Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"Pastor Patrick at Internet Cafe."
USA BITS-N-PIECES.
Praise God for relief supplies from Harriet; Ann; Judy & Leroy; Mac; Joyce; Carol; Sandie; Daryl; Kathryn & friends; Arrowhead Calvary Chapel’s Foster Kids’ Program; Sun City Sew-N-Sew Club; Clifton Christian Church (adults & Children’s Dept) – special thanks to David & Lisa for transporting a truck load of ‘David’s Pouches’ from Colorado to Arizona.
USA. Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, has a Big Announcement!
Dear Prayer Partners,
“Two years ago we shipped two 40-ft containers to Congo. Later I complained - and I’m not proud of it. “Lord … these two Containers were nearly the death of me – I’m burnt out!” A year passed. My resolve weakened. “Well Lord, I’m still alive and BTM keeps receiving donations of relief supplies. What should we do?”
“We prayed, of course, and ended up sending a ‘trial run’ of 3 pallets to Congo using a new Congolese Shipping Co (recommended by a missionary). All went well until they reached a port outside Kinshasa. Alas! The goods we shipped were not the goods that arrived in Goma, Congo. Food was switched out. Corruption! My high hopes came crashing down. Later we wired funds to make up the difference in goods switched. Lesson learned.
“Meantime our store rooms overflowed with donations. One again I prayed, “Lord, shall we do Container No. 10?” He whispered, “Yes … I will lead you.” So here we are, packing a 20 ft container for war-torn South Sudan. We’re using a true tested agent. (The reason: their new QUOTE is $15,500, above budget. We can't use them.)
“Please pray for our handful of retired volunteers: Charlene, Kim, Maureen, hubby Frank, Gail, Ouida and Darryl who give sacrificially of time and energy three days a week as schedules permit. It takes hundreds of hours to sort, pack and record thousands of pounds of relief supplies. And tons of boxes!
“We await exact shipping costs. Special thanks to CalvaryPHX maintenance and staff who graciously allow us to store donations on campus – and help out big time! Target date for shipping: mid-May. Today I prayed, “Lord … if you own the cattle on a thousand hills, You can do this.”
In His Love, Charlotte
Report
"Chantel can now return to the fish business."
"Food for the workers and students."
"Father Julius' orange tree viewed from our garage (on lf)."
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight reports that construction on the school has begun!
Dear BTM friends,
“I had a long but successful journey to Kampala, Uganda, from Torit, South Sudan and back in one day. We bought construction materials. The work started two days ago. The tractor we hired had a mechanical problem. A pipe burst on the way to Angaim Village. It delayed us another day. The 10 Teachers’ incentive = $400; food for school children and workers = $80. Attached is a list of construction materials. I am in Torit arranging for construction to be done by next month as we now have a rented tractor (until we buy one).”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"Louis, CAAP Director, was beaten and robbed but survived."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We started construction but it was delayed due to challenges. We finally found a rental tractor and paid him per trip made. Other tractors charged 10,000 pounds per trip ($210); but he charged only 5,000 ($105)…. Prices at the market are too high when we bought materials. Our community is ‘light and salt’ to our neighbors. We shall achieve our goal to complete construction of the school. May God be glorified….”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"Thank you Chase family for bringing a truck full of 'David's Pouches' from Colorado!"
[Letter #4] Dear Friends & Mama,
“I arrived safely in Torit. Although the body is tired I am normal…. The bricks were transported to the building site…. Yesterday the community volunteers gathered stones to make the aggregate for the windows. They are committed. I am proud of them.
“My most recent expenses: transport = $50 to and from Uganda; Visa = $50; Food = 20,000 shillings ($5); and Accommodation = 15,000 ($4). In Juba I slept in the Soldier Barracks and was treated well. There is much freedom now in South Sudan with this peace. Only people debate over the number of the States. Many want the former 10 States; others want three states; some want 21 States; while others want 32 States that the government created. One challenge: Thomas Hiteng hasn't joined negotiations. We pray that peace prevails….”
Thanks once again, Pastor Sunlight
[Note: to date we’ve wired $16,000 for materials for the school construction & used tractor purchase.]
"Lunch time ... ummm ummm good!"
"Elisia, 3rd grade."
