Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"Thank you Zion teachers for your beautiful letter of appreciation."
"Journey to Bweremana Refugee Camp was postponed when the previous barge sank drowning over 300 people."
"Distribution in Nyiragongo Refugee Camp,"
"Lunch time ... come and get it!"
SOUTH SUDAN & UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Sunlight.
[LETTER #1] Dearest Brothers, Sisters and Prayer Partners,
“We are harvesting maize (corn). By next week, we will have enough food for the Street Boys. The Street Boys helped. I am on my way to the village to pay the teachers. I also sent money to Kiryandongo Refugee Camp in Uganda. Teachers do not take BTM’s support for granted. We are receiving praise from several communities since many schools are still on holiday so those students are not receiving lessons.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
"Kilkil fell ill at school but praise the Lord, responded well to treatment."
"Mama Ernestine with twins Melissa and Elissa."
"(lf) Odeta's mom; (rt) Baby Moses and Odeta in the hospital after being hit by a motorbike."
"The new latrine even has a ramp for Odeta's wheelchair!"
[LETTER #2] Dear Friends & Mama,
“The group of uniformed men and women being trained is different from the vets we trained in Mubende earlier this year. We are grateful to CalvaryPHX supporting the purchase of 65 Life Application Bibles and Workbooks for our next training in Gulu, Northern Uganda. So far 98 uniformed men from Military, Prisons and Police are registered. I just ordered 65 Life Application Bibles and Workbooks. We hope to get a few friends to make 98. This group is different from the ones trained in March 2024 in Mubende, Western Uganda. The current group of uniformed men and women are based in Gulu, Northern Uganda (where the Lord's Resistance Army war that lasted 25 years operated). Looking forward to touching lives.”
Kind Regards,
Pastor Christopher
[LETTER #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We did the distribution in Lashagala Refugee camp, west of Mugunga where bombs killed 35 people: 22 children, 10 women and 3 men.
Victims were beneficiaries of our distribution. We used an unfinished church. It is too dangerous to distribute in a refugee camp as they kill for food. The church, behind the Refugee camp, is called One New Day and belongs to an American couple.
[Later] I just recovered from malaria. I am working on school and medical supplies. Many suffer from lack of medicine. Attached are pictures of what we are doing.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
"Taban and Pastor Sunlight en route to Kampala International University."
"Teaching the community on 'Prayer In Ministry' during the holidays."
UGANDA. Letter from Big Jackson, Mama Josephine’s oldest orphan, who graduated from Vet College 5 years ago.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“I am living in Mbale District as my instructor is teaching me how to drive. About my sickness. In March 2021 I had surgery for hemorrhoids in Busia. It didn’t go well so I had to repeat after 3 weeks. Again in March-April 2023 I started feeling pain; went for a checkup; and was told I had a complication. Dr. Luler connected me to his friend in Kampala International Hospital who said that I needed emergency surgery. The challenge was to raise money for surgery: $1,060. Mama Josephine called my brothers and sisters to help. I took out a university loan. Mama Josephine called Dr. Luler and told him my funds were short. He called his friend to book surgery. On September 9, 2023, Dr Luler operated. I returned to Busia for recovery.
“Vet jobs are scarce. In Uganda every sub-county has one vet. To get a job you need to pay money or be the son/daughter of a government official. Pray for Elim Church, Busiu Mbale (NOT Busia) where I attend.”
Yours faithfully,
Big Jackson
[LETTER #4] Dear Pastor Christopher, Mama & Bush Family,
“It is a great testimony to see Taban planning to become a doctor. We are thankful for BTM’s support. May he find favor in the eyes of a donor for fees towards his university studies. I will write Taban’s testimony of TB and hip replacement - it was a miracle. I will also write a Recommendation. Taban wrote his Autobiography. He and I are printing documents today.
[Later] We arrived in Kampala and are making plans to go to Kampala International University. Thank you for prayer.
[Later still] We have not heard anything from the university. We are trying to meet them in person. We are in the home of a church member. It is a distance from the university but better and safer. We shall be here for some days as we seek university admission.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[LETTER #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“Today Zion School in Angaim used the classrooms during school holidays for training. The building ‘killed two birds with one stone’. Teaching was based on ‘Prayer in Ministry’ and ‘Leadership and Farming’. It was a success. Thank you Mama Charlotte for sending resources on Prayer. I gave two bags X 100 lb maize to the church and $768 from farm work. Below are photos of the training. Thank you for the teacher's pay.”
