"A few Bush Telegraph board members."
BUSH TELEGRAPH
© All Rights Reserved 2026
"Three Street Boys are graduated to Secondary School (High School) in Torit town as Angaim Village has no high school."
January - April
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Some of the older kids got small jobs and come back in the evening. Below is the new list of kids who are in the photos. New orphans are Thomas (6) and Blessed Mary (2) from last year. Four new kids are: Annabelle; Marcus; Michelle; and Patricia. Their story is written in the letter and stamped by Local Council. They were homeless. Kids who went to school last year are: Anna Grace; Emmanuel; Victor; Ibrahim; Patrick; Brighton. Sharon finished her college course.
[Later] “Below is the list of children who finished Senior 6 and 4 as well as Passport photos of children including their age and classes. Erick has been on and off at home. He got influenced with a peer group and no longer listens to us. He was expelled from school due to bad conduct and has been renting outside school with the friend. We advised him to come and finish school. We thank you so much for school fees for the children to return back to schools. The children are happy and they appreciate you..”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
"Mission testimony from Bill Tubbs (3rd from rt)"
"Where oh where is Mr. Shoemaker?"
By now you have received THE LETTER explaining details of our new partnership with Village Ministries Int’l. Trust us when we say this is the best thing that’s happened to BTM since sliced ugali! Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and donations. Because this letter is late being sent, forgive us for not listing individual donations. In addition to the above, I have been under the weather and resting more than usual. Thank you for your patience.
TEAM TESTIMONIES
"Marcia Williams, BT's former Forwarding Agent, now in Florida with family."
"Evangelist Simon encouraging widows."
"After I got home from the hospital, Michelle turned into 'Nurse Florence Nightingale'."
"Sunlight travels by 'Piki-Piki' between South Sudan and Uganda."
"Pastors pray for a future school for theological studies in or near Torit County."
"Orchids to Michele Tubbs, for stepping in as Forwarding Agent for over a year."
"Congratulations to Anna Grace - now ready for college!"
"The Team gathers for lunch at Pastor Zadock's cozy living room."
"Adi Amin, the 'Butcher of Uganda'."
"Peace, Sunlight's daughter (3rd fm lf), with Kiryandongo kids before going to stay with Pastor Victor in Bidi-Bidi Camp."
"Pastor Sunlight's brother-in-law's funeral. Killed by rebels."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We are reinstating Mama Josephine’s children. BTM disciplined her last year for fraud. Now we are paying for all 48 children at home. Bulasio had Passport photos of them taken at our request. On the back of each photo is their name, age and school. This way we are able to put faces to names. The same will apply to all BTM kids.
This information is essential as BTM restarts the school fee payment process to determine how much is needed for fees and if BTM will pay for requirements. BTM said ‘no’ to having kids in Bill & Polly Primary because the school’s bank account was in the name of the Director and not a school bank account. That was subject to abuse and why we moved kids from Kenya schools to Busia Border Primary schools. Once BTM has what the budget for kids looks like, we can then advise that the kids go to the school that fits our budget. Students who finished Senior 4 are either to continue to Senior 5 and 6 or join a trade school.
“Some completed school 1-2 years ago. What were their final results and what would they like to do? Anna Grace finished Kisoko Girls in Kenya and is a promising student. If she is able to get to university or trade school depends on her final year 4 performance. The cost for Passport photos is $31.50. Thank you for authorizing me to send money to have a professional studio in Busia take Passport photos.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
"Thank you Prayer Partners for finishing the new Primary School in Angaim Village."
"Medical Outreach to 4,000 people."
"The Medical University weekly student meeting."
"Mama believers sewed new matching dresses for their baptisms. Thanks Bush Telegraph."
SOUTH SUDAN & KIRYANDONGO REFUGEE CAMP, UGANDA. Letters from Pastor Sunlight.
[Letter #1] Greetings,
“Today at 5 a.m. there was fighting in Torit. Ohurak, Jane's brother's father, was shot and killed this morning by rebels. Torit was attacked from 3 sides: from Barak; one side past the army; and Gumbo where they killed 3 including a Police Captain. We laid him to rest. Ifutu and Iyire are in ruins and civilians are dying. Many children and women are hiding in bushes and we lost many soldiers yesterday due to heavy fighting. Please pray for peace for South Sudan - especially as I travel between Angaim Village and Torit town.
[Later] “We are thrilled to announce that the plastering at Zion Nursery and Primary School is complete. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our dear friend who donated $5,000 towards this project. Thank you for investing in the children’s future. Payment of Engineer =: 5,200,000; transport 100 bags cement = 600,000; river sand transport = 2,000,000; transport 45 bags of cement = 500,000; 100 bags of cement = 8,000,000; 45 bags cement = 3,600,000; mils. = 628,000. Total Expenses: 20,528,000 SSP ($35,393)
We also settled payment of our engineer, who worked tirelessly. To our generous donors, we say thank you again. Recommendations for next phase: floor cement and painting. The dedication is next year.”
Many blessings,
Pastor Sunlight
PRAYER-N-PRAISE
"Evangelist Thomas baptized 40 new believers in the Mubambiro Pygmy Church."
UGANDA. Letters from our Africa Int’l Administrator, Pastor Christopher.
[Letter #1] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“It is sad to hear that Sunlight’s brother in-law was killed. Our condolences to his wife, Jane. I spent Christmas with Malaria. I had an earlier treatment and it didn't respond well. I had to undergo another treatment. I am recovered, rested, and back to full action.
“The 16th is a public holiday to remember the late Bishop Janani Luwum, murdered by Idi Amin for standing up to the Faith and challenging the dictatorial regime. So I will transfer all funds for fees and requirements for the Kiryandongo Refugee Camp kids. If Dan Daddy, Sunlight’s son who finished Secondary School, wishes to continue his education, according to BTM guidelines, he must raise 1/3school fees = 167,000 Ugandan shillings ($46) for his first term.”
Kind regards,
Pastor Christopher
"The distribution of food and chickens for eggs, began with morning prayer."
CONGO, GOMA. Evangelist Thomas pastors the Mubambiro Pygmy Church, whom we support.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We baptized 40 believers. The women thank you for money to sew new dresses to be baptized in.
Afterwards they put on their new-used clothes from BTM. Our tailor sewed the baptismal dresses. We also bought wraps for women, and pants for the men. The church has grown from 150 to 180 and sometimes 200.”
Pastor Thomas,
Mubambiro Pygmy Church
"Children who graduated from high school."
My old black shoes have been riding around in the back seat of the car forever. Pity, the local shoemaker shut down – I haven’t had time to find a new one. These shoes have sentimental value – from Congolese friend, Clementine. Truth be known they are but one of many tasks on my ‘to do’ list as I slow down. Dear Prayer Partners, your missionary has gone from the “Ever-Ready Bunny” to “Yertle the Turtle”.
RWANDA. Letter from Bro Caleb our PCCR (Parenting Child Care Rwanda) partner.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“PCCR has established a Home Based ECD in Ngoma district so that children under 6 yrs may have access to Early Childhood Development services. There are 25 Home Based ECD where children attend facilitated by parents/care givers during morning hours. Parents feed children with fortified porridge. They contribute by collecting fire wood; fetching water for cooking; and bringing local food to make a balanced diet (potatoes, green bananas, beans, cassava, vegetables, eggs, among others).
“The distribution of porridge at Cyerwa included fortified flour (sorghum, millet, wheat, maize and beans) fed to 378 children who attend 25 Home Based ECD in Ngoma. The porridge is important to growth and prevents malnutrition for vulnerable children. They conduct learning activities, contribute soap, collect water and fire wood, make vegetable gardens, and bring food items for cooking a balanced diet. Letitia lives in Nyamugari Village and appreciates that her daughter, Asta Leora, 3-yr, is healthy and happy for benefiting from the feeding program. Letitia was baptized and she states: ”I believe that God is the creator of the universe, I trust in Jesus Christ our savior who brought our lovely donor.”
Bro Caleb,
Director PCCR
[NOTE: the full Report is available upon request.]
"Bonus clothes for our Teachers and Street Boys in Angaim Village."
"Dan Daddy, Pastor Sunlight's eldest son, is ready for college."
"Bush Telegraph Annual Meeting was great fun but full of important news."
"Pray that Denis enters training for a future skill."
"Pray for Bush Telegraph as we partner with Village Ministries."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“The situation in Torit has settled down. The government is liberating the area that has been occupied by rebels. In December, BTM provided a Christmas bonus to buy clothes for our teachers; and support our teachers with their monthly incentive. Also thank you for Christmas gifts for the 16 Street Boys. The kids' happiness is great.
[Later] I arrived safely in Kiryandongo. We thank God for His protection during the Uganda elections. We experienced an Internet shutdown for several days, but thank God that we are back online. Find the attached requirements of the school 1st term. I will return mid-February to Torit, South Sudan.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"Thank you Bush Telegraph, for paying for the funeral of Sunlight's poor neighbor."
"This child's legs show signs of malnutrition."
2026
CONGO. Meet the new director! Sadly, Mama Zawadi has not returned to Goma, Congo, The ministry was suffering so BTM has chosen a new Congo Director: Evangelist Simon of Butembo, whom I have met.
Dear New Bush Family & Mama,
“The widows of the Beni Missionary Station bought training materials to generate income. Following the deaths of their husbands, the brothers of the deceased husbands often seize the family’s property causing double grief to the widow and her children. They were forced to flee their village due to M-23 Terrorists. They found themselves in Beni with no means of support. This month 17 widows will be trained for 4 days; then return home with the tools and materials to make crafts to sell. June’s donation will be put towards Congolese missionaries in remote areas in extreme conditions with no financial support in war zones. We identified 33 disaster churches and 27 missionaries in North Kivu Province and the Ituri Province. That report will come next time.”
In Christ,
Evangelist Simon
[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family, Mama & praying friends,
“My transport from Kiryandongo to Torit = 210,000 shillings ($58). I slept at night in Kitigum because I used the piki-piki. They move in the morning only. Here’s what’s happening in South Sudan: conflict between the Nuer under former VP Machar and Dinka under President Kir, who has failed to govern the nation with dignity. South Sudan has been in war since 2013 and is continuing. However, the Nuer and other South Sudanese are tired of Kir's rule and want a new leadership but Kir refused to allow the Agreement of power-sharing. Nuer and other political leaders refuse to bow down to his leadership.
“South Sudan lacks theological studies. We are praying to start a Bible Training Center for pastors and church leaders across South Sudan. A theological school will build the right foundation of sound teaching and encounter false prophets teaching in South Sudan and neighboring countries.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX
• Marcia Williams, beloved former Forwarding Agent, developed dementia recently. Her brother and sister-in-law moved her to Florida to be near family. We ask for your prayers to uphold her family. .
• Michele Tubbs, stepped up to the plate last year as Forwarding Agent. We are most fortunate that she is doing a great job ‘keeping the books’.
• Annual BTM Meeting was held in January; attended by Board members and Prayer Partners. Irene Smith opened her home. Minutes of that meeting are available for the asking.
• In the month of May, I was hospitalized with lung and unidentified infections. I’m home now and gaining strength thanks to YOUR prayers, my precious family, friends and the Lord. My energy has returned – watch out!
• Donations. If the Lord leads you to donate, please make your check out to Village Ministries International. Do not write on the memo line as it gives the IRS gray hair. Write on the envelope “BT” or a separate slip of paper. Address: 508 W Vandament Ave, Ste 305, Yukon, OK. 73099. Thank you for your excellent response and cooperation – PTL!
"The Nuer tribe and others are not happy with President Kiir's leadership. Pray for South Sudan."
CONCLUSION. John 3:16-17 is common but the Lord said it’s the best verse to conclude: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. v17. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
UGANDA. Letters from Bulasio, who writes for Mama Josephine.
[Letter #1] Dear Mama & Bush Family,
“Josephine Barbra graduated from Kyambogo University on December 12. She has been on government sponsorship which I helped her apply. She did a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences. She has been staying in my small house during her studies. Barbra needs financial help for: graduation gown = 100,000; dress = 150,000; shoes = 80,000; cake = 150,000; photos = 100,000; dinner = 200,000. Any assistance is welcomed! [Later] Thank you for financial support towards Barbra's graduation ceremony. It was colorful and we will send you pictures. Also, thank you for the Christmas gift money that we used to shop for food at home.
“Odera Denis is renting a room. He needs to do a short course to acquire skills to help him find a job. We guide the kids to put in more effort in their studies. Thank you for loving and caring about us!”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
[NOTE. Ps Chris is organizing a trade school with Dennis in auto mechanics – his choice].
"Welcome back Mama Josephine's orphans."
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Family, Mama & Christopher,
“The Kiryandongo School in Uganda opened February 10th due to elections. There was much violence and riots. We have need for school requirements and fees. Attached is the list. Pastor Victor from Bidi-Bidi camp has taken my daughter, Peace, under his wings. She is now in Bidi-Bidi at the boarding school. Kikil (student) is ready for her South Sudan Certificate. They will study at the boarding school and sit for exams in Nimule (border town). I will leave Kiryandongo for Torit, South Sudan. My wife, Jane, and the caretaker will care for the children. They will clear school fees when they receive them from Pastor Christopher.”
[Later] “One street boy has done extremely well. This year John, who you met in Kampala during our MTB meeting in Banana Village, is sitting for his Primary Certificate. Now we have 3 former Street Boys ready to join secondary (high) school. What an honor. I have sad news from Kiryandongo. Thomas, who we helped, died yesterday. He is a member of our community. No one is helping with the funeral. The family is in a dire situation. I will travel to be with them. The only ones standing with his family is our children in Kiryandongo. He died of hunger. He worked in a garden for the past few days but lacked food. Due to this he passed yesterday.
[The next day] “Thanks BTM. The man smelled so we borrowed money for the coffin. Tomorrow we will build the block but need two bags of cement. On Saturday I will conduct last prayers. We can't afford to keep mourners for days due to lack of food. So the balance of money will be used to buy food. The need = 500,000; coffin = 180,000; boda-boda to bring = 20,000; two bags cement = 64,000; 250,000 = food; 75,000 = charcoal; and 75,000 for vegetables. Total 1,164,000 shillings ($322). [Later] Thank you BTM for funds.”
Gratefully,
Pastor Sunlight
SPECIAL INSERT LETTER – TABAN, RWANDA, CONGO, TEAM, USA
[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“My Team and I had 3 days of medical outreach to 4,000 people in rural areas and it went well. Many teenage pregnant mothers; very sick and poor people; but they got medication from the team of 21 medical doctors who were part of the outreach.
“Regarding Andrew: I asked Bulasio to have him write a letter saying: a) why he left Busia Secondary School; b) make a commitment to not repeat the same bad behavior in his new school; c) apologize to the previous school; and d) promise not to repeat that behavior at the new school. This is Andrew's last chance.
“Blessed Mary is joining Senior 1. She is new to Josephine's home. Also Bruno Thomas: is new. I will work through the fee payments already made and decide the balance. I asked the Director of Studies at Busia Trust Secondary School to put Andrew under close watch. I also asked the Deputy Head Teacher of Busia Secondary School to watch over the 4 students at the school. Christina promised to write you an email. My car is a 1997 ‘old green horse’. I have attached here a list of things the mechanic listed that need urgent attention. I pray for a replacement due to the wear and tear. Repairs are estimated at $2,473. We had a nice Easter service with our traditional smoked chicken pasted with peanuts, vegetables, pork and fresh juice.
Blessings,
Pastor Christopher
"Distributing food to poor widows."
"The children planted a new church in Kiryandongo."
From Marilyn Olson. Twenty plus years ago, the LORD planted a seed in my heart, to go to Africa. Charlotte gave a presentation of their work through BTM at my local church. Last August, BTM gave me the opportunity to fulfill that desire of walking alongside her for 25 days. I’m still processing all the impressions, realities, and possibilities of the African people. We in America, are so very blessed, our circumstances of wealth or lack thereof, can’t compare to the poverty levels that cover that nation.
However, there is an abundance of faith, hope, and love that supersedes and thrives, in the worst of circumstances. We met Pastors, missionaries, family members, (all local Christ followers) who carry out our LORD'S work with a hope in their hearts and dependence on HIM that is unprecedented. It’s the ability of the local Christians to carry JESUS in their daily lives. That is the hope and stability of the work.
Our material contributions help to assist with the material stresses, but it’s your prayers that sustain our brothers and sisters, enabling them to stay the course and finish the race. THANK YOU BTM for giving me the opportunity to walk alongside those who daily express HIS love and enduring strength.
"The Leer Church."
[Letter #5] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“The children in Kiryandongo and I planted a new church. The majority of the church members are our children. However, we are reaching out and sharing Christ. Needs: completion of construction; instrument; and training. The building is iron sheets and given to us by the former President of the Baptist Convention. Now it's left unfinished. We had bricks laid last year but lacked cement to complete construction. I have a brother I am planting this church with. In my absence, he preaches.. [Later] “I am writing about the needs of the 3 Street Boys going to Secondary (high) School this term. The senior ones are entering class next week need: 1) Uniforms = 120,000; 2) Books = 60,000; 3) School fees = 125,000; 4) School shoes = 45,000; and 5) Requirements = 50,000. Total = 400,000 X 3 = 192,486,480 ($332).”
[Later still] “Pastor Christopher sent the money. We have begun construction of the preschool. They have sat on the ground under the trees for years. About the 3 Street Boys going to secondary school: 1) Christopher Joseph; 2) Peter James; and 3) Jima John. They all need fees and requirements. We are left with 13 street children at Angaim in the Fountain Hope Home. I will keep the 3 Street Boys in Torit in my house so there is need for food. That is why we need a Secondary (High) School in Angaim Village.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"Food for a disabled Mama."
SOUTH SUDAN / UGANDA. Taban, our student at Kampala Medical University.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“It has been a busy semester. Wednesday afternoon a number of students were oriented as a preparation for their end-of-semester exams. I will spend my vacation with family in Kiryandongo Camp. Students report back in February. Thank you so much for your donation of $5,185 for term fees. We were transported deep in the eastern part of Uganda for study purposes for the first time: March and April. We return to the University in May for preparation of June exams. Then we shall break out for vacation. I thank everyone for the continued prayers and support.”
Respectfully,
Taban
"Bush Telegraph ministered in Leer before the 5-yr war."
"One of 33 disaster areas - this church was attacked."
"Taban visiting his family in Angaim Village, Sudan, during the holidays."
"Congratulations Josephine Barbra on your college graduation. Pictured with Bulasio."
Faithful Still to His Calling,
SOUTH SUDAN. Letters from Pastor John Kier, Leer (where BTM ministered before the war).
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Pastor James Ruay of Leer and I are working on getting the food BTM bought the starving community last December; moved from the port in Juba, South Sudan to Adok, Leer (down river).
[4 months later] The boat reached Adok Port now and the offloading took place yesterday, Monday next week food shall reach Leer. Rev. James is to collect food and proceed to Leer. I have been sick with malaria, am under treatment. I instructed Pastor James to do the work with Executive Treasurer in Leer, Rev. William. We put all the information needed for each of the 100 families as instructed. Rev. James went house-to-house, taking the details of each family. Some were not born in the hospital; the majority estimated their age or recalled events traced back to the year. Thank you for steering things in the right direction since we lack experience on food distribution. I learned a new method! Details of each family will help us to give to the right people. This food is a great surprise for Leer as many are hopeless.”
Yours in his service,
Pastor John K.
"Mama Letitia and 3-yr old Asta with Caleb, discuss nutrition."
"Meeting with Village Ministries Director, Dan and AJ."
"The new kindergarten is under construction, thanks Bush Telegraph."
REPORT
"Taban between classes."
John, a Street Boy, has done well in his studies. We met him at Banana Village in August '25."
"The older kids who live at home and work during the day at odd jobs."
"Rebel fighting - Ifutu and Iyire are in ruins."
"Thank you Bush Telegraph for our food."
Spring is upon us – and with it growth and change. As I slow down, our BTM board and I put our heads together. We met a new friend, Dan Hawkins, director of Village Ministries International. To make a long story short, BTM is now under their wings. This helps YOU and me, ‘Yertle the Turtle’. Much prayer is behind this decision. We all knew this day would come and praise the Lord; we have a God-guided solution.
From Bill Tubbs, Team August, 2025. “As an Ambassador for Christ, you have a mission: 1) study the culture to understand the lifestyle you will visit; 2) Investigate events that may take place while you are there. People will give you their best, however humble. Compliments are encouraging, especially to the interpreter. They want to see Jesus. Show them, by all you say and do. Prayer from someone who just traveled halfway around world to see them is an event remembered by you and them. Air flights are long; bus rides are rough; but His Joy makes you cherish every hour. Look for opportunities to share Jesus. That happened on a bus ride with two German students; then with a family from Spain on a shuttle. Everyone who feels called will be truly blessed to obey God.”
God bless you,
Bill Tubbs