[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family, Friends & Mama,
“Mama Sifa who was raped last year, is now so happy. She said, ‘Since you started helping my family, none of my children have died of starvation. Before that I lost 3.’
Mwavita, the eldest girl in the child-led family of 7 orphans, now has a job. She signed a one month Construction Contract to work as a cook for builders. She will be paid $30. The family is now stable. All this is a blessing coming from BTM.
“Evangelist Thomas, 11 children and wife are in their new house. Their back rent was paid off by BTM. We are now finished with DGDA and are dealing with OCC. Our challenge is the New Year Festival followed by Independence Heroes Day January 4th. OCC will start working on processing the Container on January 5th. My Team received their Christmas bonus, thanks to BTM. l am still dealing with the empty Container and Customs’ clearance, as we were given the contents but not the Container itself. We started preparing family packages for distribution. The Container will help our Team in the future as we will use it as our office.
“We are preparing a mega distribution to over 1,000 in the Mubambiro Pygmy community. It is growing so fast due to the volcanic eruption last year. Many people around the Nyiragongo Volcano moved to Mubambiro now as the hot lava is still visible. Also we will build roofs for elderly widows using the 15 Tarps. I have a list, but still need to update the men’s list. We will give wheelchairs to kids with special needs in the Mubambiro Pygmy Church; and clothes to kids in Mugunga and Mubambiro. I worked day and night to get this organized. We are very happy to see changes in the Pygmies' lives. They no longer do witchcraft. They keep their church clean. BTM planted the seeds, so they are watering and God is making them grow.”
May The God We Serve Bless you,
Mama Zawadi
[Letter #3] Dear Loved Ones & Mama,
“I am now in Uganda at the Kiryandongo Refugee Camp with our 25 orphans. Concerning the fancy hair style you saw in the photo of the big girls: they have a friend, Lillian, who gave her hair to one of the girls during Independence Day. I bought the big girls clothes as agreed. They keep no money. The money for veggies is kept by David. Per day it costs 12,000 shillings for lunch and supper ($3.41).
“For Angaim school uniforms in Sudan, a friend bought second-hand material. He got a low price. I have enough money for about 200 children. The rest will have to wait. We have 278 students in school but 355 registered. Colored T-shirts are 24,000 shillings ($6.83); small = 18,000 ($5.12). This includes buying and printing the school logo. We can't include fruit for school lunch as one piece costs 500 pounds ($1.30 ea).”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent funds for uniforms but we are still lacking.]
As this letter goes to press, we learned that there are no surgeons in Kampala, Uganda, to perform Taban's hip replacement surgery. Therefore BTM put Taban and Sunlight on a bus for Nairobi, Kenya where they are being hosted by Pastor Gideon, Africa Director.
On March 30th Taban will have Hip Replacement Surgery at KIJABE HOSPITAL, operated by AIM mission. BTM wired $3,000 for the surgery.
Thank you for praying.
RWANDA, KINSHASA. Pastor Celestin had 50 salvations!
Dear Bush Friends,
“The first day we ministered twice. Pastor Kennedy interpreted. I preached from Daniel 3 and 5 about the handwriting on the wall. We have a new Team of Evangelists and wives in Butare. In Musanze people gave testimonies. Our ministry was Evangelism and meeting physical needs. We had 50 salvations - they are preparing for baptism. We also assisted in the Food Program at Rwamagana School where children no longer get lunch as they did before COVID. We also bought 10 pair of rubber shoes during house-to-house Evangelism for: Jeanne, Richard, Kasanova, Manu, Henry, Vens, Emmanuel, Esdras, Dafriz and Sindano. This outreach was by our Evangelism Team: Jeanne, Eugenie, Nchamihogo and Misago at Kabarondo Sector. We are happy that life is becoming normal. Our next outreach will bless poor students at Rwamagana School. Our staff pays their own transport but lunch was from Guardian Angels. We pray God’s best for you.”
Thanks,
Pastor Celestin,
Director Guardian Angels
"Church Leaders Conference, Kasese, Western Uganda. Praising the Lord during the service."