“Teachers will write a letter to thank you. We pray to complete four classrooms. We are thankful for your part in school construction from 2008 until now. Four primary classrooms are complete. Two more are under construction; 3 more are only the foundation. One room we will use as an office/library. 1) Completion of 2 rooms = $5,000; 2) Construction of 3 rooms = $15,000; 3) Community contribution: bricks, sand, timber, etc.
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[NOTE: BTM sent $7,000 to continue school construction.]
"Three new staff at Zion School: Taban, John and David, graduates of Kiryandongo Refugee Camp (Uganda) High School."
"Five of Mama Josephine's orphans: (L-R) Emmanuel, Eric W., Andrew, Phize, Eric W."
"Big Jackson, Mama Josephine's eldest orphan, is now a licensed veterinarian."
"98 officials from prisons, military & police took part in the Life Application Bible Conference."
[LETTER #1] UGANDA.Letters from Pastor Christopher, Int’l Africa Administrator.
Dear Bush Family,
“Attached are reports for Term 2 Kenyan students. Term 3 begins August 20th for Sharon K. (technical college) and the 28th for the rest. Also attached is the balance for August. We have $1,000 in the account for Sharon's tuition but we need more for Kenyan students. Ugandan schools’ holiday is late August. Also attached are university fees for Miriam. She was to pursue a Bachelor in Home Economics and Education at Kyambogo University. Per BTM requirements, she must pay 1/3rd tuition fees and find accommodation. She reports August 3rd.
"Sunlight sold maize (corn) to help feed the Street Boys in addition to BTM's donation."
"Jane (Sunlight's wife) and Stella, caregivers, bought 'new' (used) clothes for all the kids."
"The mud-and-pole house where we first found Mama Josephine, many years ago."
THIS PAST THANKSGIVING we stopped, paused, and thanked the LORD for living in the greatest country on earth. While we’re at it, let’s remember our vulnerable Widows, Orphans and Refugees whom we serve in Africa.
"Bulasio wearing his new clothes."
THE BTM TEAM sends our warmest wishes and love your way. YOU are the reason our hearts overflow with joy this Thanksgiving. Your unwavering support and encouragement pushes us to greater heights. Your love brightens dark days, reminding us we are not alone on this journey. YOU challenge us to persevere through everything the LORD sends our way.
"Harvesting maize in Angaim Village."
"Arriving safely back at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, a 5-hr ride by taxi."
"Homeless mamas and orphans are waiting to come live in a Forever Home."
"Thanksgiving with the Brassfields and family."
"Distribution in Nyiragongo Refugee Camp,"
"Violence in Torit, South Sudan. Note the victim's arms are tied behind. Pray for peace."
"Distribution outside Lashagala Refugee Camp in the safety of an unfinished church. Note man with scars."
[LETTER #5] Dear Friends & Mama,
“I am still waiting for a boat to go to Bweremana. More than 300 people drown in the last boat. Only 58 bodies were found. We will travel when safe. Odeta’s request is to rent a shop to sell clothes she will sew. We are the only ones helping Odeta, I had typhoid and just recovered. We plan to carry on with construction at ‘Forever Homes’ as soon as funds are available. Odeta will sell clothes she sews and also cookies, salt and sugar. She will need a special chair and sewing table and $200 to rent a place for business. I gave Odeta $100 for her baby in the hospital after the accident; and $640 to buy wraps for vulnerable mamas.”
God bless,
Mama Zawadi
[NOTE: We wired $6,000 for construction and Odeta’s business.]
"Navigating the busy city of Kampala, capital of Uganda."
PRAYER-N-PRAISE REPORT
“About Nelson. This is the first time I heard about his situation, or I would have talked to him to find out what was going on. He is not in the data base and that explains why for the last two years he had no report. If he resumes studies, then he needs an Admission form from a technical school of his choice. He would not be expected to pay 1/3 for post-high school. We can only determine that after seeing his 2021 and 2022 reports.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
"I am forever blessed to have you all in my life."
"Mamas learn to fight malnutrition and stunted growth."
2024
"Pray that Hassan and Edgar find jobs during December holidays."
