Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"Peter (and Angaim Village) needs a good used motorbike."
May they remember, yes indeed. Enter ‘Africa’ – and her thousands of 'Tiny Tims'. Not just those with physical handicaps, but also the abused and exploited 'Tiny Tims' in dozens of ways that leave deep emotional scars that don’t show - especially in children and orphans. They need to meet “The ONE who made lame men walk and blind men see.”
"Paul and Ann."
"Shopping bag of veggie seeds."
"Little Jackson, lf, with Bulasio, are clowns in their straw hats made by Mama Josephine."
‘TINY TIM’ GOES TO AFRICA. “A Christmas Carol”, by author Charles Dickens, has a little bit of everything: joy, sorrow, corruption, poverty and pain. But it also has hope, love and redemption. Of all the characters, Tiny Tim is perhaps the most beloved. He said: “I hope that when folks see I am lame that they remember, on Christmas Day, WHO made lame beggars walk and blind men see.”
RWANDA, KIGALI. Pastor Celestin and our partner, Guardian Angels, wrap up a busy 2017 year!
Merry Christmas to your Family and BT Ministry,
“The attached photos were taken at these churches: African Christian Church, Maranatha Church, Restoration Church, Nazarene Church, New Bible Presbyterian Church, to name a few. We appreciate your kind and loving heart to the ministry…. The last three last days of December we will deliver gifts to poor children and widows.
"Hooray! New blankets for Pastor Bernard's orphans (seen here having lunch)."
"Pastor Victor began a new church."
"Ministry at Ryabega Church."
"Pray for Pastor Henry (Patrick, far lf, Henry, 2nd on rt)."
"Calvary Surprise's 'Little Girl Dresses'."
CONGO, GOMA. Zawadi, CAAP Secretary (our partners), has good news about our Relief Supplies.
Dear Mama & Bush Partners,
“When we distribute the Relief Supplies and Food there is a pastor named Levi who will go with us. If everything is ready we will go to refugee camps on Friday. The situation in Congo has deteriorated. Suffering has doubled; many have malnutrition; others are starving to death. God's mercy is needed in Congo.”
God bless, Zawadi
[Note: we sent a donation to help with travel and supply expenses.]
“Paul and I have lived on farms all of our lives. Right now we live in the country, 30 miles from town, but because of financial issues we are not farming and do not own any livestock which we miss. Paul grew up around sheep and I grew up around cattle. We both had horses. We are waiting on God to get back into that business.
That is one reason we know you are special. We do not have money to support you BUT each time your school fees are due the Lord sends extra money. It is always just enough! Sometimes it’s a tax refund; an unexpected gift from family or friends; or an extra job. It’s fun to wait and pray to see how God answers. We praise Him for Mama Charlotte and the mission. I would love to meet Mama Josephine, a very special lady. Keep working hard at school with HOPE in the LORD. Choose JOY each day as we pray for you.”
In God’s Love, Paul and Ann, Kansas
"Mama Monicah & family ready for school."
"Pray for Selina, now home from the hospital (Josephine, far lf; Selina, 2nd lf)."
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke
"Here's your certificates - well done!"
They lived in Bumunji Village, near the Siwo River at the Ugandan-Kenyan border. Grandfather Egessa was kind to them and started educating Winifred and Sharon from 5th grade after their parents died. He spent all his money. Then in October Grandfather Egessa had severe stomach and chest pains. He stopped eating. By November he died. It was 2014.
[letter #2] Dear Mama & Bush Team,
“Peter is in Torit today. He was called by the Commissioner of Health. We had written them a request for medicine to help the Angaim Village community.
“Abraham, one of our teachers at Angaim Village, South Sudan, wants to send Christmas money to his family at the camp in Uganda. He will give Peter the money that you pay the teachers each month.
UGANDA, BUSIA. Letter from ‘Little Jackson’ (not to be confused with ‘Big Jackson’ in college).
Hello Mama & Friends,
“I am ‘little Jackson’ from Mama Josephine's family and request you send this message to all our donors for a MERRY CHRISMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. We love them so much.”
I remain ‘Little Jackson’ [high school]
[Reminder to Sponsors: School fees are due January 2018.]
"Jackson, staying on campus during the holidays, is working to help pay his school fees."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“This is how we spent the money you sent us, plus a little money from my husband, Pastor David, who works as a welder. House rent; electricity; water; posha [corn meal]; beans; charcoal; and medical treatment. I also bought small needs for Victoria and her 3 new orphans. Victoria’s brother died. She will go to her home village in the bush for 5 days and be back on Sunday. Pray for her.
“This morning I am taking Elisha, age 8, to the hospital to check his eyes. Both eyes are swollen and are paining him. He doesn't what to see light and is complaining of a headache. Today we were at the hospital with Promise. She has malaria. I paid a deposit and they started treatment. The doctor advised us to admit her but I could not because nobody is at home to help me. Pray for her that God will touch her. I will send the test results and Receipt tomorrow. Please pray for us.”
Be blessed, Mama Monicah, Kampala
With an elephant-sized heart full of love and appreciation,
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"Tiny Tim goes to Africa."
(Mama Josephine) "Pray to Jesus for help."
“I also asked Peter for quotes for a second-hand bike in South Sudan. We will compare prices. The greatest need in the community is a motor bike as it is the only transport for Angaim Village which could be a matter of life and death.
"Sharon"
"(lf-rt) Mama Elizabeth (Patrick's mother), Charlotte & Lucy (Patrick's wife)."
"Pastor Celestin connects with a street boy."
"5-gal buckets of grain and other supplies are being distributed."
"14-yr old Miracle, rt, does the work of a man to support his brother and sister."
"With Christmas money Mama Jo bought bulk food for the family."
"Bumunji Village"
PRAYER - N - PRAISE
REPORT
“In December Guardian Angel Mission had a workshop with children from different churches. We had a good time together with their Sunday School teachers who we trained. During the meeting we planned for 2018 and evaluated how 2017 went. Afterwards we sang, prayed and ate lunch together. We thank God for BTM. With your funding we were able to do more.
KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Patrick lost his step-father.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“I have been at home to plan my step-father’s funeral. It was hard for my sister and me to find money for it. We found a friend who loaned us 60,000 shillings ($583). We agreed to pay him back in portions. My mother wanted to sell her land but did not get a buyer. After the funeral I came back with the 4 boys [orphans] and left the 2 girls [orphans] with my mother. She asked that two remain with her and even go to school there. Lucy, my wife, plans to plant sugarcane
on my mother’s land in 2018.
USA. CHRISTMAS 2017. “I’m dreaming of a desert Christmas, just like the ones cowboys used to know….”
Dear Prayer Partners,
“That’s right, this year Christmas was quiet in Phoenix, Arizona. It was just Mom (that’s me) and Michelle at home, spending mother-daughter time. Michael will join us after Christmas. This was a far cry from last year when Michael and I were gallivanting around Quantico, Virginia with Wayne, Delena and the grandchildren. Then on to Chicago, Illinois, with John, Lisa and my 3 Grand pups.
“This marks our 4th year in our cozy condo in Sun City – a place I vowed I’d never live. Somehow I volunteered to put up decorations here at Cadiz Court (the name of our condos). I’m still trying to figure out how that happened. Michelle and I strung lights everywhere out front and in the court yard. Plus in our home – including a REAL Christmas tree. I also made cards, gifts and baked cookies for our 15 condo neighbors, many of whom are alone at Christmas. Carl, for example, recently lost his beloved wife Janice. One neighbor, the Scrooge of Cadiz, just lost his dog and best friend.
"Bags of beans"
"Church leaders evaluate ministry in 2017."
"Counseling Class."
"Pastor David at church."
"Christmas in Africa."
"Wilkister (3rd rt) is working in her training hospital during holidays to help pay college fees." Taken when Charlotte took the 'big girls' shopping for school supplies.
"Pastor Victor in front of his house."
When Grandfather Egessa died in 2014, relatives took advantage and tried to force the girls, Winifred, then 14, and Sharon, then 15, to “marry” so that they could steal the dowry (bride price). They also tried to sell their land. These wicked relatives mocked and threatened the girls: “If you do not marry, we will force you to work in our ‘shambas’ (gardens)!”
The relatives brought ‘rich men’ to them to ‘marry’ but the girls refused so they were beaten and tortured. Then Winifred and Sharon heard of Mama Josephine. They escaped with little Andrew and came to her house. Mama Josephine met with local officials who told her the sad story. She said to the 3 orphans, “You are welcome in my home.”
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Bernard appreciates our help.
Dear Mum & Bush Friends,
“We thank God who brought you into our lives. We appreciate the money you sent …as we were in real need due to economic challenges from recent elections. The 25 orphans we minister to through your support are fine. We did as much as we could though they still need blankets. The Village Church Planting Program is going well through your prayers and support.
“Good news! Our daughter, Annette, passed and was selected to join a national high school. We thank your mission for the continued support for orphans and vulnerable children. Greetings from Nora and my children. God bless you all.”
In the Service of the King, Pastor Bernard
[Note: we sent a Christmas bonus to buy blankets.]
“At church Pastor Henry has been sick for 5 months. His wife took him to different hospitals but no change. He says that doctors do not know his sickness and one day if Mama Charlotte was here she could tell him what medicine to use. He remembers when you gave my mother medicine and she was cured. The landlord wants to sell the plot of land where our church is but we cannot afford to buy it. Since the 6 children are growing up Lucy tells me we must look for another house for boys.”
"The angel at the top is flying - or is our tree tilting?"
"The older kids love the new study room."
"Fatuma, far lf, is working during Christmas holidays at her college (seen here in Mama Jo's shop at home where all the kids help)."
"Winifred"
December 2017
"Sunday School teachers' meeting."
"The children washing their own clothes."
"Pray for Elisha, 8 yr, and Promise, 5 yr."
"Outdoor evangelism at Rwiyemera Christian Church."
“December held many special Christmas activities, including a ladies’ meeting at Calvary Surprise. Their ‘Busy Sewing Bees’ made 40+ little girl dresses and 20 boys’ shorts. We’ve received many other relief supplies for Africa for which we thank God. On behalf of all our volunteers at home and abroad, we wish you all a Happy New Year filled with His Peace as together we reach ‘Tiny Tims’ of Africa in 2018.”
In Christ, Pastor Celestin & Guardian Angel Team
"Andrew"
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight shares the need for a motorbike.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Yesterday Peter was in Torit, South Sudan, to pick out books that were promised our school by the Ministry of Education. Peter, Valentino [Head Teacher] and the school children carried the books and two balls home on their heads. This will be very helpful but they are not enough.
“Peter’s motorbike has developed more problems and is being worked on. The engine is old and may quit any time according to the mechanic. It would be good to have a reliable second-hand bike to travel from Angaim Village to Torit. I will go into town [Kampala] tomorrow where second-hand bikes are sold for a quote.
"Zawadi, lf, and Charlotte at a refugee camp."
“Peter said that $1000 will buy a good second-hand bike and license plate in South Sudan. To buy it in Kampala will cost $1,300 due to fuel and road charges to the boarder. The type of motor bike we need for Angaim’s rocky road is either the Boxer or Yamaha. The ones for sale in South Sudan like the Seke and Baja are not strong enough to manage rough roads and would break down easily. It’s best to buy one in Kampala that would last a long time. I am willing to ride it from Kampala, Uganda, to South Sudan if necessary. Thanks.”
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: Pray for Sunlight’s safety. He’s in South Sudan during Christmas holidays.]
UGANDA, BIDI-BIDI REFUGEE CAMP. Victor, of Angaim Village, fled from South Sudan with his family.
Dear Mama & Bush Friends,
“My family and I are in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp, the largest in Uganda in Yumbe District. We had a wonderful service today. Four women accepted Christ. We plan a fellowship next Sunday. My family and I are fine, it’s the challenges of clothes and soap for church members, especially small children. Some are naked because the UN does not provide clothes. We fled with only the clothes on our backs.
“Christmas is an important time for me to encourage refugee pastors in surrounding camps. I’m now back home from ministering to them. I didn’t reach some camps due to transport cost as they are far. Continue to pray for my family and my [high school] education which I hope to complete. Thank you.”
Pastor Victor, Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp
"Our cozy condo - Moving-in Day, January 2015."
"The school children carried books back on their heads."
“During November we did more missions. One evangelistic outreach was at Musenyi at Rwiyemera African Christian Church, Eastern Province. We sent a team. First we had outside preaching and singing. The rest of the ministry was held inside Ryabega Church, located about 3 hours from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
"Pastor Victor encourages pastors from Sudan living in the camps."
UGANDA, KAMPALA. Mama Monicah has been dealing with much sickness with the orphans.
Dear Friends & Mama,
“This is how we spent the money for Widow Victoria who took in the 3 new orphans last month:
* 4 mattresses at 75,000 ea ($20.80) = 300,000 shillings ($83);
* 4 blankets at 25,0000 ea ($7) = 100,000 shillings ($28);
* Little Promise’s medical fees = 115,000 shillings ($30.50). I borrowed from my friend.
You asked me to give Victoria 34,500 shillings ($9.50) but she asked me to add more and buy her a mattress too. The one she had is very old, broken and dirty. So I bought her a mattress and blanket. There was not enough money for sheets. We shared our food. Mama Victoria has malaria. Please pray for her.
“Miracle, the 14-yr old, does a man’s work to support his little brother and sister. He has been a ‘father’ to them. He looks older because of the hard life he’s lived. Miracle as I mentioned can’t speak or hear and has never been to school. Elisha is 8 and Promise is 5. The other small boy in the photo is the neighbor's child who plays with them. We love and appreciate you all. God bless you.”
We love you, Mama Monicah
[Note: we sent extra for Christmas and Victoria’s 3 orphans.]
"Congratulations! Annette with her twin brothers".
That was June 11, 2015, following 6 months of torture and abuse. The girls were traumatized so Mama counseled and gave them time to heal. They asked one question: “Mama Josephine, will we have a chance to go to school?” Fast forward to 2017.
Today Winifred and Sharon are good students, in high school, and love their other ‘brothers and sisters’. Andrew is in 3rd grade. He is in 5th place in a class of 67 children.
Mama Josephine always tells them, “Let us pray to Jesus for help.” This is the story of 3 ‘Tiny Tims of Africa’ who, because of YOU, now have ‘Hope, Love and Redemption'. There are many many more. Once again this proves God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thank you for praying for this ministry. And as Tiny Tim says, “God bless us every one.”
Once upon a time in Africa, were two sisters, Winifred, 9, and Sharon, 10. Sadly, their father died of AIDS. A year later, after the birth of Baby Andrew, their mother was also diagnosed with AIDS. She lost her mind and died soon after but was never found. Neighbors said her body was taken by the flood waters on the Siwo River.
Grandmother Sophie then took in the three orphans. But she was old, sickly and had great sorrow from losing all her children. Soon she too died. The children then stayed with Grandfather Egessa. The girls comforted the old man and cared for Baby Andrew.
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
[Note: we sent extra funds for Christmas.]
USA. FROM THE MAIL BOX. We asked Mama Josephine’s orphans’ sponsors to write a letter to their child, which I will hand-deliver when I go. Selina, who we wrote about earlier (had malaria), is one of them.
Dear Selina,
“It is a blessing to pay your school fees and hear of your plans to be a medical professional. It takes a special person to help other people that way. I (Ann) always enjoyed math, but science was hard for me. My daughter and her husband are both science teachers at the local high school and college level respectively.
UGANDA, BUSIA. Mama Josephine’s kids really enjoy their new study room – there’s been sickness, too.
Dear Bush Telegraph Family & Mama,
“Some children have had malaria but are now improving. Selina was taken to the hospital and now improved and back home. She had malaria, diarrhea and vomiting. I got medicine at the hospital for the children at home with malaria. They will be fine. The doctor said they should drink lots of water.
“The new study room for the older children you built last year is marvelous. The new desks and lamps help us when the electricity is gone and we enjoy the light. My 3 College students are at the end of their semester exams.
1) Jackson, in Vet College, said they will pay ¼ of his tuition plus his personal needs if he remains on campus working during Christmas holidays.
“2) Fatuma is also in college. I went to Bugiri District and requested the Chief Administrative Officer to allow Fatuma to work there during holidays so that she can earn money. The CAO accepted my request and promised to give her a job. He informed me what she will earn during Christmas holidays. Fatuma is at the end of her semester exams. When she finishes she will report to Bugiri District for work.
“3) Finally Wilkister is studying nursing at college. She has a job in a private hospital in Kenya where she goes to school. She is being paid per week and at the end of Christmas holidays she will be able to pay towards her school fees. Thank you for your support and advice. May the Lord bless and protect you.”
Yours in Christ, Mama Josephine & Family
[Note: Thanks to YOU, we sent Mamas Josephine & Christine a generous Christmas donation!]