PRAYER-N-PRAISE
July, August, September,
"High school education for Sudanese girls is rare - in Kiryandongo girls succeed."
"Planting a new church in Torit."
2023
CONCLUSION. When Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together, the Singer machine was not invented (Gen 3:7). In the story of Tabitha (Dorcas), Peter healed her. She “… was devoted to good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36-37a. Her ‘good works’? Sewing for widows and orphans. But again, no Singer machine.
Dear Lord,
“Thank you for all sewing machines – especially Singers - that clothe precious African brothers and sisters. May we find more ways to help the oppressed, vulnerable and refugees. Grant all sewers success as they work to support their families.”
In Jesus Name. Amen
Dear Bush Telegraph,
“Our Vacation Bible School children love the idea that their offering will help build a school in Angaim Village, South Sudan! Please give their offering to Pastor Sunlight. Our children are aged 4-10. They embraced the idea of building a school and are praying for the children in South Sudan. Thank you BTM!”
In His love,
Pastor Anne
CO, Collbran Congregational Church
[Note: the kids’ offering was $809.70. Wow!]
"The church today".
"Peace & Reconciliation Conference."
[Letter #3] Hello Prayer Partners & Mama,
“We have plenty of seedlings in Keberek along Ketire Road. They are free of charge. This forest was planted by the government during British times. They have a lot of seedlings growing in the ground under the big ones. Agriculture is a good way to support church leaders. They are in pain yet endure and follow the call. This will not only support pastors but also vulnerable women, elderly and Street Children in the community.
“Pastors have gardens but they need assistance to enlarge their farms to help have enough food for the family because churches do not pay pastors in the bush. They know about irrigation, however, not all gardens are along the riverbank, others are far. Some crops need to be closer to the river. Peace for this nation will only comes when all value GOD and respect Him. This only happens when the Good News is preached in every tongue.”
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Sunlight
"The oldest pastor who attended the Conference."
"Thank you, Heaven Sent Ministries, for four pallets of special food for South Sudan!"
"The Street Boys' house."
USA. CONTAINER UPDATE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Prayer Partners,
“God’s Army of men showed up bright-n-early on two Saturday mornings to process/weigh 20 pallets of boxed Relief Supplies. We were honored by Pastor Scott, two women, a 4th grader and Jesse, Mission Pastor at CalvaryPHX. Marilyn and I cooked up a storm! Grilled sausages, German Potato Salad, Corn-on-the-cob and baked beans. Most of the men were from North Valley Assembly of God. Our prayers were answered.
Praise! This week, four pallets of special food arrived from Texas, a gift from Heaven Sent Ministries, our partner. They refused any payment – all we had to do was pay transport back to Phoenix. Four pallets, valued at $20,000, will provide 47,520 meals. We thank God for Angel Volunteers who spent hundreds of hours processing thousands of pounds of relief supplies the past four months. And for our host church, Litchfield Park First Baptist and Pastor Michelle, for their warm welcome. There will be jewels - and boxes and packaging tape - in their crowns one day! Funds are in hand. Shipping date? Mid to late November.
“It's time to ‘pass the Container Torch’ to the younger generation as I step down. Will YOU step up to carry that Torch? BTM's top priority is Church Planting and Evangelism but due to the Container Project this has become 2nd place. I need to get back to the basics. Join us in prayer as we seek His guidance.”
Yours for the Salvation of Africa,
Charlotte
Helping Mamas Sew for Jesus,
"Mama Zawadi and Team begin digging the first foundation on the Mugunga Plot."
"We have over 300 students in Zion Nursery and Primary School."
SOUTH SUDAN, LEER. Rev Stephen’s coworker, Pastor John Kier writes of community Reconciliation.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“The 5-Day Peace and Reconciliation Conference ended. South Western Upper-Nile Presbytery's headquarters are in Leer. They, in partnership with Evangelist Andrew Dhiel's Ministry, conducted a Church Leader Conference and Crusade. People displaced by floods have occupied the church compound and lack food, clothing and all the basics.
For 4 days local church leaders trained in Leer. It included: 1) Forgiveness and Reconciliation
2) Stewardship
3) Church Government
4) Financial Growth
5) Discipleship; and others.”
Blessings,
Pastor John, Rev. Steven’s co-worker
"The 100+ year old Singer sewing machine."
© All Rights Reserved
"Emmanuel studies hard and wants to become a mechanic or taxi driver."
"The people are so happy to have a place to sit."
"Mama Zawadi cooked food for over 40 youth - cassava and veggies."
"The children gather to greet Pastor Chris."
"A Conference for Christian Parents was held over the school holidays."
"Pastor Chris checking homework of Sudanese students at Kiryandongo Camp."
[Letter #5] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Zion Nursery and Primary School is accomplishing our vision for a Christian School. Our Street Boys are from different villages and counties in Eastern Equotoria State. Their mothers or fathers died through war and sickness. Zion Primary School serves the surrounding communities. We had a two-day Conference for adult Christians at the school during the holidays. We thank God for using the building for Him.
“Thank you for the 12 teachers’ salary. In South Sudan many are uneducated so there is a need to teach illiterate and vulnerable children whose parents died during war or in tribal conflict or cattle raiding. Your support for school and teachers is changing this nation. We are determined to raise children in biblical values.”
Blessings,
Pastor Sunlight
"Peace & Reconciliation Conference."
"Thank you friends for 40 bags of cement for the new Primary School."
"L-R: Pastor Michelle, Charlotte & Gail."
"One Street Boy who returned to the street died in an auto accident. No one knew him."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"The story of Janet from Rugarama Village. She has 4 children but separated from her husband due to violence. She did not know how to care for her children and beat them if they made a mistake. Also she did not know how to prepare a balanced diet. The children ate garbage; drank dirty water; were sick and malnourished. The ministry trained her in parenting; cooking; and hygiene. Today the children are happy and healthy."
"Meet a few Angel Guys & Gals who volunteered hundreds of hours to process thousands of pounds of donations."
HOW CAN GOD use a 100+ year-old treadle Singer sewing machine to share the gospel? You know, the kind like my Grandmother Power used to talk about. First of all, this Singer machine, plus hundreds of other Relief Supplies, are part of our 40-ft Container, headed to a refugee camp in South Sudan. There, women arrive with nothing - not even clothes. With little or no education, how can they support their children? Well, let me tell you. Thanks to this old treadle Singer and other donated sewing machines, Mamas will learn to sew in the camp’s Women’s Sewing Club. Through that skill they can support their children.
"Caleb presents a laying chicken to a Mama for good nutrition through eggs it will lay."
"Rose, in red, cooks for the whole gang. Pastor Chris in the middle."
"Pray for Josephine, 6th grade student who failed."
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. Letter from Laura, BTM’s Email Correspondent & Prayer Captain.
Hello Charlotte & BTM,
“We are back in the USA from our wonderful trip to visit family in Finland, Croatia and Sweden. We were there a month. Shortly after our return my back went out. Due to having only one kidney I am not allowed more than one pain pill per day. The Lord is in charge.”
Love,
Laura
Phoenix, AZ
SO ON BEHALF of our Volunteers, BTM sends an elephant-sized THANK YOU to YOU and YOU and YOU who were a part of this life-saving project. Thank you for your love, prayers, sacrificial donations, and for standing with us in prayer for our most vulnerable African brothers and sisters. God bless you!
"Kikil, (lf), high school honor student."
"The girls' live here."
"Pastor Anne & Charlotte."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“In Busia I met Mama Josephine and Mama Christine for the first time. I also met Okia, a teacher, who Josephine said was the children’s tutor. The number of children was quite big. Managing them, plus discipline and space, isn't easy. Some kids asked for laptops and phones. That came from Mama Josephine. I explained that sponsorship depends on performance.
“The kids are old enough to do small jobs. One student who finished high school is a welder and can fix the kitchen stove. I explained that BTM can’t pay for everything. Josephine needs to realize that she must first check with BTM before taking in new orphans. Starting next year all schools will send reports and correspondence directly to me. Busia Trust SS and Dabani Girls already do that. I challenged Josephine that in the next planting season, students do small jobs; pool resources; and rent a garden to grow crops of maize, beans and cassava for less than $250. The garden can feed them all.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
"The 100+ orphans and Mamas came to visit the plot where they will soon be living."
"Our Teachers are paid once a month."
"Rural pastors receive no church support and have to make their own way."
"More Angels - there will be jewels in their crown one day!"
"Thank you friends for 40 bags of cement for the new Primary School."
"Sewing Club, Leer, South Sudan"
"Conference attendees."
DVBS kids from Collbran Congregational Church, Pastor Anne
[Letter #4] Dear Brothers, Sisters & Mama,
“As seen from the photos of the Street Boys’ beds, we used bamboo and poles for the frames. Other children are sleeping on the floor. If we could have bunk beds, it would help the 15 Street Boys. Money from Toby was sent to James, a business man in Torit. His brother lives in Uganda. So James sent it on to me for the teachers pay and the Street Boys’ monthly food and supplies.
“I am going to Iyire to teach Church Teachers. When I return I will transport 40 bags of cement to Angaim Village that we bought with the money from the Vacation Bible School kids. Two classrooms are to beam level and three rooms to window level. We are so encouraged by this gracious donor.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"Congratulations to Toby, who graduated from university!"
[Letter #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“I had a fruitful trip to visit our Kiryandongo children at their refugee camp home. I introduced myself and explained what I do for BTM. I met Rose, Caregiver and Cook; I listened to their struggles and looked at their school work. Several need extra learning materials to read and write English. Their classes are very large with no personal help. I treated them to bread and soda – they got so excited judging by their big smiles. Now they want me to come more often! I was thrilled to meet them all and pray for them to become the pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses they told me about. They are thankful to BTM and Mama Charlotte.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
[Letter #6] Dear Ones,
“A few days ago a Street Boy in Torit had a car accident and died. No one knew the child. The police called me to identify the child and asked where he lived. I had his information as he was a Street Boy who came to Angaim Village and then returned to the street. We had no place to bury him. We had to lay him alongside his father who died years ago in a place where no one lives – only the burial plot.
“I traveled with another missionary to a remote place in Kapoeta among the Toposa tribe. These people had much love for us. It's my first time meeting and sharing Christ with them. They were so welcoming even though their culture and dress was very different. Still they loved God.
“Next weekend I will travel to Uganda to pick up the donation of $10,000 from Mrs. N. sent by Wire Transfer to the bank. I am writing my humble gratitude for her gift. I will spend a week with the Kiryandongo Kids and my family in Gulu before returning to supervise construction. Two students in Gulu are in 7th grade and going for final exams in November to join Secondary (high) School next year. It’s a big deal here.”
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Sunlight
"Anna Grace is respectful and wants to become a nurse."
"The Church compound is home for many who were displaced by floods."
"The church today".
"Peace & Reconciliation Conference."
"Thanks for my new/used phone!"
"Sunlight and another Missionary traveled to Kapoeta to minister among the Toposa tribe."
"Ed, at 35th Ave Sew & Vac, had one new belt in stock. Praise the Lord!"
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"We praise God for His Army who showed up on two Saturdays to process 20 pallets (over 400 boxes)."
[Letter #2] Dear Friends & Mama,
“We are working to fence the Angaim Village Church using bamboo. We will also add doors. This is the main church, a Mother Church to all others. I am planning an agriculture project to support local pastors. This will help sustain leaders and provide food. I pray to be an encouragement to new leaders - the church in Angaim plus those we are planting that stand on their own. They don't have any other church to encourage them. Thank you BTM for being there for us and for Mama’s encouragement.
“We have planted a church in Gumbo with Pastor Elias - a place without a church – in Southwest Torit. I serve in Angaim Village but sometimes help Elias in Torit. Recently we went as a team of Baptist, AIC, EFC and other denominations to plant a church in Iyiere, deep in the village of Torit West. The church planted was left in the hands of AIC and other places were left under EFC. We are serving Christ in unity. There are things we differ about; but when it comes to the Great Commission, we are one - the Body of Christ.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
"Ministering to youth at Munzenze Prison brought much joy. Especially receiving a Bible."
RWANDA. Letter from Caleb, Pastor Celestin’s coworker.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“My name is Caleb. I am fluent in English, French, Swahili and local languages. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Business Administration/Project Management with over 14 years of experience. Your donation was used to buy chickens for laying eggs for poor families to fight malnutrition among children. Forty-five parents signed their names and villages.
“Guardian Angel Ministries started to distribute one chicken per family in Gashanda to eradicate malnutrition. The project will help many families so that they will feed their children eggs, which are rich in protein. We thank BTM for your compassion for the poor.
Best Regards,
Caleb
"Sunlight and another Missionary traveled to Kapoeta to minister among the Toposa tribe."
"Edgar is a bright boy and wants to become a doctor."
REPORT
UGANDA. Letter from Bulasio, who writes for Mama Josephine.
Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“Here are stories of 3 of Mama Josephine’s orphans who attend school:
1. Emmanuel is working hard at school. He is friendly to everyone. He likes music, dance and drama. His favorite subjects are math and English. He wants to be a mechanic and driver.
2. Ann Grace is a humble girl and respectful. She likes basketball and her favorite subjects are chemistry, biology and math. She wants to become a nurse.
3. Edgar is a bright boy and disciplined. He likes playing football and does his homework. His combination subjects are biology, chemistry and math. He wants to be a doctor.
“Three orphans came to live with Mama Josephine in 2022. Here are their stories:
1. Shirita, age 1, was abandoned by her parents. She was found at the dump in Mugungu near the cemetery by street boys. They took her to officials who brought her to Mama Josephine.
2. Barton, age 7. After his mother died, the father became mentally ill. He was taken to the psychiatric hospital but ran away. Local authorities asked Mama Josephine to give a helping hand.
3. Raymond, age 6. His father was a soldier who died in northern Uganda. His mother sold fruit at the border and later died of AIDS. Officials asked Mama Josephine to keep him.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio for Mama Josephine
SOUTH SUDAN, ANGAIM VILLAGE. Letters from Pastor Sunlight
Greetings from Torit, South Sudan,
“Thank you for making a new phone a reality. I got a used Samsung S-10 and it was brought from Kampala. Also thank you for the news that a Vacation Bible School donated over $800 towards construction of the new Primary School. I will be happy to write a note to the pastor. The school is running well. The store, kitchen and Primary School need to be finished. We lack iron sheets.”
“We are planting a new church in Torit town. There is resistance but still the gospel finds its way to my people. We are praying at the home of a certain man as we haven't got land. In the Bible, churches began in the homes of believers. In the Otuho culture in Torit, their main church is Roman Catholic. They resist born-again churches. Mainly children came for worship. We pray to train women, children and men about salvation.”
Thank you for the prayers,
Pastor Sunlight
"The trees, planted back in the day by the British, are free for rural pastors to grow for an income."
"The 'Mother Church' is in Angaim Village and now fenced in with a bamboo wall."
"Say hello to a few of our Angels who volunteered hundreds of hours to pack thousands of pounds of Relief Supplies."
"Peter healed Dorcas who sewed clothes for widows and orphans."
BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS
"The carpenter is busy making benches for the Bulengo Refugee Camp Pygmy Church."
"One graduate, a welder, will fix the family stove."
Oh yes, it needed a new belt which I found at 35th Ave Sew & Vac. Best of all it works without electricity. The Angel who donated the Singer has no idea what a blessing it will be!
UGANDA, KIRYANDONGO REFUGEE CAMP. Letter from Toby, Sunlight’s brother.
Dear Bush Family,
“I received money from Pastor Chris - $1,500 (5,474,000 UGX) for three projects. I sent money for two projects to Sunlight in Torit, South Sudan, through M-Pesa. The children resumed classes on Monday to start the third term. The total fee is 3,496,000 UGX ($925).
“The only educated girls to reach Secondary School (high school) are the results of BTM’s support. After I graduated from University last October, I was in Kiryandongo with the children. However, I need to seek a job to support myself. There is a need for a new leader over the kids. Sunlight is in South Sudan most of the time evangelizing. Perhaps a church leader can help. Attached is the requirement list for the students.
“We cannot expect Rose, the Cook, to supervise the kids. I recommend tutoring for struggling students. Josephine, the 6th grade student at Arnold Primary School, failed. Pastor Chris recommended buying reading materials for her during his recent visit. I am still waiting to assist her and other students. I am also waiting for Sunlight’s arrival from Torit to plan the best way forward.”
Thanks,
Toby
"Shirita, Barton and Raymond, three of the newest orphans."
"Pastor Chris presented Mary and Morris with an Audio Bible. It brought smiles to their faces!"
UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Christopher, BTM’s amazing Africa Administrator.
Dear Praying Friends,
“Good news! The Head Teacher said that Morris’ fees, a blind student, are 640,000 UGX, not 700,000, due to a discount. Mary, also blind, shall pay 650,000 UGX not 750,000 due to the same discount. Every shilling matters. The two can now study to please God.
“Attached are the Busia, Kenya, student requirements. They reported to school yesterday and the Ugandan students start September 10th. Others start September 17. I will coordinate Josephine and Christine’s students. The Wire Transfer went through for $10,000. I spoke to Sharon K of Siaya Technical Institute. Her fees are 18,000 KSH ($128); I’ll confirm.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“After finishing the Tarp Church benches, we will work on the Mugunga Plot by collecting data for the orphans and widows who will live on the plot. We built the 15-ft stone wall and now are digging for stones and deciding where houses will be built. We have over 100 orphans and widows due to war. God will make a way. The Mugunga Project will take two years. I prepared a ‘Concept Note’ that will make it easier to plan, organize, supervise and report. Widows and orphans are vulnerable and cannot defend themselves. BTM and my Team share the same understanding of the Mugunga Project – each home we build will hold 12 – 10 orphans and 2 widows who oversee their care.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"The back of the church."
"47 Mamas from 11 villages each received a laying hen whose eggs provided protein for their malnourished children."
CONGO. Mama Zawadi updates us on several big projects.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“About the ‘Tarp Church’ built by Pygmies in Bulengo Refugee Camp: they are sitting on volcanic stones during services. The war is still going on in Goma; new refugees are coming from Rutshuru and Bwito where 111 were killed this weekend. I am preparing to teach tomorrow at church about God and the Family. On Wednesday I am ministering to ladies; Thursday I teach on the Family; and Friday I will be at the Mugunga Plot working with widows and orphans - to identify their names.
[Later] “Ali, the youth who lives in our home, who you met, is now attending University. Rosie, who also lives with us (you met her too), started secondary (high) school. Ali was recently baptized and doing well. Thank you for sending money to make benches for the Tarp Pygmy Church. Pygmy refugees will have a place to sit.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"My husband, Stan, and I are back from a trip to his homeland."
[Letter #3] Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,
“Thank you for the donation from Mrs. P for Bibles for young prisoners. I welcome your idea of building one house for 12. That will be their ‘forever family’. In Congo we call the system a ‘Welcome Family’. Mamas are so excited to see this project beginning as they were desperate. They now have hope. Deo, my husband, provided biscuits (vitamin-fortified cookies) and milk for Widows and Orphans.
Our second visit to Munzenze Prison Youth went well. Due to lack of electricity, we went today. The youth were so happy that we came again. This time I cooked for them to show the love of Christ. This allowed me to share the Gospel. I am deeply touched at how much love you show God's people. Deo donated $43.50. We are grateful for everything.
[Later] “The Wire Transfer went through. I thank BTM and Mrs. N for her donation that will build the first home. Tomorrow I will buy cement, sand, nails, iron, wood, iron sheets, etc.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"Peace & Reconciliation Conference."