Praise -N- Prayer
Bush Telegraph Missions
© Copyright 2019
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“We received the extra support you sent - may God bless you. I believe in three weeks I will finish the Registration process and my business will resume. Thank you very much. We are praying for you all. About 15-yr old Miracle who is deaf and dumb. We went to see his Construction teacher today who sent us to buy needed materials. He begins in two weeks. He appreciates your love, support and prayers. May the Lord bless you..”
Mama Monicah, Kampala, Uganda
March - April 2019
KENYA, KITALE. Letter from Bill & Patricia Cornell, Vision For Africa.
Dear Bush Mission & Charlotte,
“Pastor Charles is our appointed teacher for the classes. He said that Patrick’s wife, Ruth, is very thin now. I think it was due to so many in the house to prepare for that day we visited…. When the men left the ladies gathered around Ruth and baby Rosie. We prayed for the baby and showed Ruth how to massage her deformed foot. My granddaughter had a club foot and massage changed her life. Patrick shared that he was once a Muslim. That could be the reason for the mentality of many wives. We are committed to doing all we can for that family. We pray you will one day see a different Patrick. Tomorrow is the first class. Missionary Bill called to encourage Patrick. His wife Ruth will also attend. PTL!”
Blessings, Bill & Patricia Cornell, VFA
"Chantel, ctr, with 4 of her 9 children. Zawadi, far right, smiling."
Which reminds me, BTM works hard to be a good steward of every dollar – or orange - that God entrusts to us. Our USA staff are volunteers - from bookkeeper Marcia to E-mail Correspondent Laura – and everyone in between. We work from our homes and churches. BTM pays no office rent; no electric bill; and no secretarial staff. Thus mission dollars go far.
What better way to celebrate Spring or Easter – a time for New Life, New Birth, New Fruit (the spiritual kind), New Hope, New Beginnings – than to share Good News with our beloved African brothers and sisters, lest we leave one orange – or soul – behind? Thank you for your love, prayers and encouragement.
"The new house."
"Little Joseph and Bulasio enjoy a piece of watermelon."
"My hosts, Bob & Jacque."
"Sylvia, Mama Josephine's full-time helper, with little Dennis."
"Dumbo, BEFORE he learned to fly."
Pray that Monicah can register her business."
"Refugees from Leer, Sudan, live on water lilies."
"Miracle, rt, is training as a carpenter."
"Promise, Kindergarten."
"Michelle solved the mystery."
"Thanks Marcia for keeping the books and Laura, Correspondent Secretary."
“Yea shall know them by their fruits (especially oranges).”
-Matthew 7:16
"Chantel with her younger children before we rescued her in 2018."
"Day one - packing. Well done Charlene & Maureen."
[Letter #3] Dear Mama & Bush Team,
“Chantel received the donation from BTM and moved into a new house…. She had no mattress so we bought a new (used) one. We also bought two locks – one for the front door and one for Chantel’s bedroom. Attached is a copy of the Rental Agreement signed by Simeon, the Landlord. Chantel signed by putting ink on her finger as she never went to school. This is a six month contract at $25/mo. with two rooms for Chantel and the children. She will bring her other children here who are staying with friends. One child is in Masisi. We sat on the floor singing hymns and praising God for the new home.
“Chantel is overwhelmed with joy and thanks you. She said, ‘My life has improved since God visited me and sent BTM, Mama Charlotte and CAAP to help my family.’ Money was used as follows: Rent ($25 X 6 mo required) = $150; mattress = $47; bed = $50; cost of bed/mattress transport = $3; locks for doors = $3.75; money for fish business = $106.25. Total = $360. Amount left in CAAP’s safe = $40.”
God bless you all!
Mama Zawadi, CAAP Secretary, Goma, Congo
"Community gathers stones and bricks to the building site."
"Pastor Patrick welcomes church leaders to the Training Conference."
"Don't throw that chicken carcass away!"
"A new life."
[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“We made 10 trips of sand already to the building site…. Concerning the tractor coming from Gulu, Uganda: the owner, Mike, said he will only drive the tractor when the first payment is made. He said we must accumulate three months money in an account. He also said he will not receive our money before we test the tractor’s condition. Concerning the Promissory Note, he will sign together with witnesses when the first installment is done. I will be meeting with him when I pick up the money at the bank in Kampala, Uganda.”
Thank you, Pastor Sunlight
Bearing Fruit for Jesus,
"Pastor Dan & Jeanne, Appleton Christian Church."
"Grace Bible Mission Group."
"Sun City Sewing Club."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Chantel and her family are fine but her money was stolen twice because her door cannot lock and the area where she lives is not secure. She is back working in the forest where she was raped a year ago and cutting vegetables to sell. It’s not enough to feed her children. We need to get Chantel out of the shack. We can find a two-room wood house for $25/mo. They usually ask for 6 months deposit and after that she pays monthly.
“Louis, CAAP Director, was attacked by buglers on Saturday. His house received 54 bullets but no one lost their life. Only the watchman was wounded. Security is deteriorating daily in Congo. Even we, the CAAP Team, are here because we cannot forsake God’s people....”
God bless you, Mama Zawadi
[Note: BTM sent a donation to help Chantel get back on her feet.]
"Our 'cup overflows' - and so does our storerooms."
Ministering in 3rd world African countries changed my perspective. When I return home I see waste all around – especially food. In my mind’s eye I picture the garbage dump in Busia, Uganda, where street kids eat rotting food. I picture Leer refugees in South Sudan scattered along the Nile River, living on water lilies and goat bones. I see refugee children and women in Congo eating grass and boiling river water for ‘tea’.
I don’t even let a chicken carcass go to waste, “That would make a nutritious soup for a sick neighbor…,” I reason. BTM serves the poorest of the poor in Africa. We see flattened water bottles made into shoes; 1,000 plastic bags covering sticks to make a home; toys made from shoe-polish tins and coat hanger wire; and Sunday clothes with patches upon patches. Nothing is wasted. Every tin can; scrap of paper; plastic bottle or bag; or piece of wood is used.
A week passed. Saturday rolled around. Knock, knock. “Who’s there?” I asked. It was Father Julius, arms laden with two more Santa-sized bags of oranges. We thanked him but wondered, “How on earth…?” Later Michelle solved the mystery. “Mom, I saw Father Julius standing on the roof of his condo picking oranges with a long pole….” Who does that in America?
But Father Julius is not from America. He’s from Uganda, where food of any sort is never wasted. That includes all fruit: oranges, mangos, bananas, papayas. Not one is left behind.
Charlotte
"Walls are going up."
USA. WORLD MISSION CONFERENCE REPORT.
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
“Conference theme this year was ‘Kingdom Workers’ and was sponsored by 12 local Christian churches; and hosted by Clifton Christian. Twenty-three active missionaries and two Bible Colleges presented their work; 6 other ministries had representatives: 11 were international (including me) and 12 were based in USA.
“Our keynote speaker, Jonathan Alarcon, pastors a bilingual congregation in Chicago. The Acevedo family from Colombia presented an excellent ministry to children. Saturday workshops; plus a prayer and sharing session with missionaries; allowed us to present our ministries. On Sunday eight missionaries (including me) spoke in area churches. Dozens of volunteers played important roles, such as Miss Mary (kitchen), the Bowmans (setting up). The goal? To teach that the Great Commission is top priority in the Church today.
Special thanks to Bro Frank for picking me up at the airport; and Bob and Jacque Harper for hosting me. ‘And Lord … thank you for special time with Linda, Don, Safi, Carol, Caryn, Appleton Christian Church, Women’s Bible Study, Pastor Roger’s Bible Study, Primary Kids and other wonderful friends.”
Amen,
Charlotte
UGANDA, KAMPALA. Mama Monicah enrolls Promise in a vocational school, at last!
Dear Bush Mission Friends & Mama,
“The three new orphans now live with us - Promise, Elisha and Miracle. Old Mama Victoria got sick. The two young girls, Promise and Elisha, are at school. I sent you their report cards. Miracle wants to do carpentry work and we will take him to a workshop so he can learn as he works. The owner of the workshop needs 950,000 shillings ($255) till the boy learns well. After he finishes his course he will give him a job at his workshop.
“About my business. Kampala’s officials blocked us till we register with the government. 700,000 shillings ($188) is needed but I failed to get it due to financial responsibilities…. We appreciate your love, prayers and support. May Almighty God bless you in Christ Jesus. We love you all.”