"Thank you Sanders for a truck load of linens and clothes for Africa!"
"Visiting the child-led Bategeju family of 7 children."
"Preaching the Word before the Distribution begins."
[Later] I shared the urgency of Taban’s surgery with his relatives and Kaka, his mother, contributed 47,000 Sudanese Pounds. I sold a goat so our total money is 70,000 ssp ($158). Pray for Taban’s mother who is dying of TB. His only brother and father were also killed. He is the only surviving child. Taban met the doctor today to plan the surgery. Pray that he can join studies next term. I will keep you updated.”
Gratefully,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: This $158 will be used for transport].
"Monthly supplies for our Kiryandongo refugees. Opps! Looks like the motorbike tipped over. PTL! No one was hurt."
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Benard and Team fast and pray.
Dear Friends & Mama,
“Thank you for the gift to build a fence around Kabras Disabled Center. We are grateful. My Intercessors and I went for 3 days of prayer and fasting to our new Prayer Center in Webuye. We passed Kabras Disabled Center in Malava on our way back. The fence is in and looks beautiful.”
May God bless you,
Pastor Benard
"Pray for Taban, a Kiryandongo orphan, who needs a hip replacement."
"Gideon and Pastor Simon in front of the unfinished Ems Kigoro Church."
"The disabled were blessed with crutches - so they could throw away their stick."
"Hooray - the fence is up for the Kabras Disabled Center."
Report
"First Board Meeting, 2022."
"Kajabe Mission Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya."
USA – HIGHLIGHTS.
* Africa here I come, ready or not! Dental and minor health issues have delayed me.
* First BTM Board Meeting early March in our cozy home. Bob Smith, former missionary, Board Chairman.
* Orchids to Attorney Steve Keist’s law firm for producing BTM’s first Articles of Incorporation.
* YOU continue to shower us with amazing Relief Supplies; Angels help move them to secure storage.
* My Passport ‘retired after 50 pages of foreign stamps. It’s full! Never fear, I just got a new one.
"Taban's mother, Kaka, contributed towards his future surgery."
"Taban, far rt, with high school students from Kiryandongo Camp - they all live together."
"The EMS Customer Church is made of mud and needs to be replaced."
"Victor's family, the Church and supplies from BTM. He supports 9 orphans, too."
"Joe Kadenge loved his little blue car with the soccer logo."
"Pastor Celestin and his Interpreter Pastor Kennedy."
"Teaching a grateful community, surrounded by war.
"Mission Aviation Fellowship gave me a free flight."
"Our Team in Lohutuk."
At the station a large crowd was gathered to report various crimes. “Lord, we’ll be here all day waiting my turn.” Immediately the crowd recognized Joe and stepped back making a path to the Chief’s desk - like Moses parting the Red Sea. “Lord … who is this Joe?” Later I learned Joe Kadenge was a famous retired soccer star in Kenya. We filled out a Report and moved on. Crowds parted everywhere we went - even at the American Consulate as I applied for a new Passport. In a few hours we accomplished what normally takes 10 business days – thanks to Joe.
The monthly ration for feeding the Gulu kids - plus a big bag of charcoal."
"Gideon's beautiful family."
[Letter #2] Greetings Bush Family & Mama,
“My daughter is sitting for Uganda Examination Board this year. The school chased her home to look for Registration Fees - $50 and school fees = $100. Pray for me as I have papers and experience but no job.”
Gratefully,
Pastor Thomas serving Christ 25 yr
[Note: BTM sent Thomas school fees for the children.]
"The children loved the wooden cars - their first ever toy."
"Opps! Looks like they need a new cooking pot."
"Gideon enrolled 54 of Mama Josephine's orphans in January. Pictured are the Kenyan children."
"The church leaders love their new pulpit (covered with white material)."
[Letter #2]. Dear Friends & Mama,
“Attached is the Teacher's Payment Report for 3 months. Parents contribute 30,000 pounds each ($78)to provide porridge for students and also help buy material for uniforms in 2022. I handed over mentoring the Street Boys to Andrew, Solomon and Osman. Thank you for the Teachers' pay. Here is a summary of school needs: Teachers' clothes = $500; proper school uniforms = $450; skirt/shorts = $500; badge = $100. Total cost for proper school uniforms = $1,550. Colored T- shirts are for younger students = $800. The school collected money to pay a tailor to sew uniforms to reduce costs. The old uniforms are badly worn.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent funds to cover most of these expenses.]
"Rations for the month for the Street Boys."
"Gideon and Peter at Caring For Kenya's Kids."
"Please help me up the steps to my new wheelchair."
The following story is true. It’s about God’s Supply Chain working through one man. I had just arrived in Nairobi, Kenya and walked to an Internet Café to email home: “Mom arrived.” My Passport and money were in a fanny belt on my waist. I laid it on the floor. I finished writing and reached down. Alas! It was gone! Manager James and I searched high and low. Broken hearted, I left. Outside I spotted a blue taxi. A soccer ball logo was on the door. That’s when I met Joe. I explained what happened. “Hop in! I’ll take you to the Police Station.”
"Canadian missionaries (Africa Inland Mission) opened their home to me."
UGANDAN REFUGEE CAMPS. Letters from Pastors Thomas and Victor.
[Letter #1] Dear Friends & Mama,
“During school holidays my church leaders and I did Youth Training in Lamwo Palabek Refugee Camp. Lives were impacted. I live in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp. My children are: Sam = 12 yr, 2nd grade; Godfrey = 8 yrs, 1st grade; Isaac = 6 yr, Kindergarten (Top Class); Kayla = 3 yr, Kindergarten (Baby Class); and John = 11 mo. Sam and Godfrey need school fees. I am in Senior 4 and also need school fees. Thank you for our Christmas bonus.”
God bless you,
Pastor Victor
[Note: BTM sent Victor money for all school fees.]
"Sunlight and Taban (lf), after seeing half a dozen doctors in Kampala without getting any help other than pain pills."
December
"The Team."
Charlotte
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Prayer-N-Praise
CONCLUSION. Earlier we shared the story of how God’s Supply Chain worked through ONE amazing man: Joe Kadenge. Sadly, on July 7, 2019, my special friend was called home. I miss him terribly upon my visits to Nairobi and will always treasure memories of the ‘Passport Crisis’. Our prayer for YOU is that, “My God shall supply all YOUR need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. (Phil 4:19)
"Thomas' family now have a new home with enough room."
Bush Telegraph Missions
"Preparing for the Mega Distribution at the Pygmy Mubambiro Church. Yep, that's a green wheelbarrow - thanks Estelle and Bill!"
That night I prayed. “Lord … how will I get from Nairobi to Sudan with no money?” I phoned every mission I knew. “Do you have a FREE FLIGHT to Loki?” Lokichogio is the Kenya border town just before Sudan. I was due there in 3 days.
Last on the list: Mission Aviation Fellowship. “Yes, we have room for one more….” God made a way where there was no way.
"Chuck & Ruth Dickie, Kenyan missionaries."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Team,
“BTM changed the way we sponsor Mama Josephine’s orphans in Uganda. We now pay school fees directly to the School Bank Account. January began a new school year after a 2-year shutdown. I spent the month enrolling 21 students in Secondary School (high school); 28 in Primary; and 2 in Vocational Training in Busia, Kenya. As this letter goes to press, we just found a nursery school for the 4 youngest new orphans.
“I enjoyed visiting Makimei Childrens’ Home to pray with children and workers to encourage them. God says: 'Defend the cause of the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hands of the wicked.' (Psalm 82:3-4)
“On February 26th I will travel to Kasese, Western Uganda, for a Leader’s Conference. BTM is praying about partnering with Evangelical Mission for Salvation. This ministry has planted 150 churches in Eastern Congo and 7 churches in Kasese, Uganda. We will meet the Leaders when Mama Charlotte arrives.”
In His Service,
Pastor Gideon for BTM
"50 salvations."
[Letter #7] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Items bought for Kiryandongo Refugee Camp: charcoal - 4 bags; soap - 2 boxes; sugar; cooking pans; books; school shoes; veggies; water; maize grinding fee; and Registration fees for students. Total: 1,256,000 shillings ($357). All 7th grade students are requested to board. The students have everything they need. The school is Christian. Toby, my brother, was at the same school and did well. Gabriel is another example. After finishing Senior 4 he now studies nursing. Gabriel helps his brothers and brought them to stay with him.
We lost Pastor Luka this morning. I was with him when he died. I will be with his family at the burial tomorrow. May the Lord be with us as we serve Him.”
"Sammy loves his new wheelchair!"
Joyously Supplying Needs – Spiritual & Material - in Africa,
KENYA/UGANDA. Letters from Gideon, BTM Africa Director. Watch out! He’s on the move!
Dear Bush Telegraph Family,
“Last Christmas we celebrated the birth of our Savior. My family and I speculated how anyone can forget His birthday. I wrote a tract and shared it in three compounds and on the street: 'Forgotten on His Birthday.' The tract invites people to make a decision for Christ. On December 31 my family had an end-of-year Prayer Meeting from 9-12 pm, until the New Year, January 1st, 2022.
“In December I met with Pastor Peter at Caring for Kenya Kids Ministry. We discussed Africa's vulnerable people and agreed they need spiritual nourishment. We planned to organize evangelical events during school holidays and furnish a Christian library. BTM will partner with C4KK in the future as we organize a Discipleship Program and Seminar for Pastors and Wives. Peter keeps 27 orphans and agreed that to avoid mismanagement of money for school fees, it’s best to pay directly to the School Bank Account.”
In His Service,
Pastor Gideon for BTM
"Visiting Safi and family."
"Pastor Celestin stirring a pot of porridge for students."
[Letter #5] Hello Bush Friends & Mama,
“I took my children out of Kiryandongo Refugee Camp and brought them to Gulu for safety – so their mentally ill mother, who threatened their lives, can’t find them.
“The school fees for my 4 blood children plus 2 orphans I care for: 1) Dan - Senior 1, Gulu Army Secondary, total = 432,000. 2) Humo – 5th grade, Gulu Army Primary, total = 285,000. 3) Peace – 3rd grade, Bright Valley School, total = 489,000. 4) Gaddy – 1st grade, total = 489,000. 5) John - Senior 5, Leadership Academy Secondary School, total = 250,000. He received a Scholarship and is boarding at Nimule, South Sudan. 6) Susan - 6th grade, Gulu Army Primary, total = 285,000. Grand total: 2, 230,000 shillings ($634).
“They have a Cook which I pay. Their school opened on January 10th. Thank you to the Sister Church who paid for my children’s school fees this term. Otherwise they could not go to school.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent school fees mentioned above.]
"Thousands came from far and wide for the Distribution at the Pygmy Mubambiro Church."
"The new school logo on all T-shirts.PTL!"
"The 40 ft container arrives safely in Goma, Congo."
"Orchids to Attorney Steve Keist for preparing our very own Articles of Incorporation."
"Africa here I come!"
"Edgar had no blanket - until now."
"The high school girls in Kiryandongo have smart hairdos."
"Mama Zawadi prays a blessing on the congregation."
"Sunlight buys clothes for 25 Kiryandongo orphans in bales."
"Gideon and several pastors visit a church plot where they plan to build."
2021
"House-to-house Evangelism with supplies, including new rubber shoes."
"A very tired - and REtired - Passport with 50 pages of stamps."
“Thanks Lord … but how will I pay for the mission guest house and Passport?”
That night I was invited to dinner at the home of missionaries Chuck and Ruth Dickie. “Charlotte, why are you so sad?” I told them what happened. Before leaving their home that night, Chuck handed me an envelope. “This is to pay the guest house and Passport Application….” I cried tears of joy.
