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

How fitting to conclude November’s Report with George Washington’s prayer. The ‘Father of our Country’ had a close relationship with his ‘Heavenly Father’. This speaks to America then and now as well as to world missions and persecution today. How prophetic is that!

“And now, Almighty Father,

“If it is Thy holy will that we shall obtain a place and name among the nations of the earth, grant that we may be enabled to show our gratitude for Thy goodness by our endeavors to fear and obey Thee. Bless us with Thy wisdom in our counsels, success in battle, and let our victories be tempered with humanity. Endow, also, our enemies with enlightened minds, that they become sensible of their injustice, and willing to restore our liberty and peace. Grant the petition of Thy servant, for the sake of whom Thou hast called Thy beloved Son; nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done.”

George Washington, 1783

Praising God for His Goodness,

Charlotte

BushTelegraphAfrica

ARIZONA PRAISES:

Praise God for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with Natalie, Jim and their lovely family (and Michelle too). The weather was beautiful so we set up a buffet inside; but ate out on the patio. I baked homemade pumpkin pies; the other granny brought green bean casserole to die for. Natalie even ground the wheat for her homemade dinner rolls! I tease her, “You were born 100 years too late!” And the turkey was delicious.

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Praise God for a successful Piecekeepers/Tapestries Christmas sale of homemade quilts/crafts at Calvary – proceeds for missions. Hardworking President Carol, Penny and volunteers oversaw the project.

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Praise God for special time with Terry Hardy who ‘kept the books’ while I was in Africa. We took a peek at Old Scottsdale and had lunch together – what fun. She did a fantastic job!

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Praise God for coffee with Tammy and Chuck McDonald before they return to Tala, Kenya.

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Praise God for Manna Ministry, Melody, Rachel Circle and others who’ve gotten a ‘head start’ on donations of Relief Supplies for our next container project – God willing (to be announced).

SOUTH SUDAN. Pastor Sunlight, his wife Susan & family

SOUTH SUDAN

Letter from Pastor Sunlight of Angaim Village.

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

“We are doing well in the school and ministry. Thank you so much for the encouragement and prayers for [us].

The school is going well and the teachers are doing their part. There are 128 pupils…. The 4 teachers were encouraged by your financial help…. Up until now they were not paid. This will keep them motivated.

“Last Friday we had a fellowship at the new church plant center. The children [living] with me are my 3 … and also orphans…. Our home now runs short of food due to the number in my family. The latrine project is in need of cement and iron sheets…. We are committed to serve the Lord as He had called us…. Pass my regards to all.”

Thank you … for prayers, Pastor Sunlight

CONGO. Greeting Vulnerable Women

CONGO, Goma

Letter from Pastor John Vulume, a new partner and Secretary of CODIC.

Dear Bush Mission & Mama,

“… The peace around Goma and all Northern [Kivu] province is ok. The … military took control of Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories. I hope that all will be normal in Eastern … [Congo]. Please pray for my ministry. May God bless you. Give my greetings to the mission … and prayer partners.”

In Christ, Pastor John V, Goma, Congo

RWANDA. Darling & Pastor Celestin

RWAMDA. Kigali

Here is an excerpt from Darling Clementine’s personal testimony:

“During Rwanda’s genocide in 1994, over 1 million Tutsies were killed in 100 days…. Among them were my husband; my mother and 6 of my siblings…. I was left a widow overnight with 3 babies: a newborn, 1 yr and 2 yr old boys…. For the first few years I worked for World Vision, but had ideas of my own on how to best serve the Lord. I started a Cleaning Business in Kigali, capitol of Rwanda….

“Fast forward to 2013. Today I have 72 employees and 3 supervisors…. One of my clients OWNS the largest mall in Kigali…. My employees are women who were forced into prostitution … all have children to support. I took them off the street and turned their lives around for the Glory of God. My 3 sons are all university students studying in India today.” Note: we praise God for this walking talking miracle-working woman!]

RWANDA, Kigali.

Letter from my hostess, Darling Clementine (that’s her name – I kid you not). She shared a testimony from one of the vulnerable women I ministered to while there in October.

Dear Friend,

“… You … were a blessing to us and the vulnerable women you [taught]. One of them, Bilthilde, shared this testimony with me:

‘When I met [Mama Charlotte], my life changed immediately. When I heard her testimony I understood that God had a good plan for everyone. Even me. From that visit until now I have to fight for my destiny because I have a second chance for my life. I was like a dead woman but today I am alive. Before I thought that big support from a white man is money but it’s not. I found something which is [more precious] than money: a heart full of peace – and I received it in Jesus’ name. I thank God for the blessing of Mama’s visit…. [end of Bilthilde’s testimony].

“… We miss … and love you. Greetings from David, Clarisse, Sam, Mutaganzwa and my 3 sons in India. Give a big hug … to your [family].”

Love from your friend, Darling

UGANDA. Mama Josephine gets a new store in her home!

USA. ICOM (Int'l Conference On Missions) - Kandi & Orville of Caribbean

KENYA. Pastor Walter's new church & congregation

KENYA

Letter from Pastor Walter who pastors a new church 25 miles west of Nairobi.

Dear Mama & Bush Mission,

“…Thank you for your prayers and … support. The church is doing well and we remember the message you gave – ‘The Lion Chaser’…. We also thank you for the 20 plastic chairs … bought for the church…. Since that time … we have received new members and were forced to rent 25 more chairs.”

“You left money for school fees for Anne, [who cares for 6 younger siblings]. We agreed … that … Anne will join [high school] next January because we have only [a short time] … remaining this term…. About the orphan young man who stays with me, the one you supported to get his [business] license: he … is now in business and experiencing … a high demand for his food products….

“… Please remember the family of our Women’s Leader, Mary, in your prayers. [I had lunch in her home]. Two weeks ago her mother-in-law died [who she cared for]. Today I am very sad to tell you that her husband died last Thursday. We will bury him Friday…. He was a church leader and my good friend. It was a great challenge to our church, Mary and her children…. “… Thank you … for your encouragement and powerful scriptures that touched my heart and the church members…. We were strengthened and moving on knowing that all things work for our good. I printed the email you sent and read it to Mary and her kids…. The last month has been hard for me … but God is enabling us. “… We are in the rainy season. Our roof is covered with old [plastic] sheets so rain enters. Sometimes we stop and squeeze into my small house. Our … project now is to cover the whole church with iron sheets. I … am starting up a new business … so that I can … support the church…. I … will be selling … decorations during Christmas holidays; and in January, school supplies. I pray that all is well. God bless you….”

In Christ, Pastor Walter

[Note: We sent money to Pastor Walter to start up his new business. His church has only two walls and a very leaky roof made of large plastic sheets. While I was these poor church members donated two duffel bags of clothes for Sudan. I hand-carried them to Pastor Sunlight’s church.]

UGANDA, Tororo

Below are testimonies from Peace Church Preschool, thanks to Teacher Apophiah, from 3 of the 9 orphans who live in Pastor John’s home.

(1) Dear Mama & Bush,

“… I send my greatest heart thanks … for the support you send us since Pr John brought me into his house 3 years back. Then I was suffering with my grandmother as my father died [away from] home…. I [never] saw him in my life, but I thank God for you and all who sponsor us. I feel I’m with my father and mother by the support you … send us, especially the school fees. Thank you….”

Teddy

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(2) Dear Mama & Mission,

“Thank you for the support you have given us since my nursery school [until] today in primary [class]. … Through your support I live happily with Pastor John and teacher Apophiah. My father died 4 years ago in an accident but God gave me a supporter for my education…. When you came to Tororo I was in Kampala helping the new church … singing, but I got my clothes and toothpaste you left me.”

Evaline

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(3) Dear Bush Mission,

“I’m Sharon in Primary 7 [7th grade] this year. I … thank the [mission] and sponsors through your heart’s desire for our well being. When my father died 3 years back I thought that was the end of my education, but … I thank God for your support by sending us … gifts and money for school fees. I’m a happy girl aiming at a better future. I pray that God keeps you until you witness the fruits of your support. Thank you so much.”

Yours, Sharon

KENYA, Busia

Letter from Pastor Patrick who cares for 6 orphans.

Dear Bush & Mama,

“Thanks very much. I got the money. Let Jesus Himself bless where it came from. I have paid school fees for these months and house rent. I did not respond quickly because on Friday we had funeral. The Brother of Associate Pastor Emanuel died. We went to Siaya Village, his home, for burial. On December 8th we will have a fund raiser to buy a key board for the church. We need your prayers.”

In Christ, Pastor Patrick

UGANDA

Busia. Letter from Pastor Henry, spiritual advisor to Mama Josephine. He is overseeing workers who are building Mama Josephine a little store in her home to help support her 30 orphans.

Dear Mama and Bush Mission,

“ … Thank you for supporting Mama Josephine by building shelves and a counter in her house. The work is finally complete and now you can receive the final report…. The carpenter … gave a discount of 65,000 shillings ($26)…. With that money … Mama Josephine bought food…. Find attached copies of receipts, photos and report…. Total received … 1,242,500 shillings ($500 US$)…. God bless you

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Henry

ICOM (Int’l Conference on Missions)was in Kansas City, MO, this year. I headed there just after returning home from Africa. Imagine! 7,500 folk who are sold out to missions from around the world! The program was inspiring. Bush Telegraph had a display table in the last row of the main hall. Or what I call, ‘the end of the world’ because you had to walk quite far to reach it. Actually, it was just before a large open space where 1,800 teens gathered to build walls for storage sheds in disaster areas.

So for two days we heard bang! Bang! Bang! as hundreds of hammers and nails flew. My visitors at our booth carried on a shouting match to hear one another. What fun to fellowship with old friends and make new ones. We praise God for Carol and Jean Marie who shared their hotel room; and Shirley who hosted me the last night. Most important, we praise God for 86 decisions for full-time service!

FROM THE MAILBOX

Letter from 11-year old John Jr. of Colorado. He ‘tithed’ $40 of his own hard-earned money. PTL for the example set by mission-minded parents. His letter warms my heart.

Dear Charlotte,

“I wanted to help you out with your ministry work so here is a part of my tithe. I hope you will have a safe and wonderful next trip to Africa, whenever that might be. I will pray for you.”

John Jr. age 11

Prayer and Praise Report

November 2013

November 2013

Dear Friends of the Persecuted Church,

BLACK FRIDAY. While Americans celebrated Black Friday by fighting over big Prism TV screens at Walmart; a world away – in Africa – a Black Mama was struggling to feed her family of 12 with one head of cabbage bought with her last cent. Black Friday began earlier than usual this year - on Thanksgiving Day eve. It’s about making money. How far we’ve drifted from the true meaning of that First Thanksgiving of 1676 but it took another 180 years before it became a national holiday (1862), thanks to President Lincoln.

BACK HOME. It’s good to be home again, but the first thing I noticed was the terrible waste: good food thrown in the garbage; and furniture tossed into dumpsters that would furnish a village. I have an idea. Wheel of Fortune should offer a grand prize – a vacation to a 5-star hut in the bush. Bad water. No electricity. Mosquitoes. Outhouses. After 24 hours I guarantee that Thanksgiving Day would become meaningful again.

AM I SAYING that all ‘mission fields’ should come with huts, bugs and dirty river water? No. We’ve each been given our own ‘mission field’ of sorts. Yours is to help God’s work in Africa. You, like me, see people dying without God and lost souls who still need Jesus. It’s a compelling problem but YOU are part of the solution. Thank you for caring as together we minister to the Persecuted Church through your prayers. OK, I’ll get off my ‘soap box’. Hooray! It’s time for the latest ‘Prayer-n-Praise Report’!