[some photos Pastor John sent were too graphic to post]
Women At Risk pray together after the meeting
Mama Safina & Pastor Delphin, after counseling
Mama Nyota, fish seller, is happy to receive $20 from the 'Widow's Copper Assistance' program
Praying for the beginning of a
small business
Safina, (center) with 'Women At Risk', shares her testimony of how she began a small business
“We gave small money to:
1) Mama Bawili - $20);
2) Mama Rubabura - $20);
3) Mama Ternite; and
4) Mama Jeanne who had that amount a month ago. After the meeting, they gave money from
their jobs….
“In one photo where women are sitting you see Mama Safina giving her testimony. She shared how God protected her in the war 6 years ago. She had a bomb splinter in her left eye for 2 weeks and eye surgery was successful. Now she is doing a small business of selling rice on the main road. She is talking to the other women, encouraging them on how she invested $20 and gained $3 a day profit. She is ready to show others how this can be done. I sent photos of the four Ladies who received assistance for their small business.”
In Him, Pastor Delphin
The two pastors were just freed thanks to your prayers!
“It was difficult to see things like this year after year without any change.
“Today I am serious, I am ready. I accept the burdens and have good motives for the Container that is coming. This is true but also the way God is convincing me to see His direction – not my selfishness. I understand now why God sent His servant, Mama Charlotte, to our church. It was to change our minds and goals in God’s fields. Up until now I have been a bad pastor. Today I don't prophesy false prophecies; I don't preach only to people from my tribe; because I am not ‘boiling the grain’.” [reference to Ezekiel 46:20]
Serious for Jesus, Pastor John Doe
Bush Telegraph Missions
© copyright 2015
CONGO
Pastor Delphin, EDEN Church, reports on ‘Women At Risk’.
Dear Mama & Prayer Partners,
“Attached is a list of 355 names of widows, beaten ladies, unwed mothers, vulnerable, divorced, elderly and abused members of our group today and the amount of money they raised in ‘Widows’ Copper Program’. They collected about 75,000 francs ($81.87) after 4 months of fundraising. The goal is to show them that when they unite they are strong. On Tuesday they were surprised to know they had about $82 in the treasury.
“Members meet every Tuesday at Eden Church and on Friday at Kibwe. Ladies share testimonies and experiences. It is not easy to organize this but we hope you pray for us and God will provide. Please accept our Women at Risk Report and join us in prayer. Thanks for praying; we are doing the same for the containers.”
“I preached on Luke 18:1-13, about perseverance in prayer. God has a marvelous plan for every one of us and He will give answers to our needs.
CONGO
Letter from Pastor John, reporting on Trauma Healing Ministry at Oicha and Beni.
Dear Bush Telegraph,
“Since November 2014, Pastor John and his L2R Team of Goma, continue to assist victims and their families who were massacred, kidnapped and raped at Oicha and Beni by ADF/NALU rebels. John also sent photos and listed victims of war in North-Kivu from September 2 to October 9, 2014, at Oicha, Eringeti, Mokoko, Kokola and Ngadi.
“In March Pastor Olivier organized Trauma Healing Ministry at Beni and Oicha; training church leaders and the community. The main strategy was Post-Traumatic Intervention (PTSD), group therapy and counseling.
“In April, the L2R Team went to Mayimoya, Eringeti, Mokoko, Kokola and Ngadi Villages visiting victims’ families who experienced kidnapping, rape and abandoned children. They listened and helped with medicine.
“In May, Pastors John and Olivier held training and seminars in Trauma Healing Ministry and assisted with medicine and boxes of salt.
“Beni & Oicha Villages. Trauma is a serious problem in North-Kivu, Eastern Congo. More than 90% of people are traumatized due to wars from 1996-2008 until now. The ADF/NALU rebels continue to massacre people at Beni and Oicha towns. Since September 2014 until now, they massacred and kidnapped more than 3,000 people at Oicha, Mavivi, Mbau, Eringeti, Mokoko, Kokola, Ngadi and raped women. Some saved themselves from massacre. The pictures sent are too graphic to be shown.
Here are the facts:
* 534 kidnapped (34 men; 348 women; 152 children).
* 237 abandoned children & orphans (74 boys; 163 girls). Many under 16 yr., all need help.
* 104 raped women (aged between 14 and 33 yrs)
In total we care for 723 vulnerable people at Beni and Oicha who need our help and assistance in all ways. Pastor Olivier stayed until now in this area helping people. We pray as God gives him this opportunity.
The New Mission at Beni and Oicha:
“My Team and I plan more ministry outreaches to help those affected by trauma in North Kivu, especially at Beni and Oicha where the ADF/NALU massacred people as you saw in the photos. It took us 3 days to reach Butembo due to washed-out roads…. Our goals are:
* Training church and community leaders;
* Seminars for traumatized and vulnerable people (raped women, widows, kidnapped people, orphans,
abandoned children, etc.);
* Listening to people and minister trauma counseling;
* Organizing communal therapy for those with a common disease;
* Assistance to help pay for medicine for the sick at Oicha Hospital; and
* Preaching at the Redeemed Church of Oicha.
“At the Oicha Trauma Seminar I spoke on HOPE using Isaiah 49:15-17. The Bible says: “Shout for joy, you heavens … for the LORD comforted his people and had pity on His own in their distress”.
“Also, 'Even mothers forget their children; I (God) will not forget you.' We ministered trauma healing to more than 193 people. At the end of this seminar, we distributed salt boxes and also helped victims of rape and sexual abuse. They are following health guidelines at Oicha Hospital.”
Yours in His service, Pastor John
NORTH SUDAN NEWS BRIEF
Sudanese pastors Yat Michael and Peter Yen, were on trial and faced the death penalty. On August 7th we were told they’ve been freed! Although the judge found them guilty on some charges, he released them, saying they’d already served 8 months in prison. Worldwide prayers of Christians were answered.
CONGO
Confessions of Pastor John Doe. We’ve changed the name to protect privacy.
Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“I am like someone who has been sleeping. For 5 years I did nothing for [name of ministry]. In the beginning it was difficult to accept the burden when every morning vulnerable mamas came to my door after Mama Charlotte left. I sent them to the medical clinic but it was for a short time because they ran out of free medicine. I counseled; prayed with them; and some died ‘on my watch’:
1) Beatrice;
2) Nyirandikwe died at the Women’s Clinic;
3) Leontina died at home;
4) Stella was filthy and died of HIV at home; and
5) Tamari returned to her village and died.
SPECIAL INSERT PAGE:
A PASTOR’S CONFESSION, TESTIMONIES & MORE
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa