Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Life in Rwamwanja Refugee Camp.
MY TRIP TO UGANDA
“My Trip in Uganda was to visit my Aunt Martha who was ill (she's ok now, PTL) and Congolese refugees at Rwamwanja Refugee Camp…. God used me in the camp to make new friends…. To reach Rwamwanja I had to go through Nyakabande Transit Refugee Camp, where I stayed a week. God turned this into a ministry. That week I prayed and taught, 4 people were baptized. The Camp Director participated in Sunday services. We made friends with refugees from Buleusa, Nyamilima, Masisi, Ishasha, Ngwenda, and Nyabanira….
“Three people from Buleusa Refugee Camp in Congo recognized me. Buleusa was the last camp to receive relief supplies from BTM’s two containers – including food from Heaven Sent Ministries. One Saturday after teaching 3 guys approached me and told me they had seen me in Buleusa. They reminded me of what I had preached to them and thanked BTM for the food when they were starving to death. They told me that Buleusa Refugee Camp no longer exists. It was scattered by Mai-Mai attacks.
Charlotte between buses, Kampala, Uganda.
TESTIMONY OF EMMA, FORMERLY OF BULEUSA REFUGEE CAMP, CONGO
“Emma (a man) was one of these 3 from Buleusa Refugee Camp, Congo, who remembered our Team. He shared what they had endured before Buleusa Camp was disbursed by the Mai-Mai. [quote] ‘We lived peacefully in Buleusa Camp. We cultivated our fields, sang and prayed at church without any problems, and life seemed good until the Bakobokobo, Bahunde and Nande began to attack us Hutus from Rwanda.
“’It’s a problem dating back to 1982 during the first tribal war in North Kivu called Mai Mai against Rwandan people (Hutus and Tutsis). Most Tutsis returned to Rwanda. Congolese Hutus and some remaining Tutsi are under ethnic discrimination due to their language and looks in North Kivu.
[Emma] “‘During an evangelistic campaign we sang in our mother tongue and this angered the Mai-Mai. They stoned us. Despite stones we continued to sing until the end. A few days passed and … our houses were burned, women raped, and babies killed. They used large sticks, machetes, axes and hoes. We were driven from our gardens…. Hunger haunted our families; children died from starvation. Women who were pregnant were malnourished. There was high mortality of babies. Bad living conditions caused more suffering.
YOUR SAVED OUR LIVES!
“’When Bush Telegraph’s convoy arrived from Goma, we were greatly relieved, especially our children. The nourishing food saved our lives (from Heaven Sent Ministries.) Until you came my wife wore a loincloth and our baby had no clothes. We express gratitude to you as on that day you left early, without being thanked’.
“’After your departure the situation got worse, despite the presence of MONUSCO (UN Soldiers) and National Police. Tribal threats resurfaced. We held a security meeting bringing together MONUSCO, the Police, the North Kivu Governor Representative, and representatives of different tribes (including Hutu). The violent Mai-Mai were represented by leaders; demanded the camp be dismantled immediately; and Hutus leave their area. Otherwise they would attack the camp’.
“’The police had few staff; and considering that MONUSCO is only an observer; since the Provincial Government is complicit in what happens to Hutu farmers in North Kivu. In view of the slowness of the Government of Kinshasa to take action, people began to leave the camp … each taking their own destination. So today we are in Uganda in search of security, arable land and communion in Christ. I thank God for this encounter. We will always remember your preaching. Continue to help and comfort the persecuted. Thank you’.”
Buleusa Refugee Camp received food, before Mai-Mai attacks.
Our happy kids in their new uniforms.
We ate together at the pastor's home.
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight updates us on Sudan and the Refugee Camps where we minister.
[Letter #1] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Greetings from Angaim Village Church…. Peter has confirmed receiving of the money … you sent. He will send a report through Dr. Ray when possible. Thanks for your help and support to feed 450 school children; the community elderly; and those in need. It sustained many lives in the Angaim community and other villages whose children attend our school [called ‘Zion Primary’].
Yesterday 13 people died of hunger…. There is heavy fighting in Bar-el Gazal, Wau and other parts of Sudan, even in Torit County (our area). In Amadi State there was a clash between the Resistance Soldiers and President Kiir’s Government (Dinka) Soldiers.”
Thanks, Pastor Sunlight
[Note. Special thanks to the Angels who gave these love gifts.]
Bush Telegraph Missions
KENYA.
Pastor White cares for 25 orphans in his home and turned his church into a school for them.
Dear Mama & Bush Friends,
“We received the money … and bought maize flour (corn), rice, cooking fat and bars of soap. Here is the photo…. We also paid June and July for house rent…. Here is the receipt. Thank you and God bless you all.”
In Love, Pastor White
[Note. Special thanks to the Angel who paid the rent!]
[Letter #2] Report from Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Northern Uganda]
Dear Bush Friends,
“We are in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp. I am with Pastors Charles and Thomas who help in camp ministry. They … have servants’ hearts so I am building confidence and trust in them. We appreciate your prayers for the community and the children living in these camps. The school needed uniforms for the children so we bought them…. I also bought for Mama Rose who looks after our 15 refugee children: 1) vegetables - 150,000 shillings; 2) charcoal - 45,000; 3) school uniforms - 200,000 (shirts only for 12 children); 4) exam fees - 96,000; 5) Betty, a starving widow - 15,000; and 6) Mama Adelina, an old woman who had nothing - 45,000…. Total = 551,000 Ugandan shillings ($153). Thank you for the money. Receipts will be sent to Peter. Hope and joy is returning to our refugee children and … Christ will make it complete….”
Thanks, Pastor Sunlight
[Note. One special Angel made a sacrificial donation from the sale of property!]
AFRICAN BUS TRIP.
Part 2.
Where were we last time? Oh yes, now I remember. On a Kenyan bus headed to Kampala, Uganda. The bus driver flew over potholes doing 70 mph that would swallow a Volkswagen. Once I bounced so high my head hit the roof rack. Luckily I’m ‘hard-headed’. Temps inside (I was in the back) rose to triple digits. Alas! My window didn’t open – I was sweating buckets so took a packet of Emergen-C reserved for these occasions.
About half way to Kampala I felt nature calling. As if reading my mind, the bus pulled over to the side of the road out in the bush. Passengers unloaded and simply squatted in plain view to take care of business. I remained on board. My prayer life increased greatly.
An hour or so later we rolled to a stop along a dusty road lined with wooden stalls. Everyone was selling something. I prayed there was an outhouse around. I grabbed my TP and set out on an expedition. It turned out to be a 5 minute walk but I found it. No door. Cockroaches. Flies. Mosquitoes. No privacy. Over-powering smell. “Lord … I’ve never been so happy to see a dirty hole in the floor in all my life! Thank you.”
The bus driver gave us 10 minutes so I was cutting it close. I quickly checked out the food: warm sodas, a strange homemade candy, huge loaves of bread, japatas, peanuts. Even purple onions. I paid for a japata and realized my bus was moving. I was NOT on it. I raced out the door and jumped on the slowly moving bus. Whew! On the road again I was desperate for a nap and arranged my head between the window and seat in front. Even with vibrations, I managed to snooze but dreamed I was a chocolate milkshake in the blender at Dairy Queen.
Feeding program for Angaim Village School (called "Zion").
We had the same meal: bean sauce and corn paste.
Thousands lined up at Nyamata to pay their respects.
Pastor Delphin's Aunt Martha.
Prayer ~N~ Praise
Report
Widow Jeanne Foibe and Dorcas sweeping and praying over the plot that became a church 5 years later.
Over 100,000 are buried at Nyamata Memorial Park.
Buying supplies for 25 orphans.
Pastor Delphin's family and Charlotte.
© copyright 2017
Charlotte
THE MOVE
“The great news in 2017 was the planting of our church in Rugamba. This was possible because you helped in this work. We met Widow Jeanne Foibe who, with her family, showed great faith in sweeping a plot for 5 years waiting for someone to build a church. BTM … encouraged and raised up the weak….
“The church is progressing well in Rugamba due to a committee of 7 people (Tim, Jeanne Foibe, Ananias, Serugendo, Tantine, Mani, and Furaha) who manage it. Lately two families joined the church…. Members hope to see Mama Charlotte and especially Mama Jeanne Foibe who constantly prays for her….
“In Goma Satan struck my family and sifted the work of God to the point where we despaired…. Your prayers and counsel were important. The storm has passed…. Pray for God to heal our wounds. The church in Goma is recovering. A committee of 5 people (Nicaise, Lucien, Yvette, Robert and Faraja) manage day-to-day activities. I oversee two committees (Goma and Rugamba) but my home is now in Rugamba not Goma.
“We are living in Rugamba Village because: 1). believers need to be spiritually equipped … and asked me to stay; and 2) my children will avoid negative influences…. We will benefit from quiet village life. My wife Elizabeth and I will be able to rest after all we have been through. We need … to refresh ourselves…. Also we can grow maize (corn) and beans to feed and provide an income for our family.
“Women At Risk. We thank Mama Yvette who continues to oversee Women at Risk. They weave baskets at home … and meet on Saturday…. Unwed ladies have not begun training to knit due to lack of a workshop and materials. We are grateful to the Donor who gave $300 to support these activities….
“In Rugamba … the situation of children was not good. Many are in the street, others are in host families who starve and abuse them. Pray please that we can plant an Orphan School in this area.
Late in the afternoon we stopped in a small town for a mere 2-3 minutes. Hawkers lined up outside the bus windows, holding up their wares. I was so hungry and beyond logic. Outside I viewed chunks of sugarcane; sticks of roasted corn; boiled eggs; kebobs with beef and chicken, green oranges, pineapple and bananas. Also juice in a bag and orange Fanta. I negotiated the price through another window for a chicken kebob and juice-in-a-bag.
Twelve hours later we reached Kampala. Since it was night time even the chickens beneath my seat had settled down. The next morning I connected with Pastor Sunlight. Later we boarded the bus bound for Juba, Sudan, my luggage stored below. “Lord … there’s a large gaping hole in the floor by the gear shift bigger than a breadbox - I can see the ground!”
On board the conductor gave us a sobering warning: “The road to Juba is very bad. There’s a patch where it’s washed out … dozens of semis and tractor trailers have been stranded for days. No buses can get through … we could be stranded. All those who wish to leave may do so…. Shall I pray…?” All hands shot up and he led in a magnificent prayer in Jesus’ Name. I wondered, what am I getting myself into? [Cont. next time]
When African adventures happen I recall the words to this song: “Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; learned to trust in God….” He continues to meet our needs through YOU. Thank you for your unfailing prayers, love and encouragement.
Nyakabande Transit Refugee Camp where four were baptized.
[Letter #3] – Report from Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, and South Sudan Refugee Camp.]
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We wish to report on the refugee camps in South Sudan and Kakuma, Kenya. We are grateful for your prayers and support to reach thousands of people…. We sent a team of two and joined other church leaders at the camps to share the love of God. We ate together with their children at their homes. We taught the Word of God at all camps and supported the needy and elderly whose children were killed in the war and live alone. They are suffering with the orphans whose parents were also killed. We found one orphan is staying at the pastor’s home which needs our support. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of God.”
Pastor Sunlight
Signing off until next time,
One of God’s Messengers,
SALVATIONS & PASTOR ERIC
“Results. Three women and one man received Jesus as Savior. The Director of Nyakabande Transit Camp, Mr. Esau, was in Sunday service and said that even in heaven there is joy when a person accepts Jesus in his life. He encouraged us to continue God’s work in Uganda camps. Refugees understand that becoming a refugee does not mean being abandoned, rejected or forgotten by God. But God has always accomplished His purpose for His people through mutations; He profited to announce that ‘Uganda stands with refugees’ is a Ugandan Government Program to defend the right of refugees. He reassured that Uganda is a country of peace and promises justice and freedom to refugees.
“PASTOR ERIC BASHIMBE arrived in the Transit Camp two weeks earlier, from Chankwale Camp near Congo/South Sudan border. Our hearts joined together like David and Jonathan. He invited me to visit his church…. We prayed for a child who was ill and suffering from malnutrition. We lost our camera during the trip and have no pictures. However the child was depressed, his mother had died in Nyamilima's attacks. He stays with his father in the camp and receives care from Lutheran World Federation.
“We helped a Congolese soldier, Mbiza Habibu. He was fleeing the Beni front with his family (10 people and 1 orphan). We helped him finish paper work at the transit camp office. He was traumatized because ADF/NALU killed his wife with a machete in Beni. Two raped girls, Delphine (22) and Veronica (24) received our counsel and words of encouragement to revive hope in God.
Ministering to a traumatized victim.
Testimony of Emma (man) formerly from Buleusa Camp.
5. RWANDA. Pastor Celestin’s Guardian Angel Team ministered to trauma victims in Nyamata.
Dear Bush Family,
“Nyamata Memorial Site was our last place of Christian counseling during the Genocide Commemoration April – July…. Nyamata District is far from Kigali, our capitol … and has two big memorial sites where more than 100,000 are buried. We thank God for what we did during the 4-months through Bush Telegraph. You are our best friend to assist us…. With God, you and us, we achieve more as unity is strength….
9. USA. GOD ANSWERED PRAYER
Dear Friends,
“A new Ambassador-at-Large for the US Office of Int’l Religious Freedom has been nominated. It’s been years since the position was filled. President Trump’s nominee is Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. He has a good track record when it comes to fighting persecution. He will plead on behalf of men and women imprisoned for their faith; fight against persecution; and bring light to religious intolerance around the world.”
David Curry, Open Doors
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
Pray that Ambassador Brownback will be appointed.
Pastor Delphin, rt, at Rugamba church.
Charlotte at a refugee camp, Northern Kivu.
10. CONGO. Pastor Delphin’s letter will bring tears to your eyes! We apologize that this letter is longer than usual, but you will not be sorry if you tough it out to the end. That’s where BIG MIRACLES are waiting.
Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,
“We are grateful to God Almighty for support … through BTM…. Thank you to our Prayer Partners … who help us overcame challenges. God acted powerfully … because Godly men and women interceded on our behalf…. We pray that Mama Charlotte may come again to Congo: especially Goma, Rugamba and Beni. People need encouragement. We want to listen to edifying teachings again and especially stories we never forgot.
“The Medical Team Director and Guardian Angel Team took memorial pictures at the end of our ministry to show cooperation between the two groups. We ministered to students and traumatized survivors of the genocide. They witnessed bones being buried in a mass grave discovered last year. We counseled and encouraged them. August - December we will be involved in Evangelism follow-up and other ministries.”
Pastor Celestin, Kigali, Rwanda
Pastor Elijah teaches Monicah's children Bible stories.
2. UGANDA. Mama Josephine is home from the hospital and gaining strength.
Dear Mama & Bush Mission,
“I am sorry for the delay in updating about Mama Josephine. We were doing Midterm Tests. I go to school early in the morning and come back late at night…. Mama Josephine is improving and tomorrow (July 29) she will go back to the hospital to remove her stitches…. Jackson, who came home for Mama’s surgery, returned to college yesterday (July 27). Thank you for your guidance and support towards her health….”
“Originally we went to Kampala Hospital but the doctor who was to operate was scheduled to see patients in Busia (our town). He took us in his car from Kampala to Busia where he operated on Mama. His name is Dr. Lule and he operated with Dr. Mango and Dr. Lucy. He said that Mama had a Lipoma between the stomach and back. The doctors were friendly; and encouraged us to be strong as they were qualified.
“I paid them 2,500,000 shillings ($696). They gave me a prescription for Mama. The balance was used to buy Mama soft food and drinks as the doctor advised….”
Faithfully, Bulasio (Mama Josephine’s son in high school)
[Note. PTL! An Angel paid ¾’s of the medical bill!]
Jackson, the eldest, (lf.) and Bulasio
BEAN SAUCE & CORN PASTE
“We thank God for allowing us to be useful to His people, and also Mama Charlotte who impacted my ministry. Today my heart is full of joy when I am with the persecuted. I spent almost a month with them. We slept in groups of 100 in a shed on a tarpaulin, each with its black cover with the UNHCR mark. We all waited in line to have porridge in a small cup in the morning. At noon and every night we had the same meal; badly cooked (bean sauce and corn paste daily); but the joy of sharing in the group did not realize this mediocrity. We encouraged traumatized people ... it was not easy but with the Holy Spirit all things are possible.
“Future Plans. The Holy Spirit awakened in me to be a Missionary. I do not know how it will happen but I feel it. God extended my limits like Jabez. He opened my eyes to see beyond the borders, yet we still need advice from you. I am grateful for your assistance and prayers … so that I succeed in my ministry….”
Thank you, Pastor Delphin
6. USA. HOPPING, SKIPPING & PRAISING.
Dear Praying Partners,
“Praise God as strength and energy returns to my body. I can now put full weight on my left leg; and they’re both the same length! Amazing! Dr. Thompson added more rigorous Physical Therapy for another month before I’m released. Meantime BTM continues to burn brightly for Jesus. It feels wonderful to get back into the swing of things but I have much to catch up on.
Pray my ‘Turtle Days’ are replaced with God’s strength and Wonder Women speed. Your prayers have sustained and blessed my heart every step of this journey.”
Hopping, Skipping & Praising the Lord, Charlotte
Lives were saved, including these children.
For August 2017...
Meeting up with Pastor Sunlight.
MESSAGE OF COMFORT
[Pastor Delphin speaking] “When Emma finished his testimony I was crying. I remembered Mama Charlotte always said there is great joy in spending time with people in such situations. Thank you BTM, you gave us an occasion to serve our people. Thanks to Mama Charlotte that God used to sow in me this seed of love to persecuted people and her courage to continue to water my ministry by prayer, advice and teachings.
“I spoke to women, men and young people. We ate together in the morning, noon and evening. Two days later the Kitchen Camp Director asked me to go in front of refugees and help them enter the dining area. I asked him to first serve all elderly and pregnant women. He listened to me, thanks be to God.
“In the camps we brought a message of comfort to the refugees in Nyakabande and Rwamwanja. Our theme was ‘The Love of God…’. [Psalms 145:9]. We wanted to raise the hope of refugees and strengthen them after their long and painful journeys; loss of close relatives; husbands killed by machetes; wives raped in the presence of their children and husbands; girls forced into marriages to escape execution; loss of fields, property and savings. Every morning newcomers arrived; mothers with babies on their backs; and old women who were tired. They were all dejected. So every morning God comforted His people by His word for the week.
“God was close to the Israelites. [Nehemiah 1.9] In the wilderness He gave them water to drink and manna to eat, even their feet did not swell. [Nehemiah 9: 19-21]. In Babylon, Daniel and his three companions were raised as a public authority. [Daniel 1.21; 3]. We tell the refugees, ‘Do not lose hope; God is your refuge; He is able to turn this escape to Uganda into a blessing; God has always accompanied His people….’ …’Console, Console, my people says Jehovah’ [Isaiah 40:1]. Finally we asked our Congolese brothers and sisters: ‘… pray for the country that welcomed them. [Jeremiah 29: 7]. Respect the country’s laws; take care of the environment; humble themselves; benefit from God’s peace and grace spread over Uganda after years of war….’
8. USA. FROM THE MAILBOX.
Dear Charlotte & Laura:
“Thank you for the BTM to pray for! How cool to receive God's touch as you continue to continue to extend it (including broken glass on dirty buses!) You're right, of course, to accent gratefulness and praise…. ‘The beat must go on’ -that's how He works.
Happy for Mama Josephine's surgery and care of His other servants and children named (and un-named). We continue to rebuke Satan, praying against violence and for protection. Go MOYO and other camps! How cool the graduation of God-taught pastors in Kenya and youth-led camp churches in Sudan! May God's Prayer Warrior base be faithful and steady in Holy Spirit Power.”
With love, Jack & Janine
Bush Telegraph Mission Convoy arrives in Buleusa.
A refugee family lives here.
3. UGANDA. Three of Mama Monicah’s orphans excel in sports.
Dear mama Charlotte,
“I thank God who enabled my three orphans, Samuel, Monica and Salima, to pass the Sports Review. Tomorrow they are going for their final competition. Pray for them to win. Samuel loves football [soccer] and this is his 5th season…. His school has given him favor before his teachers. He plays at the District Level. Pray that he passes to the Province level. Monica and Salima play netball. This is their first time to go for a competition. Pray for them to pass and go to District Level. Thanks for your prayers.”
“God has answered my prayers. My husband [Pastor David] has accepted work in Kampala near our home and is now been working for four days. Thanks for your advice to him…. He is now near and we can handle everything together…. Samuel helps me with washing clothes at home. Many boys don't want to work at home but he is a good boy who helps me a lot.
“We have a Bible class with our children every evening after school. They like the lessons very much. The teacher is Evangelist Elijah, a humble servant of God. He loves children very much. Pray for him so God may lift him and his ministry and … win children to Christ…. We love you. Be blessed.”
May God bless you, Monicah
[Note. We encourage ALL the older children to help at home.]
Welcome home Mama Josephine!
Pastor White's kids say, 'Thank you!'
Pastor Eric and Pastor Delphin's hearts were joined together.
Pastor Delphin encouraged the refugees from God's Word.
7. USA. WELCOME DANNY FORTES who joined BTM Website Support Team! He writes:
Good morning Charlotte,
“Thanks for taking the time to meet with me yesterday…. I noticed the pages on the website and read a couple. God is doing amazing things through your ministry and will continue to do so….”
Danny
[Note: we thank God for answered prayer & for George Smith who connected us.]
“Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; learned to trust in God….”
Samuel, the soccer star & clothes washer.
Your prayers have sustained me. Getting back into the swing of things with sweet 'Lunch Bunch' friends.
Jack & Janine serve the Lord in Chile.