipline.

Lukas

2011-11-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

Lukas is the most recent addition, November 15th, to our family. He is the son of Ana's sister Adriana. Baby and mom and dad are doing fine.

I Got Your Number

2011-11-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

JT Celebrating 18 Months

2011-11-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

Watching the Planes Come In

2011-11-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Mommy and JT at the Zoo

2011-11-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

JT Preaching the Word

2011-11-20T12:45:00.001-08:00

Daddy and Jonathan Driving

2011-11-20T12:44:00.001-08:00

Spiritual Warfare Celebration in October

2011-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

I Can Shave Too!!!

2011-11-20T12:11:00.001-08:00

Grilling Burgers is a Sinch

2011-11-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

JT at the Park

2011-11-20T12:06:00.001-08:00

Sweet Tooth

2011-11-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hanging out with Grandparents

2011-11-20T12:03:00.001-08:00

Look What I Found in the Kitchen!

2011-11-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

Grandma Morrow Will Be Proud

2011-11-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

One Strike Away From........

2011-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Rescuing Pearls Ministry

2011-05-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last year we created a project called Rescuing Pearls to reach out to the families of drug addicts. Much of the time we forget that the families of addicts suffer a great deal, are in need of healing, and need to be prepared for the return of their loved one. While the project was not approved to be funded by the government, we went ahead with some aspects of the ministry. It began in April, and we have had a full crowd every time. Join us in prayer that the Lord will work to bring more people to him through this needed ministry.

Child Proof

2011-05-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

"Hum, I don't think a rubber band on the cabinet will do the trick mom and dad!"

A Cute Bunny

2011-05-14T15:58:00.001-07:00

Visit to CERENE

2011-05-14T15:55:00.001-07:00

In April myself and two other ministers went to Santa Catarina on a research trip to gather information about half-way house ministries. We visited CERENE which is a marvelous recovery center for male teens and adults. From the left, Claudio, Geraldo, Marcos (president of CERENE).

The Perfect Hiding Place

2011-05-14T15:54:00.001-07:00

Graduation to High Chair

2011-05-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

Klein Family visit to Porto Alegre

2011-05-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Klein family, who was one of our missionary families for five years, came back to Porto Alegre for the first time in four years.

Ana's 24th Birthday

2011-05-14T15:42:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Ana's birthday just two weeks after Jonathan's birthday.

All Spruced Up For Granny

2011-05-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

My mom Sandra came from Austin to be with us for Jonathan's first Birthday.

Jonathan's First Birthday

2011-05-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Jonathan turned one on February 9th. We threw him a big Winnie the Pooh theme birthday party. He loved it! We are so blessed to have a happy and healthy little boy! Thanks to all who sent emails and cards for this special day.

On the Move......Seriously

2011-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

In October we were bumped out of the apartment where we were married and where we became a family. The owner was interested in selling, and we were not buying, so the Lord led us to a new apartment in a quieter neighborhood, but far away from the area of town I had been living since I moved to Brazil. It is actually the part of town where Ana grew up, Partenon, so it took me a little while longer to get used to the area, but slowly it is happening.

New Living Room

2011-05-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

Here is our new living room.

Rangers in World Series

2011-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Jonathan's first World Series experience. We were not happy the way it turned out for the Rangers, but we were sure proud to see them there!

Theology Graduates

2011-05-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Adriana and Elinton completed the two year theology course in December. I fully believe these two served much more to strengthen my faith than the other way around.

Bring a Friend Day

2011-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Baby Dedication for Nicole and John Victor

2011-05-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day it was as our church family dedicated these new babies to the Lord.

Libertadores Champion Again

2011-05-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yep, Internacional won the South American club champoinship for the second time in four years. We did not go to the game, obviously since Jonathan is so small, but will take him some day soon (probably for another championship!!!).

Jonathan's Great Grandfather John

2011-05-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here is Jonathan with his materal great grandfather John who turned 80 in August.

Mr. Chubby

2011-05-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

Daddy's Plate

2011-05-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

This was the plate my mom and dad used for me for my first meal, and is being used for the same purpose for Jonathan.

Jonathan 4 Month Picture

2011-05-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here is Jonathan at four months, however he looks a bit older than that.

4th of July

2011-05-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

This was Jonathan's first 4th of July celebration. It's a normal work day in Brazil, but we always try to do something special to celebrate this day.

Baby Shower For Nicole

2011-05-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Nicole will be Daniela's second daughter. Many women showed up to spend time with Daniela and her family at the shower.

Felipe's Trip to the U.S.

2011-05-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Felipe had a wonderful trip to the U.S., serving as a camp counselor in New York and then making a visit to Westover Hills in Austin, Texas.

Jonathan Tyler Morrow at Two Months

2010-04-25T15:46:00.001-07:00

Jonathan has gone through all sorts of changes in the past two months. At his two month checkup he weighed 16 ½ pounds, which would have been a cause for concern with his pediatrician had he not measured 2 feet 1 inch! So he is growing very well and is happy most of the time. Mom and dad are doing well and are learning much about life from our little one. Continue praying for us as we strive to understand how to be parents.

Paul's Birthday

2010-04-25T15:44:00.001-07:00

I turned 32 on April 11th! One of the cool traditions here is that the person whose birthday it is is the one who roasts the meat. So I did- rumpsteak, triptip sirloin, sausage, and mozzarella cheese.

New Sisters in Christ

2010-04-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

We have three new sisters in Christ. Pictured here is Camila who is part of our house church. I can’t remember the last time she did not come to worship. She is 17 and a very talented and dedicated young woman. She is working full-time as well as in high school. She has dealt with and overcome so much in her life. We are so thankful that she has made this decision.

Spreading the Word.........................In Argentina

2010-04-25T15:36:00.001-07:00

Leni, pictured here with her son Jorge, is a masseuse, but her greatest passion is sharing Christ. She has been a part of our church family as long as I can remember. After giving a massage to an elderly woman who has breast cancer and was temporarily in Porto Alegre, Leni was invited by this woman to go with her to Argentina to care for her for three months. Leni accepted, and during her time there she shared the gospel with her. She believed and was baptized! What an awesome example to leave home and family for the gospel. "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."

Ivoli Baptized

2010-04-25T15:35:00.001-07:00

Here is Ivoli with her husband Carlos and their daughter Gracie. Gracie was baptized early last year and now her mom has put Christ on in baptism. We are now praying that Carlos will believe in the Good News!

Yee Haw

2010-04-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

While there is some debate in our house as to which soccer team Jonathan will rout for, there is consensus as to which university he will be for- University of Texas! Hook ‘Em.

Visit From Friends

2010-04-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Roberto and Marisa, who are missionaries in Natal, Brazil were recently in Porto Alegre for a visit.

Completed Theology Course

2010-04-25T15:29:00.001-07:00

Three men at the half-way house recently completed a theology course. Pictured here is Nathaniel.

2010-04-25T15:27:00.001-07:00

Completed theology course- Edson.

2010-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Completed theology course- Jander.

A New Home

2010-04-25T15:21:00.001-07:00

Here’s my brother Kile and sister-in-law Lettie. He is a the morning director for KTXS and she is a pre-school teacher and professional photographer. We are so happy that they have bought a new house in Abilene! Sweet! What a huge blessing from the Father! I can’t wait to see it for myself.

Libertadores 2010

2010-04-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here I am with my father-in-law at International Stadium. The thing is- Luiz is a fanatic for the rival team (Gremio). He even has a sign in his kitchen that says: If you are for Gremio then may God bless you, but if you are for International may God forgive you! He is a great example of humility to accept my invitation to go with me to a game in the South American tournament.

New Family Member

2010-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

You probably recognize this couple since I posted several pictures of their wedding last year- my brother-in-law Vitor and his wife Loiva. We are so thrilled that Loiva is pregnant! Theirs is an amazing story of faith and persistence. This couple put before the Lord that they wanted the blessing of children, but little did they know how hard it would be. After trying for a year, she finally got pregnant, but only to lose the baby very early in the pregnancy. Even after this hard loss they still asked the Lord for the blessing of children. Her doctor had a hard talk with them both and told Lovia she has endometriosis, and that it was very unlikely that she would get pregnant naturally. So she did In Vitro but lost that baby too! Still they asked the Lord for the blessing of children. After two hard losses and the temptation of giving up, Loiva got pregnant again, but this time she has made it to the third trimester! How great is that! It’s God great. After trying everything medically possible to no avail, the Lord provided them a child exactly when he wanted them to have one. His name will be John Vitor and is due in June.

We´re Parents!

2009-08-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Our son is on the way! Ana is now four months along. She and the baby are doing so well. All tests and ultrasounds up to this point have come back showing only good health- this is only from the Lord! His steadfast love is new every morning! Here are the images from the last ultrasound. In the upper left image he is putting his right hand up to his mouth! Ana has moved out of the morning sickness phase and into an insomnia phase, so please pray that she will return to getting a good night’s sleep, or at least a night’s sleep. Also, pray for our son that he continues to grow as the Lords so desires. Also for us as parents- that we will be the parents the Lord wants and calls us to be. Also pray for Ana´s tourist visa process as we plan to go to the States in October of this year!

New Friends

2009-08-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

We have been reaching out to some of Ana´s college friends Jefferson and Grasiela. We had them over for dinner and got on the subject of American sports. I tried my best to explain the rules of baseball. Please pray that the Lord will transform these precious hearts into Kingdom hearts.

Theology Course for Church Members

2009-08-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

We have concluded the first semester in the two semester theology course for church members. In an attempt to now God more fully we read his Word and discuss topics such as hermeneutics, anthropology, sin, redemption, and history of the church.

