Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"The last container distribution."
BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS
[Letter #2] Dear Mama & Friends,
“Thieves climbed over the wall and stole a 2,000 liter water tank that I gave Odeta. Another time they stole the solar panel; the last time they stole clothes and food. The wall will play a key role in security. There are 7 million refugees around Goma. This makes more thieves; house break-ins and robberies.
“The Team and I are planning for 5 working days to help orphans and widows. The wall goes around the whole Forever Homes plot. There is a steel gate and door. Our project involves many vulnerable children who need protection. Famine and refugees have increased. Most houses have experienced gun shots, killings and break-ins. We will put in a TV camera, alarm and hire a security guard at night.
“My Team and I were victims of a break-in at our office. We strengthened all doors. I gave my Team their Christmas bonus from BTM. The Team has decreased as I did not have money to pay them; they went to look for jobs but three remained: 1) Thomas the Evangelist; 2) Jonathan; and 3) Thomas called ‘Burgie’. Zaire, our driver, is sick with a bad leg. If he was fit he would help my Team. May I give him $50? He always prays for you. Your words give encouragement. Thank you for being proud of what we have achieved.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
"Pray for Mama Josephine's new orphans: Anabelle, Blessed Merry and Thomas. Little Sharita just started school."
REPORT
"Look who is entering primary school. They are so excited."
Walking in the LIGHT,
"Supplies for Kiryandongo Refugee Camp students."
USA. HIGHLIGHTS
- Gonstead. My 3-mo of back decompression treatments were successful, saving a $50,000+ surgery. In 2024 I hibernated due to pain. I’m getting in shape for Africa: mild water and gym exercises.
- December 19th I flew to Virginia for my sweet granddaughter Katie’s wedding to Nick. I cried tears of joy.
- Christmas Eve was a fun family party at cousins Erin and Pete’s home in Casa Grande, Arizona.
- Michelle and Charlie (our pooch) took a road trip during Christmas holidays, exploring parks.
- On Inauguration Day I hung out with Busy Bees at Charlene’s home.
- Orchids to Brassfields for hosting the Annual BTM Mission/Board meeting February 22.
- Please pray for Bob Smith, Board Chairman, for a ‘touch from the Master’s Hand’ and hard-working Irene, who cares for him.
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Team,
“Last Monday Taban visited the office but the machine broke and was sent for repairs. I was planning to leave Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Uganda, and return to South Sudan. However, Jane, my wife, is in hospital together with my little son. They found malaria and an infection. I will travel once Jane is better and pick up the Wire Transfer BTM sent to my bank account to begin construction. Her temperature was too high and she couldn't sleep the whole night. She is also three months pregnant.”
Best regards,
Pastor Sunlight
[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family,
“About the construction project in Angaim Village, South Sudan. There are two phases: 1) Complete two rooms; 2) Raise connecting walls for 3 rooms. Phase one: budget = $5,000; phase two = $15,000.
“Emmanuel, our engineer, is compensated based on 30% of the total Bill of Quantities (BOQ). This covers all material costs: bricks, sand, timber, water, and transport. However, he is currently taking his percentage from available funds. He has diligently worked on everything assigned. He will complete construction of three rooms up to the roofing stage, excluding doors, windows and plastering. A door = $150; window = $100. The two rooms require two doors and ten windows; while the three rooms need three doors and fifteen windows. To complete the five rooms with doors, windows, and plastering, the total cost will be $26,000.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: a generous donation enabled the Engineer to start.]
"Marissa with her grandmother Antonciata enjoying nutritious porridge."
RWANDA. Letter from Bro Caleb & PCCR (Parent Child Care Rwanda), our partner.
Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“On behalf of Mamas and children of Ngoma District and our partner PCCR, we thank BTM for your donation of porridge. I am pleased to share the Report attached. The children are 3-6 years so Mamas from 13 villages were in 24 Home-Bases established by PCCR. The children come Monday-Friday during the morning. There are learning activities, porridge and food. PCCR provides learning materials, toys, kitchen materials, porridge flour, cooking oil and small fish.
“Parents are trained on how to conduct learning activities for their children and cook a balanced meal. Parents collect fire wood and water for cooking and bring food items to make a balanced meal (potatoes, green bananas, beans, cassava, vegetables, and eggs). They watch a cooking demonstration and feed their children nutritious flour composed of sorghum, millet, wheat, maize and soy beans. Leaders encourage parents to keep fighting malnutrition among their children.”
Best wishes,
Bro Caleb
"Pray for Jane, Sunlight's wife, in the hospital at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp."
"Graduation day! Hooray!"
"Death and destruction on the streets of Goma with nowhere to flee."
"We added 5 feet to the existing wall for extra security."
"Odeta was gifted a new mattress from the Container. Sleeping at night is now comfy."
Dec 2024 Jan & Feb 2025
"The construction team of 12 stop for lunch: beans, maize and cassava."
"Entrance to Mvara Secondary School, Uganda."
[Letter #6] Dear Selina,
“The first thing you should ask from a child when the term ends is their Report card and circular from the school regarding fees. Without these BTM can’t pay. About Erick and Andrew: because of bad behavior; not attending classes; leaving school during class; and a school letter of dismissal; BTM will no longer sponsor them. Also any student who received an F (Failure) on their Report card the end of 2024, will not be sponsored by BTM.”
Pastor Christopher
"Fun Christmas Eve party at our cousin's home in Casa Grande: Erin, Pete and family."
"In Ugandan culture, 'tough love' is the only way that works. Mama Josephine, me and the kids during a recent visit."
"To stay safe, the government recommended that Mama Zawadi fly to England where she has family."
"The Street Boys were happy to receive 'Christmas' clothes'."
"The teachers received a Christmas bonus."
"Zawadi's friend's baby was injured at the hospital from an attack."
"Elvis, Daniel, Martha and Joan, are changing from Kenyan to Ugandan schools this year."
"Sharon works part-time at a local traditional hotel."
CONGO, GOMA. Letters from Mama Zawadi and how war came to Goma.
[Letter #1] Dear Mama & Team,
“Odeta knows how to use a sewing machine. Her biggest request is to find a little money. I suggest that we get Odeta a special sewing chair and table since she has no legs. She lives on the Forever Homes plot with her parents and two children. She will sew clothes and sell cookies, salt and sugar. She will need $200 to rent a stall for business. I gave Odeta $100 for her child in hospital. I used $640 to buy wraps for vulnerable Mamas.
In 2018 I paid a lady to teach Odeta to sew. She had lessons for 6 months using a normal sewing machine, not one with a pedal. This will help support her family. Rent is $10/mo. $200 will build a simple iron sheet stall. She will pay when she gets customers. I had Typhoid and just recovered.
“We are going to carry on with construction of the Forever Homes: 1) secure the wall so thieves cannot climb in; add more cement blocks on top of the existing wall; 2) add barbed wire on top. Thus cement, iron, wood, water and nails are needed. 3) Plaster the walls and roof frame inside and out; triplex ceiling; electricity installation; add tile and paint; and 4) separate the bedrooms inside with walls. Finally, we are preparing one more distribution of life-saving supplies from the container. This will take place before Christmas.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
"Thank you dear prayer partner for Taban's new-used laptop."
"Taban began his medical studies in January at Kampala International University."
[Letter #4] Dear Sunlight,
“Thanks for the update regarding Taban's opening a bank account. A Refugee ID is required due to Uganda hosting refugees for years. This avoids conflict. I recommend that you get it for Taban and all Sudanese students at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp. It will be important in the future. Let me know when Taban reports to school and his financial needs so we can plan to disburse funds as required. Take a copy of Taban's Admission Form to let them know he needs the ID urgently to open a bank account for his studies.”
Pastor Christopher
"Taban and Pastor Sunlight on their way to Kampala University."
[Letter #2] Dear Bulasio,
“Congratulations and we wish you the best in your life’s career. Always remember that having values and character will take you far in life. Position yourself as one who esteems right values going forward. Avoid a reckless life and always look to Christ in every decision. Be patient and run your own race at your own pace. We wish you the best in your next steps.”
Pastor Christopher
"One of many groups of widows helped."
"We are praying for you, Taban."
"Marissa and her grandma feeding the chickens which provide eggs, high in protein."
"The kids clean the whole house during their school holidays."