[LETTER #7] Dear Coworkers,
“Kiryandongo. Jane, my wife, and Stella bought second-hand clothes; soap; and a cooking pan. Kilkil fell sick at school and was sent home. Later she was admitted to the hospital at Panyadoli because camp clinics lack medicine. The cost was $12. Can you help Kilkil? She missed three exam papers due to sickness. Also Josephine, a 7th grade student, returned from a school trip feeling sick. Jane, my wife, said that she was coughing with fever. They took her for a checkup. Josephine has malaria and is under treatment for $15.
“Kiryandongo Refugee Camp received the money and bought supplies: 1 bag of charcoal = $23; maize = $40; 3 bags beans = @ $2.38/lb = $178.50. The caretaker and Jane sorted out school fees and requirements. Total expenses including transport = $978). Thank you for your prayers and support.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[NOTE: BTM sent funds to pay for all supplies mentioned above.]
[LETTER #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“I finished my university courses successfully through struggles. I graduate in December. I now remain with paying for my gown and university fees. I managed to be in Second Class Upper. I also applied for my own Passport. Were it not for BTM we don't know where we would be now. I'm staying in Kampala.
“A friend had a clearing and import business. He used to send me goods to verify after being processed by the government. I borrowed a truck and escorted goods to the client's destination. When I got two consignments a month, I made $250. An NGO supported me. Being trustworthy to the client and my boss created a good bond. I had time to study. I used to sit and cry thinking about the journey I have been on since childhood when you found us in the slum house where we used to live. I paid $265 to complete my course and process my Passport. University fees total $96. The gown = $132. Thanks for paying school fees for Mama Josephine’s orphans. I have no hope of getting money in this short time as my job was seasonal. I stay strong.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
[NOTE: BTM sent Bulasio funds for graduation.]
"Mamas in 13 villages receive nutritious porridge flour."
UGANDA, BUSIA. Letters from Mama Josephine’s children, Selina & Bulasio.
[LETTER #1] Dear Friends & Mama,
“The list of children going back to school is below. Ugandan children started school for term 3. About the cows - we have 3 cows now. Two died due to disease. The younger kids take milk daily. The cows are kept at the chairperson’s place with other cows. We pay a herder to graze. Edgar and Hassan are not working yet. They are studying during holidays as they are in candidate classes. Their letters are attached. I hope to own a sewing machine one day. I am saving money. About National Identity cards: the older kids are yet to register. Bulasio went to the dentist. It took an hour to pull Bulasio’s tooth; it was painful and broke 3 times.”
Love,
Selina for Mama Josephine
[LETTER #2] Dear Prayer Partners,
“Three students who graduated from High School in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Uganda, are serving at Zion Nursery, Angaim Village, Sudan. 1) John Sunlight (adopted son of Vijilio) begins Makerere University next week. He uses my name. He achieved the best grade in Senior 6. 2) Taban is now serving at Zion Nursery. Taban, (had hip replacement in Nairobi in 2022), and wishes to pursue a medical field. 3) David now serves as Deputy Head Teacher at Zion Nursery and Primary School in Angaim.
“About the Street Boys. I gave them 3 bags X 100 lb maize. I sold two bags of maize to buy one bag of charcoal and veggies for $27. Primary 7 students returned to school. Each student must pay $26.50 for tutoring. There are four. Thank you for your support.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
[NOTE: BTM sent money to cover tutoring.]
"Supplies for Odeta's family: two children plus Grandma and Grandpa."
"Distribution in Nyiragongo Refugee Camp,"
"My decompression treatments were a success thanks to Dr. Lara, his wife Kim and Ricardo, my physical therapist."
"Pray for the children who contacted Monkey Pox to recover."
[LETTER #4] Dear Family & Mama,
“We traveled from Goma to Bweremana Refugee Camp to distribute supplies. There is no road thus people travel by boat to South-Kivu; pick up a motor bike; then ride to Bweremana in Masisi. Thank you for $200. We had a distribution in Nyiragongo Refugee Camp. The plan to go to Bweremana failed as people travelling by boat got shot by pirates. Thus we managed to reach Nyiragongo Refugee Camp. We dressed 1,000 girls; 400 boys; and distributed food to 300 women including 100 who were pregnant or raped. Also food, wraps, baby clothes and supplies. 200 women were widows who had no food; and 100 elderly men and women. We found a closed area where we dealt with one group at a time. We have never had such a big distribution.”
Blessings,
Mama Zawadi
"Mama Zawadi shops for 'wraps' as Mamas carry babies on their backs with them. Preparing supplies for distribution."
[LATER] “It’s a rainy day in Kampala. Miriam and Wabwire reported last Saturday to their campuses (Kyambogo and Makerere Universities respectively). We hope they qualify for a scholarship. Universities have on-campus hostels for students who are on government sponsorship programs - not private sponsorship like Miriam and Wabwire. It is unfortunate that they didn't excel academically thus they did not qualify for a government scholarship and must pay tuition. [Later still] I just learned that Miriam and Wabwire are still home and did not raise the 1/3 term fees required the 1st term.
"Odeta will open a sewing shop to help support her family."
BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS
AUG, SEPT, OCT, NOV
[LETTER #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“I am traveling until October 26th in SW Uganda running training for rural churches - not the Life Application Conference, but another. I will pay remaining fees owed Busia Border Primary ($299) and Shine Outreach Primary ($441) this weekend. October 9th is our nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary. Banks and offices will be closed. We settled Josephine’s kids’ school fees for term 3. Christine in Busia called to say that her quarterly support is due. This will be included in Sunlight’s 3 projects. Thanks for sharing Sunlight’s email. We feel the pain of vulnerable children and women in Sudan’s conflict. As a key leader in the community, Sunlight can offer shelter to children so that they are safe. May the Lord bring peace.”
Praying With You,
Pastor Christopher
© 2024 All Rights Reserved
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
CONGO. Letters from Mama Zawadi, Director.
[LETTER #1] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“The latrine at ‘Forever Homes’ was in a bad condition - someone could fall in. I bought construction materials but we have no money to cover labor. We decided to focus on the container. I enclose the Custom’s Receipt stamped by DGDA, I am teaching on Nehemiah - how he prayed for his people.
“A ‘Boda-boda’ knocked down Odeta, her mother and baby. I covered hospital costs for the baby. Odeta's mother was treated at home. Odeta is ok. Evangelist Thomas is preaching the gospel, in spite of strife. Today, we organized a distribution at Lashagala Refugee Camp. Pictured: a scar on a man's shoulder; and a boy wearing adult-sized clothes who needs surgery. His mother has no money. We will organize that. The sick boy now has new shoes. Widows, refugees, elderly and orphans are grateful for the love of Christ shown.
“Widows’ prayer request was to get an African wrap. I asked them to pray for God to open a door. I am preparing a distribution next week at Nengapeta School where there are many refugees. Today there was no incident when distributing rice. Do you remember that dangerous event? We had 100 families registered, but 220 families turned up. We took extra supplies and food. We had 300 kids and no violence.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
[NOTE: We sent money for the latrine & labor.]
"Distribution of supplies at Nengapeta School to 220 families including 300 children."
MAMA ERNESTINE from Cyerwa Village has 4-yr old twins, Elissa and Melissa. Mom works on a farm; has had no education; but now attends nutrition classes in her village to learn how to feed her children. The twins now have energy and play happily. Mama Ernestine was baptized and sings in her church choir. This is but one of many stories. Please be praying for Mama Ernestine’s family as well as the other 240 malnourished children in 13 villages.
[LETTER #3] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“I received $300. Please thank Mrs. Priska. This money was used to buy wraps for refugee Mamas. We are preparing a huge distribution in villages on the other side of Lake Kivu. Also I am planning a journey to Bweremana for a massive distribution where there are many refugees. We will travel by boat if God grants money for transport. I will spend a few nights there preparing the distribution. We have refugees with special needs.
[Later] Goma now has 308 cases of MONKEYPOX patients; only 22 recovered and 0 deaths. Doctors are trying hard to fight it. Doctors Without Borders did not return to Goma as they are out of funds. This humanitarian crisis was beyond them. Attached are details of transport costs to Bweremana. I will travel with local volunteers, Deo, my husband, will stay home. That makes 10 people altogether.”
God bless you.
Mama Zawadi
[NOTE: BTM sent money for transport and the trip].
WHAT WAS ON our Rwandan children’s Thanksgiving plate? Those aged 6 and under got “porridge flour” to fight malnutrition and stunted growth. It contained Maize (Corn) with potassium, carbohydrates; Sorghum with iron, manganese, phosphorus, sodium; Millet with copper for skin and hair; Soya beans for iron deficiency, anemia; and Wheat with calcium, iron. No turkey on the table but the “porridge” is rich in energy, vitamins and minerals. Our latest outreach covered 240 children in 13 villages; plus their parents whose diets also suffer.
"Mama Josephine & Bulasio, Graduation Day."