In Loki I stayed with AIM Canadian missionaries. I scoured Loki for a FREE ride to Sudan. Finally I found a Catholic mechanic. “You can ride on the back of my pickup. I’m traveling to the Diocese to fix Father Jude’s car”. Soon we were on the road - 15 Africans and me. Two days later we reached the Diocese where Fathers welcomed me. Meantime my Loki host alerted Lohutok, Sudan, via walkie-talkie. They were searching for me.
The next day, Sunday, they arrived at the Diocese in a land rover. I was never so happy to see Missionary Jordan and Romano! We reached Lohutok by evening. “Lord … thank you. I’m back on Your schedule!”
"The Street Boys bought their first goat."
"At last! Rescued by Romano and Canadian Missionary Jordan Scotland!"
February
"Thomas' family - a few kids are absent due to choir practice."
UGANDA, BUSIA. Two of Mama Josephine’s orphans need special prayer.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Hillary missed several weeks of school due to a crushed finger. Now he can’t write. Mama Jo put herbs on it. It didn’t improve so she took him to the Clinic. I am at the University in Kampala and looking for a small job to earn money for food and rent. I still attend lectures. Naphtali broke his arm. He was taken to the Clinic for an X-ray. Attached is the list of 19 new orphans who are joining school this term.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
[Note: Gideon paid for all school fees directly to the school's bank account.]
"Baptizing 91 new believers from the Mubambiro Church built by BTM."
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“In Kiryandongo Refugee Camp the orphans need clothes. Two bales of second-hand clothes takes them through the year = $500. This was not budgeted. Good news! The children are growing maize (corn) in our garden. It has to be ground into flour. We set aside money for grinding. Here are photos of the maize from the garden this year - 5 sacks of 200 lb. This will last the children to the next season.
“Angaim School, Sudan. The T-shirts last time were worn all year. Due to BTM’s suggestion, we now have rules for uniforms. They are only worn for school. If a student wears it daily for play, they must pay a small fee. Colored T-shirts are only for primary children. We ordered 150. This is like their sports’ clothes.
“I paid the Street Boys’ Cook $25 per month but her duties were many. She is a widow and takes the whole day cooking for students. It is reasonable to pay her $50/mo. I pay $50 to Andrew and Osman who monitor the Street Boys when I am not around. They helped fill out forms when the Street Boys first arrived. We would like the Street Boys to also have a proper school uniform.”
God bless you,
Pastor Sunlight
[BTM sent funds for the Cook and Monitors.]
USA – FROM THE MAIL BOX.
Dear BTM & Charlotte,
“The Lord told me a week ago to send you this offering …. I feel privileged that you share your private challenges - that is what Christian friends are for. This morning the Lord told me to pray on my knees (my knees and back make this a challenge) and my back improved. I’m praying for you, too!”
Love,
Diane
"Sunlight buys clothes for 25 Kiryandongo orphans in bales."
2022
© Copyright 2022
“My God shall supply all your need … in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). When material Supply Chains are uncertain, we can TRUST HIM.
GOD’S SUPPLY CHAIN. We shared this story a few months back but it’s most appropriate now in these uncertain times. How many times do we pray at meals: “Bless the hands that prepared it”? Thousands. We will sit all day naming ‘hands’ while food gets cold! Besides the Cook, we have farmers, truckers, distributors, agricultural equipment, electricity, steel factories, etc. Don’t forget, COVID caused a backlog of cargo ships and truckers around the world. Next came empty shelves (what? No fresh fish?) and rising prices (Ramen Noodles again?). Gas through the roof. I’m walking a lot these days. But wait! There’s another ‘Supply Chain’. It’s called PRAYER. Not for material things but Spiritual Bread. What’s this all about?
"Sunlight's children attend school in Gulu, Uganda."
CONGO, GOMA. Letters from Mama Zawadi. Wonderful news – 91 baptisms!
[Letter #1] Dear Friends & Mama,
“The Container arrived safely in Goma December 15th, 2021. It was held by Custom’s for a month. Officials wanted to send it back (after unloading) until we proved that BTM bought it for us. It stays in Goma. Custom’s Fee for a business Container is $22,000. Thanks to the BTM Exemption Letter from The Embassy of Malta, the fee went down to $5,209. Customs also deducted books (often they charge for them). I downloaded, forwarded and printed many Container documents.
