Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa

John & big bro Mike in Guam.

(taken by sweet Lisa)

MEET ‘KEEPERS AT HOME’

This Bible club made up of sweet little girls invited me to come speak at Jeff and Mary’s house. They wore matching shirts with Titus 2:5 printed in front.

I was impressed by their thoughtful prayers putting most adults to shame! When I spoke they bombarded me with 101 questions on missions. There followed shouts of, “Bring on the popcorn!”

THE WIDOW’S MITE

Almost all 17 of Mama Josephine’s new orphans were sitting at home due to lack of school fees – not counting the 14 ‘old’ orphans we already sponsor. At a recent Widow’s Group meeting at Charlene’s home two ladies took on two more NEW orphans. (oh! The chicken salad was to die for!) In addition, four of our volunteers, also widows, committed to pay school fees for their orphans. These ladies live on fixed incomes – what sacrifice!  At the meeting they took up an offering, enough to pay one school term for Jackson (age 16, a new orphan entering high school who shows great promise). So now it’s 7 down and 10 more to go. Pray!

Ron & Sue brought truck loads of treasures - bikes and toys and suits, oh my!

BICYCLES FOR AFRICA

Last month when I spoke in Prescott, I met Ron and Sue. I knew we were in for a blessing when he said, “I’m trying to out-give God.” To date he and Sue, with help from their friend Lolly, have made three trips in their pickup bringing over a dozen like-new men’s bikes; men’s suits and dress shoes for church leaders; toys; tools and other treasures!

March 2013

Dear Prayer Partner,  

The Blue Sweater. Years ago my family and I lived in Africa where we served as full-time missionaries. I felt the need to be ‘accepted’ by the local moms. I noted that they carried around knitting projects in little baskets. At social, school or church gatherings they pulled it out and needles began to click aw. I, too, dutifully began carrying around my basket, knitting a sweater of royal blue, my daughter’s school color.  I am crafty but to be honest, knitting is at the bottom of the totem pole.  I only knitted when I was with the moms. Two years passed and the blue sweater was nowhere near completion.

One day my good friend Shan looked inside my basket pointing accusingly, “Oh, so that’s your knitting SHOW PIECE you carry around!?” I hadn’t fooled her – or anyone else – they KNEW I did this for show; that it would never be finished.

This Easter as I recalled the saga of the unfinished sweater I prayed, “Thank you Lord that Your Son was not like that ... He actually FINISHED what He started.... As He hung dying on the cross His last words were “IT IS FINISHED” ... suffering ended ... saving us ended.”

Today our African brothers open their hearts and hands so we can place in them the Gift of Eternal Life, because Jesus FINISHED what He started. Thank you for helping us to ‘bind the broken hearted and set captives free.” Join us in prayer and praise to God for work being done in the countries we serve; for lives touched.

PRAYER-N-PRAISE REPORT

MARCH 2013

‘SLOW & STEADY WINS THE RACE’ my surgeon told me. Now you know, I’m slow as a turtle these days but continue to hop along the bunny trail on my walker; attending physical therapy. I love the staff: Mary, Allison, Robert and others. Special thanks to Darrell, Jack, Joan and Terry who transported me to sessions plus a whole lot of other places. In case you were wondering, my total cost – surgeon + hospital – was over $101,500. PTL for good insurance!

LIFESAVER. My first day home from the hospital, I sat down on the couch and couldn’t get up! What a helpless feeling! Michelle to the rescue. She’s been a lifesaver: cooking, shopping, running errands, being Mom’s arms and legs. She saw that the tennis balls on my used walker were in shambles. A moment later she appeared with two new tennis balls, a handy tool set and had them on in the twinkling of an eye.

THE ELECTRIC CHAIR? You should have seen me driving my first ‘electric chair’ (Michelle chastises me when I call it that, “Mom! … they’re  ‘motor scooters’!”) Anyway, it’s the ones you see at grocery stores. The first time I drove one at Sprouts I nearly knocked down every display on the end aisles. Clerks ran for cover. Then there’s the races…. I’ve come a long way, improving daily and able to take on more and more activities, all thanks to your prayers.

SOUTH SUDAN. Letter from Pastor Sunlight

Hay Mami & Bush Mission, 

     “… All is well in the ministry … in south Sudan. I … congratulate your efforts for the success of the Workshop of Discipleship in Korabit outside of Torit town. It was your support that made the workshop a success and testimonials and your prayers for me. Keep praying for Christian Youth Mission in Angaim Village … the heart of developing the Discipleship Movement in and across the nation…. We are now registered now with Government of Eastern Equatorial….”

Yours faithfully, Pastor  Sunlight

UGANDA. Letter from teacher Apophiah of Peach Church Preschool, Tororo.

Dear Mama Charlotte & Bush Mission,

      “Thank you for sending money … since Thursday our church is in fasting and prayers … from 10:00 am-4:00 pm…. Below is the School & Money Report.

       “The money was used as follows: 2 teachers + Caregiver … with a balance towards  4 mattresses and transport…; plus scanning and photographer. I added my own money to the mattresses…. I request you to refund me in good faith.  Twenty children are left from last year; 42 were promoted to 1st grade…. Total children in 2012: 62. This year, we have 54 new orphans and vulnerable children totaling 74…. We are two teachers with one volunteer who is often absent so it is difficult…. Pastor John gives her a little money but she isn’t grateful. We need your prayers … for God to add a committed volunteer teacher.

      “We request you buy school uniforms for the new children … it helps them be identified…. Also local authorities reminded us … to do so. The cost … is … 12,000 shillings ($4.63) per uniform as long as one buys at least 40 uniforms ($185.00).”

Teacher Apophiah, Peace Church Preschool

[Note: We sent our regular support plus additional funds for school uniforms and other fees.]

SOUTH SUDAN. Letter from John Kong, Program Coordinator, Unity State.

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

       “Our nurses Gabriel and Gabriel are fine … they are busy … treating hundreds of patients weekly. I am going to visit Mayendit Clinic this week and will send you a report next time. Queen Esther Girl’s School is open and I’ll send an update on students next time. Here’s an update on the Security issue: 32 People were killed by Dinka tribe at boarders of Lake State and Unity State. Please pray for those families.”

Regards, John Kong

WORLD MISSION CONFERENCE

Every year I travel to Grand Junction, CO, about mid-March for this event. It was held two weeks after my surgery and I had high hopes of attending – especially since I was on the program. Sadly my surgeon would not release me to travel. I was broken hearted but the emails, cards, letters – even the largest get well card in the world signed by the whole gang – made up for it. Oh yes, the Conference was a huge success. PTL!

HEAVEN SENT MINISTRIES

8-double pallets of special food valued at $30,000 left Heaven Sent Ministries’ warehouse in WV on April 2nd. It will arrive at Calvary about April 8 or 9 where we’ll store it until the Container is ready to roll in mid-June. Thanks to friend and truck driver, Kenny Rogers, the transport cost only a little over $2,000 – a bargain. The Lord sent an Angel who donated enough to take care of this amount. Praise God it’s paid for!

Ruth, Char & Carol prepare 12 ‘New Mommy Pouches’

UGANDA. Apophiah our preschool teacher

KENYA. March elections. Pray for religious freedom

‘Keeper’s At Home’ Girls’ Bible Club Mary, host, seated front row lf.

UNIVERSAL AIDE SOCIETY

Several years ago U.A.S., a wonderful Canadian mission, helped us with container fees. Then an agnostic government worker shut them down 3-4 years ago, along with hundreds of other charities, on technicalities.  Recently Shirley, the Director, announced, “We’re now up and running on a small scale ... can’t make any promises … we’ll try to help Bush Telegraph.” We’ve begun the red tape process so please PRAY as we await a positive outcome. 

BushTelegraphAfrica

© 2013 All Rights Reserved

Field Reports

        The first election under Kenya's new Constitution took place on March 4th. There's pressure to keep Islam and Sharia Law as influential forces. Religious freedom hangs in the balance. Kenya made its first appearance on the Open Doors World Watch List this year, due to violence and insecurity. Though the election was relatively peaceful, pray that the Lord continues to guide the country and that harassment of Christians would cease. In February gunmen shot two pastors in Kenya: Pastor Makunyi of the Pentecostal Church; and Pastor Welli were attacked in Garissa. Pastor Welli was killed but Pastor Makunyi is now stable.

FAMILY NEWS

My eldest son Mike is visiting little brother John & sis Lisa in Guam, where John, a Naval officer, is in charge of the ICU Naval hospital staff. Mike saved his pennies for months. They will be visiting historical sites in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Pray for travel safety! Katie, my teenaged granddaughter, was invited to sing with her girls’ choir in Disneyland. Her dad said, “They sounded like angels from heaven!” Nate begins baseball – go hit a homerun grandson!

Cece’s new quilting machine blesses her & us!

UGANDA. Letter from Mama Josephine, Busia

Dear Mama Charlotte & Bush Mission,

         “…The Lord is keeping and protecting us…. Pastor Henry … was with us in the house for church on Sunday…. He prayed … and two days later God sent a Muslim man. He blessed us with (60 lb) of Posho (corn meal) and (20 lb) of rice.  Also one old woman blessed us with (40 lb) of cassava (in the potato family)…. This was a miracle…. We are grateful for what that man and woman … did for us….

James (hit by a motorbike) has improved greatly and able to walk freely. Thank you … for the support from Widows Group … which paid Jackson's school fees for one term ... he is so happy.”  

In His Love and Grace, Mama Josephine

SUDAN. Queen Esther Girl’s School

(180 girls)

HOW GOD MULTIPLIED $20

Last month we had only $20 in the container shipping fund. We committed it to prayer, “Lord … HOW will You answer this?”

A while back a friend of a friend donated a king-sized quilting machine valued at $1,600, only used once. The owner wished to send it to Sudan; however, after careful consideration we felt it was not wise for logistical reasons. I explained this to the owner and asked, “Is it OK if we sell it in Arizona and use the proceeds for shipping fees?” She agreed. 

We prayed, “Lord … send someone who will use it for Your glory.” I put the word out to Piecekeepers Quilting Circle. Immediately Cece contacted us.

“I’ve prayed and saved for such a machine for a long time….” We brought the price down and it was a win-win situation: Cece will use it for the Lord’s work; we’ll use the $1,000 for shipping fees!

CONCLUSION

Thank you for all your powerful prayers that make our mission possible.  It was an intense past few months for me personally but the support of faithful praying partners; positive Field Reports; and God’s strength got me through. These things happen for a reason; causing us to examine our priorities in life; and deepen our trust in the Lord more than ever.

Dear Lord,

          “We pray for Christians in Africa where we serve, especially those living in the darkness of persecution. Thank You for the confidence that the light of Your presence pierces the darkness of their suffering, because Jesus FINISHED what He started. Be their hope, strength and wisdom that they will be Your light to those caught in the darkness of sin. Comfort those who mourn and grant courage and protection to those who face threat of attack. May hope in Christ sustain Your church universal this Resurrection Season. In Jesus’ name, 

                                                                                                Amen!    [adapted Open Doors]

Hopping onward to finish the race,

Charlotte