Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
USA. World Mission Conference presented by Christian Churches of Western Colorado.
Dear Praying Partners,
“The Conference was hosted by Clifton Christian Church and our theme was Rise Up (Micah 6:1). Featured speaker, Greg Swinney of Crossroads Int’l Student Ministries, emphasized YOUTH – reaching college students – especially international students. ‘Our Jerusalem begins at home…’ he said.
RWANDA, KIGALI. Pastor Celestin’s Team taught on “Denying Self.”
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Thank you for funding our activities. We had an amazing weekend teaching the Bible and divided people into two groups. The venue for training was Kigali Bible Church. Our key topic was: ‘If any man will come to Me let him: 1) deny himself; 2) take up his cross; and 3) follow Me.’ We had group discussion. Everyone expressed their viewpoint or asked questions. Tomorrow is our final day for this outreach.”
Pastor Celestin, Guardian Angel Ministries
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Peter’s distribution in Angaim Village.
Dear Mama & Bush Family,
“Pastor Peter finished the distribution which helped 19 people whose condition was far worse than the rest. Each person received 500 pounds ($28) X 19 = 9,500 pounds ($527). They were: 1) Ibiza; 2) Betty; 3) Sabino; 4) David; 5) Omunu; 6) Matthew; 7) Okwahi; 8) Osuro; 9) Gudiou; 10) Oyaba; 11) Alam; 12) Monika; 13) Zechariah; 14) Ibalu; 15) Ihuma;16) Odong; 17) Susan; 18) Luke; and 19) Augustino.
“Also Pastor Peter bought school supplies: exercise books; books for teachers for lessons plans; pencils; pens; chalk = 20,000 ($1,108). Transport to and from Angaim to Torit = 3,000 for two teachers ($166) who bought materials. The balance is 8,000 ($443) for grinding and buying maize for the school children.”
Thanks, Pastor Sunlight
"Mama Zawadi & Charlotte teaching."
"Zion Christian School - 430 and counting!"
March 2018
"Our home-in-the-bush."
SOUTH SUDAN HIGHLIGHTS & OTHER PRAISES
Bush Telegraph Missions
"Blessed with hundreds of Christian books for Youth For Christ."
Prayer & Praise
Report
SOUTH SUDAN & KIRYANDONGO REFUGEE CAMP (NORTHERN UGANDA).
Dear Mama & Bush Friends,
“We took your advice about eating more garlic to build immunity as we can buy it locally. Susan had an ear infection and ulcers but is now home. My son Dan is better and Baby Gadi was sick but improving. The change of environment may have caused sickness as they just moved from Kampala city to Kiryandongo Refugee Camp.
“I send greetings from Angaim Village and Zion Primary School Teachers. They appreciate your prayers and support. Pastor Peter reports that the school is doing well and that more school children were added to their number of 430. Teachers are greatly motivated that they receive pay. Local government teachers have not received a salary for 8 months.
“Angaim Community requests the following: pots; clothes; blankets; and food. These items are worn beyond recognition and people have no money to replace them. Most urgent is food, followed by pots, then clothes and blankets.
Thank you for supporting me in prayer. I received my report card and did well. On May 26 I will graduate from African Bible University and move back to South Sudan to continue ministry.”
Thanks, Pastor Sunlight
"Gifts for the children from the USA."
"Little Abby carries water
'African style'."
USA. HEAVEN SENT MINISTRIES. Our West Virginia partner provided food for 9 containers to Africa.
Dear Bush Telegraph & Charlotte,
“We’re one month away from the Mercer County Hunger Challenge – and only 61% funded. 7 million people are facing starvation in South Sudan. One in 3 nationals were forced to flee their homes. That’s why we’re sending a container of food from this year’s Mercer County Hunger Challenge to South Sudan. One month from today volunteers will begin packing food for that container. Our goal is 1,000 volunteers packing 216,000 meals over a 3-day period. We are grateful to those who have already registered or donated to get us started. As of this morning, we have only $42,000 of the $69,000 needed to buy ingredients.”
In Christ, Lyle Mullins, Founder/Director HSM
[later] Dear Bush Family,
[Note: we sent money for Birth Certificates.]
“Thank you for the money which I applied to Birth Certificates for the 6 orphans. I love all these children and hug them sometimes as you taught me to do. When I get something good I always share with them. The gifts you give the children always remain with them. Only one time you gave them a rope. I took it. Sorry for bringing confusion by my request to start an Mpesa business. It’s 50,000 for a float and 50,000 for a line. Thus to do it takes 100,000 shillings ($930). The money you sent was not enough.”
