The old bookcase appeared to be a piece of junk. Crudely made, scratched, badly worn, and the back missing. It leaned like the ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’. Not even the Good Will store would take it. But when I look at that old bookcase, that’s not what I see. I see my grandfather Charles Randall, for whom I was named. He made it by hand, without fancy electric woodcarving tools, over 100 years ago. It’s my only possession from him.
SOUTH SUDAN. LEER
Background: Leer is where we ministered before the war: Queen Esther School; renovation of the Bible College; Midwife School; Myandit Clinic; churches and schools. In recent years we sent two 40-ft containers of supplies and food. We loved and ministered to hundreds of people. Rev. Stephen wrote of a shocking atrocity that took place October 2015. We are just now hearing about it for the first time.
Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“Last October, 2015, Dinka government soldiers loaded 60+ young men from the cattle camp nearby, guilty of no crime except they were Nuer tribe, into a shipping container. They all suffocated to death. Even my brother’s 15 year old son, Mahok Galoth Jiech, was among the 60. My sister’s daughter’s husband, Yoak Maguet Raanlel, was among the 60. He had five children. What the Dinka government did in Leer was the very worst.”
Rev. Stephen, Moderator SWUNP Leer, Sudan
[Note: We will send food to Leer in June.]
My friend Darrell and I put our heads together. He offered, “I’ll buy a piece of material at Home Depot for the back and staple it on.” He set to work and brought over the finished product. I found aqua spray paint in the garage and gave it a coat to brighten it up. Why, it looked just like new!
I try to put myself in God’s place (as if I could). What does He see when He looks at old, worn, poor, sick, homeless, dirty, broken souls in Africa? If they came to your church or mine, would we ask them to leave? Seat them in the back row? Welcome with open arms?
What’s your ‘inheritance’? Gold? Silver? An old bookcase?
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I will give thee….” [Acts 3:6]
“Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God for to You I pray.” [Psalm 5:12]
Listening to cries for help,
Charlotte
The first train West
CONGO
Zawadi of CAAP writes about the recent distribution of supplies to 3 remote refugee camps. These supplies were part of the two 40-ft. containers we shipped last year.
Dear Mama & Bush Mission,
“Here is the Report for Lushebere, Kasenyi and Kyeshero Refugee Camps west of Goma. First we distributed food, relief supplies and baskets in Lushebere, Masisi area. Thank you for your financial help with fuel for vans, food for the Team and other expenses which totaled $1,000. We shared love and hope through Jesus with vulnerable refugees affected by war.
“Our Team was CAAP Field Assistant, Ngabo; AFED Coordinator, Muruho; Pastors of the 8th CPAC in Lushebere Refugee Camp; Lushebere Police; and vulnerable people and disabled of Lushebere and Kasenyi.
“The word of God was preached on John 6:1-14 where Jesus fed 5,000 thousand people with 5 loaves and 2 fish, which showed how God loved them even though they are suffering; that they should have faith; and that they are not forgotten. We told them they have Christian brothers and sisters in America who love them enough to send food and clothes.... These people had nothing. We also explained how the dry food is cooked.”
“Kyeshero Refugee Camp received a donation of medical supplies and equipment to assist raped girls and women. We have a program to teach ‘Women Empowerment’ and ‘Self Reliance’ through God. They have suffered much violence and abuse.”
God bless you, Zawadi, CAAP
In Africa we watch time passing. We witness the most beautiful transformations, from darkness into light. We see countenances on faces change; lives changed; hearts changed; until they become new creatures in Christ. It’s a miracle! Is this what God sees?
Piecekeeper gals
Kinship group, it was great to be with you
A typical container
Letter #2. Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“We found a company who is selling two old tractors: 1 small size at $27,000; 2 bigger sizes at $29,000…. The tractors are here in Kampala…. The engines look nice and they are giving a 4-year guarantee…. They have new tires with many repairs. I could drive it myself … from here in Kampala, Uganda, to the Sudan border, and from there to my home in Angaim Village. Total transport fees to drive it are about $2,000.”
Yours faithfully, Pastor Sunlight
[Note: The ‘Tractor Fund’ now stands at $19,500]
* Winnie, 98-yr old mother of Harriet, went to be with her Lord. She was passionate about missions; her cheerful letters will be missed. Harriet lost her husband Philip in March. Pray for God’s comfort.
* Mike & Kathy for 100+ pairs of children’s flip-flops for refugee children in Rwanda.
Thank you kids for your lovely letters
June 2016
Bush Telegraph Missions
©copyright 2016
My terrific PT guys, Ray, Zach and Chris."
(No, I didn't have all 3 at once, they trade off with other patients)
UGANDA/SOUTH SUDAN
Letter from Rev. Stephen whose family fled to Kampala. He tells of the successful outreach to feed Panyinjair County, South Sudan.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“I went to Panyinjair County, Sudan, to take food for displaced people with money from Bush Mission. I only gave food to people in need…. The needs in Panyinjair were great because many refugees came there from Leer and Mayendit during the war…. Even pastors and evangelists are suffering. The food I bought was distributed by 4 elders whom I selected. 85 people collected and carried this food. 40 families, totaling 243 people, were fed. I am sending two photos…. I bought the food in Juba and transported it to Panyinjair…. 42 sacks of sorghum plus transport and porters to carry food. Total cost - $1,000. Everyone says thank you.”
God bless you,
Rev Stephen, Moderator SWUNP Leer, Sudan
Silver mine
Don, Linda, Mike & Charlotte. Special treat, breakfast at 'Kiss The Cook'
You've won the race, Winnie, well done
Luz, new recruit for Africa, with hubby Kurtis & Charlotte
UGANDA/SOUTH SUDAN
Two letters from Pastor Sunlight who attends school in Kampala, Uganda.
Letter #1. Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“Thanks for your prayers and support for my family…. Victor, the head teacher in Angaim Village, said they have closed the school for the first term. The “Official Closing” was attended by the Payam Inspector, Supervisor, Head Chief of Payam District and our Chief David. The parents were so grateful for your support and prayers as well as your commitment to support 5 teachers.
“My children’s school is late closing this term due to Uganda Elections. Schools reopen on June 6. I will travel to South Sudan for ministry in early June. I’ll be away for three months. I would like to pay their school fees in advance before I go to Sudan.
“The children performed well. Dan, 2nd grade, got 400 marks out of 500 - this is wonderful; John, 7th grade, came in Second Division; little Charlotte and Humo received awards for good discipline and being attentive; and Toby, Senior 3, has done well too. He will stay with the children while I am gone. He has support from his father but helps me when I am away in Sudan. Susan, my wife, is not in school now…. We are thankful for your support and prayers for South Sudan and educating our children to build them up in Christ.”
Yours faithfully, Pastor Sunlight
[Note: we sent money for school fees and transport to Sudan]
Nyakuoth, orphan, 5th grade
Sunlight and family
Tractor fund reaches over 2/3's of the way there!
Grandfather's bookcase looks as good as new!
The old cemetery
Sample of a 'David's Pouch' for Africa!
A few samples
CONCLUSION
Prayer ~N~ Praise
Report
40 families or 243 refugees fed
* Houseguests. Don & Linda from CO; and eldest son Mike from San Diego. Mike hadn’t seen Don and Linda since he was a boy in Zambia – it was a grand, fun reunion.
Pastor Sunlight's youngest, Charlotte Peace, in preschool
Thank you Widow's Group for inviting me
FROM THE MAIL BOX
Sweet letters from Mr. Dick, Ms. Robbin & their 4th & 5th grade Sunday School.
Dear Mama Charlotte,
“Thank you for helping the kids in Africa. I promise I will pray for you every day.”
Your friend, Gabriella, 5th grade
[Note: Thanks kids, wish we could print all your letters!]
I look at that old bookcase and see a young man who loved adventure. He rode the first train west, selling shoes. I see a father who knew grief when he lost his wife and three children within two years. I see a broken-hearted husband who found refuge in the mountains for 15 years as foreman of a silver mine.
I see a spiritual giant who never turned his back on God, conquered grief, met and married my Grandmother Ann Lock. Father was the youngest of their 3 children. That’s what I see. The old bookcase and all it stands for: my greatest inheritance.
KENYA. KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP
Letter from our Sudanese Team on the new church.
Dear Bush Mission & Mama,
“The Team at Kakuma Refugee Camp … are ... doing very well. The church building is already done with roofing. On Saturday we are nailing iron sheets on the roof. We are so thankful to God that the work is going well and we will send a report in an email from a Congolese pastor who is helping us. Thank you for your donation so we could buy the iron sheets and construct the church. When it rains we will be dry. We praise God for this work….”
Thank You,
Kakuma Sudanese Team
[Note: thanks to all who contributed.]
Panyinjair Village receives food
Mike & Kathy (wearing apron),
Rt. of center
Sudanese choir
ORCHIDS TO:
* Don & Linda for making a 12 hour journey from Colorado to bring a car load of Relief Supplies;
* Medical Report. Dr. Thompson officially released me though he’ll see me one more time. My Dr. and CORE where I had PT are two blocks away, it doesn’t get better than that. Special thanks to Ray, Zach and Chris – they had the patience of Job! I still have a ways to go with my knee bend and work on that at home through spa and exercise. ‘Hip hip hooray!’ Or should I say, ‘Knee Knee hooray’’?
ANNOUNCING SUMMER PLANS – HELLO AFRICA 2016
Africa is calling! In early July (the soonest I’m allowed to travel) I fly to Africa. We are delighted that Mrs. Luz Weeks of Grand Junction, CO, will join me the first month. PTL for ‘Angels’ who dug deep to donate towards our journeys. Watch for Laura’s ‘Bush Tel-E-Gram’ about our adventures. Are YOU on the “E” list?
Thank you dear friends for being a part of reaching lost souls for Christ through your love, prayers and encouragement. It’s so exciting to watch God change “… beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” [Isaiah 61:3]
CONGO. KINSHUSHA REFUGEE CAMP
Zawadi of CAAP shares the beautiful testimony of Odeta.
Dear Mama & Prayer Partners,
“This is the testimony of Odeta, age 21 years, originally from Remeka Village. She was normal at birth but at age 3 she got sick and developed a disability. Her parents did not know what to do as they were very poor. It was during the war. As a result her body did not grow normally. Today she is without legs and scoots on the ground. War came to Odeta’s village. It was set on fire but she escaped. Many were shot and killed.
“Odeta escaped to Kishusha Refugee Camp where she lives today. Mama Charlotte met her there last year . One day in early 2015 she was raped at this camp by a 45-year old man. Afterwards he fled with his family. Miss Odeta gave birth to a baby boy named Jackson. He is now eight months. She lives with her father and mother who help her daily at Kishusha Refugee Camp.
“Before we came she did not have food to eat for two days and couldn’t breast feed baby Jackson. Then we arrived and assisted her with many supplies. This improved her entire family's life. Now they have food, clothing, baby clothes, blankets and other supplies to help them survive. They are speechless and pray for Bush Mission.”
In Christ, Zawadi with CAAP
Lee and Angela, friends, brought the containers from Black Canyon City
* Pastor Huck & Pastora for 36 five gal containers of wheat, rice and beans for Congo;
USA. BITS-N-PIECES
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
* Marcia for 29 men’s suits from her friend’s father’s estate. We’ll share the whole story next time
The transformation
UGANDA/SOUTH SUDAN
Rev. Stephen’s wife, Regina, writes about the family in Kampala.
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
“The friend who used to help us with school fees left the country for studies…. This year … our children would not go to school if it were not for you…. We didn’t have support…. We cannot lie like Ananias and Sapphires…. We paid for the following children’s school fees: Matgoanar, Senior; Nyatiek, 7th grade (she is boarding); Tekuoth, 6th grade; and Nyakuoth in 5th grade (orphan). Matgoanar bought three books: Biology, Chemistry and Math. Nyatiek bought one book - math. Total school fees – 1,931,000 Uganda Shillings ($578)….
We also bought … food for the family: maize (corn) flour – 50 lb; sugar – 50 lb; Rice – 50 lb. The reminder we used for transport…. Total cost 667,763 shillings [$200]. They say thank you Bush Mission ….”
Yours in Christ, Mama Regina (Rev. Stephen’s wife)
* Mission programs presented to the Widows’ Group, Calvary; and Kinship Bible Study, Northwest Community. Special thanks to Al for setting up PowerPoint on his day off. The potlucks were delicious.
Construction at Angaim school has reached beam height
* Piecekeepers for “Little Girl” dresses for orphans in 5 African counties;
Government Dinka soldiers
To Africa with love
What does God see?
Men's suits for Sudan pastors
Tekuoth, 6th grade
* Lily for donating beautiful ‘like-new’ women’s clothes from her late sister
Nyaatiek, 7th grade
Rev. Stephen's wife, Regina