Goppert's
Conversion
Chris was saved when he was 19. His cousin, who witnessed to him regularly, led him to the Lord. When Joyce was four, she came to Christ in Zimbabwe through the preaching of her missionary father.
Call
Chris did not hesitate giving his life to the Lord for service. He committed himself to serving Christ the night of his conversion. His call to missionary service came initially in 1965 and was confirmed in Bible College two years later. Joyce always wanted to be a missionary nurse, and God also confirmed her call while in Bible College.
Field experience
In 1973, the Gopperts went to Zimbabwe for language study. From 1974 to 1976, Chris taught Bible classes and led services in local rural assemblies, and Joyce used her nursing skills in rural clinics.
Through the years, Chris taught Scripture classes in the public high schools and a number of Bible courses in area churches. He and Joyce also led youth camps.
In 1978, they moved to Harare, Zimbabwe, the capital. During the next two terms until 1990, Chris pastored at the Baptist Bible Church of Chisipite, a multi‑racial congregation. He trained elders and discipled new believers, among other responsibilities.
In Harare, Joyce was a homemaker, Bible study leader, church pianist and artist. As a Zimbabwe MK, she taught Shona in public schools. She also assisted in the TEAM field office and bookstore located in Harare.
From 1990 to 1992, Chris was involved in a church-plant with Gateway Community Church, in Harare. Besides giving pastoral care to this congregation, Chris also taught and preached. Both of the above churches are now lead by national believers.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Chris has been secretary on the leadership team. He has also served on the Harare Theological College (HTC) board.
From 1993 to 2003, Chris and Joyce not only marked their 30th anniversary as career missionaries with TEAM, but also ministered in church development, discipleship, and leadership training responsibilities at Mvurwi Community Fellowship (MCF). Today MCF continues to worship and conduct outreach in and beyond the greater Mvurwi area.
While at MCF Joyce was also involved in a vital hospitality, counseling and visitation ministry with farmer’s wives during very traumatic times for farmers in Zimbabwe.
After completing an extended leave of absence with Salt Savours, the Gopperts are planning to return to a teaching ministry in Zimbabwe in March 2008. Chris will teach at HTC, and Joyce will be involved in hospitality, and with the orienting of new missionaries to the country’s language and culture. Their married children live in Africa.
Chris and Joyce Goppert are associated with TEAM, an evangelical mission agency which helps churches to send missionaries to establish reproducing churches among the nations to the glory of God. To send the Goppert's a monetary gift click here.
