Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Women clearing the land
Monicah with her two youngest children
RWANDA
Letter from Pastor Celestin.
Hello Mama & Bush Friends,
“We are thankful for your support that helps us to partner with churches in Evangelism; Counseling; Providing Assistance; Helping Refugees; and teaching the Word of God....
“One church requested us to buy school uniforms for 8 girls from poor families. For two years the girls attended school without a uniform. They were ashamed to study…. 1) Leonile; 2) Sendrine; 3) Jeanne (stopped and started for lack of school fees); 4) Easter, an Orphan; 5) Jolie; 6) Josianne, a survivor of Genocide; 7) Jacqueline; and 8) Ernestine who has not been in school for 4 years. She lost her parents and stays with her grandmother. All students were selected from Byimana Church … by the late Rev. Mugemana.
“On Friday and Saturday Rev. Mugemana kept calling me because I was supposed to preach in his Church last Sunday. But I was invited somewhere else…. Then last Sunday after he preached a sermon he … was rushed to the hospital. Five Hours later he died. I was depressed because we served the Lord together many years.
“Last December Rev. Mugemana sent me a list of poor vulnerable girls [mentioned above] who needed support for school uniforms and fees. Because of our budget we … paid fees for only one, Silas. This month after the funeral of Rev. Mugemana our ministry will visit his Church … to encourage the new leaders. Four local churches were under his care. Pray for his church and family. Thanks for your support....”
In Christ, Pastor Celestin, Director Guardian Angel Ministry
"Last year $1 exchange rate was 18 Sudanese Pounds. This year, $1 exchange rate is 110 Sudanese Pounds. Ordinary people cannot even afford to buy a bowl of porridge. Dear friends … pray for my people. ”
Pass me an iron sheet. Be careful, don't fall
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX
Encouraging letter from Attorney Joe who takes Jesus seriously.
Dear Charlotte,
“Last week six folks came to the Lord in our office. One lady was blind; one was a Muslim; and one a Jew! God is great. Have a great Valentine’s Day. Soon we’ll see the Groom!”
In Christ, Joe, Phoenix, AZ
Men carry poles cut down in the bush
Isaac is in the hospital
Bush Telegraph Missions
© copyright 2017
Prayer ~N~ Praise
Report
Josianne, survivor of genocide
If you have two shirts, share with the person who has none. If you have food, share that too.” Luke 3:11
Yours for sharing ‘Jesus Chat.Love’,
Charlotte
Ernestine hasn't been in school for 4 years
The older orphans
[Letter #2] Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“I traveled to Kisoro (28 km from Rugamba) and had a motorbike accident…. The bike … was hit by another motorcycle at a fast speed…. We fell and were in great shock but by the grace of God I am still alive – the other passenger and our driver also. I still feel pain in the left side under my heart…. I’m on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. I … will have an X-ray when I reach home. I am in Kiwanja on my way home to Goma….”
[later] “The X-ray was successful; no broken ribs…. The muscle problem will heal soon. The Dr. gave me new pills. I see positive changes. Thank you again for praying. I will return to Rugamba on Friday….”
In Him, Pastor Delphin
have poured into that country. I want to scream, “How dare you reject what we are trying to do for your people! We are giving our lives for your country! Don’t you value our efforts? We deserve to be here!”
2017
CONGO – TESTIMONY OF MAMA JEANNE’S SON
CONGO. Last month we shared the testimony of Mama Jeanne Musekura and the story of how God turned “Beauty for Ashes” – into a plot of land that came to be donated to the church. This time Pastor Delphin shares the testimony of Mani, Mama Jeanne’s son.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“I … am back from Rugamba where I spent two weeks … with God’s people. My host … was Mani, Widow Jeanne’s son; his wife Tantine; and children Remy and Meshach. Mani shared his story of life before salvation and how happy he is today since he met Jesus. I visited Bimenya, the brother who backslid, at his home to talk about Jesus. I invited his wife to church. She accepted. Pray that God does a miracle for her husband. I will see him in Rugamba. God blessed Jeanne’s family by building this church. The following is Mani’s own words.”