SOME YEARS AGO I taught 25 adorable Zulu preschoolers at a mission school in Muden Valley, South Africa. The children’s parents were poor and couldn’t afford school fees. We were about 60 miles from Pietermaritzburg, a major city; and 16 miles from Grey Town over windy bumpy roads in sugarcane country. The school was ‘out in the bush’. Due to the area’s high crime rate, when I walked to school after dark, I was advised NOT to use a flashlight. With no light to guide me, I taught myself to navigate in pitch dark, praying like mad all the way.
"Taban fills in forms for university."
"Steel gate and newly-extended wall will keep our widows and orphans living at 'Forever Homes' secure."
"Bulasio on graduation day, Kampala University."
[Letter #2] Greetings Mama & Friends,
“Have a marvelous Wednesday. I met the Dean of Students to confirm the Equating of Foreign Results to Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB). He said, ‘A student must go to the UNEB Centre to equate results.’ Right now the school is registering new students and giving lectures to old students. So now I plan to travel to the UNEB Centre for this request. Equating will cost $100. Transport from Western Campus to UNEB Center and accommodation at night; then transport back to campus after the process. A room for two days and food = $100. Total = $200.
“I finally received my Refugee ID. I am still trying to open my new bank account. I was received well by the Hostel Master and now have three roommates. They are friendly Ugandans. I am content with them. I thank God for choosing BTM. May what God prophesied come true.”
Thanks,
Taban
"Taban, far right, Kiryandongo Refugee Camp before he finished high school."
"Mary and Morris, our blind students, with Pastor Christopher. Mary completed Senior 6 (high school). Pray for her future."
“Lord, I trust You to lead me in the dark. Your son, Jesus, is the LIGHT of the world. That’s what we missionaries do, be a LIGHT for Jesus,” As soon as I reached school, I turned on a light and breathed a sigh of relief.
Fast forward to 2025. Today that’s what BTM is about – thanks to you. Together we are beacons of LIGHT in spiritually dark places. By the way, to this day I keep the names of those 25 children in my Bible. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and love gifts.
"Junior High school construction in Angaim Village, South Sudan."
"Humo, Sarah and Mary did well on their 2024 reports. Josephine surprised us and also did well."
[Letter #5] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Greetings from Torit, South Sudan! I arrived safely, although our taxi had engine failure. We waited several hours, but arrived safe and sound. Today we begin construction of the new school. We are gathering materials. Our biggest challenge is finding a dump truck to transport sand and stones. Transport costs are high.
“We checked hardware stores in Torit. One offered a discount. The cost of materials rose due to high taxes at the border. Last month there was a strike by drivers who refused to bring goods into South Sudan. We are starting with the foundation for three rooms and will connect all buildings during the finishing phase.”
Best regards,
Pastor Sunlight
"Grandma Antonciata oversees the feeding of 15 children to avoid malnutrition. Their parents are learning how to feed them good nutrition."
"Thank you for helping BTM complete two 'Forever Homes' on the property."
SOUTH SUDAN/UGANDA. Letters from Taban, now attending medical university.
Dear Mama & Bush Friends,
“All is well. I would like to express my gratitude over the school funds received Wednesday, January 25, through Pastor Christopher. I would have written earlier but I lacked airtime on my phone. I am pleased with your support of the first disbursement of 1,000 USD which converted to 3,684,000 UGX.”
Thank you,
Taban
[Letter #5] Dear Mama & Bush Friends,
“The 3rd term, Sharon was supposed to pay 13,017 Ksh. ($92). She earned 40,000 Ugx ($10) which she used for personal supplies. She doesn't have money to pay the 1/3 as required but she committed to pay back when she finishes Trade School and gets a job. Her exam results were good but the recent National Exam results has not been released. She meets BTM’s requirements. I sent the Promissory Note for her to sign.
“We have a Life Application training for 250 pastors in Gulu January 14-17. So far we have raised money for 150 Life Application Study Bibles and 100 Workbooks. We plan to send materials by bus to Gulu. Pray the Lord prepares hearts and for good preparation as Pastor Dickens and I teach God's people. We expect 250 at the seminar and so far we are short of Life Application Study Bibles (100 copies @ $10 = $1,000); (150 Workbooks @ 3 = $450); and transport materials to Gulu (25 x $2.8=$70). Total needed = $1,520.”
