Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"A 'story-book wedding dress goes to Africa."
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. Eula Mae of Colorado, writes.
Dear Charlotte & Friends,
“I am sending a box of Beanie Babies with Linda for you…. I volunteer at Heirlooms for Hospice. I told the manager about your mission work and she took me in the store room and filled a box for me. So the gift of Beanie Babies is from there…. I pray for you and your work in the mission field. Life has changed for me [now that my husband Don passed away]. With God’s hand on my shoulder I will get through these hard times.”
Love in Christ,
Eula Mae, Colorado
[Note: Eula’s husband Don used to be our ‘Toy Maker’. We miss him so!]
UGANDA, BIDI-BIDI REFUGEE CAMP. Pastor Victor (formerly of Angaim Village, Sudan), reports.
Hello Bush Mission & Mama,
“This year I am in Senior Two (high school Sophomore). My notebooks are finished and I sold part of my food ration to buy two. I still need ten more…. Also my 3-year old son, Isaac, fell on Wednesday and broke his leg. He is in the Bidi-Bidi Camp Hospital but has not received any treatment or medicine up to now. Is there a way you can send money to Pastor Sunlight? He can send to me through ‘Mobile Money’. People here who get broken parts on their bodies are suffering. No injections or medicine are given. They only support the broken bone with splints. Up to now no doctor has entered the room…. I am sleeping with Isaac in the hospital. They have not supported his leg. Pray … for this hard time.”
Thanks a lot,
Pastor Victor
"Food is on the way!"
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. A Colorado mom forwards her teenage daughter’s tithe..
Dear Bush Friends & Charlotte,
“Joy worked at a little diner this summer. Enclosed is her tithe for your mission. She is packing up this week for college and we leave Friday for Helena, Montana. We’re very excited for her!”
Many Blessings, Myra, Colorado.
"25th Anniversary of the Genocide."
"The Prayer Women perform a special song."
"God bless you, Joy, for giving your tithe to missions." (Joy & family)
"Rev Stephen's kids say, 'Thank you for helping with our school fees'."
"Joe Kadenga, my hero."
"Mahange District. Pastor Celestin & Team minister to traumatized holocaust victims."
"Angaim Village teachers say, 'Thank you for supporting us."
As my personal relationship with God grew, prayers changed. “Lord … thank you for sending such wonderful obscure ‘heroes’ into my life through the years … they’ve helped me mature … make wise choices.”
One such obscure ‘hero’ was Myrtle and Hardy, neighbors. They had no children of their own but Myrtle often said, “Our children are the neighborhood kids.”
USA.FROM THE MAILBOX.A home school mom in Pennsylvania writes.
Hi Bush Family & Charlotte,
“We love to home school. My daughter is now homeschooling her children. She grew up with Bush Telegraph letters too! They are a part of our home school day. We read a segment every day, and prayed for who or what it was about. We have shared the newsletters with others….
"Richard is in a trade school for construction."
"Can she bake a cheery pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Yes she can!"
"Remembering victims at Rwamagana."
"Books are heading to Sudan for Ganuliel Refugee Camp's future Bible School."
HEROES THEN & NOW. The gym was packed as Garfield High School’s Terry Dischinger scored another 3-pointer. My ‘hero’ and star basketball player! He took us to the State Championship that year. Gals swooned over his tall, handsome features. Then during my teen years came the Beatles. That really dates me. A hero of a different sort was Anna Pavlova, famous Russian ballerina. “Lord … I want to be like her… a ballerina.” But God had other plans. Not sports. Not music. Not dancing.
Charlotte
July/August 2019
I poured out my heart: “Lord … it contains my Passport. Documents. Credit cards. Cash. What do I do now? Shall I go back home?” I was devastated. Little did I know that through this crisis, God would bring Joe, a new HERO, into my life. We’ll finish this story next time.
All this to say there is one more HERO I haven’t mentioned. Someone who ‘makes a difference’ in my life and ministry. Someone who reaches souls for Jesus in an indirect way. It’s YOU. YOU are my ‘Role Model’. YOU serve as my example – not just to me but to all those lives we touch with the Love of Jesus in Africa.
"Ariel view Ganyliel, South Sudan."
Copyright © 2019
"It's back to school for the last term. Pictured: John, Abby and Neville, 3 of Patrick's 7 orphans."
RWANDA. Pastor Celestin’s Team ministers to traumatized victims of the Genocide Commemoration.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“About the Genocide Commemoration. This time of year we bury bones found in new mass graves. In Nyanza this year they found a mass grave full of bodies. They keep receiving new information each year of where people were thrown so now they can make an official burial to honor victims.
“Another Remembrance was in Rwamagana. Attached are pictures taken during our counseling at Muhanga District, Eastern Province. This day commemorated thousands of people killed in this place. My wife Joyce, counselors and I in Guardian Angel Ministries proclaimed hope to the traumatized. This year we witnessed severe cases. Research from the Ministry of Health discovered that 35% of the Rwandans who survived the Genocide against the Tutsis live with trauma daily. We also organized Child Evangelism and gathered them to teach and preach. Evangelist John and Pastor Kakule led that team.”
Pastor Celestin,
Guardian Angel Ministries
[Note: the complete Report is available upon request.]
CONCLUSION. “Lord … thank you for ‘HEROES’ in Your Word who had the right priorities and dedicated their lives to serving You, even giving their lives. Thank you for obscure ‘African HEROES’. Help us be a good example to them as they follow You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
“Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into them. We feel like we personally know Mama Josephine, Chantal, Bulasio, Stephen, Patrick and others…. I had a dream a few months ago that Wyatt, our son, was going to grow up to be a great leader…. I pray he faithfully serves the Lord in whatever it is…!
“Thank you again for serving…. It makes a difference. Your presentation at Clifton Christian Church all those years ago touched my heart forever. I walked out of the church crying, went to the car crying, and drove home crying for the people in Africa…. I dare not waste the privilege; to share my blessings with others less fortunate; and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
“Keep on the faith journey! The little hole you fill up with faith and service for God in this life matters! We all contribute - no matter how small we may think our contribution for God in this life is at times. Little things add up, and God sees and cares about the small things too!”
Much love to you!
Kris and family, Pennsylvania
REPORT
"Ministry to children. Note snack in the tub for all the kiddies."
It all started a few years ago. I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for four months of ministry in Africa. As was my custom, I located the nearest Internet Café. “Dear Family … Mom arrived safely.” As I sat at the computer my bulging fanny pack felt cumbersome around my waist. Against my better judgment, I unfastened it; laid it on the floor next to my enormous Mary Poppins bag. I finished and reached for it. Alas! It was gone. Stolen out from under my nose.
USA. AFRICA ON HOLD. Letter from the Director.
Dear Prayer Partners,
“August was the only time for my annual checkup. It went well until Dr. Felix commented, “I'm concerned about the sore on your bottom that hasn't healed.” She then sent me to an OBGYN specialist who took a biopsy. The results showed precancerous cells. Next I was referred to Dr. Wingo, a Specialist of Specialists. ‘I’ll have to operate,’ she stated. Arrangements were made.
“On August 22 Dr. Wingo performed outpatient surgery to remove the growth. She also took biopsies. For a few weeks I felt like I was sitting on a cactus.. It’s getting better. At the follow-up Dr Wingo informed me, “You have Stage 1 cancer – a rare type in women….” Next came a Pet Scan – we await results.
“This week an Oncologist, part of Dr. Wingo’s Team, explained my options. On Thursday we meet again to work out a 6-week Radiation plan. It will begin in about two weeks when I’m totally healed from surgery.
“I praise God they discovered the Cancer at an early stage. It’s treatable. I praise God my insurance company OK’ed the Pet Scan immediately – they’re very costly. I have His perfect Peace about this all. So Africa is ‘on hold’ a few months. God willing I’ll be back in the saddle soon. You know what a fighter I am. There’s serious work to be done in the Kingdom! Prayers are already pouring in. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
In His Amazing Grace,
Charlotte
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Genocide.
As a youngster I couldn’t wait for Saturdays to roll around. I’d hop on my bike, Sophie, my red and white cocker spaniel, trailing behind. No matter what she was doing, Myrtle always welcomed me into their humble home. She taught me to crochet and bake cherry pies (using cherries I picked from their trees). As years passed she even helped me with Latin. If I gave her a small homemade gift she displayed in the living room, as though it came from the Queen of England.
My youthful spirit soaked up her unconditional love - a trait I hoped to model as an adult. Later I prayed hard to emulate it on the mission field. I’m sure you also had special ‘obscure’ heroes in your life, too.
"Mama Regina (pictured with Rev Stephen and me) begins a Women's Group in Bweyale Refugee Camp."
UGANDA, BUSIA. We asked Mama Josephine’s high school grads to open a Savings Account for college.
Greetings in Jesus’ Name!
“About the savings account. The high school graduates don't have permanent jobs. That's why the money we earn is little. We use it for necessities and save the rest…. We bought a Receipt Book to keep our records in. We write ourselves the Receipt. ‘Big Jackson’ is our Secretary.
“As for a savings account at the Post Office, it's expensive. I suggest we open an account at the bank. Our earnings depend on the available jobs. Each contributes 14,000 ($4) per month. When Mama Josephine was in the hospital we used money to buy food. We do jobs like porter for construction; offloading vehicles; and the girls fry chips (French fries)…. In our country jobs are given to relatives…. Therefore we must work hard.
“About Richard. His trade school doesn't give Report Cards. Instead a short list with names and performance is posted on a notice board. A Certificate is given after the course is completed…. Thank you for your sacrifice to support our big family….”
“Big Jackson who graduated from Vet College last year, does not yet have a permanent job. He does local work for farmers. We are praying for his interviews…. We remember the three things you taught us. 1) To work hard, 2) Listen to your Teachers, and 3) Listen to Jesus. These three things lead to success.
“The ten Kenyan students returned to school for the third term. This week the Ugandan students began their third school term. They all performed well. Their Report cards are attached.”
With Love,
Bulasio for Mama Josephine
[Note: BTM worked out a Scholarship Program for those wishing to attend college or trade school. However the student must be responsible for 1/3 of the school fees.]
"Zawadi starts up the 'Women At Risk' program."
"Angaim community supplies bricks and sand."
"Ganyliel Refugee Camp - Sunday Service."
"Luz, former team member, and I outside an Internet Cafe, Nairobi, Kenya."
"Terry Dischinger, star basketball hero, Terre Haute, IN."
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. The Story of A Wedding Dress (donated to the Sudan Container Project).
Hi Bush Friends & Charlotte,
“Here is the story of the white satin wedding dress with pearls. Brenda's mother made the dress. She was married back east to a police officer. After he died tragically, she tried to sell the dress but to no avail. She moved to Sun City West, Arizona, and once again tried to sell her wedding dress. It would not sell. When she heard about the ‘Africa Wedding Closet Project’, Brenda knew immediately, ‘This is where I want my dress to go’. She told her mother who gave her blessing on giving the dress to the Wedding Closet Project.”
Love,
Gail, Container Packing Team
[Note: PTL! We were blessed with 5 wedding dresses!]
SUDAN. Rev. Stephen is happy to hear our Container is coming.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
“Thank you for news about the Container…. It will be shared with Leer, Thornyor and Ganyliel Refugee Camps. We need Christian books for the future Bible School as the old school burned down in the war. I will meet with Church Leaders to lay plans to open one in Thornyor…. The building will be 5 rooms with local materials of wood and grass. We hope to have four teachers. If we get anything the school will be starting. So we will need books and later when it opens we will need food. We want to open late September 2019.
“Mama Regina works with a Womens’ Group in Bweyale Refugee Camp. They want to open a shop as many women in the group lost their husbands. They have no way to support their children. Also my grandson was very sick. Praise the Lord, four days now he is ok. Last week my children came for term break. They will go back to school on September 8…. Thank you for sending 1/3 of their school fees.”
God bless you,
Rev Stephen
"Ebola claimed the life of the pastor from Butembo."
"School under construction"
KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Patrick reports that Revival has broken out among local church leaders!
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Thank you for sending prayers while I was sick. I was at Busia Referral Hospital five days. They sent me for different tests but all were normal. They found I have pressure [blood] high. The doctor told me to leave salt and fats. He gave me a list of foods to eat. Thank you for … help with the hospital bill. The blood pressure was high: 236/127. But through prayer it reduced to 145/91 last Saturday. Only my eyes are not seeing well yet.
“The children begin Term 3 next week. I am very happy because of the Bible Class teachings. It has revived our church leaders as now they know what to do.
“We have testimonies that this Bible Course has revived area church leaders. I am very happy as I see pastors being more responsible than ever before. They have a plan to build a big temporary church where we can worship. They have mobilized people to stand with us in fundraising next October. To God be the glory.”
Blessings,
Pastor Patrick.
"Hearing testimonies in class and learning new truths on family."
"Eula Mae with her late husband, Don, our official 'Toy Maker'."
Pray that Mom Kris's dream for Wyatt comes true."
Dear Prayer Partners,
“August 21st was a big day as our Superman Guy Team and I waved good-by to our Container. Next stop, South Sudan. Special thanks to Mac, Mike, Daryl, Travis and Frank for taking the day off work to load tons of supplies (10 pallets plus over 100 ‘loose pack’ which are items stored on top of the pallets).
“Plus James, CalvaryPHX maintenance staff, on forklift. We filled every nook and cranny – even broke down a pallet to fit it all in. “Lord … thank you for guiding me through frustrating weeks as I prepared a host of documents….” The Container left the CalvaryPHX parking lot but my job wasn’t done. After the driver signed off on the documents I rushed over to FedEx to ‘overnight’ to Global Samaritan. Mike was waiting for them.
“Give a loud shout for the hundreds of BTM friends around the USA who donated items for the Container Project! We could not have done this without you and you and YOU. And also to our Wonder Women Gal Team who spent hundreds of hours packing thousands of pounds of Relief Supplies: Charlene, Joyce, Kim, Janelle, Sharon, Ouida and misc volunteers.
“Pray for our Sudanese Team seeking to obtain the Exemption Letter from the government. This allows us to bring ‘humanitarian supplies’ into the country duty free. After five years of war, Sudan is in shambles. Our brothers have suffered great losses. Yet they sacrifice the little they have for less fortunate neighbors. They are, 'to God the FRAGRANCE of Christ among those who are being saved.' (II Cor 2:15)."
Spreading the Fragrance,
Charlotte
"BTM is setting up Scholarship Programs for students who are college bound."
[Letter #2] Dear Friends,
“I just returned from Ganyliel, South Sudan. Rev James sent me to Ganyliel on a Peace Rally between Dinka and Nuer tribes who fought each other in the war. The Nuer people fear to return to Leer so few are going back home. There is a local market and some schools are now open. The Church in Ganyliel has a Primary School but they need help. They also have a small Clinic. Thank you for the good news of a container coming….”
God bless you, Rev Stephen
Thank you for your love and prayers that enable BTM to continue being an example to our most vulnerable African brothers and sisters. “The godly people in the land are my true HEROES! I take pleasure in them!” Psalm 16:3.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Charles, Teacher of Pastor Patrick’s class, is planning the class graduation.
Dear Bush Friends,
“Thanks for your prayers…. I am privileged to be one of His servants. If all goes well we hope to graduate Pastor Patrick’s class in December….”
Pastor Charles,
Evangelist from Kitali
"We are blessed compared to other countries."
"Myrtle, my 'obscure' childhood hero, had busy hands."
"Peace, far lf, with her brothers."
[Later] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Peace is now home in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp. Thank you for shipping the Container. I received the documents and will … submit them to officials. Here is how the money was used: 1) Teachers pay; 2) Student lunches; 3) Chief Engineer of School Construction; and 4) Transport…. Being accountable is very important.
“Concerning the Chief Engineer and Team. When our money ran out they went to Torit in search of work. We had meetings to make them finish the roof. Each person works to feed his family. They know they will be paid but what about food for today? Some of their family members were in the hospital; and others were going hungry with tears from struggling each day. They promise to finish the roof when more money is sent….
“Angaim Village cares but … they don't have money to pay builders…. Things like bricks, aggregate and sand were finished. I have never found a community … like Angaim Village. Also thank you for sending money for school fees, food and supplies for the 25 Kiryandongo students and orphans.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
CONTAINER UPDATE.‘Gone, gone, gone, gone, yes the Container’s gone.’ What a great song that would make!
"Chantel, with Zawadi and family, says, 'Thank you for my children's school fees'."
"Big Jackson is Secretary for the Kids' Saving Accounts."
A Follower,
Fast forward August 2019. An email arrived from James, former Receptionist at Mayfield Guest House, Kenya: “Mama Charlotte, God has called your favorite taxi driver, Joe, home ….” I cried. If you ‘Google’ Joe Kadenga’s name, you’ll discover he was a national soccer star (called ‘football’). He became my ‘hero’ - but sports had nothing to do with it.
[Letter #2] Dear Friends,
“God heard your prayers. He spoke to the Doctor’s heart…. He supported the broken leg yesterday…. Now let’s pray together for medicine as they are not giving any. I told my father on Sunday to sell my chickens in Sudan so that I can buy medicine for my son.
Thanks,
Pastor Victor
[Note: we sent money to Victor for his son’s treatment.]
Victor says, 'Thanks for help with books & fees. I'm now in Senior II.' (High School Sophomore). Pictured here with his sweet family."
"Kris, terrific home school mom, and family."
CONGO, GOMA. Zawadi went to England to visit her family.
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“I took a family member to the hospital in Uganda. After that I travelled to England as my daughter graduated from college. I will return to Congo the end of September when school starts. Schools in Congo are supported by parents who pay fees. Just pray about Chantal’s children … as there is no free school for them.
“Ebola is the worst on record in Congo but it has not affected Goma. However it was brought to Goma by a pastor who was preaching in Butembo. He laid hands on Ebola victims to pray. When he came back to Goma he contacted Ebola. Then he returned to Butembo where he died. Now Goma is safe. Attached is his picture. Regarding the ‘Women At Risk’ program’ I have a lot of work to do when I return to Congo. That is my priority. I’m enjoying services in London…. I take all our concerns to the Throne of Grace.”
God bless,
Zawadi,
CAAP Secretary/Translator
"Pastor Patrick's Bible class. Evangelist Charles, teacher, top lf. Patrick, kneeling, bottom lf."
"Mama Zawadi and Charlotte bring comfort to massacre victims."
"Daddy Victor sleeps at the camp hospital with Isaac."
SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight’s daughter swallowed a coin! Plus other updates.
Dear Praying Bush Family,
“My daughter Peace swallowed a coin. To this time she is not well. She is in the hospital and will be referred to Kampala for testing. It troubles me but I am leaving it with God…. Keep her in your prayers.”
Yours,
Pastor Sunlight
"Thank you Pastor Jason (far lf), for praying with us before packing began."
Container Project...
"The older girls sell 'chips' (French fries) to earn extra money."
"Bags of cornmeal"
Bush Telegraph Missions
"3-year old Isaac."
Prayer-N-Praise
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. Just when I need it most, the Lord sends an encouraging letter.
Dear Charlotte,
“I don’t write much but think of your often. Your letters are a constant reminder of how blessed we are compared to other countries and those where you so sacrificially serve. You are truly a light to many. I pray God’s continued blessing to you, your family and your ministry. It is a privilege to be a small part of it.”
Love & Blessings,
Velia, Arizona
"The camp doctor set little Isaac's leg free of charge."