Blessed are peacemakers such as John

By ELIAS LARI
MAINTAINING peace and good order is an honourable thing for John Kaupa because it makes him feel that he has accomplished his purpose in life.
John, 72, from Chimbu has been serving for 32 years as a peace and good committee member in Western Highlands.
He works as a peacemaker because he wants people to peacefully co-exist following tribal fights or serious law and order issues.
He plans to resign next year and pass on the task to his relative Jacob (Kaupa) who he had trained. He will return to live at home in Chimbu.
He was born on June 8, 1949 and moved to Western Highlands when he was 21. He is from Emigi village in the Chuave district.
He is married to Maggie from Jimi in Jiwaka. They have six children.
In Western Highlands, he was initially employed as a recruiting officer for people wanting to work in the rubber plantations in Buka and Port Moresby. He quit after four years.
He was later employed by Bromely and Menton in Mt Hagen as a supervisor from 1974 to 1979. Then he stayed at home for two years helping his wife to raise their children.
From 1981 to 1986, he was employed as a chief cook in a food outlet in Mt Hagen.
In 1989, John was appointed as a peace and good order committee member for Western Highlands.
His involvement in the peace process saved many lives and properties during tribal conflicts.
“Helping others is what I practised during my young days because I love it. I practise honesty which has been my principle in life to gain public confidence in me.”
Two things he hates are bribery and corruption.
“When you received bribery, the decision you make will not make any permanent peace between two warring tribes or groups.”
His life is guided by what he thinks is best for the people.
“God in turn blessed me with six children and 13 grand children who are educated, working and residing in Mt Hagen, Chimbu and Port Moresby.”

“ Helping others is what I practised during my young days because I love it. I practise honesty which has been my guide in life to help me gain public confidence.”

John feels age is catching up with him and has decided that this year will be his last to serve as a peace and good order committee member.
He wishes to see more people helping others through sharing and caring.
“This is why we are seeing so many problems and law and order issues affecting communities. God created us for a purpose and we have to use our potential to help others.
“Nowadays we are seeing the no-care mentality growing bigger and bigger and as citizens, we have to say out loud that it is wrong.
“I sacrificed my life and time to correct mistakes and impart wisdom into people so that they can understand situations.”
John feels he has done his bit in promoting and maintaining peace and good order in the community he is assigned to.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall me called the children of God.” – Matthew 5: 9.