Community Therapy and Theology Course

2009-08-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday at the halfway house we have a time of community therapy for those guys to share what is on their heart- strengths, weaknesses, hardships and happiness. After the community therapy I teach a theology course to those who have been there for more than three months. The recommended stay for complete recuperation is 9 months.

Father´s Day 09

2009-08-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

August 8th was Father´s Day in Brazil. So we had a cookout for the dads in our house church and invited the Wehrplotz house church to join us.

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our sponsoring church, Westover Hills, came to Porto Alegre to visit us, our work and to put on a VBS for a local school, as well as complete a paint project for a local day-care. Following are just a few shots from their encouraging stay with us.

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Drama- The Prodigal Son (Modern Day Version)

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

VBS- Bible Story, David and Goliath

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

VBS- Games

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

VBS- The Father Abraham Song

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Daycare Paint Project

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Daycare Paint Project

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Daycare Paint Project.

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Recess- soccer of course!

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Arts and Crafts.

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Arts and Crafts with some green tea. I really like Jeff´s motto- ``I´ll try anything once!´´

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Bountiful food from above!

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Puppets!

Westover Campaign 09

2009-08-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the work we had an opportunity to see the World Champion Sport Club Internacional play São Paulo in Porto Alegre at Beira-Rio Stadium. No that´s not a beer in Isaac´s hand. One, the legal drinking age is 18 in Brazil and two, alcohol was banned from being sold inside the soccer stadiums in 2008. This rule has helped to keep folks calm during the games.

New Wehrplotz House Church

2009-08-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

A new house church was inaugurated in May at Ana´s parents´ house. Ana´s family has been a part of our house church since January 2007. In December 2008 we challenged our house church members to begin a house church in their own homes after having experienced it for two years. Ana´s family answered the call to begin a new house church in May, and that´s exactly what they did. Please be in prayer for this new church.

New Wehrplotz House Church

2009-08-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

We presented a new Study Bible was presented to this new house church as well as prayed over them.

House Church at Lima Home

2009-08-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a movie clip of a house church worship that was hosted in the home of Lauro and Lorena Lima. This family has been involved in our house church since we went to house churches in January of 2007 and have been with our church family since we inaugurated the church in 2003. This family is a step of faith family. For years Lauro made and sold small packets of honey to local markets. But his conscience was not at ease since these markets sold the packets of honey to the Umbanda spiritist religion to be used in their religious activities. Though he was able to sustain his family through these sales he knew he needed to give it up to honor God. So without the security of another job he ceased honey production, having faith that God would provide. At first he mowed lawns and then moved to a sales job selling sports equipment. But these two jobs were very inconsistent and struggled to provide for his family. Just in the last two months he was offered a job at a pizza buffet which is full-time and has a fixed income now! Isn´t that awesome?! He´ll be the first to tell you that God is awesome! And this is just another proof that when we step out on faith God is there to provide what we need. In the clip Lauro is in the blue shirt and Lorena in red. Please join us in praying that the Lima family will host a regular house church in the near future.

House Church at Lima Home

2009-08-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

At the Lima´s house there is always good fellowship and good food!

House Church At Lima Home

2009-08-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the Soares family at the Lima´s house.

Raquel Birthday

2009-08-21T05:49:00.001-07:00

Raquel, Ana´s sister, celebrated her 16th birthday in July.

Christmas Day 2003

2009-08-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

I can´t believe how much Raquel has grown. Here is a picture of the Wehrplotz family on Christmas Day 2003. Raquel was 10 in this picture!

Wedding Bells- Vitor and Loiva

2009-05-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

On April 17th, Vitor (Ana´s brother) and Loiva were married at the Mont Serrat Baptist Church (this is the same church Ana and I were married in). It was the first wedding I have performed, but went quite smoothly. As always the bride and groom were stunning and happy as could be! Praise the Lord for this union. Please pray for their lives together!

Wedding Bells- Vitor and Loiva

2009-05-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

At the reception.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T13:50:00.001-07:00

Our 2nd Annual Easter Retreat took place at the St. Louis Farm in Novo Hamburgo, just outside of Porto Alegre. What a wonderful time of family worship and fun.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T13:12:00.001-07:00

Lord´s Supper.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T13:09:00.001-07:00

As a sweet addition to the spiritual teaching of the retreat, we always try to pass down some of our own traditions like American football. Their improvement is astonishing!

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I was really wanting a Dr Pepper, so I thought I might ask the Brazilian Mustang if he had some. To no avail, he was all out. But he did let me take a picture with him.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Meditation Time.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Nocturnal Easter Egg Hunt with plenty of chocolate prizes.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

Young Adult Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

Young Adult Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:52:00.001-07:00

Young Adult Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Young Adult Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Kid´s Bible Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Women´s Bible study group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Men´s Bible Study Group.

Easter Retreat

2009-05-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Preaching the Word about spreading the Message!