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MISSIONARIES CONSIDER LOCATION CHANGE

Jonathan and Jack Housley recently spent time with the Hewa believers, looking to the Lord as to how to proceed.

January 25, 2008

by Patrick Hatcher

Missionaries Jonathan and Susan Kopf are praying for clarity as they adjust to changes in their location.

"The level of violence in our area of Hewa and the surrounding areas has continued to escalate to the point where we no longer feel that it is a safe place for our family," wrote Jonathan and Susan.

Tribal violence is nothing new for the Kopfs or their co-workers, Keith and Angie Copley. Both families have been evacuated from the village multiple times because of the murder pay-back system and resulting violence in the area.

"We, along with our co-workers, in fellowship with our mission leadership, have decided that we can no longer stay at our current location on a permanent basis. We are praying over our options and are seeking the Lord's guidance for us and for the small group of Hewa believers that are trapped in these unfortunate circumstances."

Although their location may be changing, the Kopfs are clear about their desire to reach the Hewa people.

"This does not mean we are considering abandoning our Hewans and the small group of new believers," wrote Jonathan and Susan. "[We] are resolved in our commitment to finding new ways to continue our efforts of Bible translation and teaching. We are committed to being involved in the lives of our Hewa friends in their environment in order to disciple them effectively.

"We are very encouraged by the vibrant faith of the Hewa believers! It is exciting to see how they have been responding to the truths that we are teaching from the book of Acts, and it is very refreshing to hear their beautiful prayers of faith."