Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Marty
(3rd from lf) and friends
Bush Telegraph Missions
© Copyright 2015
SPECIAL REPORT:
“NO CHOCOLATE TODAY” or “MOTHER’S DAY IN AFRICA”
Mother’s Day is behind us. We moms share fond memories of chocolates, cards, flowers, phone calls and meals out, right? Maybe breakfast in bed? Not so in Africa. Never mind chocolates, etc.
“What? Chocolates? Why?” a young Sudanese mother asked when I told her about our holiday. Life for the AVERAGE (there are exceptions) African woman is hell on earth. Basically, she has no rights and is often used as a punching bag with no laws to protect her. She was ‘bought’ for so many cows and goats (called a ‘dowry’); and is considered her husband’s ‘property’. Because of that he does whatever he likes.
Slavery. When she is abused, there is no safe place to go. If she goes home her parents send her back. “He bought you,” they say. Neighbors reply, “It’s family – we won’t interfere”. A husband believes he has a RIGHT to beat his wife if she burns dinner, visits a friend without permission, or adds too much salt to food. It’s normal everyday life; like a slavery relationship. No matter what happens, it’s her fault.
130 Hours & Counting. And that’s not counting the 130+ hours a week the AVERAGE woman spends sweeping; planting; walking miles to fetch water; washing clothes (by hand); ironing (with a charcoal iron); searching for wood (to build a fire); preparing food from scratch; feeding kids, chickens, goats (no TV dinners here); building huts; plus 101 other tasks. She does this without a word of thanks.
The LRA. Our ministry wages a daily battle to serve, protect and encourage African mothers. I remember Harriet in Gulu, Northern Uganda, one of many mothers whose children were abducted out of their beds at night by the bloodthirsty guerilla organization LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) led by Joseph Kony. I listened to her story. She cried as only a mother can, “I have no peace … I do not know where my child is today.” I felt helpless – all I could do was pray and offer sympathy. Left Behind. Serving African mothers affected by abuse or child exploitation is a big part of what we do.
We believe that, thanks to the power of the Gospel, “no child - or woman - should be left behind” (George Bush). Our message brings HOPE to mothers in Sudan, Congo, Rwanda, etc., where we serve.
Image Bearers. We teach that women are image-bearers. That God is particular about how we treat those made in His image. If women are mistreated, then their image is attacked. When we attack their image, we attack God. He is saying, ‘You will respect My image, because when you do that, you respect Me.’
The 4th Wife. Last time I was in Leer, South Sudan, there was a young woman named Joyce. She was the newest and 4th wife of a farmer. He beat her daily. She kept running away, but with no place to hide, she had no choice but to return. In desperation she hung herself. The community was devastated but out of that tragic event, local leaders put in place safeguards so that it wouldn’t happen again.
When we meet the physical needs of women, Gospel doors open. It starts with showing love and concern, regardless of how abused, raped, widowed, disabled, poor or abandoned they are. They say, ‘Why are you doing this?’ and we say, ‘Because of Christ. We are demonstrating His love to you’.
An Image Bearer for Women,
- Charlotte
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRAYER & PRAISE SUMMARY: NORTH SUDAN & NIGERIA
* Pray for Pastor Yat Michael and Pastor Peter Yen (also David Yein Reith), two South Sudanese church leaders, being held in unknown locations by North Sudan’s Muslim government.
* In spite of restrictions, the Episcopalian Church; Church of Christ; and Presbyterian Church to which the two missing pastors belong; see large numbers coming to Christ.
* Arab Muslim President Al-Bashir swept to a landslide victory as President in North Sudan in recent elections, with over 94% of the vote. It's not too hard to do if you're the only candidate.
* The Government of North Sudan discourages support for the local church from Christians overseas by refusing to grant work/travel visas to missionaries.
* Nigerian military rescued hundreds of abducted women and girls. The story got buried by Nepal's quake headlines. Twice that week, Nigeria's military rescued hundreds of women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram. The rescue was close to Chibok, but they’re not the original Chibok schoolgirls.
“In the same way, by faith itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” [James 2:17]
Putting Faith in Action,
Charlotte
Kinship Group Potluck
Dick & Robbin's 4th & 5th grade SS class
You haven't lived until you shrink-wrap a mattress!
The 'Shrink-Wrap Team'
* Katie Sinclair, my sweet granddaughter, graduates in June. Where have the years gone?
Lisa, John & Mom on top the Space Needle, Seattle, WA
FAMILY NEWS
* Lisa Sinclair, my daughter-in-law, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The first two weeks were pretty rough until she got home from the hospital and began treatment. Things are improving slowly. I flew to Bremerton, Washington, for moral support. John and Lisa are both in the medical field which helps. Lisa has a beautiful attitude and strong faith, which is half the battle won. Please pray for ‘life changes’ ahead.
Dear Friends,
“…. Dr. Kyasa told me he thought I was in ‘Remission…!’ He was confident that the Imbruvica (new drug…) has overcome the Leukemia. I continue having skin cancers removed from my head … but feel … better – and give all the … glory to God … over the last 18 months. Dot, Shay, Craig and the grandkids are overjoyed. Continue to pray that I stay in remission, but for now I feel good and regaining strength…. Thank you for unfailing support…. “This is the day the Lord has made … I will rejoice and be glad in it’! (Ps 118:24)”
To God’s Praise,
Wayne and Dot Lofton
USA
FROM THE MAILBOX. Pastor Wayne Lofton got the best news ever – because you prayed!
Pastor Peter's four daughters
A few of Pastor Delphin's 'Women At Risk' members
Women work hard to support their families
CONGO, GOMA
Letter from Pastor Delphin. What’s this? A goat was arrested?
Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,
“The ‘Women At Risk’ met yesterday…. More than 170 women are members now. 57 new members came. We took time to pray for the Congo Container … and to organize … to begin making baskets. 6,500 Francs ($7) was raised by members to buy materials. Five unwed ladies asked to be trained in reading and writing….
“This week there was no training for Nshobole and Blandine, two ladies learning to read and write…. Blandine was hospitalized as she was beaten by her alcoholic husband. She is pregnant and her situation was bad after the beating. Now she’s OK. All week Nshobole was at the hospital to comfort Blandine. On Monday we will continue training…. Please we need more prayers to stop violence against women in families….
“Mama Felicita had a problem. Her goat was arrested by a neighbor for eating Irish potatoes…. I was passing by and saw a lady whipping the goat. I paid 1,500 Francs ($1.66) so the goat was given back to the widow. What happiness when she saw her goat freed! The next Women At Risk meeting is at Eden Church from 9.00-11.00 AM on June 2nd. We will pray, encourage members (widows, unwed ladies, elderly, and orphans) by God's word. We’ll hear testimonies from new members and pray for the Container that will be coming soon….”
In Christ,
Pastor Delphin
John Kong in front of bullet-riddled wall, before he fled into hiding
The war has returned to Leer
SOUTH SUDAN
Letter from Rev. Stephen, who oversees hundreds of pastors. The war has stepped up.
My Dear People,
“Thank you again, in the name of our Savoir Jesus Christ, for your prayers. War is still going on in South Sudan…. In Leer, Bentiu, Maluth and many places in Upper Nile people are killing…. If you want to assist me send money to Kampala, Uganda. I will go there the end of May to see my family. I am looking for a little help…. [later] “President Kiir’s Dinka soldiers killed people in Leer the last two days. The same day they went back to Tharjiath. I am here in Kampala, Uganda, and go back to Juba, South Sudan, on Thursday.
“I know your hearts are with us, as you are asking about your friends. John Kong, Rev. Rell and Rev. Chuol are in a safe place called [undisclosed location]…. Rev. Rell was raided by President Kiir’s Dinka soldiers, but he is OK. As for Simon the Blind Evangelist I still have not heard about him or the others.”
[this week] “Thank you very much for the money sent. I received it this afternoon and bought a ticket for my wife and I to Juba, South Sudan….After Juba I’m going to Khartoum for medical treatment….”
Thanks. God bless you,
Rev. Stephen
We're waiting for our new school
This babysitter is 5 years old!
Cows are like money in the bank
Widow Dwiga in the hospital
Widow Dwiga - her old hut
Preschool children in uniforms
UGANDA, TORORO
Letter from Head Teacher Sarah of Peace Church Preschool.
Dear Mama Charlotte,
“Thank you for the money sent…. The children at school who receive your support are: 1) Total orphans (no mother or father) – 16; 2) Orphans (one parent or guardian) – 52; 3) Parents with AIDS – 4; and 4) Parents with PTSD – 2. We have a total of 74 children in Peace Preschool.
“Thank you for money for school uniforms. I bought 56 uniforms at 20,000 shillings each ($7 ea. or $392 total). 18 Children do not have school uniforms. I request money for 18 more….”
Teacher Sarah,
Peace Church Preschool
[Note: Sometimes we do not send all that is asked. In this case we expect guardians of children (not total orphans) to make a small donation OF ANY AMOUNT towards their child’s uniform. This is reasonable and teaches responsibility for their child’s education as this is a ‘free’ preschool.]
Jackson, the eldest orphan, is in Vet College
UGANDA
Letter from Mama Josephine [5/14/15]
Dear Mama & Bush Telegraph,
“Thank you … for the [money] for school fees and money for Pastor Henry to buy a used motor bike…. I paid for 4 students and will send receipts later: Jackson O. - 1,500,000 shillings ($489) + 435,000 ($142) for Industrial Training; Serina - 700,000 ($228)]; Bulasio - 700,000 ($228); and Lazia - 750,000 ($245).
“I used the balance … for Kenyan students…. Jackson O., the eldest, attends a Vet College…. He needed extra fees for Industrial Training…. I gave money to Jackson first since he was to return to school first after holidays. His school is one day’s journey. Thank you and God Bless.”
Yours in Christ,
Mama Josephine
5 children in school uniforms
KENYA, BUSIA
Letter from Pastor Patrick.
Dear Servants of God,
“Meshack, who ran away, is the son of our late Woman Leader. After the death of his mother he lived on the street…. When we started the Orphan Program, I took him in as he was hungry and not in school…. I wanted to take Meshack to another school but he ran away. We love him but he is not ready to learn. He says he doesn't understand anything at school. Before I took him Meshack earned money by finding and selling scrap metal. Pray for him….
“We care for the other 5 orphans…. The kids stay at school until six o’clock…. We know 3 other orphans who have no home and live on the street. If the mission allows I can take them.
“… I was called to school as Samuel was sick with malaria and typhoid…. I will take him every day for injections. Nereah is also home with the same sickness but not as serious. Since I became sick earlier this year, we began boiling water and using mosquito nets…. My wife checks for holes….”
[few days later]. “Thank you for prayers for Samuel and Nereah who are better. Nereah started back to school Friday but Samuel will start Monday. They are both still on injections…. I spent 5,400 shillings ($56) but paid 1,000 ($10). I will pay the balance … on Wednesday.”
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
‘Why Victor Slept So Well’ was the name of one of my children’s favorite Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories. You see, Victor was looking for work and met a farmer. He told the farmer, “I can sleep on windy rainy nights.”
“What do you mean?” asked the farmer. He offered the lad a job though he didn’t understand what Victor meant. One night a storm came up and the farmer’s first thought was the safety of his cattle, hay and barns. He rushed to Victor’s room and found him fast asleep. “Wake up, wake up!” he cried. “Can’t you hear the wind and rain?”
Victor slept on. “I’ll fire him in the morning,” stormed the farmer.
He ran to the farmyard but no doors banged; all were tightly secure.
Animals were safe. Haystacks were covered – not a wisp was lost. As
the wind howled and the rain beat down, the farmer recalled Victor’s
mysterious words, “I can sleep on windy, rainy nights.” Suddenly he
understood. There was nothing for Victor to worry about. He had faith-
fully done HIS job.
Last month we received the shipment of special FOOD for Congo from Heaven Sent Ministries – enough to fill a 40 ft. container. Our Calvary maintenance helpers unloaded it in a secure area, however, the 20 pallets were stored outside.
“Oh well, it NEVER rains in Phoenix this time of year,” I reasoned. “We don’t have to worry.” As a precaution I bought 20 huge blue tarps at Home Depot thinking, “No hurry to cover them….” However, our Mighty Maintenance Heroes – Cliff, Rich, Joe and Nate - dropped everything and set to work immediately. They not only covered the pallets with the new blue tarps but also shrink-wrapped OVER them to make sure they were secure.
You guessed it. That night Phoenix had a violent thunder storm. One friend,
Mac, woke up, heard the wind and rain, and remembered the FOOD stored
outside. He was so worried that in the middle of the night he drove down to
the church fearing the worst. PTL! The food was covered. He could now
“sleep on a windy, rainy night.” Thanks to our ‘Victors’ - Cliff, Rich, Joe and
Nate – all was safe and secure. They had faithfully done THEIR job.
You, too, have faithfully done YOUR job. The container of FOOD
is now fully funded; ready to ship. God will bless thousands through
you. This allows us to faithfully do OUR job. So thank you for your
faithful prayers and for being part of the ministry to the Persecuted
Church.
Prayer N Praise
Report
June 2015
Rob & Eleen Neeley's Farewell
USA HIGHLIGHTS
* Rob, Eleen Neeley & ‘Missy’ (doggy). God loaned them to us for a season - to help pack the Congo Container. They’ve moved on to their next “God Assignment” – managing an RV park this summer in CO.
* 1st Container of FOOD is fully funded thanks to YOU. God willing we ship in June. Our ‘Guy Team’ is still shrink-wrapping supplies for the 2nd Container. You haven’t lived until you shrink-wrap a mattress & bike!
* Africa Presentation. Thanks to teachers Robbin, Dick & their 4th/ & 5th grade SS. They asked a gazillion questions. But I learned, ‘am I smarter than a 4th & 5th grader?’ No-sir-ree-bob.
* Potluck & Presentation with Kinship Bible Study. Jay, that famous raspberry tea was perfect.
* National Day of Prayer breakfast at Grace Bible Church – with Rob, Eleen and I.
* Marty. Dinner with our oldest Prayer Partner, Marty, 99 years, at her home. She grilled fish!
* 65 lb.box of little girl dresses, T-shirts & tote bags arrived safely. Thank you Gate Ministries, VA!
* Mom Delena & Dad Wayne are on the move this month: from San Diego, CA (Marine Corps Recruitment Depot), to Quantico, VA (as Director of School of Advanced Warfighting).
(Lf.-Rt.) Michelle, grandson Nate & Charlotte
* Michelle & I will drive to San Diego, CA, for her graduation. I better get that tail light fixed!
TANZANIA/SOUTH SUDAN
Letter from Pastor Peter, Bible college student in Tanzania.
Hello Mama & Bush Mission,
“Warm family greetings in the name of our Lord…. Here is a breakdown of the money I received for the girl’s school fees. Mercy - 200,000 shillings ($93); Hope - 195,000 shillings ($91); Peace - 180,000 shillings ($84). We decided to subtract the remaining money for lunches for the three girls as they can eat at home. So this 100,000 ($47) from lunches we paid school fees for Sunday, the youngest. Sunday’s totaled 125,000 ($58) with a balance of 35,000 ($16) that I will pay later. How do you feel about this decision…? The children are happy and want to see you…. Attached are Receipts and letters of appreciation from the girls. Thank you….”
God bless,
Pastor Peter
Ministering at the handicapped center
Pastor Celestin, far rt., and his Team
70,000 people died here in the Rwandan Holocaust
RWANDA
Letter from Pastor Celestin, of ‘Guardian Angel Trauma Ministry’.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“During the Genocide Commemoration my team and I moved to different locations. One day we went to Gatagara, South Province, to commemorate 14,000 people who were killed. In the photo, the children with yellow shirts are students at Gatagara Handicapped Center, the biggest center…. All were deaf; they can't talk. We helped those brought by ambulance…. Chantal, Obed and me of Guardian Angels also counseled at Garage South Province. The Red Cross worked with us. In the photos you see tents, people in wheelchairs. The ambulance brought traumatized victims to us. People sat outside waiting to get in….
“We … appreciate your … commitment to support Guardian Angel Ministry…. We … reach many. Rwanda has hundreds of genocide memorial sites…. Every single Franc (dollar) sent by Bush Telegraph is … used for this…. 60,000 Francs ($87) went to transport 15 staff; 30,000 Francs ($43) was used to feed people….”
Pastor Celestin
Pastor John preaching on Isaiah 49:15-17
CONGO
Letter from Pastor John whose Team ministers in dangerous places.
Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“Pray for me as we begin our journey this evening from Goma to Butembo and Beni (420 km from Goma, my home town). It is for a conference with traumatized people ravaged by war…. NALU rebels from Uganda are killing more people here. Pray for me as God gives me the opportunity to tell people His Word.Thanks so much for your prayers.
“I came from Oicha today. I will have some sessions here in Beni with leaders and refugees families. Pray for me. But I am ill. I will get some medicine at the hospital here in Beni before I continue on with sessions. I am moneyless for now. Pray for me to … get a good health. [we sent money].
[A week later]. “Thanks so much for your prayers. I spent more than 3 days in Butembo, my birth city. I got more problems on the road. Finally I arrived. May God be glorified. Now I am at Beni. Tomorrow I will go to Oicha for a conference. Pray for me please…. For now I am preparing for the meetings. Greetings from Olivier, my coworker…. We are praying for you and your team. Please, do the same for us because this area is not secure. There are ADF/NALU rebels who kill many. May God protect us in His mission and give me wisdom….”
May God bless you, Amen.
Pastor John
UGANDA / S. SUDAN
Letter from Pastor Sunlight, Bible College student in Uganda from South Sudan.
Dear Bush Mission,
“I phoned Pastor Victor in Sudan about school reports in Angaim Village. He told me he will send them next week as they are doing exams. I was encouraged by the testimony of their work and the cooperation among teachers and learners…. Keep praying…. It is our vision to see children impacted with God's words together with knowledge because our nation perishes for lack of God-fearing men in leadership and ministry….
“It's cheaper to buy building materials for Angaim School in Ugandan than in South Sudan…. In Sudan one bag of cement is 125 pounds ($22) while in Uganda it’s 19,000 shillings ($6). So $100 will buy 16 bags of cement in Uganda but only 4 bags in Sudan…. For inquiries of prices contact Missionary Jordan or Dr. Davis in Torit, Sudan. Thanks for having the heart to … raise up child education in Angaim Village. May Jesus be glorified….
“Peace, my daughter, dislocated her wrist yesterday and couldn’t sleep last night. Pray for her. We are finalizing our class presentations and preparing for final exams….”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
UGANDA, TORORO
Letter from Pastor John who oversees Peace Church Ministries.
Dear Mama,
“Thank you for the funds for the widow’s caregiver; Dwiga’s medical balance; and money to furnish the Widows’ House. It has four beds and four widows; a sitting room; kitchen and store room. Also two pit latrines and one bath room. Dwiga’s medical review was done and she no longer feels pain. The swelling is gone but she cannot stand on both legs. The affected leg is a bit short. We asked the Dr. how to make her legs balance and use them.
“He said: ‘Due to what happened and her age she cannot balance and use both legs. An operation can be done for some metals to be fixed but due to her age and health she may not stand the 6 hour operation. It can only be done in regional hospitals such as Mbale or Mulago Hospitals’.”
Pastor John for Tororo Widows,
Peace Church