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
[Note: BTM cannot start Patrick’s Mpesa business at this time.]
At ‘Base Camp’ our camper was mounted on bricks. There was a concentration of ‘Mopani Bees’ swarming about our eyes, noses and mouths. Though they do not sting, it was unbearable to remain outside from noon until dusk. Headman Libonda, seeing our problem, located the bee nests in nearby Mopani trees. He built a small fire at their base and slowly it burned throughout the night. They crashed to the ground and the bees and their nests were gone.
© Copyright 2018
"The community is starving."
CONGO. CAAP received a wonderful letter from Youth For Christ Congo, Goma Chapter!
Dear CAAP Team,
“The future of Congo youth is our Passion. Our goal is to request Christian books in English from CAAP. We are a Christian organization helping youth develop leadership. The books will contribute to their knowledge of God and help develop English skills. We look forward to hearing from you in a positive way.”
Youth For Christ, Goma Chapter
"Elisia & Promise are now in school!"
"Peter and leaders oversee the distribution."
"Charlotte with Baby Michelle."
SOUTH SUDAN FIGHTING CONTINUES. Also news from Angaim Village and Zion Primary School.
Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“This is to update you on South Sudan issues. The opposition parties joined hands…. We don't know their numbers but they all signed a Union Document - except SPAL/M who did not sign. The opposition said they will fight Dinka President Kiir’s government because of their unwillingness to accept and accommodate others in the system. They are corrupt, violent, lack democracy, do not follow the rule of law or the Constitution.
“We are thankful for your sacrifice of love, support and prayers to the vulnerable, teachers and urgent needs of the school. We have 12 teachers. Each receives a different amount depending on exchange rate of the day. Most challenging is school supplies. Those prices keep increasing due to demand and scarcity of materials in Torit town. Also porridge and sugar are very expensive. Pastor Peter is managing the money well. I have full confidence in him and the work they are doing.
“I am now back in Kampala. The orphans and my family in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp send greetings. The church you supported the construction of will be dedicated March 24. The church is organizing a Thanksgiving Day. It has finally received windows and doors. Thank you very much for the support.”
With Thanksgiving, Pastor Sunlight
KENYA, BUSIA. We asked Pastor Patrick to change his 6 orphans to government schools due to lower fees.
Dear Servants of God,
“My children were happy when I told them they were going back to school. On Monday I took the two girls to St. Joseph Busia Girl’s Primary School. I paid 4,600 shillings each. Tuesday I took the four boys to Likonyi Primary School. I also paid 4,600 each. It totaled 27,600 ($273) plus house rent = 4,500 ($446). The balance is 15,500 ($153). I will send the Receipts for the new government schools.
“Teachers said the government wants every child to have a Birth Certificate so that they can be given a student number. It will help up to university. My children are orphans and have none. I went to the Office of Register for Birth/Death Certificates. I was given forms to return with 1,800 each. After I apply I will wait 3 days for the Certificates. Teachers were given forms by the government for children to fill and pay 250. Certificate Application: 1,800 X 6 =10,800; school forms: 250 X 6 = 1500. Total = 12,300 shillings ($122).”
"Jackson with his laptop, is soon to graduate from Vet College."
"Pastor Peter distributes supplies."
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Bernard rejoices over a new church plant!
Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“Today we launched a new church plant in Shinyalu. The photo is my wife Norah, Pastor Shivogo and his wife. The church is mud, pole and thatch but God’s grace is sufficient. We are grateful for your donation towards our Orphan Program. We thank God that peace is returning to Kenya after a ceasefire between the two opposing leaders. They shook hands last week in Nairobi. Greet your prayer partners for us.”
Yours in the service of the King, Pastor Bernard
Throughout the service, two of Ricka’s puppies, a gift from us to Headman Libonda, snoozed beneath the communion table. A piece of corn-cob served as a ‘cork’ in the communion bottle. Before we left the bush Monday afternoon, I began a Women’s Group, to ‘Sow the Word’, as well as teaching them to ‘Sew a Seam.’ Village leaders and Sandy, my husband, discussed preparations to burn bricks to construct a new church building the following May.
"300-400 children at risk for starvation."
CONGO. Zawadi writes of a new hunger crisis – people are even eating cats and dogs!
Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“Congo continues to deteriorate from bad to worse. There is chaos, suffering, starvation and killing because people refuse this corrupt government, saying enough is enough. Mama, you witnessed what they do to our people…. There is a crisis. The UN for Humanitarian Joint Office estimates 300-400 million children are at high risk of starvation, if nothing is done. Goma’s population doubled in a year. Last year we had a million people but in less than a year we have 2 million as they flee from villages due to killing there. May God direct you to take initiative to save lives. We do not have much to give but we encourage and preach the gospel.”
[Note: that same hour we wired money for the food crisis.]
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; He has risen, just as He said….”
[Matthew 28:5-6]
READ OUR REPLY! It’s a miracle! God does indeed work ‘In Mysterious Ways’.
Dear Zawadi & CAAP Team,
“What a joy to hear from you and read your request and invitation. We say YES and would be honored to partner with Youth For Christ and ship Christian books to Congo. God must have known this before we did because a few months ago, a prayer partner invited us over to view a room full of Christian books. They had belonged to the family’s late father. They gave us hundreds of lovely Christian books, tapes, videos, Bibles - all in English. At that time we did not know GOD'S PERFECT PLAN, but now we do. We are excited at this opportunity….”
In His Service, Mama Charlotte for BTM
"A mega crisis."
"Pastor Celestin Team holds Bible Studies."
"New church plant at Shinyalu."
"Opposition parties have joined hands as fighting continues."
CONGO, GOMA. Mama Zawadi explains the above request.
Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“The letter above was written in French. I translated it to explain that CAAP is setting up a partnership with Youth For Christ Congo, led by Reverend Levi so that Congo’s Christian youth can learn English and have God’s knowledge through Christian Books. May the Lord bless your prayer partners who give their possessions to those in need…. God will not forget what you do for the poor.”
Zawadi, CAAP Secretary
"Libonda's Village."
From that day until this we are grateful to be living witnesses to the growing awareness of God’s love, His Authority and His Word to our African brothers and sisters. Continue to pray that through our lives and yours we might actively demonstrate the power of His love, especially at Easter when Jesus rose from the dead and the STONE WAS ROLLED AWAY. Thank you for your love and prayers that makes our ministry possible.
“One highlight was a fun Teen Challenge. They were given a list of questions and had to find the missionary who knew the answer. For example, ‘Who met Sylvester Stallone when filming Rambo in Thailand?’ Or ‘Who has eaten cat?’ And ‘Who was on the Dr. Phil show?’ Yours truly was also on the list. We missionaries all chipped in 4-5 prizes for the winners. My last two nights I was at Nordensons with 3 of my favorite little prayer partners: Kyle, Todd and Wesley.
“My return flight was delayed 12 hours due to the oxygen masks that drop down in case the compartment decompresses, were empty! Eventually I, along with other passengers, switched to another airline traveling to Salt Lake City. There I caught a connecting flight to Phoenix arriving late at night. My sweet daughter Michelle met me with, ‘Mom, the water heater quite.’ I was home!
“In conclusion, missionaries and visitors alike had a wonderful time sharing and learning what God was doing through our respective ministries around the world. We ALL came away refreshed and encouraged; motivated more than ever to take the Gospel seriously; and ACT on it – that we might RISE UP!”
Rising Up for the Salvation of Africa,
Charlotte
Late Easter eve it began – drums and chanting. We were told that a witchdoctor had been called to treat a sick woman in a hut near our camper. Their serenade rang in our ears loudly until the next morning. Add to the drums, Baby Michelle was not feeling well. She had a reaction to a potent Russian vaccine. Nothing stayed down except Coke. And she was cutting her first tooth at 8 months. A sleepless night for mommy and daddy.
MAY GOD BLESS you at Easter, and keep you all year through.
MAY GOD give you all the faith it takes, to make your dreams come true.
MAY HIS LOVE and wisdom guide you on your way.
MAY HIS LIGHT shine down on you to bless your Easter Day …
BECAUSE HE rose from the dead …
When the STONE was rolled away, rolled away, rolled away.
UGANDA, KAMPALA. Mama Monicah writes that Mama Victoria, who keeps 3 new orphans, had an accident!
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Yesterday Victoria had an accident while she was coming back from work. I helped her get treatment. She was hit by a motorbike and injured her back and waist. Her orphans Elisia and Promise started school Monday. Thank you for their school fees. Also since Pastor David is working, Elijah is the new preacher at our church. We love you.”
Mama Monicah, Kampala
It was Easter weekend, 1970. We were then in Livingstone, Zambia. My family and I headed North to our base camp in Libonda’s Village with 3 toddlers and a baby on board. On the way we picked up interpreter Henry, the new Head Teacher (principal) at Kantombi School. The rough dirt roads really were hard on our truck. We’d already had three broken springs that month. Five hours, 7 forded rivers and 10,000 bumps later, we arrived.
