The following article is taken from the booklet handed out at the 2nd annual "Hope heroes of Greater Kansas City" celebration. We were greatly blessed and humbled at being chosen to be honored among such a great group of indiviuals who serve our God! For more information about the Deeper Waters ministry who sponsored the celebration you can go to bobhartley.org.
"As a youngster, Mike Morris lived in Greater Kansas City and also on a small farm in the rural area. He has fond memories while attending a small, one-room school house through his elementary years and being involved in church as well.
In the '60's, Mike served in the U.S. Navy with a four year stint. Then, and even later, he was involved in the "hippy" movement including drinking, drugs and motor-cycles. Things changed in 1974 when Mike purchased a farm located near Nevada, Missouri. A pastor/farmer invited Mike to attend his church who recalled, "It was like he was preaching directly to me. I know that I was convicted by the Holy Spirit." In 1981, Mike gave his life to the Lord and was set free from drugs, alcohol and other sinful habits.
At that time, Mike was introduced to Betty. She was the first person to ever place a Bible into his hands. The following June, they were married and had three fine sons who are all doing well.
Betty had been involved in an organization called Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc.R Over the years, they both ministered together reaching and winning children to Jesus Christ. They also trained believers to teach and lead children to the Lord. In the mid '80's, Mike became more involved with the ministry concentrating on witnessing at county and state fairs. They used the Wordless Book, a very effective tool for sharing the Gospel. He introduced the book to the Fellowship of Christian Farmers who adapted the Wordless Book to a yardstick and thus, it became the Wordless Walking Stick. As a result, over 1.6 million people have been reached with the Gospel and many have given their hearts to the Lord.
Active members of the Calvary Baptist Church, in 2004, Mike and Betty formed their own non-profit organization called the Childrens Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. or simply CEMI. One day, while seated in their dining room, the Lord gave Mike the idea of developing a "Ball of Many Colors" Energia Soccer ball. It became an instant success.
Through many ministries, personal contacts and wonderful relationships, the Morris's have made it possible for the soccer balls, tracts and assorted witnessing tools to be distributed in more than 120 countries around the world. From the heart of the Midwest, shipments have been made to continents such as North America, South America, Africa, Asia and many islands around the world. The soccer balls of many colors (which are produced in Pakistan) have been used of God to get His message to the masses. One missionary exclaimed, "these balls are the most powerful witnessing tool I have ever seen used in Africa." The balls, which are quite durable, have been especially popular throughout the world and especially in the country of South Africa. This is the site of the greatest sporting event of all, the 2010 World Cup.
Today, there are a variety of balls sporting the witnessing colors which include rugby balls and volley balls. CEMI also has hackey sacks, wrist bracelets and lanyards in the colors too. Both Mike and Betty Morris love to share the Good News bringing Hope to the lost in the World.
Contact info: 417-549-0902, Cemi.mike@gmail.com.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Psalm 27:4"
