Our family has served as missionaries to Brazil since 1984.  We have three children:  Jessica (5-25-84), Jennifer (3-25-86), and Jonathan (6-24-87).  John is originally from Colorado and Kathy is from Illinois.  Jessica was born in Grand Junction, CO.  Both Jennifer and Jonathan were born in São Paulo, Brazil and have dual citizenship as both Brazilian and American citizens.

John was called at the age of 12 to be a missionary in Brazil at the same time that he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Kathy's calling to missions was confirmed during a short-term missions experience in Honduras as a part of a STEP group.

John and Kathy met at Lee University where both have graduated with Bachelor's Degrees.  Kathy first majored in Sociology when obtaining her B.A. Degree, but later returned to complete a degree in Elementary Education.  She has taught Kindergarten at a Christian school in Brazil.  She strongly believes that her teaching and ministry to missionary kids is a part of her calling and gifting.

John graduated from Lee University with a B.A. degree in Biblical Education before completing a M.A. degree at the Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN in 1981.  He later completed another Master's Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2001 and is presently working on a doctoral program at the same seminary.

Jessica is a student at a Christian university where she is studying for something in the health profession.  She is involved in intramural sports.  She played on the soccer team during her first year, and joined the women's volleyball team during the second year as a translator for the Brazilian players.

               Jennifer is currently in Brazil living with another missionary family while attending school.  She is playing both soccer and volleyball.  Jennifer is our animal lover, and she had a great compassion for children in need.

Jonathan enjoys many outdoor sports, and enjoyed hunting with his grandfather, uncles, and father during the last year while being in the States during furlough.  He looks forward to fishing in Tennessee before our return to Brazil in August of 2004.

            All of our children have been actively involved with us in ministry.  While helping to plant churches, Kathy and our kids formed a big part of the worship team.  They all speak Portuguese well, and are a great blessing to their parents and to the ministry.