"A bowl of porridge costs 250 South Sudanese Pounds ($14). "
USA. AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR INT’L RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Good news from Open Doors!
Dear Friends of the Persecuted Church,
“The US Senate has officially confirmed Governor Sam Brownback to the position of Ambassador-at-Large for Int’l Religious Freedom. The confirmation took place with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence. Open Doors has been calling for the US government to fill this position as a critical move to defend religious minorities around the world. As advocates for religious freedom and the persecuted Church, we’re excited to have a leader in the State Department who can implement foreign policy changes with religious freedom around the world. While in the Senate, Brownback spoke out about human rights abuses, especially in Sudan and North Korea.”
Open Doors Staff
"New Birth Certificates for Pastor Patrick's orphans."
"Partnering with Youth For
Christ, Goma Chapter."
WASN’T THE STONE ROLLED AWAY from the tomb (Luke 24:2) when Christ rose from the dead? So what do you do when the stone is BLOWN away? Let me explain.
“In Grand Junction my plane was met by host family, Anna and Doug, who drove me to a Greyhound bus station. I then journeyed 9 hours to meet prayer partners I’d never met before. The ride was 5-star compared to African buses! In Pueblo I met Myra who drove the remaining 45 minutes to their home in Rye. We arrived late. I had a delightful two days getting acquainted with John, Myra, daughter Joy [son John Jr. was away at college]. I was peppered with ‘mission questions’ [which I love] and they enjoyed a treat - Arizona oranges.
“Opening night began with a Flag Parade Ceremony. We missionaries participated. To see little children carrying flags of the world moved me to tears. Beside a workshop, I was involved in the children’s program; adult Sunday school; Share & Prayer Group; Sunday afternoon service; Monday Women’s Bible Study; and Pastor Roger’s Bible Study. I also addressed the Christian School in two sessions; plus special meals and making new friends.
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Peter receives the money sent by BTM.
Dear Bush & Mama,
“Pastor Peter received the money you sent today…. He and the Team will come to Torit next week to buy supplies. My university is having mid-term exams 21-23 March. Then we have Easter holidays for a week. Yesterday Pastor Peter returned to Angaim Village. He brought money and teachers received their salary this morning. Every teacher sends thanks. On Sunday Peter will help those in need. Also they are buying maize (corn meal) for school lunches. The Price for a bowl of maize increased to 250 pounds ($14). They will buy 30 bowls of maize and 50 lb of sugar. Each bowl costs 250 X 30 = 7,500 ($416) + 50 lb sugar = 4,500 pounds ($249).
“Teachers salaries are 15,370 ($872) due to the high cost of living. Peter's transport = 2,000. Total = 39,370. ($2,181). The balance of 40,217 ($2,228) will be used for school materials. Community support will follow after the Team brings supplies and distributes the money. Help to the most needy will be on Sunday.
Sunday morning, following a service at Kanchele School, we began worship outside at Libonda’s Village about noon. 58 locals attended. Following singing and greetings, I gave a flannel-graph presentation of the First Resurrection recorded in the Bible. A small problem arose when the wind began blowing, removing the figures from the board as fast as I put them down. You could say that not only was the STONE ROLLED AWAY from Christ’s tomb, but it also BLEW AWAY – over a dozen times! I persevered and eventually the wind calmed down.
"Our teachers are very grateful."
[later] Dear Friends,
“We received your large donation. The UN has not delivered any food. They will meet in Geneva on April 13, calling for humanitarian organizations to help the Congo crisis. IOM (Int’l Organization for Migration) promised to bring food since December 2017; nothing has been done. People are eating dogs, cats and rats. 1.7 million are displaced. The president refuses to step down though his term ended. Government is forcing taxes on people; cutting water; electricity; raping women; kidnapping children and young girls. It is a mega crisis. CAAP will deliver food we buy [with your money] to needy areas. We are more than conquerors in Jesus.”
God bless you, Zawadi, CAAP Secretary
UGANDA, BUSIA. Jackson, Mama Josephine’s eldest, is the first orphan to graduate from college!
“Mama Josephine sent me the money for this term at Vet College. Thank my sponsor so much for their support towards my education. Pray that I perform well this term. It opened February 2, my last term and last year of veterinarian college. My laptop is in good working condition. It really helps when it comes to data collection and taking notes. Thank you for the good service to me and the whole family. May God bless you.”
Yours faithfully, Jackson
"Seven rivers later."
"19 of the neediest were helped."