Pastor Delphin, a Slave to Jesus
SOUTH SUDAN / UGANDA
Letter from Rev. Stephen’s wife, Regina. They are Sudanese refugees.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“This is information about construction of Widow Nyajime’s house in Bweyale Refugee Camp. I … met with workers to arrange construction. They even cried for joy. The grandmother said, ‘I didn’t think anyone could help
me with my son’s children during the rainy season. But God’s Holy Hands appeared to us. I thank God that He made it for us … and for people who help us…. I pray God will increase their lives and give them health’.
“We talked with the Brick Man…. The brick place is far and only has 2,200 bricks that are dry. 800 bricks are not yet dry. To load and get them here is 40,000 shillings ($11.13); and transport is 60,000 shillings ($16.69). I bought timber and nails. Total project will be 2,696,141 ($750) to complete a two-room house. The roof will be iron sheets [corrugated metal] due to termites. Transport from town to Bweyale Refugee Camp was 40,000 shillings [$11.13]. They started Monday. I will go back on Sunday evening God willing.”
Thank you, Mama Regina
[Note: thanks to 3 angels, funds for Widow Nyajime’s house are raised].
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“From the age of 6 I … accompanied my father, Damascene, in his alcohol business. Every day I was behind my father's bike that he pushed and loaded with 4-5 large containers of traditional beer called ‘Kasiksi’. From age 6, instead of going to school, I became my father's companion to sell beer. I was already drinking and going home late with my father. All the money that we made was spent in bars. We lied to my mother Jeanne. We sold everything on credit. The death of Father was a great loss as he was my friend night and day….
“My father died when I was 10. After that my big brother Timothy, age 13, and I continued selling beer or ‘Kasiksi’. We pushed our father's bike to provide all customers…. So we had enough to eat and take care of our little brothers Niyonzima and Bimenya; sisters Nyirabashitsi and Furaha.
“Mother was often drunk. We would find her in cheap hotels late in the night. This was dangerous because men she was with threatened us. Mother begged me to go with her to bars. So Mother’s salvation was a blessing for me and my brothers. Until then she was a shame as a drunk, prostitute and dancer.
“Sometimes I threatened my mother in front of her boy friends. That was dangerous as I was 10 at that time. My mother is now saved and all but one of her children…. Her salvation brought peace, honor and dignity.
“My big brother and I left the alcohol business due to pressure from Mother…. I changed my job and began pushing a traditional wooden bike called a 'chikudu'…. I carried luggage and earned money to support myself. With time I bought a used ‘boda boda’ (motorbike). Today I am married and the father of two sons. I have a new ‘boda boda’ now. Each day I earn money for my family. Because of my salvation I have a good family.
“My three brothers and one sister are married. They accompany my mother in ministry. They have peace; they are respected in the village; and my mother has become a counselor to families in difficulties…. She is an example … in the village. When she offered a part of our land to God, we all agreed as we know where God brought her from. We are proud of Mother and pray to continue serving God together.’'
“My big regret is that my brother Bimenya has returned to the world. He drinks, spends nights away from home even though he is married. He forgot what God did for Mother. Please pray for Bimenya.”
“I thank Bush Telegraph Mission who helped build our new church. My mother spent nearly 5 years sweeping the plot every Friday. She prayed night and day, waiting for someone to come and build a church here. Once again Mother proved that her patience has produced fruit for all generations to benefit by coming to worship and serving God at this place. Our children; the children of our children; and villagers will serve the Lord in EDEN Rugamba Church, thanks to Mother’s strong faith and BTM’s help….’'
Mani, Jeanne’s son
Pastor Sunlight writes: “Any help will make a different as it allows someone to live one more day. Then they can struggle and gain energy to work until the time to plant a garden. I pray for my people…. I feel their pain and grief. Do not forget them.
SOUTH SUDAN, ANGAIM VILLAGE
Letter from Pastor Sunlight.