Mama Monicah,
[Note: BTM sent extra to register the business and for Miracle’s school fees.]
"Splitting trees begins, using the new power saw."
CONGO. Mama Zawadi, CAAP Secretary, updates us on special friends we help and pray for.
Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,
“Zaire finished his first treatment for prostate cancer and will go back for a check up. He feels much better but not 100% as he needs a second treatment. He must return to Bukavu for a check-up, medicine and spend a night there. He needs: 1) $50 = return ticket; 2) $90 = labs; 3) $60 = accommodation; 4) $50 = food; and 5) $87 = medicine. Total = $337. His medicine may have to be changed. He feels much better compared to how he was. He is in tears and does not know how he can thank God for BTM’s support. This time he travelled by car to Bukavu instead of boat as there was a storm at sea. CAAP contributed to Zaire’s food and transport.”
Gratefully, Mama Zawadi, CAAP Secretary
[Note: we sent funds to cover Zaire’s expenses.]
"Flag Parade opening night."
NO ORANGE LEFT BEHIND. Ah, the sweet smell of orange blossoms fill the air! Spring has sprung. Warm, sunny days are here again in Phoenix, Arizona. To think we had a 100-year record-breaking snow fall in Flagstaff a month ago – over 40” of snow in 24 hours! Praise God that thanks to winter rains and spring thaws our dams will be full. The long drought is broken.
Why, a month ago oranges hung on trees in abundance in Sun City, often left unpicked. But wait! Not all. One Saturday morning, Father Julius, our next door neighbor, came knocking at the door. In his arms he carried two huge Santa-sized bags of oranges. “I picked these from my tree,” he smiled. I thanked him heartily as Michelle and I so enjoy fresh squeezed OJ.
Later, as I backed the car out of the garage, I looked up and saw oranges were still hanging on the tippy top of Father Julius’ tree. Never mind. There are ALWAYS oranges left on the tops of trees, right? After all, who can reach them – except a modern-day Goliath?
"Arrowhead Calvary, Foster Kids sew 'Little Boy Shorts'."
"If God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He can do this!"
"Street kids hunt for food at garbage dump, Busia, Uganda."
"Moving day. Chantel with all her worldly possessions."
"CAAP, our Congo partner, received 3 pallets last year."
"Chantel was forced to return to her old job, cutting bitter greens in Virunga National Park."
March - April 2019
"Mama Ruth with Baby Rose."
"Zaire began his second cancer treatment. Pictured with Charlotte and Security Forces during Food Distribution, Nov 2018."
UGANDA, BUSIA. Pray for Matthew, the husband of Sylvia, Mama Josephine’s full-time helper.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Sylvia's husband Matthew (she’s my full-time helper) is still in the hospital. He’s been sick a year. Sylvia has been traveling back and forth. She requests financial help as she must care for him in the hospital….
“Also Mama Christine has challenges of getting food for her 10 orphans as she doesn't have a job. I share the little I have. We bought Joseph (AIDS orphan) his special food. Little Jackson tutors him. He is coming back on track and will make it. May the Lord bless you abundantly….”
Yours, Bulasio for Mama Josephine
[Note: we sent an extra donation for Sylvia and Christine.]
"Primary Kids packed 85 'David's Pouches'."
KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Patrick’s special training classes have begun!
Dear BTM Friends & Mama,
“We had a wonderful time yesterday with missionaries Bill and Patricia Cornell, together with Pastor Charles and his wife from Vision For Africa in Kitale…. Thank you, I received the Western Union…. We began the Pastors’ Classes on Tuesday, April 2. I will take care of the teacher’s accommodation and transport…. All students love the teachings. Eight from my church registered; another eight Pastors from neighboring churches; plus me and my wife, Ruth. But three still don't have fees for Registration and Lessons. Thanks BTM and Missionaries Bill and Patricia of VFA for bringing these classes to our church….”
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
"Pray for Miracle, deaf and dumb and never been to school."
"Angaim Village holds a community meeting to discuss the construction."
"In Memory of 'Don the Toy Maker' pictured here with Eula, his sweet wife."
"A real bed and mattress! A first! Baby Joshua takes a nap."
Pastor Roger (ctr back), Clifton Christian & friends."