After a long weary search, as I was about to call it quits, I recognized the box from a few clues. Ah yes, this was it. Smiles and cheers met me as I entered the house. We placed the gifts lovingly under our ‘bush Christmas tree’. Silently I prayed, ‘Thank you LORD … we will have Christmas after all.’ When you serve the Lord 10,000 miles from home, with a young family, celebrating Christmas is important. It’s not about gifts, but the time, energy and cost that our friends had poured into preparing this box. It said, “We care. We love you.”
[Letter #3] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
Today I spoke to Sunlight and headed to the bank. I visited 3 branches with no dollars to withdraw but finally got the funds for the three projects. You suggested $5 per child for Christmas. That is ideal to buy each one or two pieces of second-hand clothes.
The previous Auntie who passed was my maternal aunt. The funeral I just returned from is another auntie to my wife. She grew up in my father-in-law's home and died in Mulago Hospital in Kampala due to diabetes. We arrived back home with a cough and flu but we are on meds; the girls are well.
I shall establish how many kids are at Kiryangongo Refugee Camp and send money for the second-hand clothes for Christmas.
Blessings,
Christopher
Beneath our humble ‘bush tree’ was an old beat-up nativity set. The donkey and two sheep stood on 3 legs each. The shepherd’s head was glued on. All figures needed paint. Still, they reminded us of the greatest story ever told. From Jesus’ birth until His Resurrection: the story of joy and sorrow; love and hate. This story, passed down for 2,000+ years - about a beggar who walked again; a blind man who saw again; a Samaritan who rescued a man beaten by thieves. It’s all there. In this Greatest Story Ever Told.
Thank you for being a part of it as BTM continues to tell that Story in Africa today – God bless you!
"As is the custom, flour is smeared all over the guests' faces."
"The whole Kiryandongo gang at Christmas."
BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS
© 2024 All Rights Reserved
"The 5 stone diggers; Mama Zawadi is in the middle."
"Pastor Scott, far right below."
"The fellows had great fun playing ping pong."
"A highlight was the Botanical Gardens. Pictured here are Chris and Michelle."
"Pastor Sunlight and Jane were REmarried in a church ceremony with witnesses."
"Evangelist Thomas serves them dinner at his house."
RWANDA. Brother Caleb heads up the Poultry Project for vulnerable Mamas and their children.
Dear Friends & Mama,
We distributed two grown hens each to 54 vulnerable families from Cyerwa and Munege areas (11 villages). This project fights malnutrition and stunt growth of children under 6 yr. We first had a short meeting about how to protect the hens. These hens are kept for their eggs and not to be eaten.
Here is one of 54 stories. Henrietta, aged 23, lives in Cyerwa Village. Her daughter, Merissa, is 3 yr, and lives with her mother who was separated from her husband before Merissa’s birth. They farm crops to survive.
Before we intervened, Merissa and her Mama got up early to go to the farm. Because of cold and 15-hr working days with no food, Merissa became malnourished. Henrietta attended a parent workshop and realized that Merissa was not cared for properly. She started feeding her a balanced diet and enrolled her in ‘Kura Neza Mwana’ (Grow Well Child) classes while she worked at the farm. We supported Henrietta with two hens for eggs which improved Merissa’s health. Henrietta attends church and will soon be baptized.
God bless you and BTM,
Brother Caleb
"Other students also graduated."
PRAYER-N-PRAISE
USA. Container Project Update.
Dear Prayer Partners,
Remember the old hymn, ‘Gone, gone, gone, gone, yes my sins are gone …?’ We changed the words to: ‘Gone, gone, gone, gone, yes the Container’s gone …’. Ho ho ho! Next stop – Congo - thanks to YOUR prayers and many many helping hands. Oh yes! Since our last prayer letter, the final destination was changed from South Sudan to Congo. That’s because there is a low scale civil war going on in Goma, Congo. Their needs are far greater than those in Sudan camp.
Before, when the shipping container arrived, we were given only two hours to pack. Any hours over that, BTM pays extra. This time we ordered the container for a weekend to accommodate our ‘Guy Team’ who have families and work full-time. Problem: the storage container sat on the ground. However, the shipping container was several feet above the ground. We didn’t have a forklift. Our brilliant Guy Team brought in an open-ended trailer plus four steel planks. Two planks went from the trailer to the shipping container; and two from the trailer to the storage container (see photo). This made a RAMP. Thus the Team walked back and forth from one container to the other, like a well-organized ant colony. They packed the container in record time so we gals served lunch early that day.