On Saturday we buried my uncle in Kibumba, 17 miles from Goma. Tomorrow I will visit the Bategeju family, Sifa and Evangelist Thomas.
“Evangelist Thomas and I will preach in Mubambiro Church this week. You cannot believe how much the Pygmies love their new church. Thomas, his wife and 11 children had to move as their rent was two months behind. He needed $200 to clear arrears and put down a deposit on a new place.
We baptized 91 Pygmies. The Church organized transport to a Goma church with a built-in baptistery. The Pygmy Church built a well and bought uniforms for their choir so we had a big celebration. This happened because you and the Team went to preach the Good News the last time you came. They named their church ‘8 eme CEPAC Bethel.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
[Letter #6] Dear Friends,
“Taban, our orphan living at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, dislocated his right hip two years ago. Last year we took him to Kampala for surgery. After all the exams the doctor found that the whole joint needs to be replaced. The cost = 7,000,000 shillings ($2,000). The Refugee Agent said it’s too much for their budget. We went back to the camp to find the money. We had none. This year we tried the UN Agent. Taban's operation is complicated. No one is concerned, not even those in the hospital. He was admitted only for one day and the doctor told me that unless the money is paid they won't do anything. He’s in such pain and walks with crutches.
“Yesterday I saw officials about Taban. They promised me they would come immediately but never showed up. The doctor at the Refugee Hospital wrote another letter to UNHCR for financial assistance. I travel back to South Sudan tomorrow. I will see Taban’s relatives and ask for a contribution.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent money for the surgery plus therapy afterwards].
"Meet new Board Chairman, Bob (and Irene) Smith."
SOUTH SUDAN. Letters from Pastor Sunlight who directs BTM Projects in Uganda and South Sudan.
[Letter #1] Dear Friends in Christ & Mama,
“Is it possible to have Christmas clothes for the Street Boys in Angaim? The two pieces of clothes we bought for them earlier were for school, Sunday and every day. The cost of used clothes for 2-3 pieces for each boy is $20 X 15 = $300. The boys are healthy and happy. A few are sick but getting treatment.
“We bought food for the Street Boys: 3 bags maize (corn) flour = 300 lb, 1 bag beans = 100 lb, 3 bags rice, 20 liters oil, sugar, salt, onions and medicine. Total = 114,500. Items without a Receipt were tea, boda-boda (motorbike), fuel and lunch in Torit. Total = 53,000. Grand Total = 167,500 Sudanese Pounds ($441). I have not bought milk, veggies or medicine. Also I have not included pay for the Cook and communication.
[Later] “I bought the Street Boys 1 goat = 28,000, clothes = 60,000, and milk = 16,000. Total = 114,000 pounds ($300). The goat is a boy. We will exchange him for a girl in the future. The number of Street Boys is now 15 as 4 returned to Torit. They want to come back; I will bring them when a car comes to Angaim.
“One boy was planning to escape after he received new clothes for Christmas. I told them no one can move to Torit without notice. Thanks for the support and prayers for the Street Boys. I noticed changes in their lives and believe they will be a testimony. Pray for our teachers if we want the best for the children.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent funds to cover Street Boys’ needs & Christmas clothes.]
"Nairobi Police Station."
"Thomas and family, Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp: Mama, Sam, Godfrey, Isaac, Kayla and John."
"The illiterate cannot write their own name so Thomas has them put their thumb print on the Master List.
January
[Letter #3] Dearest Bush Family & Mama,
“The first distribution was the Mubambiro Church with 150 members. The second will be the Pygmy community. The wooden pulpit from Litchfield Park Church is in the church. MONUSCO didn’t provide a crane as promised due to government intervention. They did provide 3 gallons of fuel which we sold for food for the staff who helped open Container boxes. Tomorrow I will go check prices for tarps as we need 150 more.”
Mama Zawadi for Living Sustainable Development
[Note: we sent extra funds to buy more tarps for poor and elderly.]