Dear Mama & Bush Staff,
“Thank you for supporting Angaim Village teachers…. Ofong and Kiberek Villages send their children to our school. We have 350 students. I sent money to Pastor Peter for teacher’s pay…. Pray we reach communities by planting a Prayer Center [church] through the students. Ofong has a new Prayer Center. Thanks.”
Yours faithfully, Pastor Sunlight
We begin to build
Angaim Village school now has 350 students
USA
“JesusChat.Love” I’m off! Not mentally - though that may be true at times - but physically.
Dear Prayer Partners,
“When you receive this letter I will be in Grand Junction, Colorado at the World Mission Conference. Isn’t that a neat mission theme – JesusChat.Love? Pray for me as I have a full program and tons of prep involved. I also share in the community so my stay is extended beyond the conference. I’m looking forward to fellowship with missionaries and friends who love missions. I’ll give you the full scoop next time, OK?”
KENYA, GITHURAI
Pastor White and his wife Jane keep 33 orphans (up 3 this month) and educate them in their Church which turns into a simple school week-days.
Dear Mama & Prayer Partners,
[Jane writes] “We are fine and doing well. I am much stressed because of no fridge. Veggies spoil when we buy them, especially milk…. We received the money last time and paid rent and bought school supplies.
[Pastor White writes] “We rescued 3 new children from the hands of their father who wanted to marry the two older girls to wealthy men for the ‘bride dowry’ (African custom). They are living in our house and need school
uniforms and books. We are struggling very much; no rain in our country. No food this evening. We drank hot water without sugar or tea because of lack. The number of orphans have increased…. We need desks and stationery. Pray with us for the three new children and for a fridge. Thanks a lot.”
Blessings, Pastor White & Jane
[Note: Thanks to 3 angels, we tripled their monthly support to meet their special needs mentioned above.]
CONGO, RUGAMBA
Pastor Delphin brings us up to date on the new church under construction.
Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“I am in Rugamba to begin building the church…. I figured out how to reduce costs on …building materials.
1. For rafters and framework we cut down wood poles in the bush. Men
transported these to the church.
2. For stones, church members carried them on their heads from fields. To
pay for transport is expensive. We bought them at a low price. Some
stones need to be cut so we will pay someone to cut them.
3. We need 10 bags of cement and 20 bags of lime to mix with sand to
solidify the foundation stones. Then cover the top and sides of the
foundation with cement. Our plot is a wetland…. During the rainy
season water can hurt construction if the foundation is not firm.
4. Regarding sand. The village is 10 km from where the sand comes from.
Sand is not expensive but transport is due to distance and the rarity of
trucks out in the bush. Believe in what we do together for the glory of
God…. Thank you for everything you do for God’s people in
Congo….”
In Him, Pastor Delphin
[Note: Without our saying a word, the Lord laid it on the heart of an Angel to send enough funds which we directed towards the building of the Rugamba Church. Isn’t that just like something God would do?]
The Widow Nyajime
Did you know that starvation is a most painful way to die? Space does not permit us to explain all ‘5 stages but here’s one: the 4th. Weight loss, apathy, listlessness, withdrawal, infections and diseases. Also changes in hair color (orange), flaky skin and edema. Bloating is caused by fluids in the stomach and legs. Stage 5: death by starvation and dehydration." These are medical facts in simple layman’s terms.
The roof is nearly complete
Pastor Celestin withPastor
Mugemana and staff
March
One pastor writes, “Our people have survived on water lilies and goat bones for 3 years. We can’t farm due to attacks by President Kiir’s Dinka soldiers. We are forced to live in the bush and swamps. We are dying, starving, malnourished and sick.”
Our new home has three bedrooms!
Mogadishu, far right, with Praise & Worship Team at church
President Kiir’s Dinka government is intimidating, threatening and deporting foreign workers who came to South Sudan to help.
Humanly speaking, my heart wants justice. My heart wants recognition for what I and my missionary collegues
Right now half of South Sudan is facing starvation - if help doesn’t come by June. It’s critical and worsening daily. Thousands are moving on foot across the border to refugee camps in Uganda for help. Those left behind who can’t travel are starving. No one to help.
Construction begins
Joe, 3rd from rt
Pastor Delphin, far lf
Only Jesus can take hungry, sad, dirty faces and transform them into reflections of His Love. This is the grim reality of South Sudan today. Thank you for your prayers and boxes of relief supplies to make a difference in the lives of spiritually lost, hungry, sad souls.
“Lord … we’re just a little ‘hole-in-the-wall’ mission … but with Your wisdom empower us to face this Hunger Challenge in South Sudan, to help Your children before it’s too late.”
The new bunk beds
The Dinka are the largest tribe in South Sudan. Second are the Nuer. It’s an ethnic war. We work with all tribes but before the war began we worked mostly with the Nuer tribe in Leer, Unity State. Today Leer is a pile of ashes.
UGANDA, KAWEMPE (near Kampala)
Letter from Pastor David & Monicah.
Dear Mama & Bush Team,
“Thank you for your support…. Rent in Kampala, the capital, is very expensive and most landlords don't want this many children. By the grace of God one accepted us with 16 children…. Attached is a photo of our new house and the rent Receipt. God answered our prayers and gave us a 4-room house: boys have one room; girls have one room; we have a room; and a sitting room.”
“This is how we spent the money you sent: 1) House rent for three months; 2) school requirements; 3) house helper; 4) water; 5) electricity; 6) clinic; 7) girl supplies; 8) posha (corn meal); 9) beans; and 10) charcoal…. We thank God all our children have started school…. I am getting better but can’t do much work. We now live near the church and school. The children enjoy the new house because they no longer walk a long distance. The only challenge is water but the landlord promised to fix that fast….
God opened doors for Mugisha's training as you provided Mechanic School fees. Now that he has started he is changing because of a new environment and good friends. Pastor David bought Mugisha’s school supplies. I pray he learns very fast since he’s starting late. Thanks for loving us and may God bless you….”
Pastor David & Monicah, Kampala Church
Thank you for supporting our dedicated teachers
World Mission Conference, Grand Junction, CO
The frame is in place
Three children rescued
UGANDA, BUSIA
Mama Josephine shares prayer requests and praises.
Dear Mama & Bush Mission,
“Thank you for the support and prayers…. I delayed to write how the money was spent because electricity has been on and off…. Also Isaac was admitted to the hospital. Friends said they went to fetch water and he suddenly fainted while at the tap. They rushed him to the nearest hospital. He had malaria but is now home.
“About the 10 orphans: I always find them with my kids and I … am confused about what to do. They are fed at our house and when I tell them to go, I sometimes find them outside. That is the situation which makes it hard…. Sometimes they sleep here. I tell them we do not have enough room to accommodate them.
“The welder finished the triple bunk beds…. We are now using them. We encourage Hillary and Sharon, the slow students … to read hard. I paid all children’s school fees. Attached are copies of Receipts and results of five Senior IV students who sat for Final Exams in December 2016. They are in school…: Bulasio, Jackson, Sharon, Zuwena and Winfred. Winfred is taking a two year course in Hair Saloon at Baroma Institute…."
“Lillian … who you tried to advise when you were here, did not change her ways. She has become stubborn…. She received the letter you sent asking her to write an apology … but did nothing…. Pray for Lillian. Thank you also for Sylvia, my helper’s salary…. May Almighty God bless you….”
Yours in Christ, Mama Josephine
Dear Friends of the Persecuted Church,
“GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…” Oh our evil hearts! How many times have we Americans prayed The Lord’s Prayer? A thousand? Ten thousand? And when we do we don’t doubt for a minute that when we wake up in the morning we’ll have bread and butter on the table? Donuts? Bagels? Protein shake? Wheaties? Eating out? Food stamps? We have options.
How many times have we seen pictures of starving children? A thousand? Ten thousand? Do we really SEE them? Do our hearts connect? Do we get more excited watching Star Wars? Have YOU ever been hungry? REALLY hungry? What’s the longest you’ve gone without food? A day? A week? Never! Thanks to church food boxes and charity Food Centers.
Pastor White's younger orphans