UGANDA, KAMPALA. Mama Monicah’s ‘big’ kids fasted for 3 days before going to do evangelism!
Hello Mama & Friends,
“Here is how we used the money: 1) rent; 2) water; 3) electricity; 4) medical fees; 4) charcoal; 5) 100 lb of maize (corn meal); and 6) 60 lb of beans. Also I bought the children used clothes. Total = 1,367,000 shillings ($380). We used the December bonus for Christmas gifts for the family.
Here is Mama Victoria’s Report. She keeps the 3 new orphans: 1) two months’ rent = 100,000 shillings. (I moved them from their old shack into a new place that is much better); 2) 40 lb of maize; 2) sugar; 3) beans; and 4) 200, 000 shillings to pay the shop back what she owed. I also gave them 35,000 shillings for Christmas. Total = 375,000 ($104). Miracle, the deaf 14-year old, carries heavy loads for a living so he looks very old.
“My 7th grade children had exams to qualify them for high school in February. We only know their results when school opens. The children went for a 3-day fast at church, day and night. They started on Wednesday and will finish Friday, praying for the ministry, studies and their sponsors. They will begin evangelizing on Monday next week. Everyone sends greetings. We love you and pray for you.”
Mama Monicah, Kampala
[Note: We support Monicah and Victoria’s families.]
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX.
“Upon reading over the Christmas letter that summarized the year of Bush Telegraph Mission, I was re-introduced to Mama Jean Foibe in the Congo. Reading that she faithfully prayed for 5 years for a church to be built on a plot of land was such an encouragement for my heart. I’ve grown impatient in my prayers but it was God’s loving way to encourage me through this information. Mama Jean Foibe, our amazing great big loving God has used you to affect a person’s life on the other half of this world! I’m praying you are blessed and have all your heart’s desires. See you in glory; I will rejoice to hug you some day.”
Tearfully overjoyed by Gods love; Angie, Phoenix, AZ
"Sunlight and Peter handing out soap and school supplies."
"Simon walks all over Leer - and beyond - by himself!"
"Village children need clothes."
"Uganda, Kiryandongo Refugee Camp,
morning service (it now has walls)."
Bush Telegraph Mission
In 2018 may we see Jesus through ‘New Spiritual Eyes’, like Simon the Blind Evangelist!
"Charlotte treating 'bush ulcers' on Simon's legs."
Here’s what he shared: "I had a sickness at birth that caused blindness. As a youth my leg was cut by a corn stalk. It became swollen and infected. I could not walk. My parents were into witchcraft and gave cows to the witch doctor for my healing but my leg became worse. I decided to go to church and be baptized. Immediately my leg improved. I became a Christian because of my leg."
USA HIGHLIGHTS.
- Joe Charles’ Christmas Men’s Prayer Breakfast – I was privileged to share a mission message.
- Donations of Relief Supplies from Cheryl, Rose, Kathryn, Penny & Hazel of AZ; & Sandy of MI,
- Fun-packed New Year’s weekend with son Mike & daughter Michelle – we even saw Star Wars!
- Mission Sunday at Black Canyon City Calvary Chapel with Pastor Huck & Pastora.
~Prayer N Praise~
"Hundreds came from all over the area."
"Sewing angels holding 'Little Girl Dresses' at Kathryn's home."
"Women's Conference."
"Louis and Zawadi handing out bags of food."
There is a saying, “None are so blind as those who cannot see.” II Corinthians 4:4 puts it another way: “ … the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers; to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ….” That’s why we go “unto ALL the world” – that ALL eyes may see – before it’s too late. Thank you for sending us to GO and preach the Gospel – to the Least, the Last and the Lost.
"The elderly and infirm received food and clothes."
"Uganda, Moyo Refugee Camp receives clothes."
"Students at Kiryandongo Camp whom we sponsor."
As my vocabulary grew, Simon never tired of listening to me 'practice' on him. When I missed a word, he’d laugh heartily, slapping his leg as though I’d told the best joke in the world. He was an excellent teacher. Best of all Simon was a regular at our morning devotions at the mission compound so I saw him often.
One day I looked down at the long white scars on his right leg; his deformed left leg; and his sightless eyes. I didn’t like to stare though he didn’t know. But of course I wondered what happened. “Please tell me your testimony,” I asked.
"Zawadi visits the hut of 'The Little Woman', severely handicapped and a mother."
“The 3 college students, Jackson, Fatuma and Wilkister spent the Christmas holidays working and are doing well. 1) Jackson’s college sent him to work as an assistant vet at Agriso-Uganda Farm. 2) Fatuma is working for Society Empowerment Network (SENET). 3) Wilkester, who is studying nursing, was hired by ELPAS Medical Clinic in Kenya. Their jobs will help them contribute 1/3 of their school fees. Attached are letters of confirmation from their employers. Thank you for the children’s school fees and God bless you.”
"Mama Jean Foibe, lf, prayed daily for 5 years for a church to be built on this plot."
"Michelle & Mike"
"There was great joy among the people to hear God's word and receive supplies."
UGANDA, KAMPALA. Three of Rev Stephen’s children are entering high school. What a sweet note!
Dear Aunt Charlotte & Bush Friends,
“How are you doing over there? We hope you are well. We thank you for all the good things you have done for us. May the good Lord bless and be with you. We would like to inform you that we passed our Primary School Exams, which is required before we enter high school. We got excellent scores. We would like to join St. Lawrence High School please. The total cost is 6,243,000 shillings ($1,725).”
Thanks, Tekuoth, Nyakuoth and Nyakim.
[Note: we paid 2/3’s of the total high school fees.]
"Pastors' Conference."
KENYA, GITHURAI. Pastor White’s orphans are growing! Six are entering high school this month.
Dear Bush Partners & Mama,
“Thanks for the money. Here’s how we spent it: 1) Rent for November and December; 2) 100 lb of maize (corn meal); 3) 50 lb of rice; 4) 50 lb of ‘unga-ngano’ (wheat flour). Total = 38,660 shillings ($380).
“Praise God! We now have six orphans who finished Primary School and are ready to enter high school. The school fees are 13,150 shillings per term per child for a total of 78,900 ($773). All six received an Admission letter to Rubate High School – a government school. They report on Monday. Please pray for Seth, Sheila, Violet, James, David and Victor. Thank you.”
Blessings, Pastor White, Kenya
[Note: we sent extra money for high school fees for 6 orphans.]
"Kenya, Kakuma Refugee Camp, children's Sunday School."
Yours in Christ, Mama Josephine & Family
[Note: we sent money for all school fees.]
"Uganda, Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp. Children are playing a game."
REFUGEE CAMPS. Pastor Sunlight oversees the needs of our refugee kids in 4 camps.
Dear Mama, Bush Team & Friends,
“Thank you for meeting the needs of the high school students at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp. The kids used to number 15; however, Mama Rose who cares for them came from Yumbe Refugee Camp last year. She brought two of her own children plus three orphans. That makes 20 kids. I will take money to Kiryandongo today. I will send Pastor Victor his money using ‘Mpesa’ phone service. He’s at Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp. I’ll use the ‘Mpesa’ phone to send money to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya for our orphans there.
“Seven refugee orphans begin High School on Monday in Kiryandongo Camp; Kakuma Camp, Kenya; Yumbe Refugee Camp; and Bidi-Bidi Camp. They are Pastor Victor, Gabriel, Night and Promo and two others. They need uniforms, books, pens and pencils. Total: 250,000 Ugandan Schillings ($70). Those at Yumbe Refugee Camp in Uganda also lead their church.
“At Kiryandongo Camp in Primary School we have Osoman, Jackson, Paulino, Margret, Night, Kikil, Odong, Ibalu, Ihure, Josephine, Mary, Sarah, Karlina, and others are beginners. They need uniforms, books, pens, pencils and soap. Total = 418,000 Ugandan shillings ($115).
“At Kakuma Camp in Kenya we have Roman, Jackson, William, Ohisa, Night, Ingoro, Solomon, Marino, Joshua and some in primary school. They need books, pencils, pens. These orphans also need food as their camp ration was reduced to 1/2. Some children do hard work to survive. They are our church members and others are leaders of churches we planted in the camps. We are grateful at what the Lord is doing in their lives. The grand total = 668,000 Uganda shillings ($184); and 9,000 Kenya shillings ($88).”
In Christian Love, Pastor Sunlight
[Note: we sent money to cover all fees plus extra for food.]
"Seth, one of Pastor White's 6 new
high school students."
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see You, I want to see You.”
"Young widows with babies also received."
"The other leg happened in 1982. I was going to preach in the bush. I met Militant Muslims on the road who ran over me with a truck. My leg was crushed but healed well enough so I can walk on it. I have remained with God. Today I have a wife and 9 children - the youngest are twin boys. They live 30 minutes by foot. God takes care of them because He knows I can’t."
Often I treated Simon for ‘bush ulcers’ on his legs or other needs. What amazed me most was how he fearlessly walked all over Leer – and beyond - by himself. Yet never got lost or hurt. And he never complained. His contagious sunny disposition cheered all our hearts.
UGANDA, BUSIA. Mama Josephine writes that all the kids are back in school!
Dear Mama & Bush Mission,
“Hope you had a good Christmas and New Years. We had a good time. Pastor Henry was with us and gave meat and rice to the kids for a special Christmas dinner. We thank God for that.
"Simon with his 'stick' (cane) & Charlotte."
Charlotte
My personal hero, however, is someone you don’t know. Nor will you ever meet. To me he is a ‘light in the darkness that cannot be hid’; a true testimony of God’s love. He was active in the Leer community of South Sudan. That’s right, South Sudan. We called him ‘Simon the Blind Evangelist’. I say was because I haven’t seen him since war broke out. I pray he’s still alive and ‘busy about the Lord’s business’, guided by his tree branch (cane) as he walks.
The mission compound in Unity State, Leer, had a steady stream of colorful visitors. Simon, the Blind Evangelist, was one of them. He stayed at the bombed-out Pastors' House behind our compound but spoke no English. The staff would interpret. He taught me Nuer, the local language. I faithfully wrote down every word in a notebook.
"CAAP CEO Louis preaching the Word of God."
"Mike, Michelle & Mom with friends at church."
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight spent Christmas holidays at Angaim Village, South Sudan.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“During Christmas I was in South Sudan; shared the gospel at 3 churches; and organized a fellowship for youth, children and adults. We used the money as follows: 1) Salary for 9 teachers; 2) 8 pair trousers; 3) 9 T-shirts; 4) 4 pair shoes; 5) chalk and books; 6) Report Cards for 423 students; 7) maize for the feeding program; 8) transport to Torit from Angaim by ‘boda-boda’; and 9) teaching materials. Grand total $500.
“There is great need for a motorbike which will facilitate us to attend school programs. We have gone on foot twice to Torit due to lack of transport. This side of Torit is peaceful; however, they still rob people in town and along the main road. In Torit and South Sudan thousands of people are starving. Angaim and Tobia, our neighboring village, were battle fields. They lack food because they could not plant due to war.
“Many children, women and men are wearing military uniforms as they can't afford to buy clothes. Prices for used children’s clothes start at 1,000 SSP. Students need help with clothes and food. We wrote the government to help meet needs of students but they lack money. Government teachers were without salaries in 2017. They only received pay 5 times last year due to the economic crisis.”
“I am back in Kampala and continue with Bible translation. My journey was good but at the Sudan-Uganda border I was almost arrested because I did not have enough money to pay the Visa. I borrowed 150,000 shillings ($41) to add to what I already had and paid. I thank God for my kind Sudanese friend.”
Thanks, Pastor Sunlight
[Note: we also sent extra to Sunlight for travel expenses].
REPORT
"Angaim Village School - 430 strong!"
"Nyakuoth, an orphan, lives with Rev. Stephen's family."
WHO IS YOUR CHOICE for “Man/Woman of the year”? Someone to model your life after in 2018? Dad? Movie star? NFL player? Pastor? Teacher? Singer? Abraham Lincoln? An all-around super, happy guy or gal? So many to choose from. This month we’re honoring ALL who have blessed BTM over the years; who guided us to where we are today. We nominate YOU, our Prayer Partners and Donors, for the “Men and Women Of The Year" Award.
"Young widows with babies also received."
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
© copyright 2018
"A disabled man is blessed!"
"Students reviewing their Reports."
"Mama Josephine, Charlotte & Jackson, at Vet College."
"Teachers pose for a group photo."
- Met w/Sewing Angels once at Calvary Surprise & once at Kathryn’s home. What adorable little dresses.
- Jan 26th - Charlotte’s successful hernia surgery. I’m now home, resting, healing. My surgeon said, “What if a problem arose in a remote spot of Africa with no medical care? It’s best to take care of it now, especially since you lift hundreds of pounds of supplies.” So I listened to him. PTL! All went well.
That’s all folks! There are many more Highlights but that’s all we have room for this time. We hope you’ve enjoyed our first edition of Prayer-N-Praise Report for 2018.
"14-yr old Miracle, deaf, does the work of a man to support his siblings."
"Angaim needs a new (used) motorbike for emergency transport."
"Lf-Rt. Mama Victoria with orphans Elisia, Promise & Miracle."
"Simon receives a new bed sheet."
"Teachers present Report Cards."
“Danny, Linet and Patrick were home with malaria. I bought medicine and they are improving. Winifred completed year one of Hairdressing School. She will go for a second year to complete her course. After that she will begin work. Continue to pray for Lillian who left home to take up worldly ways.
"Pastor Huck & Pastora at Black Canyon City,
Calvary Chapel."
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Bernard held a Pastor’s Conference and Women’s Conference.
Dear Friends & Mama,
“Student missionaries from different churches attended a one week Pastor’s Conference. They were so good and loving. Yesterday we had a Women’s Empowerment Conference at Chavakali. These precious women were taught business skills and the importance of budgeting. You have been an encouragement in my life and ministry in 2017. You prayers and gifts made a big impact. May the Lord bless your family in 2018.”
With much love, Pastor Bernard
CONGO, GOMA. Zawadi, CAAP Secretary (our partner), reports on the distribution of Relief Supplies we shipped recently.
Dear Mama, BTM Partner & Friends,
“Happy New Year. I tried to send the Report for days with no success as we had network issues. Then I prayed for the Report to go – and it did! We bought 120 kg (240 lb) of extra beans for the distribution. I will send the Receipt when the network improves.”
“The CAAP Team packed about 20 large bags of food, toys and clothes. We travelled by two cars, one carried the Relief Supplies and the other one the CAAP Team. The road was bad as there was a river with no bridge we had to cross in water. By God’s grace we made it.
“First Louis, CAAP’s Board of Directors, gave a word of exhortation. Then Pastor Nathan read Job 6:2-3 saying, ‘Oh that my grief was thoroughly weighed and my calamity laid in the balances together. For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words are swallowed up.’ Pastor Nathan showed how Job grieved as he lost everything, but still hoped. He added, ‘Although you lost everything in the floods, you should still hope as God is able to restore to you again as he did with Job.’
“The total numbers of recipients in Bihambwe Refugee Camp were 574 people. We distributed to 100 households: 69 women and 31 men. Some recipients could not reach the distribution site because they were disabled so they sent a representative. We added a lady who gave birth in Mema Village with a household of 6. Also we added a lady in Rubaya Refugee Camp with a household of 4 making a total of 584 recipients.
BACKGROUND: THE BIG FLOOD.
“On September 19, 2017, there was a disaster in Bihambwe and Mema (Masisi) territory. The community was already affected by war adding to the crisis when rain flooded the area. That’s why CAAP partnered with Bush Telegraph to go and assist the displaced people in Rubaya who were affected most. We preached the gospel to teach them the love of God, comfort and supply food and clothes to those in need.
“The Rushoga River flooded into Bihambwe Village. Houses used to be on this land. Water from the mountain flooded the village leaving it in ruins. 115 people died in that flood; their bodies are still missing; and 18 were injured. Houses were washed away. Survivors are living in classrooms. A few surviving women gave testimonies and thanked God how they were rescued from the roofs of houses.
“Since the floods, no humanitarian organization has brought supplies to victims, not even the government. 140 households live in subhuman conditions; sleeping in classrooms with no food. Some of our Team went in advance to register those who were most vulnerable such as elderly, disabled and widows. This gathering brought smiles to their faces as they appreciated and thanked God for Bush Telegraph’s donors.
DISTRIBUTION AT BIHAMBWE, MEMA & RUBAYA REFUGEE CAMPS.
“Each kit we distributed contained: 4 lb beans, 1 lb Rice, 1 lb Sugar, ½ lb salt, 8 lb wheat flour and 4 lb cassava root flour. We also distributed shoes, clothes, bags, ties, socks, etc. We gave toys directly to the kids – their first ever. They were very excited.
“The Bihambwe and Mema people were astonished and said: ‘Only God can remember us and send the CAAP Team. We cannot believe we will eat today and have clothes. We are encouraged by the Word of God and receive it with joy’. We visited a woman rescued from the flood in Bihambwe as she gave birth. She was so happy and said, ‘I cannot imagine God would remember me and send people to comfort me.’
“We sent CAAP Team members in advance to register households of the most vulnerable. We distributed supplies to 100 households, making a total of 574 recipients. The word of God was preached to bring spiritual comfort to distressed communities in Bihambwe, Mema and Rubaya. In Rubaya we did not have enough supplies to give out. We did a ‘secret distribution’ to a little disabled lady who was raped and left with a baby called Jackson, as the boy had symptoms of malnutrition.
“We were led of the Lord to involve the Village Chief, local authorities and volunteers in the distribution. We targeted 100 households of the most vulnerable: widows, disabled and elderly. Attached are their names written by hand. Those who can’t write put an X.”
God Bless You, Zawadi, CAAP Secretary
[NOTE. We sent extra money for beans, gas & Team supplies.]
"Mama Josephine & family enjoy Christmas dinner."
January
"Wilkister, at Nursing College."