December 2014

[Note: We hired a contractor who’s begun building 5 widows’ houses; a latrine; & kitchen on church property.]

Pastor John, Tororo

“Thank you for the money for our house rent…. Also thank you for your support for Mercy’s artificial leg. She is learning how to walk with it [see photo]. She will soon get used to it. The Widow Dwiga is admitted to the hospital for stomach pain…. She was operated on during her last birth 20 years ago and at times cannot eat…. This makes her weak. She is staying with my nephew near Teacher Sarah. Keep Widow Dwiga in prayer as she lives alone. All her children died…. Can we build one room with a kitchen for … Widow Dwiga … as her life is lonely - a problem when she’s sick…. Next we’ll build a house for Widow Teddy who stays with Mama Florence.

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

Letter from Pastor John who oversees Peace Church & Preschool plus 12 orphans.

UGANDA,TORORO

Classes meet under trees now

Construction of the new school at Angaim Village has begun

Charlotte

Doing New Things in 2015,

God has brought us through ‘mighty waters’ in 2014. Like the Israelites of Egypt, God gave us a vision because YOU partnered with us. We look ahead to the opportunities that 2015 holds. He is truly making “a way in the wilderness” for those we serve. Do a New Thing by interceding in prayer for the Persecuted Church.

“…The LORD says - He who made a way through the sea, a path through mighty waters … ‘… I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; … I am making a way in the wilderness; streams in the wasteland.” [Isa 43:16, 19]

NEW YEAR, NEW THING

USA CHRISTMAS BITS-N-PIECES

Greetings to all, Pastor Celestin, Kinshasa

“… Guardian Angel is my vision … to promote evangelism. I have interested other faithful Rwandans, especially those who have the heart of an Evangelist. We work with or without finances simply using the little … available …. God is my source of provision. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength’.”

“This week I'm preaching in a Children’s Camp ... totaling 1,500…. The children are on holiday. We want to teach them about Christ and His love…. My Team and I wore red shirts … to promote the next generation to be God fearing – to ‘train up a child a way he should go’. This camp is appreciated…. Tomorrow we close the camp.”

“Some … could only stand up with help. One … person I was ministering to… could not pay attention but at the end he left the room walking by himself…. Many were treated for the toxin in their bodies caused by drug addiction. Some of them had divorced their wives … and many … lost their Jobs because of … drinking…. The first thing we did was introduce them to what … we can do to help…. At first … they thought it was funny but later admired us when they saw results. I introduced myself as a pastor…. I explained that it's … to help communities regardless of religion, color, or race … to transform their lives….”

“We spent … Christmas Eve helping 50 people using drugs and alcohol in Kabeza Street, Kanombe Sector…. As people were preparing … for Christmas we were busy delivering healing as ‘gifts to suffering people’. These were men and women taking … alcoholic and marijuana. Because it was Christmas … many … were drunk and the hall we were using (free of charge) smelled of alcohol.

Letter from Pastor Celestin.

RWANDA, KIGALE

[Note: we are supporting Ps. John & his Team’s ministry and outreaches.]

[Note: we sent money for school fees for all the children.]

Yours in Christ, Mama Josephine & family

“My Ugandan orphans are on school holiday. Their schools reopen February 2nd. My Kenyan orphans return to school on January 5th. Attached are report cards for the Ugandan children and a photo of them holding their Christmas gifts…. Some children wanted new clothes for church while others wanted new shoes…. We … pray that Almighty God will … bless you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

“We received the extra money you sent. I used it to buy gifts for each of the 33 children; a Christmas tree and decorations. I also bought medicine; food for the children; and paid the water and electricity bill. I remained with 43,100 shillings ($15)…. Pastor Henry was at our home encouraging the children to read and help with chores. He also brought us yams, potatoes and maize [corn]…. His little boy, Joseph, was sick and admitted to Masafu Hospital for two weeks. We thank God that he has recovered….

We thank God for your effort to make sure we registered our church with the government. I am happy to let you know that we are now registered after a long process and many challenges. We were not supposed to be registered because we don’t own the land for the church. By the Grace of God we managed on the condition that by October 2015 we have our own land. We now have the Certificate with the name Wings of Faith Ministries….

“Thank you for the love you've shown…; for being a friend and bringing cheer to dismal days. May God bless you as you share … the love of God. Thank you for the … helping hand….

Dear Mom & Bush Mission,

Letter from Pastor Walter who is putting his life back together since his wife ran away. She took their 3 children plus everything of value. He remains committed to the Lord.

KENYA, BUSIA

KENYA, RUIRU

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015 to our faithful Prayer Partners! How are those New Year’s Resolutions working out? I saw that grimace on your face! Sorry I asked. Here’s my three: 1st, eat a little chocolate and a lot of spinach every day. It sure keeps me happy and high on ‘B’ vitamins. 2nd, getting in shape – except I forgot to take the store tags off my new gym clothes before working out. And 3rd? That my commitment to missions in Africa and my love of His people will exceed my love of chocolate. You better hold me to it!

Prayer ~N~ Praise

Report

Monicah at church leading

Sunday School

Ps. John & orphan Mercy wearing new prosthetic leg

Mama Josephine & orphans holding their new clothes

Pastor Henry (blue shirt, back row, lf. holding bag) with church members in front of the new church/preschool under construction

Pastor Patrick, his 6 orphans wearing their new clothes & gifts

Walter & Charlotte outside church

Christmas in Africa

Katey Hearth, author serving with Open Doors, Dec. 23, 2014

“We know that prayer has moved mountains and changed the course of history. It’s changed leaders’ hearts; it’s changed nations. Persecuted Christians have seen this over and over again.”

Most important, pray

“In countries where there’s so much more persecution, one would think that it would stop the growth of the Church, right? That’s what these Islamic extremist groups are all attempting to do,” Fuentes says. “But the most amazing thing that we’ve seen is that it causes the complete opposite – the Gospel to flourish.”

“In many cases – and 2014 is no different, stopping the Church is like killing weeds: the more you try to eradicate them, the more they grow.”

Persecution Paradox

“Syria, another persecution hotspot … in the headlines, jumped from #37 to #3 on the Open Doors World Watch List in just three years. Every year there are more and more African nations on the World Watch List. “They continue to rise because of Islamic extremist groups, like al-Shabaab and Boko Haram.” Yet, hope prevails.

“For example, Christians in Iraq previously faced persecution on a ‘moderate’ level: believers were pressured by society and governmental restrictions. It was ‘never the whole Christian community fearing for their lives, like they are now,” Fuentes shared.

“From the ISIS crisis to Nigeria’s kidnapped schoolgirls, much of this year’s persecution springs from a single source: radical Islam. We are seeing the rise of Islamic extremism in many countries where it wasn’t necessarily as present – or even present – before,” said Fuentes.

Our Mobile Home was on the market for nearly a year; finally sold in December – what a wonderful Christmas present! A fine vet who defended our country for 30 years bought it.

Rachel Circle’s Christmas meeting; the Christmas Eve candlelight service; and Women’s Luncheon were but a few of many Christmas events that remind us of the real ‘Reason for the Season’ - JESUS.

Charlie loves his new fuzzy blanket from – guess where – Ross. He took me shopping and picked out Old Yeller dog food – a first. Funny thing, Laurel and Pebbles (our kitties) love it more than Charlie.

My new Mr. Ninja food processor does everything – in fact, it’s running the whole kitchen now! (smile) I just sit back and watch.

Have a nice day in Jesus Christ, Pastor John

“In … Rutshuru … we trained L2R Caregivers in Trauma Healing. We also assisted returning refugees by giving them hoes to cultivate their fields…. Please, we urgently request prayer for our Trauma Team at Beni, Oicha and elsewhere in this conflict area…. We are thankful for your support. Finally, my coworker and I are traveling to South Sudan on January 21st to conduct a Trauma Healing Program. We were invited by Christians in Leer. Pray for Passports, preparations and program as it will be a long journey with many unknowns.”

“In December … we organized a 3-day outreach in Goma to Street Kids at Virunga Baptist Church on Saturday. Many … delinquent youth made decisions to follow Jesus. Like the ‘Prodigal Son’ in Luke 15:11-32, they returned to their homes and parents. Some started training for jobs … supported by Christian volunteers in Goma. A street boy named Jackson was baptized [see photo]. Pray for him and his faith in Christ.

“Have a Happy New Year 2015 in Jesus Christ…. I am now at Beni and Oicha … to comfort the Trauma Healing Team…. The situation is critical. The ADF/NALU continues killing and massacring Christians in this area. They are traumatized and think that MONUSCO (the French name for United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) is … behind the massacre…. Since October-November 2014, more than 240 people were massacred at Beni, Ngadi, Mavivi, Oïcha, Eringeti, Kokola and elsewhere…. Because of this we organized a Trauma Healing Ministry outreach at Oïcha … to help people…. We need your prayers.

Dear Bush Telegraph & All,

Letter from Pastor John who oversees Northern Kivu’s evangelism, trauma and counseling.

Yours Faithfully, Pastor Sunlight

“We lost two churches out of five. One church in Keberek ‘sleeps’ because the pastor died. The church at Miji-leme ‘sleeps’ due to an incompetent leader who left the church…. Attached are the school Reports for Susan, Dan, Godfry and John … they all did well. We are having a bad internet connection at school but today it worked. Thanks for your prayers and support.”

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

Letter from Pastor Henry, spiritual advisor for Mama Josephine.

Blessings, Pastor Patrick

“Thank you very much for the Christmas donation. I’ve sent a photo of the gifts I bought for … the children’s Christmas…. The church is fine. I’ve been very sick with typhoid…. Thank you for your prayers, I’m getting better. My wife has been with me all the time I was sick. Now she will go care for her mother next week who is sick. We have a least 5 people who got saved since we bought the keyboard [piano]. We will move to another place soon…. Now we boil drinking water and the children sleep under [mosquito] nets. We wish you happy New Year 2015.”

Dear Servants of God,

Letter from Pastor Patrick.

Your beloved son, Pastor Walter, Ruiru

“Thank you again for your prayers and encouraging me to continue in the faith despite challenges…. When I was in need you came by my side … as I cried. You held out your hand telling me, ‘I understand’. You gave me new hope when I felt I couldn't cope. You cheered up my heart. You made me laugh and showed love when life got tough…. May God bless you.”

UGANDA/SOUTH SUDAN

UGANDA, KAMPALA

UGANDA, BUSIA

BushTelegraphAfrica

Our Home Sweet Home at Cadiz Court

‘Cadiz Court’ where we now live, was decked out in cheery Christmas lights. I passed out homemade pumpkin pie, fudge, fruitcake, and cookies to residents, friends and family. The last time I checked, they were still alive.

Mr. Ninja food processor does everything!

The 'coffin' was new luggage!

Charlotte, Delena & Michelle

Why?

“How would you rate 2014? Good? Bad? Somewhere in-between? Open Doors, USA, say it’s been a rough year for the Universal Church, especially in Africa. There has been more persecution in 2014 than any year in recent history. Even non-Christian news agencies and secular news agencies are paying attention. To quote Fuentes, who has been with Open Doors for a decade: “In my entire time here, I have never seen … the types of stories (widespread persecution) or the significant increase globally in persecution.”

Dear Friends of the Persecuted Church,

WORLD PERSECUTION

Letter from Open Doors

INSERT PAGE – 2014 SETS A NEW PERSECUTION RECORD!

Delena, my daughter-in-law from California, and friend Shannon, made a surprise visit, laden down with gifts. One box, the size of a coffin, had me worried. Never fear, it held a set of beautiful luggage.

The Kids didn’t make it home for Christmas due to work & keeping our country safe.

Michelle worked holiday hours at Ross over Christmas. It was open until 12:30 am. She said, “Mom … I can’t believe people BEGIN Christmas shopping at 12:29 am! We have to stay open until they’re gone…!” And now you know where all our Christmas gifts came from.

“… Happy Christmas and New Year…. We appreciate your love and care for my family both physically and spiritually…. We closed our university on December 18 for the holiday. I will be visiting my church in Angaim Village, South Sudan, so I can supervise construction of the new school…. I will also encourage the … ministry…. We will plan next year’s Leadership Training to manage the churches and Zion School. Please pray for me.

Dear Mami & Bush Telegraph,

Letter from Pastor Sunlight of South Sudan, studying in Kampala at African Bible University. The whole family, also in school, is with him.

[Note: we sent money for all medical costs; Samuel is now home and doing well.]

Monicah & Pastor David, Kampala

“Thank you for the money …. Samuel is healing well. I took him to the specialist who referred me to Mulago Hospital…. The … problem was with Samuel’s eyes. They caused the headaches in the small veins of the eyes to the brain. There is a medical term that I cannot spell…. Samuel says that he no longer feels pain in his head and also his eyes which were red are now a normal color. We are happy for Samuel. The doctor … discharged him on Saturday…. We need to pay before he is released … so … send by Friday. We shall return for a checkup in 5 days.”

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

Letter from Pastor David & Monicah who care for 12 street kids. Good news about Samuel!

Dear Mama and Bush Mission,

Letter from Mama Josephine. A lot has happened since she last wrote: it’s all good.

In Christ, Pastor Henry, Busia

“… Mama Josephine just came home from the hospital in Kampala…. She called to say she had malaria. Also when she was bathing she fell down and hurt herself. She came home Saturday…. Her body is weak. She is taking medicine. The children did well in her absence…. Thank you for the … support. My church and I have resumed construction on the Preschool and Church. I will send you a report with photos and accountability for the money. My wife Teresa, family, church … and preschool send warm regards…. Thank you and God bless you….”

For the first time, because of YOU, we were able to bring a little Christmas cheer to our widows, orphans, church leaders and vulnerable people. No, it wasn’t chocolate, but it made them soooooo happy! Thank you for praying. We could not have made it through 2014 without your help.

When you live in a house the size of a walk-in closet; sleep on a mud floor with creepy-crawlies; eat boiled grass; and can't pay school fees; a parent will do almost anything to get something extra for their children, even if they have to steal. That’s when Christmas becomes a burden. This is REALITY in most of the parts of Africa where we serve.

December was full of celebrating Christmas and all that goes with it: ‘shop-‘til-you-drop’; a real Christmas tree (thanks Michelle for hanging lights); special events; visits with family and friends; and lovely gifts. For our precious brothers in Africa in conflict and war zones - Christmas isn’t about lights or shopping. And often not even Jesus’ birth. Rather, it’s about putting a little meat (considered a luxury) on the table and surviving one more day.

CONGO, GOMA