USA. HEALTH UPDATE & THANKSGIVING 2024. From the Director.
Dear Beloved Prayer Partners,
“Good news! My Decompression treatments are finished (2½ mo); I am cured of my spinal stenosis issues. My ‘get-up-and-go-that-got-up-and-left, is fast returning, I head back to Africa early February after the January Board Meeting. As we embark on the Christmas season together, I want you to know that I am eternally grateful for your love and support. I am forever blessed to have you ALL in my life.
“How was your Thanksgiving Day celebration? Michelle and I celebrated with Gail and Rick Brassfield and family. Rick baked pumpkin and pecan pies from scratch. John and Chris were home with family in Illinois; Wayne and Delena celebrated in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with grandson Nate; Michael worked through the holiday at Del Mar Fairgrounds, California, so that married men could spend time with their families. However you spent the day, may it forever be a reminder to ‘Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow’. Amen!”
"Pray that the hostel will have a room available in December."
[LETTER #6] Dear Brothers & Sisters,
“Taban was admitted to Kampala International University (KIU) for Nursing for 2024/2025 year. Classes begin January 25, 2025. KIU requires Taban to start with a Certificate Program for 2½ yrs, followed by a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology for 3 yrs. After that he can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, which will take an additional 5 1/2. This is university regulation.
“Here are the payments: 1) Tuition = $445; 2) Other Fees = $350; 3) UNMEB Fees = $100; 4) UNASNM Fees = $7; 5) Hostel Fee = $120. Total = $1,022/semester. Meals are not included. Students must bring their own cooking supplies, food, mattresses, bed sheets, printing fees, etc. Hostel fees are paid to a separate account, not to the university account. The lady responsible for hostel fees advised me to check back in December as hostels are full now due to students graduating. There will be availability in December for Western Campus at KIU. Attached is Taban's admission to KIU.
“Thanks, Pastor Christopher, for sending money. Taban’s acceptance was due to my presence. He can change degrees as he advances. There is no scholarship for students in KIU. Taban was admitted on Tuesday. We have left for Kiryandongo. He will start studies January 2025 at KIU Western Campus.”
Yours,
Pastor Sunlight
[NOTE: BTM has started a special fund to save towards Taban’s school fees.]
"Kampala International University - here we come, God willing!"
[LETTER #5] Dear Friends & Mama,
“Yesterday we traveled from one place to another, navigating the busy city of Kampala on ‘Boda-bodas’ (motorbikes). Despite the difficulties, we were divinely protected by the Lord’s angels. According to the Admission’s Officer, Taban was originally set to be admitted into a Degree Program. However, due to the need to secure funds for his education, he was placed in a Certificate Program instead.
“There are different tuition rates for international students. The total cost is approximately $5,500 per semester for a Degree and $1,357 for a Certificate. I paid $25 for Admission, which allowed Taban to enroll in the Certificate Program. We are running short of funds. We spent money on transport from Kiryandongo Refugee Camp (5 hours) to Kampala; plus printing; Admission fees; and water. Our return will take 5 hours in a taxi. We hope to travel back to Kiryandongo tomorrow.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
[NOTE: BTM sent funds to cover costs in Kampala.]
UGANDA. Pastor Thomas, Angaim Village, S. Sudan, moved to Uganda during the 5-yr war.
Greetings Friends & Mama,
“I was invited to attend a Pastor Conference in Thailand in October. I got my Passport renewed. I will visit the Thailand Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, to apply for a Visa. The Conference will pay for my Visa, food and accommodation. Pray for transport to and from Kampala. My invitation to Thailand for a week is to speak to pastors about agriculture to fight hunger through the church. Thank you for your prayers and financial support.”
Pastor Thomas
[NOTE: BTM covered expenses not covered by the Conference.]
"Taban begins medical studies in January 2025."
"BTM is very proud of Pastor Thomas who was invited to take part in a Conference in Thailand."
"Two of Mama Josephine's cows."
"Due to Sunlight's help, Taban was admitted at KIU. Seen here (rt) sharing his testimony at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, with Sunlight."
"Mama Zawadi and Team are resuming construction of 'Forever Homes' on the Mugunga Plot."
"Seven of Mama Josephine's high school students return to school (far Rt Bulasio who graduated from university in December)."
"Jackson was the first orphan to graduate from university. Pray that he stays healthy and will get a good job."
"Supplies for the children: charcoal, maize (corn flour), beans, etc."