A Witch for a Witch

Still no "real" news about what really happened with Yamene's murder. Our people feel pretty confident, though, that because the murderer was related to Mifila (the woman who was killed in May) that this was a revenge killing. Yesterday as we talked individually with different villagers almost everyone said the same thing…

"Mifila's family asked for help from the police and told them they wouldn't kill in revenge. They would do what is right and wait for the police to come, but now they have waited for a long time and the police didn't come, so they killed Yamene in revenge."

Mifila, pictured here with two of her three children was brutally murdered on May 18th.

Revenge, vengeance, retaliation,  such an ugly words. The purpose simply to inflict the same pain on someone that they inflicted on you. Yet no one is helped or comforted. Another innocent person suffers.  

Revenge doesn't actually seek out the person who committed the crime in the first place. Revenge finds an easy target. Revenge is so easy. It is much easier to just slaughter a defenseless woman right next door than to hike around the jungle to find the actual killers who would probably harm you in the process. No, revenge is easier and safer. 

They were in need of justice. Justice brings resolution. Those who are actually responsible for the crime are held accountable. But justice is hard out here, and is in need of support. 

Of course, we know that the ultimate justice can only come from God. And only He can truly stop this madness. But it is hard to sit back and watch a people who have heard the truth and rejected it continue on in this self-destructive manner. And in all honesty, it would be hard to stay here without personally knowing and connecting with the Hewans here whose hearts have been changed by God and His Word. 

They are the little light. And this little light is slowly drawing people to its Source. People from surrounding villages slowly trickle in to see how and why these people live so differently. Their answer to that question is always, "Jisas". Jesus is why they live differently. Jesus is why they have laid down their axes, guns, bows and arrows when someone dies. Instead they pick up the sword of the spirit and read the truth about why sin and death have entered the world and what God has done to conquer them. 

Thanks to all of you who have emailed us with your kind words of encouragement during this time of frustration, chaos, and tragedy.  We draw our strength from the Lord and from the evidence of His work in this place through the Hewa believers, watching them live our their testimony of faith in this dark and difficult jungle. We hope and pray that they are an encouragement to you as well.