Carrying water for neighbors
Matgoanar, Senior 3
Craig Lofton & family
Pastor Celestin preaches on 'Emmanuel'
RWANDA
Pastor Celestin, Director Guardian Angels, had a change of plans.
Hello!
“Christmas went well. We reached many people in December, including children. We were to go to the Church at Byimana. At the last moment the pastor postponed it…. They start school February 20th so we will take school supplies … to poor students. So we changed plans and were invited to a large church in Kigali to perform a play: Birth of Jesus. Also we received the money plus an extra Christmas gift for my family….
“At the end of the play I preached to a large crowd. Also we ministered to children…. Rwanda has had a drought for several years and people are starving. We shared bread and tea with the children so at Christmas
they could eat something. My message was ‘Emmanuel’ - God with us in all situations. Thanks for all you do for our Ministry and my family…. We love and pray to you.”
May God be with you, Pastor Celestin, Guardian Angel Ministries
Dot and Wayne
Working in gardens
The new house has 3 bedrooms
The new church on the new plot
THE PERSECUTED AROUND THE WORLD.
Dear Lord,
“May we work together to give Muslim people the freedom to change their faith; to live out and practice their new faith; and to experience freedom, justice and equality in their homeland as non-Muslims. True empowerment comes through Christ alone.
“We pray for:
Sewing machines
Sunlight, Susan and family
2016
Trading Satan’s Ashes for Jesus’ Beauty,
Charlotte
Baby layette blankets
UGANDA
Mama Monicah & Pastor David have moved; and Salima is much improved.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Thank you for your prayers and support…. Salima had blood tests … and the result was malaria and typhoid…. The Dr. began treatment…. The bill was 550,000 shillings [$153.26]…. She was weak and couldn't stand or walk… I request your support to save Salima's life. The first treatment given never worked. She was well for three days and then fell sick again. For two weeks I have been with her…. Salima is now improving…. I believe and trust God that nothing will happen to her….”
“Our landlord gave us until February 2 to leave his house…. I have gone through many challenges the past two months…. Our children start school on Monday, January 30th. We need prayer because we don’t know where to move but trust God for the family.
“I am having back pain since Tuesday. I can’t sit for long or stand as it hurts too much. I went for an x-ray. The bones have separated and the Dr. said I have been doing too much work and carrying heavy things. I did this when I worked in Busia town some years back. I need your prayers.
Monicah, Kampala Church
[Note. We sent extra money for medical fees.]
* Gloria for sacrificing nice clothes for her African sisters.
USA ‘THE REST OF THE STORY…’ Remember Pastor Lofton, called home last Christmas?
Hello!
“Recently our dad, Wayne Lofton, passed away. We understand that he and our mom supported (your) efforts. We all prayed about what to do with the Memorial Fund received after dad’s funeral. We would like to give that fund to you to help further the ongoing missionary efforts.”
Sincerely,
Dot Lofton, Shay Clark, & Craig Lofton
CONGO
Letter from Pastor Delphin whom we haven’t heard from in months. He brings us up to date.
Dear Mama & Bush Prayer Partners,
“We are grateful for your prayers during the critical moments we passed through the past few months. Today things seem better. I just came back from an outreach to Rugamba Village in Rutshuru District. I met the widow Jeanne whose family hosted me for two weeks [see Jeanne’s testimony on page 1]:
In Him, Pastor Delphin
[Note. We sent money to begin construction of the new
church in Rugamba]
Sunlight's new baby boy
“ … BEAUTY FOR ASHES…” How can God turn the ‘ashes’ of war; a husband’s death; sickness; a widow’s moral downfall; into ‘beauty’? This is the story of Jeanne, as told by Congo Pastor Delphin.
Mama Nora and the children
CONGO
Mama Zawadi, CAAP Secretary & my translator, spent Christmas in England.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“I am not back yet in Congo because my Residential Visa expired. It takes time to apply…. I had a wonderful Christmas with my family in England including an All Night Prayer Service, where they even prayed for Congo…. I forwarded your message to CAAP. They were happy to hear from you and CAAP’s Board of Directors wrote you and copied me…. I carry vulnerable and distressed people in my heart and still serve the Lord through CAAP. Once the Congo Visa is sorted out I will return….”
God bless, Mama Zawadi
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in His sight. [Psalm 72:14]
“Widow Jeanne wants to serve the Lord with all her heart. She gave a plot of land to Delphin, pastor of EDEN Church in Goma. This week he began to build a new church on that plot. God opened doors to buy 60 iron sheets before Easter 2017. Meantime the church is meeting beneath a well-worn tarp held by four poles; 21 adults and 30 children attend, thanks to Prayer Partners. Christ gave Jeanne the ‘beauty’ of His own life to replace the ‘ashes’ in her life.
“Mobilize the Church to strengthen, encourage and support precious brothers and sisters around the world who want nothing more than to serve Jesus without fear of harm, harassment and the threat of execution.
“Your Word teaches us that where there’s unity, there’s blessing: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity...There the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore’ (Psalm 133).
“May God’s people lock arms together and come alongside persecuted Christians in 2017 — releasing God’s blessing upon those who live in places where faith costs the most.”
Amen [adapted Open Doors]
* Norma of Phoenix cleaned out her closet – beautiful fashions for our pastors’ wives.
The community college - pray it is operational soon
Sharing tea and bread with the children.
The CAAP Team deliver container supplies at a refugee camp
USA- ORCHIDS TO:
KENYA, BUSIA
Pastor Patrick found a new school for his 6 orphans.
Grace & Peace to You Saints of God,
“They took all 6 orphans at Bulanda Primary School, but wanted them in school uniforms. I paid what was needed. We bought material and gave it to the tailor to sew…. I bought shoes, socks, shoe polish, brushes, rulers, two pens each a set for math. Teachers refused to allow them until they had their new uniforms. Abby … was promoted to 6thgrade; John and Samuel remain in 5th, Neville and Nereah remain in 4th; and Emmanuel was promoted to 2nd grade.
[later] “Thank you for support of the children's uniforms. Today they shine as they go to school. They have two uniforms each…. We have a drought; no rain since October. Shallow [wells] around us are dry. We have to buy water…. The price of food has gone high. A kg (2 lb) of [corn meal] costs 130 shillings ($1.25); a kg of sugar is 160 ($1.54); and a kg of rice is 200 ($1.93). I’ve learned that as the children grow, they eat a lot of food. We have been making the same amount but they cry that they are still hungry. On Friday the school said to pay early so they can pay their workers. All send greetings….”
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
[Note. We paid school fees, uniforms, rent. Patrick bought
school supplies.]
New house for 15 kids at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp
* Don’s Kiwanis’ Group of CO for 5 box of sturdy wooden toys: cars, planes, animals – a whole zoo!
Moral Downfall
The Widow Nyajima's shack at Bweyale Camp
Selina
is now improving
* Paul & Ann of Kansas for the box of empty prescription bottles.
Death
* Bruce, Norma’s hubby, gave up prized baseball caps – great for ‘David’s Pouches’.
Beautiful fashions for pastors' wives
Pray for Monicah's back
Drummer boy
* Piecekeepers of Calvary for 3 beautiful sewing machines; 2 bolts of plaid flannel material – perfect for sewing boys’ clothes; and 10 baby layette blankets.
Neville fetches water from far due to drought
UGANDA, BUSIA
Mama Josephine’s “older children” are working at odd jobs.
Dear Bush Mission Friends & Mama,
“I received 10 new orphans in January … but had to send them back to the Local Council who brought them. I told them I … do not have room for more…. I was sad to do that as they are suffering. The older kids are getting small jobs to help with school supplies. They … sell water and collect it from the local spring. They carry it to houses in 5-gal. cans…. In a day the older boys collect 10-25 cans … and earn 3,000-7,000 shillings [.84 - $1.95]. Some children dig in gardens … and are paid 4,000 shillings [$1.11] a day.
“Bulasio, Serina and Barbra worked and bought a popcorn machine. They sell in the evenings to earn money. This term they bought school supplies and saved the rest…. We pray God will … help us. Attached are photos of the older children doing small jobs. If we can buy a small fridge then the children can sell cold drinking water…. We are in a dry season and all the fields are dry, but the children keep going out to work in people’s gardens; fetch water; and also porter work at construction sites…. We love and pray for you….”
Yours in Christ, Mama Josephine & Family
Ps Patrick with his orphans
Pastor David & the Widow Project at church
Pastor Delphin, rt., and Elder Timothy in the new church
CONGO
Our 1st letter ever received - in English - from Louis, Director of CAAP, our Goma partner.
Dear Bush Telegraph & Mother,
“Zawadi sent us your news and we are very pleased. We thank our God for … your dedication to vulnerable people…. We thank God for the gift of Peace He has given to the people. We were afraid of a political crisis after December 20, 2016, when President Kabila's term came to an end. Fortunately, Men of God led a Mediation with courage and perseverance; and politicians for once heard the message of Wisdom. We hope this Mediation will lead to the … organization of free, democratic … elections….
“Insecurity continues to plague our North Kivu province. Refugee Camps for IDPs have increased, especially in Rutshuru area, where the M23 Rebels have returned. They had been confined in Uganda but escaped! We believe the God of Peace will spare us from … war by giving our country and province … peace.
“Dear Mother, we carry you in our heart…. We think to you, your heroic courage in serving the Lord alongside the most vulnerable people. You encourage us. Unfortunately, language barriers make me lack the courage to write often. I do it through Mama Zawadi who writes good English, but, I would like to communicate directly with you, as I do now.
“This year I resolve to break the language barrier that separates us. I announce my entry into the School of Languages as ‘a new day’. It’s managed by Christians…. There we learn English and also … study God’s Word. CAAP-Tujitegemee Team and my family … wish your Team a happy New Year 2017….”
Louis, CAAP – Tujitegemee, Director
SUDAN / UGANDA
Rev. Stephen’s children are back to school. He reaches out to a refugee widow.
Dear Bush Mission,
“My children will enter school on February 5th in Uganda. School fees are increased for: 1) Tekuoth - 7th; 2) Nyakuoth - – 7th; 3) Matgoanar - Senior 3 (high school). Every two years they change uniforms…. 4) Nyatiek sat for exams last December. The results came out yesterday… but we don’t yet know her school fees…. Total school fees are 1,782,000 shillings [$497]… plus 82,000 [$23] for Matgoanar’s uniform.
[later] “Thank you for your [offer] to pay 2/3’s of each child’s fees. My friends helped me … for … the rest of the money…. Send what you can…. Nyatiek will be sent in two days.
“Widow Nyajima at Bweyale Camp, a part of Kirnyadogo Refugee Camp, is suffering. Rain started last week and her roof is very bad. I fear the mud house walls will fall down on her 4 children and sick mother during heavy rains. Can you send [money] to build a traditional house to protect her family…?”
Thanks. God bless you, Rev Stephen, Moderator SWUNP/Leer
[Note. We sent money for school fees & began the widow’s house.]
Life was painful in those post-war days raising 6 children alone. Jeanne was forced into prostitution to put food on the table. She became a drunkard and fell into darkness. Every time this happened her son, Maniraguha, came looking for her to take her home. He saved her life many times. What love!
L-R Charlotte, Rev. Stephen, Mama Regina and Luz
KENYA, KAKAMEGA
Pastor Bernard’s family moved into their new rental house.
Dear Bush Prayer Partners & Mum,
“Last year was full of challenges as we served the less fortunate members of our community, however, your support finds us at our point of greatest need…. We have two sons in National High Schools…. Annette is in her final year in Primary School and the twins are in grade 4. Norah is now in charge of HIV/AIDS at the prison where she works. We moved into the new rental and thank God for your support…. The orphans at my home village are fine and reported back to school courtesy of your support.
“BTM helped our situation. The Community College is not fully operational. The sponsor had a sick brother in India. He passed away last December; however the sponsor is committed to make the college operational by April. Maybe he will consider paying me a salary as Administrator once it’s active.
“It’s very hot in Kenya with drought. Prices of food and vegetables have gone up…. When rain returns in March food will be affordable. Pray we’ll be able to pay school fees for our sons in high school. We … are grateful for the support … as shown in the Receipts attached. Pass our love … to … BTM….”
Pastor Bernard, Kakamega, Kenya
SUDAN / UGANDA
Pastor Sunlight is a new daddy!
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Thanks for adding more for the church construction at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp…. The church is 18 ft X 36 ft…. Prices have increased so the … total cost is 3,117,000 shillings ($870) including labor for the roofer. All other jobs like water for mixing cement; raising pillars; collecting or transport; will be done by church members. After I left Kiryandongo Camp I … entrusted the church construction to Pastor Thomas, a friend…. The Kiryandongo Refugee Camp children are in their new house and thankful for your support.
“Susan gave birth to a baby boy named Had in … Kampala. I was with her…. She had complications and the baby didn’t breath. They applied oxygen and now he’s home and OK. If we had been in Sudan, the baby would have died. As you know I lost my baby Joshua at 7 months in January 2016 in Sudan of sickness.
“My own children started back to school. I did not have even one payment. The fees for all the children are 1,876,000 shillings ($524): John - Senior I (high school freshman); Dan - 3rd grade; Humo – 1st grade; and little Charlotte – kindergarten…. The only schools with less fees was Bridge School. In Angaim Village, Sudan … children started back to school…. There are 350 students. I talked to … Pastor Peter this morning. Pastor Victor is training children … on Christ's character…. I appreciate your sacrifice and love for my people…. May God rise up leaders who shall bring peace to South Sudan….”
Yours faithfully, Pastor Sunlight
[Note. We sent money for Sunlight’s kid’s school fees; Sudan teachers’ salaries; and Susan’s medical fees.]
Home-work time on the living room floor
The kids are making popcorn to sell
Sickness
The children are growing and eat a lot!
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
1) Iraq as Christians return to their homeland to rebuild their lives;
2) Nigeria and increasing attacks against Christians; and
3) Central Asia and a resurgence of ‘cold war’ tactics and torture.
[Letter #2]
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“We move tomorrow. We found a house to rent…. I request you help us pay rent…. The new landlord demands 3 month’s rent up front. I am sick and weak now but I believe God will heal me. My [16] children look healthy because of what God is using you to do in their lives. I… thank God for your love for us to make the homeless, fatherless and hungry to have a home with people who love and care about them. They eat each day and have clothes to put on….
“My children decided to fast every Thursday to pray for you…. They love you and pray for you all. Our church members are picking up our vision. They collected money to help widows in the community. We bought soap and sugar…. We request your prayers for the growth of this ministry.
Be blessed, Mama Monicah, Kampala Church
[Note. We added 3 month’s rent, they have moved.]
Louis, Director of CAAP
Long pants for children
Empty prescription bottles
Our program was at a large church in Kigali
Women At Risk receive hope
Prayer ~N~ Praise
Report
Pastor David, Monicah & children ready for school
Type your paragraph here.
Nyakuoth - 7th grade
Louis and Team deliver our food to vulnerable people
The nativity play: wise men bring gifts
February
The old house only had two bedrooms
Zawadi & Charlotte show the video Magdalene to 'Women At Risk'
Marylin, rt, with granddaughter
* Sandy’s Sewing Group of MI for a super-sized box of 80 pr children's flannel long pants; medicines; flannel material for flannel-graph boards; and empty prescription bottles.
“Thank you for helping us replace ‘ashes’ with Jesus’ beautiful life in Africa. Here’s the rest of the verse: “ … the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.” [Isaiah 61:3]
Bush Telegraph Missions
© copyright 2017
War
Annette and the twin boys
Prayer and Praise Team
Digging the new church foundation
M23 Rebels
“Two years passed. One day she accepted Jesus Christ and her life changed. Today she lives in peace with her four sons: Timothee, Maniraguha, Niyonzima and Bimenya now married. They’ve given her 13 grandchildren. Her daughter, Nyirabashitsi, is married with 3 children totaling 16 grandchildren. Her youngest daughter, Furaha, graduated this year. Jeanne’s problem now is Bimenya’s salvation. He’s the only child who has not accepted Christ. Pray he receives Jesus.
USA -FROM THE MAILBOX
This great-granny shared a “Prayer-N-Praise Report” with her family.
Dear Bush Telegraph,
“Thank you for the December 2016 Report…. So glad you put in the story of Mator, the Lost Boy, as he told many details. A beautiful story of God's grace, guidance and love. And Mator continued doing God's work after all he went through. He got saved and heard God's voice and is obeying [Him]….
“I can't wait to send this to my granddaughter and her daughter. They are still walking with the Lord in their many struggles that can't compare with Mator. Crystal, my granddaughter, is working two jobs and Maddie, her daughter, too…. They made bad decisions in the past but now stay close to the Lord….
“I keep praying and they do too. Crystal said they are still able to go to church on Sunday…. I'm thankful God provided for me so I can help her out with things. She doesn't complain or ask but God gets it there at the right time. She knows God's teachings from these challenges. Thank you for all you do.”
Love in Christ, Marylin, Texas
Wooden cars, trucks & animals
“Jeanne Musekura’s husband died after the first Congo War for Liberation in 1997. After the war she and her 6 children returned home from their hiding place. An epidemic of amoeba raged through her village killing many.
Baseball caps for 'David's Pouches'
Deaconess Phoebe and Dorcas pray over the
new church plot