"The beautiful Youth Choir at the Alere church."
"Bulasio is now settled in at the University in Kampala. Lt-Rt: Bulasio and Big Jackson."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Team & Mama,
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“We are building a second latrine as we made a big hole. I gave a Pygmy named Mbaenda $2.50 to go in the forest to find Pastor Kiza. Here there is no counseling when people get depressed. But we have the Gospel - the answer to all problems. Good news! Pastor Mbaenda came back today with Pastor Kiza!
“Thank you for supporting the Church Dedication Celebration. Pygmies feel so happy to have such a beautiful church. Thank you in advance for sending money to feed this big crowd. I will buy two goats, oil, 100 lb of farina, sugar, charcoal, salt, plates and peanuts. Also drinks plus soap and tissue. We will inaugurate the Church on Easter Sunday. The Pygmy community sent written invitations to area pastors and local authorities.”
God bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"Pygmy Mama cooking in her humble home; the pot sits on three rocks with a wood fire beneath."
"Abigail, John and Samuel begin high school."
KENYA, BUSIA. Three of Pastor Patrick’s orphans begin Secondary School (high school) as schools open!
Dear Friends,
“Three children in the 8th grade will start exams next week. They need your prayers as well as my mother who was admitted to Webuye Hospital – a problem with her eyes. Baby Rose, Amos and my wife Ruth are also sick with malaria and typhoid. Ruth took them to the clinic.
I paid the children’s school fees and also paid 3,000 shillings ($28) for Nereah’s Salon School. We thank God for support for the three children who finished primary school. They will stay home about two months before joining Form One (high school).”
Blessings,
Pastor Patrick
"Mamas washing my feet during my visit last October."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"Ruth and baby Rose were treated for malaria and typhoid."
CONGO, NORTH KIVU, Bahunde Territory, Macha District. Below is a letter from the Mubambiro Pygmies Union translated by Mama Zawadi. They officially opened their new church Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Dear Mama Zawadi & Bush Telegraph Mission,
“We, the Mubambiro’ Pygmies, are very happy for the church you built for us. We ask you to help us open our church so that we can begin to pray to God and through our prayers God will bless you. We ask before opening our church, we would like all senior church leaders in the community to come and honour us. We would like to have a Dedication Celebration. Also we wish to build a small house to welcome visitors.”
Pygmy Representative, Mr. M. M.; Pygmy Leader, Mr. M. M. Witnesses: President M. B.; Vice President B. S.; Secretary E. M.
"Mama Zawadi inspects the hole to see if it's deep enough as it's the first latrine the Pygmies have ever built."
"Sunlight with his youngest son at the camp."
"Sunlight teaching Easter Sunday in South Sudan. (2)"
EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST. On May 22 we received word that Mt. Nyiragongo Volcano had erupted outside of Goma, population 2,000,000.
BTM supports thousands of vulnerable widows, orphans, refugees and pygmies who live at the foot of this volcano or nearby.
Earthquakes are happening every five minutes; Goma has no power; and the Governor ordered people who live in 10 ‘hot zones’ to move on foot immediately - with nowhere to go.
This includes two Pygmy tribes: MUKONDO and MUTAHO who live on Mt. Nyiragongo. And the new Mubambiro Pygmy Church we just built? It’s now a refuge for 100 homeless families. Praise God! We are rushing financial aid to them as I write. Please pray.
"Meet a few of our amazing volunteers."
CONGO. Letters from Mama Zawadi & Team – our newest church was dedicated Easter Sunday!
Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“The Mubambiro Church is under construction. Thank you for BTM’s donation. Pygmies are desperate to use their Church. They came fresh from the forest and are hungry for God. Thomas and I plan to go there twice a week to preach the gospel; hold a Crusade; baptize; and evangelize for 6 months house-to-house.
“Materials needed: 1) Latrine: the hole is dug. We need 4 planks of wood, walls, a door, rafters; 2) A village carpenter will make a pulpit; 3) Benches: one piece of wood in the market is $4. 20. 30 pieces will make 80 seats. If we add wood on the sides we can seat 100. We’ll put them together in Goma. We have 10 now.
“Challenge: Pastor Kiza, whom you met in Mubambiro when you were here, went back to the forest. He could not afford to live in the village. We must have a Good Shepherd to lead the new church. These are vulnerable people. No pastor wants to preach without an offering. Nonetheless Jesus died for them too.”
God Bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"Generous neighbors donated to the Congo Container Project."
"Cooking for the workers - such big pots!"
"Ten more new benches to seat the congregation. No one had any chairs at home."
And so it goes, Monday-Friday for months, faithful hard-working Volunteers donate time to process thousands of pounds of donations. It takes hundreds of man-hours. These friends are SUPPOSED to be ‘retired’ – but they’re busier than college freshmen, working schedules around grandbabies, weddings, funerals, vacations and graduations. Dare we forget those never-ending doctor appointments? That’s good - we want everyone healthy.
You know that old saying, “It takes a Village?” Well, that’s true of this Congo Container Project – so many precious souls are making it happen – and that includes YOU, too. You make it possible to reach vulnerable Congo brothers and sisters to share the Love of Jesus by sending life-saving relief supplies. Thank you for your love, prayers and encouraging messages.
[Later] Dear Mama & Bush Family,
“We went to see the Mubambiro Pygmies yesterday to preach and distribute food. We had a wonderful time. It hasn’t been long since they came from the forest. They are aggressive with short tempers. We will build with wood and put iron sheets on the roof. We need at least 30 iron sheets X 10 + $50 for transport = $350. Wood 162 X $4 ea = $648 + $80 for transport. Iron sheets come from Goma. Rafters to support the iron roof: 120 X $2 ea = $240 + $60 transport = $300 + nails @ $70 = $370.
Windows: 8 windows, 4 for each side, $40 for 1 window X 8 = $320 + transport $20 + 2 double doors = $1,948 + $8 for transport. Doors, accessories and lockers = 2 lockers X $30 ea = $60 + wood to fix the 2 doors = $24 + workers for those who will build the church. They charged $240 = $2,240 total.”
God Bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
[Note: BTM wired the money needed]
"Little Jackson came home for a visit."
“We received 21,875,000 shillings ($6,180. 1) We used 3,549,600 ($997) to pay for 10 Kenyan students;
2) 7,550,000 ($2,121) for Ugandan students (Candidates); 8 Secondary and 3 Primary students.
3) We used 890,000 ($250) to pay Christine's rent and food rations.
Total: 11,989,600 ($3,368).
Some classes in Uganda reopened. We used 4,700,000 ($1,320) to pay for 5 Secondary and 3 Primary students.
We used 350,000 ($98) for Jackson's surgery. He was operated on a second time for hemorrhoids.
Total: 17,039,600 ($4,786). Balance 4,835,400 ($1,358). Eight Secondary and 4 Primary Ugandan students have not started school.
The 19 new orphans sleep with others or in the hall. They lay down mattresses on the floor.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
"Ugandan students are back in school."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“On Easter Sunday we met with four families. I shared 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Today I went to the AIC Central Office to meet with the Director to request an Introduction Letter for Kenyan Immigration along with other documents to renew my Work Permit. My current Work Permit expires in August. After I get it renewed, I will apply for Rachel and the girls as my dependents.
Yesterday, Rachel found an orphanage nearby. She took a few old clothes. We praise God that He continues caring for the vulnerable.”
“Due to the lockdown in Nairobi there is a limit on the hours people can work. My family and I are at home, only going to the market or visiting neighbors. Pastors complain saying it doesn't make sense to close churches while markets are open. Today, I went to the Neighborhood Children’s Home and shared John 3:16. Margret, Director, said there are 81 children ages 0-20 years. I donated food and supplies due to lockdown.”
Many blessings,
Gideon
"Mama Zawadi shopping for food at the local market."
"Pastor Germaine from EMISA Church, Goma, preached on I King 7:51. He said it was King David's son, Solomon, who built the Temple, not David because he was a warrior."
"The life of Pygmy women is very hard."
"Sunlight teaching Easter Sunday in South Sudan."
UGANDA, BUSIA. Finally it’s ‘Back to School’ for Mama Josephine’s children – at last!
Dear Friends & Mama,
“Ugandan children who are in 3rd, 5th, 6th, Senior 3 and Senior 5 started school yesterday. Thank you BTM for school fees. Receipts are attached. ‘Little Jackson’ is with us a few days and then will go back to the Army base where he is stationed. I leave for this week and am instructing ‘Big Jackson’ how to write you emails when I’m gone. I'm grateful for what you have done for me. I pray that God bless you daily.
"Alere Church roof needs to be repaired."
"Zuena and Sharon (seen below) now work at a supermarket in Kampala."
Until next time, loving God’s World through His Son,
REPORT
Saturday morning. The back doorbell rings. Charlie, our ferocious 20-lb watchdog, tore through his doggy door to defend the neighborhood.
Me. “Michelle, can you get that please?”
Michelle. “Sure mom.” I overhear part of the conversation, “ … the underwear is like new and there are no holes in the socks.” I chuckled. Another welcome donation for our 40-ft Congo Container Project.
Me, later. “Michelle, who was that?”
Michelle. “The man across the alley with the flagpole.” I make a note.
"Poor Big Jackson - back at the clinic for operation #2."
2021
"Some of the food served was meat (84 lb); green bananas to make 'matoke', a traditional dish; peanuts; garlic; leeks; red onions; and other veggies."
"Stacks of cement to build the church."
"The inside of the church - laying down the rocks and after the floor is finished."
SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight built a new room for the girls at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp.
Dear Bush Mission,
“I am in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp to finish the new room for the girls. Construction requests: iron sheets - 12pcs; 32 timbers; roofing nails; ordinary nails; and hook iron. Total: 650,000 shillings ($183).
School opened for primary 6, Senior 3 and Senior 5 in Uganda. We have two orphans in primary 6. Here is their request: school fees/exams; PTA fees; sanitizer; shock; books; pens; and math sets. Total = 191,000 shillings ($54).
Supplies for the Orphans: Charcoal; sugar; vegetables; oil; maize (corn); and grinding. Grand total: food 875,000 ($245); school supplies 191,000 ($54); construction = 650,000 ($183). Total 1,716,000 shillings ($482).
“On Easter Sunday in South Sudan, I shared a message on John 12:12-20. It was great sharing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The woman standing by me was the interpreter. Blessings to you all.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
"300 iron sheets for the roof to build the church"
Monday morning. I'm driving to Living Water church, gracious host for the Congo Container Project. My phone rings. The voice at the end of the line: “Hi … it’s Rosie ... do you take knives?”
My head spins. Rosie? Knives? Then I remember. Rosie my neighbor. “Yes Rosie, we take knives….” Hers would be the first but there’s a first time for everything.
Rosie. “I’ll leave them on your front porch, ok?”
Silently I pray, “Lord … it’s a mystery how word of the Project spread in our neighborhood … but thank you so much.”
"The Neighborhood Children's Home."
"Tons of nails too."
"Zawadi and Charlotte following church service, November 2020."
[Letter #3] Dear Friends & Mama,
“We had a huge crowd. People even gave their lives to the Lord. I am very tired today as I didn't sleep for two days preparing for the Church Dedication. I wish you were here.
“God used Thomas the Evangelist, Pastor Kitoko (Engineer) and my husband to help. Pastor Germain
from EMISA Church preached and Thomas was Moderator. Pygmies invited many choirs and pastors to sing. Pastor Bulenda's church came as well, and I was a speaker. Three TV and radio media came to Celebrate.
“You cannot believe what a great impact this Church is having on this community. Many people gave their lives to Jesus. They even want to get married in the church. Mama I wish you were here. Pygmies, when interviewed, said, ‘This is more important than physical food. God is on our side; it is the most beautiful church we have ever seen.’ We thank BTM for the funding. May He bring peace to Congo. Amen.”
God Bless Zawadi & Team
"Ministering with Mama Zawadi in Goma, Congo."
[Later] Dear Mission Family & Mama,
“I am now in Kampala where I rented a room at my University for 800,000 shillings ($226) per semester. I also bought a mattress and supplies. You brought us from nothing to something. We now look like people in the community because of you.
“Mama Josephine bought 3 bags of flour and 1 bag of beans to feed the orphans for many days. The Kenyan students closed school for the second term and will go back on May 10.”
Yours in Love,
Bulasio
KIRYANDONGO REFUGEE CAMP. Letters from Toby, Pastor Sunlight’s brother who oversees the care of these orphans.
Dear Bush Mission,
“I leave for Kampala tomorrow morning to pick up the money from BTM and also return to my University. I will instruct Rose, the children’s Caregiver, plus help from John, who has not started classes yet, to purchase supplies. Thank you for sending money for food and construction of the new room for girls.”
Thanks,
Toby (Sunlight’s brother)
MARCH | APRIL | MAY
"Food and other supplies arrive by 'piki-piki' for the 30 Kiryandongo Kids, Uganda."
"The 100 year floods caused much starvation in Leer, South Sudan."
© Copyright 2021
[Letter #4] Dear Bush Family & Mama,
“Here is the background of the church: we started the Construction Project in early February. We went to Mubambiro to see the land where we were going to build with Kitoko, Engineer; Chief Mubawa; and the Pygmy Committee. As we drove back to Goma, God showed me in a vision that the land given to the church was dedicated to Satan and making sacrifices to him. The Lord showed me there was a spirit of death there and I saw dead priests coming to fight in my vision.
“The next day I shared with Engineer Kitoko what God had revealed. I told him to fast and go to Mubambiro. When Kitoko returned, he told me exactly what God showed me in the vision: that the land was dedicated to Satan. God spoke to my heart, ‘You will find opposition but do not fear as this is My will to build the Church here.’
“On the starting day, a different King named Lawi came and made opposition saying, ‘You cannot build a Church there as that place is for Satanic activities, or this will abolish their customs’.
“Chief Mubawa and the community leaders replied: ‘We have served Satan a long time. Now is the time to serve the Lord.’ They sent the king away and signed documents. We built the church. Three days after we started to build, King Lawi sent three people to kidnap me. The Lord told me in a vision not to go there so I didn't go. When those people came for me I was not there. Engineer Kitoko carried on building but twice the Lord told me not to go there so I didn't. The kidnappers became discouraged and did not come anymore.”
God bless,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"Digging the hole for the latrine."
"Toby painting the inside."
"The neighbor with the flagpole lives here."
"Gideon, Rachel and their children at home, Easter Sunday."
"Visiting the church land for the first time last February."
and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"The Lord even sent a pulpit for our new Pygmy church."
"Nereah loves Beauty School."
"A typical Pygmy dwelling. The Mubambiro Pygmies had no clinic, no school and no church before we came."
"One of two latrines - finished!"
"Gideon arrives back home in Kenya after his Congo ministry trip."
"Wooden bikes carry lumber from the storage place to the church sight for builders."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Family,
“Nereah, my oldest orphan, has a stomach problem. Due to the Doctors’ Strike I took her to a private clinic. The bill was 7,500 shillings ($70) but 4,000 ($37) is still owed. Thank you for your prayers for my children who were sick – they are better. Even my mother came out of the hospital.
School started in May. The Ministry of Education announced the results for KCPE tests: 1) Abigail - 303 out of 500 points. 2) John – 257 out of 500. 3) Samuel – 254 out of 500. They passed and begin Secondary School in two months.”
Blessings,
Pastor Patrick
"Zawadi and Team with Charlotte, November 2020."
"Mt. Nyiragongo Volcano erupted on May 22, 2021."
PRAYER-N-PRAISE
SOUTH SUDAN/UGANDA. Pastor Gideon, BTM’S new African Director, answers Rev. Stephen’s request.
Dear Rev Stephen,
“It is encouraging to see how your church is working hard to complete their church. Study of God’s word is important so they know God better, grow in His love and for one another during difficult times. Regarding your two requests: the Alere Refugee Camp Church Roof. You say that the total needed is $900. BTM will be responsible for 2/3’s of the cost.
As for the Leer, South Sudan, Food Program, BTM helps the starving so please only consider the most vulnerable. BTM will contribute $7,000 (not $10,000 as you asked). I request that you please adjust the names of beneficiaries receiving the food or reduce the amount of the food received. The LORD who called you, will continue blessing you and provide for all ministry needs.”
In His Service and For His glory,
Gideon for BTM Africa
-Matthew 16:18
"Charlotte teaching the Mubambiro Pygmies, November 2020."
[Letter #5] Dear Friends & Mama,
“The new church is responding to the greatest needs in the Pygmy community. The program Tuesdays; Thursdays; Saturdays prayer and fasting; Sunday services. Evangelist Thomas and I prepared programs for the church. We will be there this week for Door-To-Door Evangelism and to baptize. God is showing us who His servants are in the church. They are growing flowers at the church and clean it themselves.
This is among the greatest achievements BTM has ever done in this area. God will be highly glorified through these people. COVID pushed the prices up of building materials up. Also the land was on a little hill so it took much cement and gravel to fill the foundation. Rwanda is now producing high quality cement at $11 for a 100 lb bag (without transport).”
May God bless you,
Mama Zawadi & Team
"The girls' new house is finished. Hooray!"
"(Lf-Rt) Akhim, Pygmy Chief Mubawa, Zawadi, and Engineer Kiroba."
"The Mubambiro Pygmy Church is sheltering over 100 families."
"The Mubambiro Church under construction."
"Mama Christine and her children say, 'Thank you for the food.'"
"The two ladies on the left volunteered to carry water from the river for workers. Gideon is in the back row, 3rd from left, with other workers."
[Letter #2] Dear Bush Team & Mama,
“Sunlight will be coming to Uganda from South Sudan the end of May to deal with weeding the maize garden. Since the boys are in school the garden now needs the first weeding. Rose, whom we trust, is in charge of the orphans. We also have the big boys. We give them responsibility and communicate with them often.
“Thanks for keeping me and the children in prayer. Two children, John and Daddy, will be finishing their levels by the end of May as they are up for Final Exams. One girl, Evaline, 6th grade, also joined because the Ugandan Government has welcomed semi-candidates back. Children who started class this month are: 1) Benjamin - Senior one; 2) David - Senior one; 3) Evelyn – 6th; 4) Susan – 5th grade; 5) Sonia – 5th grade; 6) Mary - 4th grade; 7) Census – 4th grade; 8) Night – 4th grade; 9) Santo – 6th grade.
“The ones to start in June whose fees are not included are: 1) Lucky - Senior 2; 2) James – Kindergarten; 3) Taban – Kindergarten; 4) Becky – Kindergarten. We won’t know these children’s fees until classes begin. Sunlight’s children: 1) Dan Daddy, just completed Primary Leaving Exam; 2) Humo Godfree – 4th; 3) Peace Charlotte – 1st grade; 4) Gaddy – Kindergarten. Sunlight is moving them out of Kiryandongo Camp to Gulu town. Thanks for your prayers for the vulnerable children.”
Thanks,
Toby
[Letter #2] Dear Praying Friends & Mama,
“It’s Big Jackson here. I will write while Bulasio is at University. I am working as a Vet for rural farmers, treating their animals plus sharing my knowledge on crop farming.
Mama Christine’s landlord asked that she and her family move out. We are looking for another house to rent by May 1st. We gave Bulasio the balance: 256,000 ($72). Mama Christine now cares for 8 children (5 girls and 3 boys): Nisha N., Zainabu, Nuru, Patience, Martha, Victor, Phize and Ibrahim. Two of the big boys now live with Mama Josephine.
“Zuwena went to Kampala with Sharon Nabwire to work at Capital Shoppers (supermarket). They went with a friend, Mary and live in the same house in Ntinda. They wish to continue their studies for a certificate in any course. They earn 200,000 ($57/mo) plus they pay rent and food.”
Yours faithfully,
Big Jackson
LETTERS FROM GIDEON. He tells of his journey to Congo as he becomes acquainted with BTM Ministry.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“I arrived to Nairobi safely after a long trip. I began my trip Thursday, using a piki-piki from Goma to Bunagana. I went through Immigration (Congo/Ugandan). I took another piki-piki to Kisoro and by God's grace connected to the bus going to Kampala. I reached Kampala at 11 pm and slept in the bus at the station until 5 am. Then I took a piki-piki to Namaiba bus station, where I booked my ticket with Modern Coast bus. We left Kampala at 7 am and reached Nairobi at 10:40 pm. I reached home at 11:35 pm. Though a long trip, I enjoyed my time ministering in Congo with Mama Zawadi and her team. Thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement. Goma is insecure, but I thank God that I was able to share Jesus.”
Yours because of Christ and for His service,
Gideon
"(Lf-Rt). Deo (Zawadi's husband who also supervised construction); Mupepa, King of the Pygmies; and Gideon."
"Easter Sunday Dedication of the new Mubambiro Pygmy Church."
Bush Telegraph Missions
"A month's supply of charcoal for cooking at the camp."
SOUTH SUDAN. Rev. Stephen requests help with a church roof and feeding program.
Dear Friends & Mama,
“I am still in Juba. It is not safe here because at night police don’t allow people outside or they are shot. Two weeks ago they killed 33 young people. Today the government killed a General in the camp outside Juba. People say peace, peace, but I don’t see it.
[Later] “Alere Church is in the Refugee Camp in Uganda. They lost their roof due to a storm and lack iron sheets to repair it. I came back last week from Juba, but I will go again soon as I must go to Leer. Floods are very bad there. I am asking BTM to help me take food to churches in Leer as they are starving.”
God bless you,
Rev Stephen