Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa

Report

"The Team with Mama Grace, our host (Marilyn and I) at Pastor Zadock's church."

"Pastor Sunlight presents BTM's work in S. Sudan."

"Mama Margaret's Orphanage. Meet Rosie!"

" ... Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

"Before leaving, we treated ourselves to an 'African Safari.'"

"Odeta, severely disabled (no legs) with two children born out of rape, has returned with her parents to Forever Homes."

"BTM donated 7 sewing machines to a ministry called 'Progress For All'. They only had 3 machines but 27 Mamas to train."

[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family & Mama,

     “Thanks for photos of Pastor Victor (who is very sick) and his family from Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp. I was there some years ago training pastors and remember that the Lord led me to make an altar call at a Pastors’ Seminar. I struggled because I assumed all 120 who turned up were pastors and church leaders. To our surprise 30 people came forward to accept Christ - associate pastors among the South Sudanese. From that moment, I never assume every Christian leader is saved. I shall arrange to send Sunlight $100 for Victor’s treatment. 

 [Later] “We are glad to hear that Pastor Victor is better.  Sunlight saw him before and after treatment. When he is ready to return to Biddi-Biddi Camp we will send money for transport.

     “Friends  are visiting me – this is their home town. We are doing a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park on Saturday and will return Monday after a 10-11 hour drive. Today I sent Sunlight $1,350 for the 3 projects and also special funds for the 13 Sudanese teachers’ who requested clothes. We will call this an early Christmas bonus. At $50 per teacher it totals $650.”

Have a blessed weekend,

Pastor Christopher

[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,

     “My associate Dickens and I are sharing a Report from our recent Conference for Military Christian Fellowship and Chaplains in Great Lakes' Region. This ground-breaking, two-day seminar marked a historic moment as the first Leadership Conference for military Chaplains in East and North African region. It was hosted by the Association of Military Christian Fellowship of Uganda (AMCFU) in collaboration with Life Application Bible Seminars in Uganda, organized by me and Pastor Dickens. There were 54 from 9 nations.

     “Nine churches participated. Thanks to your generous support (and other ‘well wishers’) impact: 1) 54 Life Application Study Bibles and Workbooks were distributed to military chaplains and delegates from Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Congo  and  Somalia  –  strengthening  their  ability   to  study  Scripture in  their communities. 2) 18 committed their lives to Christ, including 4 soldiers, following outreach efforts by local churches. 3) Delegates expressed deep appreciation for the resources and teaching led by Pastor Christopher. It reignited passion for ministry in the military. 4) Attendance exceeded expectations (54 vs. 30 planned).”

Blessings,

Pastor Christopher

"Early Christmas money for 13 Angaim Village teachers' to shop for used clothes."

"Evangelist Thomas and Deo (Mama Zawadi's husband) ate well at our mini-conference at Banana Village, Uganda."

[Letter #4] Dear Bush Family, Pastor Chris & Mama, 

     “The church in Kapoeta invited me to train on Prayer, Leadership and Witnessing. It will last 3 days and is arranged with the Payam Wash Forum. The government brings together leaders and I am considered a spiritual leader. I am allowed to address important issues alongside government officials. We are training 20 church leaders from 3 counties in greater Kapoeta region. Please pray for the harvest.

     Day 1.  We began training church leaders for the ministry in Kapoeta.

     Day 2. They requested us to continue sharing the gospel to reach the unreached.

      “The government provided my transport and I am here with the Governor and Commissioner. This is an opportunity to share the role of the church in good governance, leadership, peace, reconciliation and unity.”

Thanks,
​Pastor Sunlight

"Irene Smith will carry on as Board Chairman, with an assistant."

     “WHAT'S THIS? My steering wheel is growing bigger? I can barely see over the top.” Then came my annual checkup.

The RN: “How tall are you?”
Me: “5’ 8”.”
RN: “Let’s measure ….”
Me: “I haven’t been measured in years.”
RN: “Sorry - you are only 5’ 5”.”
Me: “I shrank 3”?” Reality set in. Change – especially with age – comes to us all. That is, unless we discover ‘The Fountain of Youth’.  

     With Thanksgiving behind us (and Christmas just around the corner), I must admit, this is one area of my life I’ve failed to THANK the Lord for. Change. “Lord, You have a plan for my life. You said in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that there is a season for everything. Help me accept change – even getting shorter - and to be a good steward of all You place in BTM’s hands.” Amen. 
    

     And while I’m on the subject of CHANGE, we thank the Lord for YOU, our Prayer Partners. Through ups and downs, ins and outs of this crazy economy, YOU have been faithful."

"Pastor Dickson leading in prayer."

"Son John, Chris and her sweet parents visit Phoenix (parents for first time). Great fun - especially eating!"

"The school's new doors and windows are in!"

"Pastor Ramsey interpreted for Bill."

"Odeta's new mattress. Note: lava rocks on the ground from the nearby volcano."

2025

"In S. Sudan, Sunlight is buying 'kapenta' (small dried fish) for the Street Boys - excellent source of protein."

Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct

2025 AFRICA OUTREACH – IN A NUTSHELL

Aug 7 - Flight QATAR Airways, Phoenix, AZ, USA, to Nairobi, Kenya. 

Aug 9- 10 Flora Hostel. – thanks to Raphael for picking us up at the airport & also being chief cook!

Aug 10 - Sudanese Church in Kibera slum; Missionaries Ramsey & Vicki; Bill preached; Ethiopian lunch. 

Aug 11 - Mama Margaret‘s Orphanage; hosted by Gideon; lunch after at his home with the whole family. 

Aug 12- 13 bus to Kakamega; host Pastor Benard, Technical Institute (Christian) - 20  programs. 

Aug 14 - bus from Kakamega, Kenya, to Kampala, Uganda, to Banana Village. 

Aug 14-18 - Banana Village with BTM key leaders from Rwanda, Congo, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya.

Counting visitors we totaled about 20. It was peaceful  with excellent Reports from all & great traditional food, especially appreciated by those averaging 1 meal a day containing 95% carbs. 

Aug 18-21 - bus to Kiryandongo Refugee Camp;  Team stayed in AB Guest House, Bwelaye, due to tribal friction in the camp and strict rules about foreign visitors. Fellowship with  35 kids/adults/ refugees. 

Aug 22 - bus from Kiryandongo, Uganda, to Vihiga, Kenya.  Marilyn & I stayed at Grace’s home, Pastor Zadock’s mother-in-law. Bill stayed with Grace’s son, on the same compound. Grace fed 12+ per meal!

Aug 23 - Vihiga, Kenya: Outreach Revival Ministries church; Pastor Zadock & Noel. Bill preached.

Aug 24-27.  Church Conference for married couples. Guest Evangelist Charles with Vision For Africa; Marilyn taught the widows – well done! 

Aug 24-27. BTM Team ministered at Winners Township Education Ctr., Pastor Zadock, Headmaster. 

Aug 27. Bill took Bus & luggage to Nairobi, Kenya; Marilyn and I flew for health reasons. 

Aug 28. Kenya National Park outing; we saw “the Big 4 but not elephants as they’re kept elsewhere.

Aug 29. Invited to Missionary Vicki’s home with 15 teens & a few Moms - building relationships.

Aug 29. Marilyn and I checked out at the Tropical Disease Clinic. Nothing serious. 

Aug 30. Flora Guest House; prepare for departure. Raphael took us to the airport.

Aug 31. Fly at 1 AM to USA; arrive Phoenix 5:23 PM

Sept 1st. Welcomed by Michele, Bill’s sweet wife.

"Olive hosts children in her home for 'Story Time' - reading their first book ever! Thanks to Bro Caleb's program 237 children were reached last time."

[Letter #4] Dear Friends & Mama,

     “I am glad your weather is getting cooler. We are experiencing rain in most parts of Uganda but soon enter the dry season from December-March. Our daughter, Hannah, completes Senior 4 exams in November. Our youngest starts her final Primary Leaving National Exams on November 3rd.  I will plan something fun for the family to celebrate. They will have Christmas holidays before the results are out. 

[Later] “I picked up Hannah from Boarding school - she is home for her long vacation. Faith completed her Primary Exams and is also home. Yesterday she told me not to go for a haircut; she cut my hair herself. I told her she has a new job for pocket money.

      “You missed meeting my children when you were here as they were all in boarding school. We didn't have time to visit my wife, Jane. The Conference at Banana Village, Uganda, with the BTM Team was a great meeting as God’s family’ from 5 different countries. We pray the Lord waters seeds that were sown during our time, especially Congo and Sudan.

     “Pray with me and Pastor Dickens as we prepare for a Life Application Pastors Seminar for a small team of 50 poor pastors in Wakiso on the outskirts of Kampala - that they will be encouraged and blessed with the teaching and resource materials November 20th. We now have 25 copies each and are left with getting the remaining 25 copies. Pray for good health.”

Pastor Christopher            
[NOTE: BTM sent funds to cover the additional 25 copies needed.]

"Pastor Sunlight trains leaders in Kapoeta on prayer, leadership and witnessing."

"When animals have no water to drink they die."

"Food is scarce in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp where Victor lives; monthly rations are no longer given out."

RWANDA. Letters from Bro Caleb, Rwanda’s National Coordinator for PCCR.

[Letter #1] Dear Bush Partners & Mama,

     “We are pleased to share the Report for your donation on behalf of children and parents of Rwanda. We are thankful for the impact that you are making to improve lives and bring hope.  Pastor Celestin, CEO, and I were excited to meet you, Pastor Chris and the BTM Team in person at Banana Village, Kampala, Uganda.”

 [Later] “We arrived safely home in Kigali, Rwanda. It was a great opportunity to meet you in person and share what God is doing in Rwanda as well as hearing about other countries.”

Be blessed,

​

Bro Caleb (National Coordinator for Parenting Child Care Rwanda”

"In Angaim Village, S. Sudan, God has blessed us with a dedicated group of teachers. Not all are pictured."

"Pastor Celestin, Bro Caleb and Team minister to traumatized victims of genocide."

[Letter #3] Dear Mama, Pastor Chris & BTM Friends,

     “We are saddened to announce the death of 4-yr old Emmanuel, a child under our support. He was disabled and passed away October 10.  Kibagabaga Hospital examined his crippled legs and hands and referred him to Gatagara Hospital which specializes in those cases. While there Emmanuel developed a high fever and stomach pain. He was referred to Nyanza Hospital but passed. His family lives in Gasabo Village. He used to attend our Home-based program. We are transporting Emmanuel’s body for burial. Pray for his family.”

Bro Caleb

"Odeta sews to earn a living for her family."

"Every attendee receives a FREE Life Application Bible and Workbook."

"Gideon and his family invite the Team for lunch"

"Pastor Dickens, far rt., is Pastor Christopher's right-hand man for Bible Conferences. Seen here with our Goma, Congo, team, Deo (Mama Zawadi's husband) and Evangelist Thomas (far lf)."

"Monthly supplies purchased for the Street Boys in Angaim Village, South Sudan."

"Victor's wife, Mary, and youngest son."

"Kakamega. Pastor Benard, 2nd on rt, CTI Director; a Christian vocational college that trains over 20 professions."

"Pastor Zadock's church."

SUDAN, ANGAIM VILLAGE.  Letters from Pastor Sunlight

[Letter #1] Dear Bush Team, Mama & Friends,

     “We are grateful that we now have doors and windows for the new school and will install them tomorrow.  I had planned to transport them today but we were unable to find an affordable truck to carry them. Please pray that we can find one at a good price tomorrow. The quality is excellent and painting looks great!

[Later] “I am going to work in the garden.  I plan to sell fresh maize to help meet needs.  The Street Boys now go to the garden for fresh maize. Today I cut a path through dense bush to reach the garden.”

Thanks for your prayers and support,
​Pastor Sunlight

"Nine pieces of luggage plus seven duffle bags of supplies to give away."

Prayer-N-Praise

"Victor is pastor of his church in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp."

[Letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,

     “Olive and her husband, Alphons, live in Nyaruhanga Village. They both have a high school education. They have 3 children; the youngest, Winnie, is 2-yr. Olive hosts 17 children in her home in an ECD program. However, she has no books for children to read; nothing for them to do. It was difficult for her to manage children as they wanted to fight. Now, ECD (financed by BTM) provides storybooks to read and other materials. 

     “Storybooks build a strong foundation in language and help the children be ready to start school at 6 yrs.  Their parents will be motivated to read to their children. Olive is a believer and baptized. She said; 'I am happy and thankful for the support of storybooks given to our home based ECD by BTM. Our children will develop'. 

     “Summary: last month BTM, through this program, helped 237 children in 13  ECD homes and villages. Books help stamp out illiteracy.”

Best wishes,
Bro Caleb

CONCLUSION.  Solomon, known for his wisdom, said a lot about seasons and change. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

     We all experience seasons of change, including hardship and blessings; transition and stability; work and rest. Seasons even affect missionaries. Being aware of life’s seasons helps teach African brothers to live to their greatest potential. This Thanksgiving let’s reflect on seasons for spreading the Good News – in spite of change; and in spite of ‘growing’ shorter (or taller?). “Lord, Thank you for change and seasons.” Amen.

     BTM appreciates your love, prayers, encouragement and support that made this mission outreach possible. 

In His Love & Service,

​Charlotte

"Mama Grace, our host in Vihiga, Kenya (Pastor Zadock's church), preparing dinner."

BUSH TELEGRAPH MISSIONS​​

"Pastor Christopher with Mary and Morris, our blind students. Mary is considering college as she graduated from high school last year; Morris will graduate in 2026."

"This was the first conference for Military Chaplains in North and East Africa. Nine countries were represented and 18 committed their life to Christ."

"Kampala Medical University students meet for announcements."

[Letter #2] Dear Team & Mama, 

     “South Sudan is bankrupt and people are without money.  I was going to sell maize to meet our budget but failed due to a lack of cash in people's hands. 

      “Thank you for the support for the Street Boys in Angaim Village, South Sudan; children in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Uganda; and teachers in Angaim Village, South Sudan.  

     “I pray for the means to transport the Kiryandongo children to Torit, South Sudan, next year. It would be wonderful to reunite them. Perhaps some of the older children can complete their education in Torit.

      “Thank you for our time together at Banana Village, Uganda. It was a rich time learning together.  The Kiryandongo kids express their thanks to BTM and Pastor Christopher for coming to visit them last August. Attached is a photo of items purchased for their monthly supplies: veggies, water, transport and soap. Those were among the items without a receipt. I have been teaching in the village.

      “Tomorrow I travel to Uganda. Pastor Victor, whom I discipled, is ill. Pray for his healing and recovery.”

Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight

"Pastor Victor from Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp became ill so Sunlight traveled far to take him to the hospital in Gulu."

"Victor's church blesses a poor widow with food."

"Deo (Mama Zawadi's husband) and Jonathan set up 7 sewing machines."

"Pastor Christopher, wife Jane and their three adorable daughters, home from school for the Christmas holidays."

 "Irene and I attended Charlie Kirk's Memorial Service in Phoenix."

[Letter #3] Dear Friends & Mama,

     “I arrived safely and will take Pastor Victor to Gulu Hospital for an X-ray. Thanks for the emergency money to help with Victor's treatment and transport. 

[Later]. I brought Pastor Victor to Gulu Hospital. He was severely dehydrated and malnourished.  He must take a lot of water, fruit and eat well. Fees: X-ray; blood check; two days in a hotel; food/water/fruit; Boda-boda for 3 days. Total = $92.”

[Next day] “Pastor Victor, his two children and brother are with us in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp. The doctor asked him to return for a checkup in a week, so we decided to come back to Kiryandongo Camp.  Next week we will return to the Doctor in Gulu for a checkup.

     “Food conditions are poor in all camps. There is no fruit but it is better in Kiryandongo than Bidi-Bidi.  I took Victor for a checkup; Dr. said to continue taking water. Victor has gained strength and can go home. “

Thanks,
​Pastor Sunlight.

"Raphael, chief cook at Flora Guesthouse, picked us up at the airport."

"Taben shares his testimony at Banana Village"

SUDAN/UGANDA. Letter from Taban; a South Sudan medical student.

[Letter #1]  Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,

     “I appreciate the BTM family for supporting me financially and spiritually. Pastor Christopher sent me money. I’ll use my new bank account next time.  Mama, I so enjoyed meeting you and the BTM Team at Banana Village  in  August. Thank you for allowing me to do a presentation and share my testimony with the whole group at the Conference. I had safe travels back to Kampala Medical University – the bus was 9 hours one way. I pray that all the BTM delegates had safe travels to their homes.”

Blessings,
Taban

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,

     “We received our grades for 2nd Term. The performance was not that good compared to 1st term due to my first exposure to a new environment and system. I thank God for my prayer partners who stood with me this semester. Paper #I – 51%; Paper #II – 51%; Paper #III – 74%; Paper #IV – 81%. GPA = 3.25.”

Thank you all,
Taban

"Sunlight fellowships with our teachers."

"Pastor Banda and Major Tembo start a new ministry in Malawi where there is much drought, no food and starvation."

"Four of our 15 former Street Boys on their beds; and in their cozy home built by YOU."

[Letter #3] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,

          “Pastor Banda and Major Tembo started a ministry in Malawi which is affected by drought. Their problem is lack of food which they are praying for.  When security returns to Goma we plan to do agricultural projects; sewing classes; and basket-making. I will train pastors on Money Management. Things are moving quickly as the American Black Water soldiers (a privately funded group) won back Kavumu Airport in Bukavu. In Goma, Congo troops control the city at night and during the day M-23.”

God Bless,

Mama Zawadi

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

"Businesses hire 'porters' who move supplies around town on foot."

UGANDA.  Letters from Pastor Christopher, Africa Int’l Administrator.

[Letter #1] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,

     “About Sunlight's request for 3 projects ($500 for Angaim; S. Sudan, teachers $500; $400 for Street Boys’ upkeep; and $450 for Kiryandongo Refugee Camp kids including BTM’s increase of $50).  Sunlight will also send tuition Requirements for the Kiryandongo kids.  Schools opened in September for the 3rd and final term of the 2025 year.

     “Educational support for our two blind students, Mary and Morris, builds their future. Morris will soon complete his education and begin a career.” 

Kind Regards,
Pastor Christopher

"Pastor Christopher takes friends to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park."

"Banana Village; with Kaleb, Pastor Celestin and representatives of five countries where BTM ministers. Not all guests are pictured."

"Victor's family (3 children) in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp, plus orphans he keeps in his home due to war."

[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,

    “Deo and Evangelist Thomas were treated well at the BTM Conference at Banana Village, Uganda.  Thomas left money at home for food for his family. They bought food on their way to Kampala.”

     “Thank you for the donation to people who did not receive food at the last distribution.  50 families were served; counting dependants that totaled 350 people. We thank Mrs. Priska for her special donation. Below is the financial Report.

Deo and Jonathan visited a group of vulnerable women affected by rape when M-23 Terrorists took Goma in January. The group is called Progress For All. There are 10 widows also in the group. A group of 27 in all were using 3 machines so we donated 7 more from the BTM Container to help support their children. They now have 10 sewing machines.  Pray for food for these vulnerable women. “

Blessings,

Mama Zawadi

"Sunlight cuts a new path through dense bush to the maize field (garden)."

"Faith, Pastor Christopher's youngest daughter, aspires to become a doctor one day. Here she is 'playing' doctor."

"Pastor Christopher, Africa Administrator for BTM."

​CONGO, GOMA. Letters from Mama Zawadi who is still in England due to war and insecurity.

[Letter #1] Dear Bush Family & Mama, 

      “About Refugee Camps around Goma: I can't believe the Int’l Committee, the UN, and Monusco allows such violations of human rights.  

     “We used all the money on Forever Homes construction.  This year we were to accommodate 100 orphans and 20 Mamas. They were waiting, however, war came. This project requires peace and stability. I believe we will get there. Because of insecurity, the Government is fighting M-23 Terrorists. No humanitarian support is offered. M-23 did not allow food  distribution sites around Goma. Food was distributed far away so people traveling there often died on the way back due to starvation or lack of money as banks are closed. 

     “Mama Odeta’s family was forced to leave Goma but now they are back living in their house at Forever Homes. Deo, my husband, gives money when we run out of funds. He arranges transport when needed; drives and visits refugees; and provides food for them.”

God bless,

Mama Zawadi

USA. HIGHLIGHTS.

Dear Prayer Partners,

     Bob Smith, BTM Board Chairman, passed away last June. All were deeply moved at his Memorial Service.  Irene, his sweet wife, has been an example of strength and dignity. Pray as she considers standing in for Bob as future Board Chairman. She asked if a man could co-chair with her. Volunteers? 

     This week I will attend the Mission Conference in Grand Junction, Colorado. Report coming next time.  

     Marilyn, Bill and I enjoyed a lovely evening sharing our mission outreach with Pastor Scott at her home church. I encourage you to invite one of us to come share what God is doing in Africa. 

     My son John, Chris and her parents visited us in Arizona – her parents’ first trip! They also visited Grand Canyon & Painted Desert. We were treated to a yummy family dinner with Auntie Elaine and Uncle Roy.

     Highlight of the year: Irene and I attended Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, with over 90,000. President Trump, who I’ve never seen in person, was there along  with top government officials. It was like an old fashioned revival with the Lord at the center.

In His Amazing Grace,

Charlotte

"Kiryandongo Refugee Camp where BTM supports about 30. Pastor Sunlight pictured with his wife Jane and most of his family."

"Pastor Celestin ministers to a street girl in Kigali, Rwanda."

"Two groups of Mamas are learning to sew so they can feed their families."

"In Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Uganda, the Primary kids receive new school supplies."

"At Banana Village, BTM hosted key leaders from 5 countries; plus guests from S. Sudan."

"Victor ministers to children and young people in the church."