Two of our Guy Team were professional packers and explained the advantage of NOT using pallets. Thus they removed all pallets. Boxes were hand-carried into the shipping container. When the Guy Team finished, we had several feet of space left over. This had never happened before. How would we fill it as we couldn’t waste space.
“Our amazing Guy Team had another brilliant idea. The container wasn’t to be picked up until Monday. So on Sunday afternoon, the Team Leader hooked up the container to a cab from his work place and drove it to COSCO. There, he and a few of the Guy Team met with the COSCO manager at the loading dock.
“Meantime, upon our request, Mama Zawadi in Goma, Congo, sent a list of five essential items. The men assembled these essentials on 4 pallets - including giant cooking pots of which the refugees had none. The container was now full. And me? I was beside myself with disbelief and joy. We are indebted to North Valley Assembly of God for the gift of four pallets of life-saving essentials and for providing most of our Guy Team.
“On Monday, I met Mario at our host church. He’d came to collect the shipping container to drive it to Los Angeles. There it was loaded onto a container ship December 15th. It will reach the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, February 21st.. From there it travels overland to Rwanda, crossing the border at Goma, Congo. In a perfect world, it will arrive mid-March. Pray against hazards: floods, wars, theft, sickness and roads from hell.”
In His Service,
Charlotte
"11 Mubambino Pygmies are baptized."
"Our refugee brothers and sisters wait patiently for life-saving supplies."
"SUDAN.Planting and building a new church deep in Ifwotu Payam."
"Auntie Annah"
"The 'ramp' , connecting the STORAGE CONTAINER to the SHIPPING CONTAINER."
"Sweet Evalin Kikil & Pastor Sunlight."
"The training for rural pastors. Each one took home a Study Bible and Workbook which they could never afford to buy."
"Sunlight took Evalin Kikil to Toby's graduation from university to encourage her."
"The Kiryandongo Kids get new clothes for Christmas!"
"Sunlight, lf, and Victor, Treasurer/Principal of the school, hand out teacher's pay (Sudan)."
"Evalin Kikil speaks to the guests about girl education."
"Pastor Mugisha fell ill and was rushed to Mbarara Regional Hospital."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
On December 23rd, 11 Mubambino Pygmies were baptized at the Cepac Church Betel in Goma as they are the only church with a baptistery. We transported 11 Pygmies and their families to the town as they live quite far out in the bush. The cost of transport was $200 USD. Thank you BTM for that gift.
After the Baptism we ate lunch at Pastor Thomas’ home. Thomas cooked the beans and I made cassava leaves and rice. We ate together and Thomas served them bottled water. Afterwards we had a small clothes and shoe distribution. Then we provided them money for a return ticket to their home.
Praise God,
Mama Zawadi
SOUTH SUDAN / UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Sunlight.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
Now that Toby finished his education and moved away, I am making a plan so the children have a guardian in the refugee camp at all times. I will find a ‘Mama’ who will give care and motherly advice. Oliga, a nearby teacher, can be ‘Mama’. There is another young mother, Stella, with 3 children who completed 5th grade and is willing to help with homework. We also have a neighbor who is a teacher, who will help with homework.
Concerning sending support since Toby is gone. Pastor Christopher may send the money to my M-Pesa account. I will give permission to the children to withdraw from my Mobile money account. Thus we will have 3 people overseeing these children: a pastor, a Mama and one to help with homework. We should use one system of money transaction. The Angaim Village teachers’ pay; the Street Boys’ support; and Kiryandongo children’s support can be deposited into my Mobile money account.
Jane, my wife, has moved to Kiryandongo Camp. She completed high school. I don't want to expose the kid’s support in this community as people may be jealous and hurt them. Therefore Jane will buy supplies and give them to Stella, the new cook. Rose, our previous cook, was called back to South Sudan by her husband.
Kiryandongo’s monthly supplies:
20 kg (40 lb) Maize flour = 600,000;
10 kg (20 lb) Beans = 200,000;
Charcoal = 210,000;
Cooking oil = 80,000;
4 kg (8 lb) Sugar; Salt = 5,000;
Grinding = 90,000; Water = 60,000; 2 large bars soap = 80,000;
Veggies = 310,000.
Total = 1,635,000 UGX ($441).
Thank you for your great support and prayers! It is your motherly heart that helps us to build up others.
In His service,
Pastor Sunlight
[Later] Dear Friends & Mama,
About the training. Many pastors in rural areas have little or no access to biblical teaching, yet many are called into ministry. Their followers only grow as far as their leaders grow. That is why this training was conducted with the support of Bush Telegraph Mission who provided 70 Study Bibles and 70 Workbooks.
Pajule borders one of the biggest former refugee camps called Acholi Bur in Northern Uganda. It was home to thousands displaced by the LRA. The area is still recovering but the church leaders in the area struggle to pastor churches recovering from war. Their training is limited by lost education during the war. Most training is in big towns and costly to enroll - let alone their inability to meet pastoral needs and support their families. For the first time each pastor received a Study Bible and Workbook.
The 3-day training was attended by 65 pastors and 5 women leaders from 20 local churches in Kitgum, Northern Uganda. It covered the Character and Prayer Life of a Pastor; the Pastor’s Job Description; Reading and Interpretation of Scripture; and How to Use the Life Application Study Bible.
Testimonies: 1) ‘I have never been to training where the focus is on God’s Word and how to teach it. This gives me an opportunity to keep God’s Word at the center of all I do’. Rev. Jakisa of Christ Church , Pajule.
2) “I saw the Study Bible with a friend. I liked the simple English but when he told me the price, I screamed as I couldn’t afford it. Today, coming to the seminar, is a double blessing: the teaching and free gift of the teaching tool. Thank you, Christopher and partners, who donated the Bibles and Workbooks’. Pastor Opio.
We extend our sincere gratitude to BTM for making the dreams of these pastors come true.
Pastor Christopher
"One time the feared Lord's Resistance Army ruled much of Northern Uganda."
"The first house at the Mugunga Plot is nearly done."
"We enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Chicago Museum of Art. Here, Mike points out a famous picture."
[Letter #2] Dear Friends & Mama,
Near the Samaria Baptist Church, deep in Payam of Ifwotu, we are constructing a church. We are praying for 22 iron sheets, 26 pieces of 2 X3 timbers as well as roofing and ordinary nails. When God calls, without hesitation, we go and serve. We are planting churches deep in the villages of Torit. Until all know Christ, do not keep silent. Share Christ and build hope through Him and Him alone.”
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: In February we will help build this church.]
[Letter #2]
Hello Bush Friends,
Yesterday evening I lost my auntie Annah (my mum’s younger sister). She returned home from her duty station and felt dizzy and asked for water. She blacked out and as they rushed her on a ‘boda-boda’ (motorbike) to the nearest clinic, she breathed her last. She will be buried Monday and I will travel tomorrow, Sunday. She knew the Lord. Keep me and the family in prayer.
We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. One day at a time with God at the center. He gives Grace to continue this journey together for His Glory.
As you know, I was planning a Pastors’ Conference on December 12-17. I got a phone call today that our host, Pastor Mugisha, fell very ill and was evacuated to Mbarara Regional Hospital. Thus we cannot hold the meeting as planned. I asked God to give me peace of mind as we work at rescheduling for January 2024. Pray for his healing. I needed to let you know after BTM provided resources needed - 140 Bibles and 140 Workbooks. I was encouraged by Romans 8:28, ‘This, too, the Lord is working out for the good’.
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
Glorifying God
CHRISTMAS, Livingstone, Zambia. I remember when … Michael, the oldest, looked up with big brown eyes. “Mommy, did our Christmas box arrive?” The children were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a Christmas box from Grandma and Grandpa Adams in the USA. They had taken our family under their wings.
"The story of Henrietta and her little girl Merissa."
UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Christopher, BTM’s Africa Administrator.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
Finally we have the Pastors Training that is happening Nov 2-6. We expect 60-70 pastors. I am planning for 60 Study Bibles and Workbooks for rural pastors in Northern Uganda near Acholi-Bur. It’s one of the largest refugee camps during the Lord’s Resistance Army war years. I have an offer of $11 per Study Bible and $3 per Work Book. The goal is to send them ahead by bus in time for the Seminar.
I am contacting every mission-minded friend towards raising money for the Study Bibles and Work Books. I and one other trainer from Gulu will travel to the meeting by bus. If you have any ideas on getting Study Bibles for these pastors in Pajule, let me know. Above all, pray for those pastors coming and for me as I prepare to encourage and equip them through the Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Christopher
"Due to extra space, the Guy Team, bought four pallets of essential supplies at COSTCO."
"Villagers flee homes from the M23 Terrorist group."
"Pastor Opio and his friend reading the Bible together."
"Evalin Kikil is the only girl from Angaim Village who is in high school."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"Candidates standing in front of the church."
"Digging out the foundation for the 'forever home' through tons of volcanic rocks."
"Post Office, Livingstone, Zambia"
"Pastor Omar and his wife were also REmarried at the same time as Sunlight and Jane."
"Kiryandongo Refugee Camp monthly supplies include 200 lb of charcoal (Uganda)."
"Toby (yellow shirt) accepted a job in Italy. Pictured with Taban, who had hip replacement last year in Kenya."
"Angaim Village's PTA meeting had a great turnout!"
"The family gathered for the most delicious Christmas Eve German dinner made by sweet daughter-in-love Christina."
"Government officials came to Angaim Village for the first time ever to dedicate the new clinic and school!"
"Wayne & family spent Christmas in Germany."
"John, an excellent cook, made breakfast and dinner on Christmas day."
2023
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
On December 18, government officials came to dedicate the new Clinic and School and see the Angaim Village community. We pray that they will enroll teachers on the government payroll and give medicine to our clinic. The government has never supported anything in Angaim. May God touch their hearts as they see what the community has done without them. The Commissioner invited the Governor to officiate the Dedication of the new Clinic and School. I also spoke. Also attending was the Ministry of Education, Health, Information; members of Parliament; the governor's Special Advisor and Representative who dedicated the Clinic and School. Isaiah 9 was preached and there was joy to everyone at the celebration. Angaim was set as a ‘light and a lamp’ for area villages to follow their example. I appreciate your prayers for the community.
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
CONCLUSION. Some years ago a friend sent me, ‘The 70 Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards’ (1703-1758). It was a difficult decision, but I chose #4 to share and God willing, to follow in 2024: “Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body … but what tends to the Glory of God….” They sure had a different way of speaking in those days but you get the point? What is YOUR RESOLUTION for 2024? God bless you all!
"Acholi Bur, Northern Uganda, is the largest former refugee camp. When it comes to carrying water, you must wait your turn."
"The Payam Educational Inspector spoke."
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
in 2024
"The Guy Team were hard workers! Pastor Scott, far left in indoor photo of group of six."
"Two hens each were distributed to 54 vulnerable Mamas for their malnourished children."
"Early Christmas morning, Uncle Roy (seen here with Auntie Elaine) fell down a flight of stairs!"
"Sunlight bargains with the shopkeeper for new-used clothes for 15 Street Boys."
"The Sinclair family. Michael, front row, far left."
October
November
December
[Letter #6] Dear Bush Prayer Partners & Mama,
Enjoy this success story about one of our young students, Evalin Kilil, age 22. She lives in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp with the other kids and was the firstborn with 7 siblings in Angaim Village. In her mother's home she worked like a slave. But Evalin was different. She believed that education was a priority. Her mother married at 14. Like most Sudanese girls she thought that marriage and cows - the ‘bride price’ - were normal. She had no dreams about the future except cows and children.
Evalin is the only girl from Angaim Village community in High School. She shows Christ's love to all girls to see. In ‘23 she completed her Primary Leaving Certificate and is beginning High School proving it is possible for a girl to achieve higher education. She is the 2nd girl in her high school and will be in Senior 2 in January ‘24.
When Toby, my brother, graduated from University last month, we took Evalin to his graduation in Makerere. She said, ‘One day I will be here!’ During the opening ceremony, Evalin spoke to the crowd: ‘It is possible … when there are opportunities to study, I will be in a university. What makes us different from other girls making it to Makerere University? Age is just a number.’ Her life in a Refugee Camp is not easy and she is far from home. Without BTM educating her and other children in the camp, there would be no future.
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
"We had the Shipping Container for the weekend."
USA. Christmas in Chicago.
Michelle and I traveled to Wauconda, Illinois, to spend Christmas with John, Chris and family. It’s been a long time since we all were able to get together. Christine’s German Christmas Eve dinner and John’s Christmas Day dinner were out of this world! Both are excellent cooks and far surpass me. Highlights were a tour of the Botanical Garden Lights; and the Art Museum in downtown, Chicago. Wayne and family spent Christmas in Germany where they were once stationed. One setback: about 5 am Christmas morning, Uncle Roy fell down a flight of stairs and spent 3 days in ICU with two brain bleeds. He used to run Marathons and is a tough old buzzard (don’t tell him I said that). Today he is well on the mend, praise God!
"Mario, driver, picked it up on Monday."
"Not yet, Michael.” Disappointment was written all over his little face. He went back to report to the kids. Christmas was around the corner and the box should have arrived by now. I decided to drive down to the Livingstone Post Office. A sea of black faces greeted me as I entered and sought out the Postmaster. “Excuse me sir….” I quickly explained my mission.
"Pray for the pastors coming."
"Pastor Christopher and Jane celebrated their 20th."
"Jane (Sunlight's wife) & Stella, new guardians for Kiryandongo kids in Uganda."
REPORT
"The Street Boys happily receive Christmas
gifts of new-used clothes."
[Letter #3] Hello Bush Family,
On Sunday we had a PTA meeting at school. Afterwards we gave out report cards to parents under the watch of the Payam Educational Officer; the Payam Educational Inspector; and the Payam Chief, Basilio Molong. He appreciates the school admin and community. He urges the community to keep the spirit of unity and peace. He asked the school to keep adding children from neighboring villages. The Payam Educational Officer and Payam Educational Inspector, Kamilo Odonko, are happy about the community initiative; the teachers' efforts; and the church for playing a positive role in learning and the construction of the school.
Thank you BTM and prayer partners so much for making Angaim the ‘salt and a light’ in the entire Payam county. Their speaker confessed to wrong they did and promised their stand with the church and school. Thanks for giving hope and a future to South Sudan and Africa. The meeting was interrupted by rain but we are very thankful for every prayer by BTM.
Thank you,
Pastor Sunlight
CONGO. Letters from Mama Zawadi, Goma.
Dear Friends & Mama,
The Mugunga Plot is constructing homes for 100+ orphans and 20+ Mamas. We are building one home at a time. Heavy rains hindered construction. We spent two months digging rocks out of the ground caused by the local volcano. A low-scale civil war is going on in Goma so we follow Government instructions. There are a lot of strikes. Part of Goma, called Karisimbi and Nyiragongo, are run by M23 terrorists from Rwanda which borders Goma. The Government advises people to stay home. We have lost many days in construction because of this war.
Here is the Report about the first house and removing stones. We used 5 stone diggers. A lady removed the weeds so that we had a place to put bricks. They made 500 square meters of stone stairs; each costing 2.5 per square meter. They use a sign when they get paid as they cannot write. I always use these 3 men but added 2 more so that they would finish quickly. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the Governor about the Container Exemption Letter. It won’t be ready until after January 3rd. We thank everyone involved in the Container Project and the construction of the ‘Forever Homes’ – each one holds 10 orphans and 2 Mamas.
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi
"Jonathan Edward's 70 Resolutions."
“Come…” He kindly escorted me to a back room of the Post Office, a place I’d never been. There in disbelief I stared at a mountain of perhaps a thousand packages - all shapes and sizes from, well, everywhere. He explained in broken English, “Ceiling leaks - addresses wash off parcels. Go. Look. Find yours.”
"Sunlight's son, John Omol, completes his studies."
"The government guests arrive in Angaim Village."
[Letter #5] Dear BTM Family & Mama,
My son, John Omol, completed studies in Leadership, Discipleship and Entrepreneurship. We wish him the best ahead of the A-level Certificate. Thank you for standing with me in prayer for this son!
There is an increase in enrollment at the Angaim School. Many children have joined to receive both spiritual and academic development. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays students and teachers have devotions.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent Romans 8:37-39 as John’s life verse.]
[Letter #7] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“On December 30th Jane, my wife, and I were married in the church witnessed by Christians from Torit and Angaim Village. It was a joint wedding between us and Omar’s family. Remember the wedding dresses you sent in the first container? That is what Jane wore. We appreciate your lovely gift and support to the church.
“We are thankful for the Christmas gift. I bought the second-hand clothes for the children. The small children came to join us when we were singing. The 15 Street Boys received their gift of new-used clothes too. My battery was running low so I rushed to take these photos at their home.”
Blessings,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: Explanation. The traditional wedding in South Sudan and much of Africa is not performed in a church with witnesses. Rather it is between the bride’s guardian and the prospective groom. He ‘pays’ a dowry of cows, goats and cash. Pastor Sunlight had such a ‘traditional’ marriage two years ago. However, being ‘married’ in the church is a living testimony to the community and sets a new custom in the Church.]
"Study Bibles and Workbooks"