God's Healing Power"I've seen people forgive those who killed their loved ones. I've watched survivors and perpetrators cry together and hug each other through their tears. Something like that requires the presence of God. I could never go to a single prison to preach without the power of God. Without God, I would hate such killers with all of my heart. But with God I can truly say that I love them." - Bishop John Rucyahana A Healing Hope Web Updates |
 |
The Koonce Family
The Koonces moved to Togo in 1996 and continue to work with the Watchi people. Find out more on their ministry web site: watchiharvest.com Initially, we committed to seven years of work in Togo, but God had already opened our hearts to prolonging that time. As our ninth year approached, we began asking God if He wanted us to remain in Africa long-term. Our call to Rwanda began in 2003 with an email from Sam Shewmaker (former missionary to Tanzania) saying that his survey team committed to pray everyday for God to raise up teams of missionaries to minister in Rwanda. We began praying for God to provide $5000 for a survey trip in a way that would increase our faith and confirm this call. We received a check for $5,000 within two weeks (unsolicited). Our teammate Murphy Crowson and Northern Togo missionary Matt Miller also committed to and received the funds to be able to make this trip. Our plans came together two years later, in 2005. David Reeves joined our group and the four of us spent two weeks surveying Rwanda with Sam Shewmaker and Dave Jenkins. We went with curiosity and returned with conviction. God was calling us to minister in this dark nation. More specifically, God was calling the four of us to minister together in the Ruhengeri valley, a densely populated area in Rwanda with over 1 million people. In May, 2007, our family, along with the Crowsons, made another survey trip to Rwanda. God confirmed our calling as we met with Rwandans and other missionaries and felt again the darkness of this lost nation. In 2008 the Koonces will finish up their full-time ministry among the Watchi. In January, 2009, they will move to Kigali, Rwanda, Central Africa to begin a new life and ministry there. In 2010 they will move to Musanze in north west Rwanda to begin a ministry in the Musanze valley. U.S. AddressWarrenton Church of Christ Web InformationMarty's Blog: http://martykoonce.wordpress.com Sponsoring Church Warrenton Church of Christ Koonce Contacts: Nic Wheeler -or- Tom Ryon
|
Marty and Louise both graduated from Harding University. During a career in retail management, God swung their hearts towards missions. They moved to Togo in 1997 to begin ministering among the Watchi where they are currently serving. They plan to move to Rwanda in 2009.