“Selina, who writes for Mama Josephine, assumes that BTM will pay fees for all students in 2025; and that they found schools in Uganda for the Kenyan students who changed schools. Uganda resumes class 1/27.
[Later] “Thank you BTM for providing the $1,520 needed for the Conference. It’s past 2 am and you have brought peace to my mind. My sincere appreciation for this sacrifice. Morris’ school (the blind student) opens February 3rd. Lynette, Grade 8, will sit for National Exams and enter Secondary School in January.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
[Note: Sharon has paid the full 1/3 of her last term at Trade School].
"Bob and Irene Smith, Chairman of the Board."
[Letter #4] Dear Mama & Praying Friends,
“The situation in Goma is volatile. Congo’s general leading the war died in battle. Food is coming in a flight to Goma from Kindu. We don't have internet. It just came back right now. Deo has no generator; he is planning to get a solar panel. I am right now at the cemetery at my uncle’s funeral (my father’s side).
[Later] “I borrowed money from my sister and found transport to Kigali Airport in Rwanda. I am flying to England where our children live using my British Passport. M-23 Terrorists destroyed Deo’s construction business. He hurt his leg. There is fighting in Goma – 700 dead in the streets. Goma has fallen.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
[URGENT NOTE] BTM is extremely burdened and heavy hearted over Goma, Congo. In late February, USA Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, spoke to Rwanda’s President Kagame, asking him to call back M-23 Terrorists. They plan to initiate peace in the near future. We just learned this did not happen. You ask, “Why war?” Because of valuable minerals in the ground to be used for electronics and planes. Pray!
SUDAN & UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Sunlight, beginning with a report from Kiryandongo, Uganda.
[Letter #1] Dear Mama and Bush Team,
“Receive Humo’s testimony and photo. Also Sarah and Mary's thank you letters. The children did well with the exception of two but all were promoted. Four secondary students received Reports December 4th together with a boy in 6th grade. Two children in nursery graduated to 1st grade. Two are entering primary. Josephine, the girl who was struggling, is rejoicing.
“Here are the supplies for Kiryandongo Refugee Camp: 1) beans; 2) maize; 3) charcoal; 4) veggies; 5) water; 6) grinding flour; 7) salt; 8) cooking oil; 9) soap; and 10) transport. Total: 1,419,000 UGX ($374). The Street Boys received their Christmas gifts of clothes. They are thankful.
[Later] “Greetings from Torit, South Sudan! Taban’s journey started December 3rd. We arrived at Nimule border late in the evening: 1) Nimule lodge (included supper); 2) Kiryandongo to Nimule; 3) Nimule to Juba; 4) Juba to Torit; 5) Transport in Juba; 6) Food in Juba for 7 days; 7) Form from the Ministry of Education. Expense total: 804,000 UGX ($211). Thank you for your support.”
Warm regards,
Pastor Sunlight
[Letter #3]
Dear Mama & Bush Family,
“Mary, our blind student, at Mvara Secondary School, completed her Senior 6 exams successfully. She sounds optimistic. Usually after sitting the senior 6 exams, students fill out a form with their career choice. Mary and her special needs’ teacher called to tell me her choices:
1) Bachelor of Education - Double Major in English Literature and English Language at Makerere University or Kyambogo University. They have facilities for special needs’ students.
2) Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Kyambogo University. Mary lost her sight at 8 years and has gone through a lot of rejection. The counseling course will help her support others undergoing similar discrimination.
“Mary’s question: ‘Is there a possibility of university support if I fail to get a government sponsorship?’ I said that BTM support stops after graduation from secondary school. However, let us wait for her Senior 6 results. When term 1 begins instead of being idle, Mary asked the school to give her volunteer work even without pay. All they need to provide is accommodation so she can teach special needs kids in lower grades. Pray that the Lord will continue to uphold her and all disabled children through BTM.”
Have a blessed Day,
Pastor Christopher
"Shopping for 3 orphaned Zulu brothers, South Africa."
"Finding a truck to transport sand and stones is costly."
"The Annual BTM Meeting - Thank You Rick and Gail for Hosting!"
"Study hard, Taban!"
UGANDA, BUSIA. Letters from Selina who writes for Mama Josephine.
Dear Mama and Bush Team,
“Bulasio is in Busia now and will help me send Report cards for the Kenyan children. They are attached. The children are still on holiday and cleaning the house; sweeping the compound; cleaning their rooms; washing latrines; fetching water from the well; and washing clothes. It has been fun being together this Christmas holiday season and we thank God we are Alive.
“Edger, Hassan and James are doing construction to earn money. Sharon is working at a simple hotel and earns .80 a day. They provide breakfast and lunch. Mama Josephine lost her younger sister and the burial is tomorrow. The Kenyan children start school on Monday. The reading books are what the school wants each kid to have in their respective classes. The following Kenyan students are changing to a Ugandan school: Elvis; Daniel; Martha; and Joan. One girl at home, Akumu Sharita, is ready to start school. Mama Josephine has 3 new orphans: Mirembe Annabelle, Nabwire Blessed Mary and Wesonga Bruno Thomas. God bless.”
Yours sincerely,
Selina for Mama Josephine
"Michelle and Charlie set out on another adventurous road trip."
"Pastor Christopher holds a Bible Conference in Gulu, Uganda. Seen here with the oldest pastor Clement."
"War comes to Goma! M-23 terrorists from Rwanda, attack."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"Thank you all for your gifts that allowed me to register at Kampala University. I pray to become a doctor one day."
© 2025 All Rights Reserved
"Taban shops for supplies."
UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Christopher, BTM Africa Administrator.
[Letter #1] Dear Sunlight,
“Sorry about your phone. Sometimes too many photos and documents can cause a phone to freeze. We thank God for your safe journey to and from Taban’s new university in Kampala, Uganda, and for accomplishing his paperwork. Thank you for your report and we look forward to Taban starting school in January 2025. May it be a year of fresh opportunity and growth.”
Blessings,
Pastor Christopher
"Bikes were given to church leaders and walkers to the disabled."
"Odeta sets up her new sewing business."
"Due to theft, Mama Zawadi's team extended the height of the wall around 'Forever Homes' property."
"Zawadi's hard-working team during a recent visit. Mama Zawadi, kneeling, front row. Thomas the Evangelist, to my right."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends,
“About Taban’s new bank account for university: this morning we tried but the Post Bank refused our request as they need Taban’s Refugee ID. The reason Taban didn't have the ID is because the verification took place while he was in Nairobi, Kenya, for his hip replacement surgery. On Monday we will visit the OPM office to see if they can issue Taban’s Refugee ID.
“Also, his school documents need to be equated. It will cost 300,000 UGX, ($80) plus transport and food ($200). Taban starts classes January 27. We need to work on accommodation since the school said they had limited rooms and many students. I will call the office tomorrow.”
Best regards,
Pastor Sunlight
PRAYER-N-PRAISE
CONCLUSION
Were you inspired by these true stories? They serve as wonderful reminders in 2025 that there will be challenges, obstacles and joys. Through it all remember this simple yet profound message, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’.” (John 8:12)
[Letter #3] Dear Mama & Bush Family,
“There is fighting at a place called Nditi 8 km from Goma. Sometimes we hear bombs. Today there were reports of mass killings by M-23 Terrorists from Rwanda in Rutshuru. The number of deaths is unknown. These are innocent civilians.
[Next day] “Security in Goma-Bukavu has deteriorated. Most nearby villages were taken by M-23 Terrorists. The villages of Minova in South Kivu are gone. This was the one feeding Goma, Kiroche, Shasha, Lumbishi, Kituva, Buzi-Bulenga, Kalungu, Bitonga, Bishangi,Numbi, Bweremana and Kituva. All are taken.
“M-23 Terrorists raped and killed women in Kalungu and 5 girls from the same family. Schools are shut down in Mugunga and Lac Vert. 80 young Wazalendos, a patriotic group, were slaughtered in Minova. For two days we had no electricity or food in Goma. I was writing my Report but there was no electricity. I cannot charge my laptop. We are trusting God’s mercy. There is nowhere to flee. We are locked in Goma.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi