PRAYER-N-PRAISE
"Mama Josephine's newest orphan, Akumu Sharita. She was found abandoned at the garbage dump by street boys."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Toby sent $150 to buy used clothes for the Street Boys. I took them to Angaim Village.
[Later] Each child appreciates what he got. One boy is sick - pray for Stephen age 14. I was invited to the church opening in Nimule, South Sudan, to continue the Pastors' Workshop in Luwero, Uganda. Then I will visit Kiryandongo Refugee Camp and my family. A liter of fuel was 600 pounds and is now 1,200 (double) ($2).
[Later Still] I arrived in Nimule. We are having a Church Opening on Sunday. We almost collided with a truck but God protected us. Next I will go to Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp to teach on Paul's Ministry to pastors.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"We pay Mama Christine and family's school fees, rent and food."
"Evangelist Thomas ministers to them."
"Mama Zawadi (back row, far lf) shops for tarps for houses; wraps for Mamas; and clothes for refugee Pygmy children."
[Letter #2] Dear Team & Mama,
“Hassan qualifies for High School. The schools gave exams after almost two years of lockdown from COVID. Many never completed the syllabus. If Hassan focuses he can excel with support from his teachers. The Head Teacher said he will study Math, Entrepreneurship and Geography - his choice. I established subject combinations for Edgar and Isaac and paid their fees. Sharon Kwedlo will attend Technical School.
[Later] It rained again today. I planted 10 avocado saplings in our small garden and prayed over them.
Thanks for the list of Josephine’s 10 orphans who graduated. Perhaps they can help support the younger children?”
Kind regards,
Christopher
MARY IS serious about studies. She sat for Senior 4 Finals last year and obtained very good grades considering her handicaps. She was best student among all disabled at her school and one of the best in Uganda. She’s involved in activities as the school creates a learning environment with supportive teachers. Thank you for your love, prayers and compassion to help Mary, Morris and all vulnerable African souls to achieve their dreams with God’s help and yours.
"Ten souls gave their life to Christ."
2023
"In the 'tarp church', members sit on volcano stones."
"Morris, one of two blind students in Arua we now support." (See opening story for Mary's photo).
[Letter #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“You cannot believe the joy the Pygmy brothers had to see their Tarp Church. They now reflect people who met Jesus. I thank the USA donor who made this sacrifice.
[Later] I am going to the baptism of 18 Pygmies tomorrow at 6:00 am at Bethel Church in Majengo. They have a baptistery. I am there to help together with Evangelist Thomas. [Sunday] At today's service Pygmies were singing with joy as they sat on volcano rocks at Bulengo Refugee Camp.
[Later] We collected the money from BTM and bought more Tarps plus children’s clothes. Evangelist Thomas, Deo and I will go distribute at a church. Friday I purchased items. Today after church I visited the Bategeju orphans (child-led family of 7) that BTM supports.”
Bless you,
Mama Zawadi
[Note: A Prayer Partner sent funds to build a Tarp Church.]
"Director Daniel Elisama, his sweet wife & Charlotte."
“Is God tugging on your heart to help send ‘The Love of Jesus’ to Sudanese Refugees who have nothing? To make a life-changing difference? Do not forget Jeremiah 5:21. May we HEAR His words; may we BE His EARS and EYES and not be like the BLIND leading the BLIND.” Amen
One of God’s Many ‘Ears’ and ‘Eyes’,
"The charcoal should last a while; and we love onions so much!"
"It's time to empty the latrine."
REPORT
"The UN no longer brings monthly rations to our kids."
[Letter #2] Dear Mama & Friends,
“The Mubambiro Pygmies number 119. Due to war the fled their homes and now live in Bulengo Refugee Camp. Pray for food and tarps. Last time we bought discounted Tarps for $20/ea. We are in a crisis. On Sunday Pastor preached on King Hezekiah.
[Later] Thank you for the $500 to buy Tarps to build a church in the Pygmy Refugee Camp. They will have a temporary church building this Sunday. I will go look for their tambourine. The only organization at the Refugee Camp is Doctors Without Borders. They built a hospital from iron sheets as cholera broke out. The situation is out of control – 1,000,000 refugees but I cannot give up.
[Later] Thank you for being my model. My heart remembers everything BTM has done in Congo like when we were together in Katoyi Nyalipe, Masisi; you contributed to Buleusa Refugee Camp in 2016; how you sent food on a flight to save starving Pygmies. The world is upside down. Still we can preach, pray and do His will.”
God Bless,
Mama Zawadi and L.S.D. Team
"Sharon is now in a technical school."
"Mama Zawadi recalls when we fed starving Pygmies in 2016."
"Ten of Mama Josephine's orphans have graduated from high school and some from college."
"119 Mubambiro Pygmies (who we built a church for) flee their homes due to war. Now at Bulengo Refugee Camp."
"Pray for Edgar, Isaac and Hussan, three of Mama Josephine's orphans."
"What an honor to sponsor these precious Kiryandongo refugee students from South Sudan."
"Pastor Sunlight's garden in Angaim Village, Sudan."
"18 Pygmies baptized!"
"Pastor Benard is now independent."
"Simon, the Blind Evangelist of Leer, South Sudan."
"The Life Application Bible given out at Agape Christian Ministries Conference."
[Letter #3] “Greetings from Torit,
“I lost my phone. I plan to foster out the Street Boys to other families. Parents agree to each take one boy. About our mission to Torit: we had 26 new believers who were baptized and many confessed Jesus as Lord. Your prayers for South Sudan are melting hearts of stone. I am sharing a phone with a friend. I may get a second-hand. We are in a 4-day work shop on the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the money to buy a phone. I can buy a used phone when done with the workshop.”
[Later] “Thanks for support of the Street Boys. I see great changes as they love school and church. Concerning fostering them: they refuse to go to new homes of fostering parents. I don't want to force them as they will return to the streets. They want to live together. Items I bought: Maize flour – 100 lb; Beans – 100 lb; Oil - 5 liters; Onions – 8 lb; Soap; Rico (flavor). Total = 237,000 SSP ($403). With your help I got a new (used) phone. Teachers and students are working on a school garden, store and kitchen. Students are planting cassava and potatoes. This field also has jack fruit and guavas. The two rooms will be used as a kitchen and store room.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
Dear Prayer Partners,
GROWING UP I often heard folks say, “None are so blind as those who cannot see …” For years I wondered what that meant. One day I stumbled across Jeremiah 5:21: “Hear now this, O foolish people, without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not.” I connected the dots. I got it - finally!
CONGO. Letters from Mama Zawadi.
Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,
“Thank you for sending money to buy supplies for the Bulingo Refugee Camp. They told me that the International Organization For Migration registered them in January, but failed to provide any shelter. Also WFP registered them but nothing happened. They could not believe their eyes when I told them Christians across the world sent money and are praying for them so they are not alone. Deo, my husband, added money.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
"40 bags of cement to complete two classrooms."
SUDAN & UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Sunlight who oversees a dozen projects in two countries.
Dear Brothers, Sisters & Prayer Partners,
“I arrived back in South Sudan. I brought three Street Boys to Torit to shop for food. In February the price of a 100 lb bag of maize (corn) flour was 40,000 Sudanese Pounds ($68); and beans 8,500 ($14.45) per lb. Items bought: 3 bags of maize; 1 bag of beans; oil; salt; and fuel. Total = 212,000 ($360).
[Later] The Teachers' pay was divided = $500. They are committed. Last year we dug a latrine and it will be ready next month. We are now constructing a traditional grass house for a store and kitchen. The government now offers a free education and children are not charged anything. We are praying to build new classrooms for Primary students. Right now they study out in the rain. We have bricks and 50 bags of cement, sand, stones. Construction will end at window level due to a lack of funds.”
Thank you all,
Pastor Sunlight
[Letter #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“We pray for the Civil War in Sudan. A student who escaped the war said he saw dogs eating bodies in Khartoum.
Attached are report cards and school requirements from Josephine. I see poor performances from some students. Thank you for the $9,000 Wire Transfer for school fees and projects. Students at Busia Trust Secondary School are asking for text books and biology dissection kits. I got a call from Ishmael Okia who tutors Josephine’s orphans. He is the Head Teacher at Busia Boarding Primary School.
[The next day] Today I sent Mama Christine 51,000 shillings ($400) for rent/food/supplies for three months. I warned her against using rent/food money for any other purpose and to pre-pay house rent for three months. She understood. Next I shall pay for her 9 orphan's school fees.”
Kind Regards,
Christopher
[Letter #4] Dear Friends & Mama,
“I was invited to train 50 church leaders in Arua. I will also preach at Agape Christian Ministries Church. The training is to equip them to teach the Word of God. I am taking 50 study Bibles and 50 workbooks for the upcoming seminar. On a sad note I lost my phone today in a taxi and I can’t access WhatsApp to send Receipts. As soon as I replace my phone, I shall let you know.
[Later] Thank you BTM for paying for a new phone. I paid for 13 students at 4 schools. I temporarily withheld fees for 5 students at Busia Secondary School because they haven't produced their Report cards as BTM requires. May God change their hearts.”
Regards,
Christopher
"Pastor Feta, host, welcomes members to the Agape Seminar."
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Good news about Pastor Benard & his ministry!
Dear Prayer Partners,
“We are happy to announce that Pastor Benard is now self-supporting. Becoming independent is BTM’s goal for African leaders. He writes, ‘Our College received a large Grant from the German Government to support vulnerable youth for technical training…. We also received a Grant to establish a day-care for mamas with children. Our College has now 300 students fully sponsored.’ Continue to pray for Pastor Benard’s ministries. He thanks BTM for their faithful support through the years.”
In His Service,
Charlotte
[Letter #4] Dear Friends & Mama,
“We distributed to 50 people altogether but 25 elderly could not attend. Their kits were taken to them. The distribution was held 3 miles from the Refugee Camp to avoid riots as they are all suffering. Those who are not Christians bring trouble. We had 120 children's clothes and distributed to 30 children; 4 each.
“Thank you for words of encouragement. God bless Mrs. X and all donors involved in this project. After teaching elders on Saturday morning, I visited Munzenze Prison and saw how prisoners were suffering. I spoke to them. The situation reminds me of one brother when I was in London. He was an evangelist and his name was Andrew Bartlett. He had received Christ in prison and it changed his life.
“If it pleases the Lord, Evangelist Thomas and I will go to the Munzenze Prison to distribute physical and spiritual food to 100 people and minister to youth. I had planned to serve the Lord until I was 50, but your example made me change my mind. I will serve him as long as I live. I am about to go to church to intercede and pray for you. This is my own program of prayer.”
God bless you, Mama Zawadi
[Note: BTM fed youth at Munzenze Prison.]
APRIL MAY JUNE
"The school garden is doing well."
UGANDA. KIRYANDONGO REFUGEE CAMP. Letters from Toby, Pastor Sunlight’s brother.
Dear Bush Friends,
“Thank you for the money. Your first donation serves the Kiryandongo Refugee Camp kids, Uganda. The second donation serves the Street Kids at Angaim Village, South Sudan. I sent money to Sunlight through my friend Betty, a business woman in Torit. The third is for the Teachers; I will withdraw tomorrow.
[Later] “Each child received 6-7 pieces of clothes. I am proud that God is doing wonders in the lives of
these children through your compassionate hearts. Their needs were met: We bought 4 bags charcoal; maize (corn) = 800 lbs; salt; onions; oil; water; grinder for maize; and veggies. Below are photos and receipts. I received 8 report cards; but the majorly were not given out. During school holiday the kids are farming. Some are in choir and church activities. We have home fellowship where each one shares.”
Regards,
Toby
"Pastor Christopher paid for our sweet kids' school fees at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp (Uganda)."
"Thanks BTM for our new (used) clothes."
KENYA. Peter, Director of Caring For Kenya’s Kids
Dear Bush Friends,
“Caring for Kenya's Kids acknowledges your support of 221,818 Kenya shillings ($1,629) for school fees for 10 students who were not covered. We thank you all for the gesture during this time. We are thankful for all that BTM has done for C4KK. May God continue blessing you.”
Peter
C4KK Kenyan Director
CONCLUSION. About our Container Project and Angel Volunteers.
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“We are constructing 4 primary classrooms. Primary 1, 6 and 7 are still studying outside under trees. The school has grown to 7 classes and by next year we will have the first high school graduation in the school’s history. We are left with 30 iron bars; 20 binding wire; and 40 bags of cement to complete the first two classrooms.
“There was no rainfall for the past few months but thank God it started raining. Each class will plant something. We planted mango trees – some died. Avocado trees do not do well here.
[Later] I met the governor about the official opening of Angaim Hospital (built by the government). He appreciates our efforts as a community and my initiatives. The community gave stones, sand and trees.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: PTL for the DVBS in CO who sent $800+ to build the Primary School.]
"Hooray! Pay day for teachers!"
"Mama Zawadi visits the youth at Munzenze Prison. It's built for 250 prisoners but they house 2,700."
"The kids are so excited about the new Primary Classrooms."
"We are so very proud of Susan and Sonia, honor students."
[Letter #5] Dear Friends & Mama,
“We had a successful training and 55 pastors attended. I only brought 50 Bibles and Workbooks so promised to send more. Thank you BTM for buying Study Bibles. Despite the bad road between Pakwach and Arua we had a fruitful seminar at Agape Christian Fellowship. On Sunday I spoke in two services and 10 people gave their lives to Christ. I led the church on their knees to dedicate themselves as the Lord gave me a prophetic word: ‘See, I am doing a new thing and you must embrace it.’ On Sunday I spoke to students, teachers and parents at Mvara Secondary School on Parenting, Drug, Substance Abuse and how the Bible guides us.
“On Monday I attended a funeral for my auntie. I left early Tuesday and the car broke down. The Lord arranged where I stopped as I met a student I went to school with 25 years ago. He took me to a good mechanic and the car was fixed in four hours. I left Packwach and arrived home safely at 8 p.m. The Lord won the battle.”
Kind regards,
Christopher
"Sunlight taught on Apostle Paul at Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp."
Charlotte
[Letter #6] Dear Team & Mama,
“This morning I deposited 3,388,400 shillings ($911) for the Kiryadongo Refugee Camp school fees, food and supplies. I wrote Toby asking for a list of the children, their fees, classes and schools. This will help us plan and pray. I also paid fees for 5 students at Busia Secondary School. Yesterday was my birthday and I am grateful to God for another fresh year in His service. My wife, Jane, and daughter prepared a special dinner and my daughters who board called to wish me Happy Birthday.”
Christopher
"Sunlight buying silver fish for the growing Street Boys."
"It's time for our 15 Street Boys to shop for clothes."
UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Christopher, BTM’s Africa Coordinator.
Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“About Mama Josephine’s orphans. I made payments for Edgar and Isaac. Hassan struggled at school so I will find out his Senior 4 grades to see if he qualifies for Senior 5. Then we can plan his way forward.
[Later] It rained cats and dogs the day that Jane, my wife and I, traveled to visit Hephzibah and Hannah, our daughters, at boarding school. We ‘adopted’ two students for the weekend whose parents couldn’t make it. We all had lunch and prayed together. Remember how the Holy Spirit prompted you to tell me that such students would be there? And that I should be on the lookout? Indeed we found them.”
Regards,
Christopher
"Civil War is raging in Sudan."
“When I think of your powerful prayers and sacrificial support I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as we deliver HOPE to suffering African brothers. This summer faithful Volunteers work tirelessly each day, even in the 115 degree heat, sorting and processing thousands of pounds of donations, thanks to our gracious host, Litchfield Park First Baptist Church.
"26 new believers were baptized."
"Let's shop for food in Torit town."
[Letter #7] Dear Pastor Sunlight & Mama,
“Great to hear of your fruit garden. I can see the fertile land in the pictures and pray the rains have begun for the next planting season. Have you tried avocados and mangoes? These grow very fast and are life savers. You could encourage the children to plant fruit trees and each class looks after them. That would ensure food security. May the Lord bless the fruits so far planted and many more to come.”
Kind regards,
Christopher
"Peter and Damaris, his sweet wife."
"Soon Angaim Village Hospital will be dedicated."
SOUTH SUDAN CONTAINER PROJECT. Letter from ACROSS, our partner for the Container Project.
Dear BTM Board & Mama,
“Pardon my belated reply but I was establishing different options for where to deliver the container - assessing the need, security, road accessibility and weather. Here is the best option:
Gorom Refugee Camp, about 25 KM outside of Juba, hosting about 5,000 Ethiopian Refugees from Gambela, but we now have new arrivals from Sudan daily - over 750 households (more than 2,500 people) who are desperate and lack everything. We partner with UNHCR to carry out activities. Gorom’s needs are growing, ACROSS is on the ground and there are more unreached people (Sudanese Moslems), making it the most suitable location to send the container. ACROSS is happy to take the lead. Thanks again Mama Charlotte for your prayers, support and encouragement for people in need.”
Every blessing,
Elisama
CEO ACROSS
"Mubambiro Pygmies prayed to build a 'tarp church' in the refugee camp - God answered their prayer through BTM. They stood for the whole service!"
BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS
©2023 All Rights Reserved
SIMON was a blind Evangelist in Leer, South Sudan - and a favorite friend. He taught me Nuer and I treated his bush sores. Then there was that suitcase of Braille books I delivered to a Blind community in Juba, South Sudan. Other than that, BTM has not ministered to the blind.
This week God opened a new door, thanks to Pastor Christopher, BTM’s Africa Coordinator. He introduced us to two blind Ugandan students, Mary and Morris. Mary is deaf and totally blind, plus other disabilities. She is in Senior 5 (High School) but abandoned at birth by her family. Good Samaritans cared for her until high school. Today she needs support and counseling to reach her dream: complete high school; attend university; and give back to the community.
“Our shipping agent, Thierry (pron. ‘Terry’) Lamy of Independent Ocean Services gave us the best quote out of 7 companies. The price includes purchase of a 40 ft. high cube container whose cost has tripled since COVID. Final fee = $17,965. To date we’ve raised $7,000. We ship in early October. That’s about 2½ months to raise $11,000. We trust God, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, to do it.
"Mary, one of two blind students, sponsored by BTM."
"Christopher's sweet family: wife Jane, children Hephzibah, Hannah & Faith."
"The new 'outdoor' church in Torit."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Christopher,
“World Food Project and UNHCR gave up feeding us in Uganda as rations were cut off for many. There are three groups: 1) Those who receive rations, the elderly; 2) Those who receive half rations; and 3) Those cut off from WFP. Taban’s group no longer receives monthly rations. We fall under group 2 and receive ½ ration or 10,500 shillings per person/mo. ($2.87). Refugees are not valued. Two students will sit for Primary Leaving Exams in November: Susan and Sonia. For the first time in the history of Angaim Village we see progress in girl education. The total amount needed for school fees is 3,388,400 shillings ($925). There is an increase because the two girls are going to board per the school’s rule.”
Thanks,
Toby
[Note: BTM sent money for 19 students’ school fees].
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
[Letter #8] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Over the weekend I travelled to Arua, my old school where they were breaking ground for a new chapel. The school serves students from Uganda, South Sudan and Congo. While there I met two blind students, Mary and Morris: one in Senior 5 and another in Senior 1. The Senior 1 boy was abandoned by relatives because of his blindness and left to die. A Good Samaritan handed him over to the school and currently he is struggling due to fees. The school has teachers for Disabled but the boy has no one to encourage him. I see great potential in him.
The second one, Mary, is in Senior 5. She was the only disabled student who passed from first grade to Senior 5 and has a bright future but lacks school fees. She is blind but has a positive attitude.”
Kind regards,
Christopher
[Note: PTL! BTM found sponsors for Mary and Morris’]
UGANDA, BUSIA. Letters from Bulasio who writes for Mama Josephine.
Dear Friends & Mama,
“The big boys donated money to pay to extract waste from our latrine which is full: Richard, Big Jackson and me Bulasio. The guys removed only half. Little Jackson didn’t contribute.
The 10 Kenyan orphans reported back to school for the 2nd term. Ugandan orphans reported back on May 29.
[Later] I asked the latrine people to empty the remaining waste on credit and pay at the end of the month. They asked for a deposit of 50,000 ($13.65). Below is the receipt and photos. The names of those who graduated are: Big Jackson, Fatuma, Lazia, Richard, Little Jackson, Sharon N, Zowena, Bulasio (me) and Selina. Thank you so much.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio