Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"Our relief supplies safely delivered to CAAP, our partner."
Charlotte
"Food for the students."
"The deaf boy, Miracle, was admitted to the hospital."
"Cousin Gary, wife Patty, Charlotte and Michelle."
"Balis waived some fees because we serve Congo's poorest."
"The 3 orphans asleep at night."
SUDAN/UGANDA.Pastor Sunlight shares good news about Angaim Village, South Sudan.
[letter #1] Dear Bush & Mama,
“Peter received the money from Canadian Missionary Jordan but he is searching for a market person to send me the Report.
CONGO SHIPPING NEWS.
Good news from Balis, our shipping agent.
This was the first time we used his services so it was a ‘trial run’ as we sent 3 pallets. Thus we only paid for space for 3 pallets in Balis’ shipping container. The rest of the container was filled with supplies from others who also work in Congo.
Dear Madam & Bush Friends,
“Good evening. Our containers … arrived in Kinshasa yesterday. The sea journey from USA to Matadi Port cost $3,970.
Congo is in a recession and everything is expensive. After your pallets arrived we loaded them onto a rented truck for $1,540 for a 9-12 hour trip to Kinshasa, the capitol. We paid $2,360 in Customs fees at Matadi.
The truck was stopped by officials at Mitendi and Kimpese. They demanded $1,800 in ‘taxes’ (bribes) or they threatened to throw away all supplies. The grand total was $9,670….
Your pallets were shrink-wrapped and dropped at the Air Cargo office to be flown to Goma town (final destination).
Attached is the invoice to be paid by Monday…. My team will call CAAP, your partner, to pick them up.
We urge them to act quickly as there are riots and police being killed there now….”
Thanks, Balis
[Note. Later Balis graciously ‘waived’ many expenses because we help Congo’s poorest.]
USA. Letter from Mator, former ‘Lost Boy of Sudan’: ‘What I learned at ICOM’.
Dear Bush Mission,
“Thank you for sending me to ICOM. Here’s what I appreciated most:
- The generosity of Ann and her church in Peoria who found a hotel where I could sleep;
- I felt rejuvenated by the lessons and preaching at the main events each evening;
- The workshops were amazing – over 175 to choose from;
- The atmosphere was so positive as folks were pumped up about solving world issues using Biblical teachings;
- The mission breakfasts and lunches were packed with meaningful presentations;
- There was a lot to see in the exhibition halls – displays conveyed powerful messages;
- I pray our future Project to build a School, Church and Clinic in my home village will become a reality due to the motivation and positive stories I heard from missionaries who did the same thing; and
- Connecting with and meeting different people from around the world was very powerful.
- Overall I felt a sense of purpose; that trusting God at all times, allows us to achieve more. As we serve others, we are spreading the Gospel.
Thank you,
Mator
[letter #3] Dear Bush Friends,
“The School Administration are encouraged by your love for our community. Peter finally received the second amount of money through Taban and Samson's families.
They … are thankful for the way the Lord
opened. Money was used as follows: 1) Motorbike repairs; 2) Educational materials; 3) Food for students’ school
lunches; 4) Sugar for students’ breakfast porridge; 5) Peter’s transport from Angaim Village to Torit; and 6) Food in Torit. Teachers received their pay too.
“Felentino, the head teacher who works with Peter, used to assist Victor. Peter was in Torit yesterday to pick up the books the government promised our school. The school children carried the books and two balls home on their heads. It’s a 6 hour walk.
Peter said that the motorbike developed more problems and is being
worked on by the same mechanic. The engine is old and may die any time. Angaim community met to discuss the role of parents. They decided to build grass houses for teachers in the church compound. They are also ready to complete four classrooms started before the war broke out four years ago.”
Thanks for the prayers,
Pastor Sunlight
"Teachers received their first pay."
Bush Telegraph Missions
© copyright 2017
"Laura enjoys a cup of tea now and then."
"Matgoanar, after surgery, is now home and doing well."
The teachers received their pay and we bought school supplies…. Angaim community is planning to build houses for teachers in the village….
We are praying for three grass and pole huts as the teachers live far away with no transport except by foot. Our plan is to build the teachers up in Christ.”
With thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX. So who answered our prayer for Pastor White’s needs?
Dear Friends & Charlotte,
“Here is a ‘leap of faith’ gift for the school teachers’ salaries and other needs for Pastor White in Kenya! It’s given in memory of my dear mother, Winnie, who had a big heart for education.”
With love in Him, Harriet, Utah
"Sylvia, Mama Josephine's full-time helper."
"May the Church shine in it's witness."
“Praying for all you wrote about in the October P-N- P. Praying for strength and STAMINA for you. God sees, God heals, God gives us the gift of hope. We sprinkle it everywhere for His glory!”
In His Amazing Love and Grace, Laura, Arizona
"(lf-rt) Chuck, Mator and Prayer Encounter Youth."
UGANDA’S CORRUPTION. Busia. Background: Recently we sent money to Mama Josephine for Sylvia’s pay – she’s her full-time helper. We received a suspicious reply saying that Mama Josephine’s identity document had been stolen. We were asked to RESEND the money to her brother-in- law.
First of all, I know her relatives and her sister is a widow. There were other irregularities. We suspected Mama Jo’s email had been hacked. We sent a 2 nd email asking ‘Mr. X’ to answer questions. They replied with wrong answers so we knew they were corrupt. Next we wrote Mama c/o her sons’ email addresses to alert them. We received the following reply.
Dear Mama & Bush Team,
“We appreciate you being keen and noticing the hacker and thank God for saving us. We received the message for Sylvia's pay. Mama Josephine and I just came from the Bank…. I, Bulasio, helped Mama change to another Internet Café and the password for her email. We thank you for alerting us about the corrupt person who hacked Mama's email…. We love you and pray for you daily.”
Yours in Christ, Bulasio for Mama Josephine
[Note. Uganda is the 3 rd most corrupt country in Africa.]
"One of the refugee camps we minister to."
"Pastor White's orphans pose in their new hats, scarves and little girl dresses."
IDOP or ‘Int’l Day Of Prayer for the Persecuted Church’ was Nov. 5th.
Dear Friends of the Persecuted Church,
“Did you know that more Christians are persecuted today than ever before? Which is why International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is so important. But in order to pray for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters, we need to get to know them – and their stories.
“According to Open Doors the worst offenders are North Korea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan. Sometimes Christians are persecuted by a hostile government, as in China. But in the majority of countries, Islamist extremists are at fault. Tragically, western governments and the United Nations are not doing enough to prevent genocide, according to the Catholic News Agency. Some 100,000,000 believers are at risk. And yet, the world press largely ignores this massive humanitarian horror.
UGANDA, KAMPALA. Mama Monicah and her Evangelistic Team met 3 orphans while witnessing.
Dear Mama and Bush Mission,
“We request prayer for 3 orphans who lost their parents. They live in the slum in a mud house falling down. We were doing door-to-door evangelism when we met them. They told us their story but we didn’t believe them. We decided to go back tonight and found them sleeping in a house with no door. We even walked right in but they didn't see us as they were asleep.
“The eldest boy is 14, deaf, and can’t speak. He works hard to feed and support his young brother and sister. He has never been to school. There’s also an 8-year old boy and 5-year old girl. It's now raining and their mud and pole house leaks. It can fall on them…. They eat one meal a day and live in Kawempe (outside Kampala). It’s a dangerous area, especially for ‘child sacrifice’. Please pray for them.”
Mama Monicah, Kampala, Uganda [Note: we advised Monicah on steps to take. She replied as follows.]
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. Words to ponder: “Act”, “Towards”, “Away”, “Open Up”, and “Quick”.
“Where the Church shines in its witness in the world is when we’re:
* Prepared to ACT in the face of tragedy;
* When we run TOWARDS the cries of pain rather than AWAY from them;
* When we OPEN UP our churches as places of shelter and prayer; and
* When we’re QUICK on the scene to help those most in need.”
Together With You For Africa,
"A typical hut to be built for the teachers. Watch your head!."
"IDOP was remembered at Calvary Community Church."
The weather was perfect Thanksgiving Day! With cranberry relish, green bean casserole, cherry pie and 7-Up in hand, Michelle and I joined our Power Cousins for a family reunion at Red Mountain Park, Mesa, Arizona.
How wonderful to spend time with my long lost Cousin Gary, his sweet wife Patty and others. Our grandfathers were brothers. Gary even gave me a few minutes to share about the mission work in Africa. A few folks who had no place to go also joined us. Finger licking good food and pies stretched as far as the eye could see. Well, at least 6 picnic tables! Please – no more pie ‘til Christmas!
As we celebrate the wonderful blessings of God this Thanksgiving, Bush Telegraph Mission is most thankful for YOU. Your support and prayers made this past year possible. TOGETHER we took the Gospel and brought Hope to the Persecuted and Vulnerable in Africa. Thanks to YOUR help we saw victories for Christ.
May God continue to use us all as ‘salt and light’ – and pepper too – with all the trimmings (including pie).
Please continue to pray for Bush Telegraph’s nationals on the field as they face many dangers daily. We wish YOU a happy and blessed Thanksgiving 2017 and beyond! Thankfully counting my blessings – YOU – one by one,
Charlotte for BTM Board & Workers at Home & Abroad
"New text books from the Ministry of Education."
"Satan makes war on those who bear the testimony of Jesus."
Nov 2017
Report
"Pray for little Promise."
Prayer-N-Praise
"Pastor Patrick took the children to a safe place during elections. Seen here singing a song."
USA. FROM THE MAILBOX.
Hello Charlotte &Team!
“I … just finished reading October’s letter, praying: ‘Oh LORD … please look upon your suffering children and strengthen them and protect them and provide for them in their great time of need.’
“It breaks my heart that they suffer so…. Thank you for faithfully gathering their letters and cries for help and for putting it together and mailing and emailing and website so that WE can know and pray and help.
‘Forgive US (ME!) Lord, for our stinginess and ignorance even though Charlotte puts it out faithfully every single month. Please Lord, change our hearts; change our minds; change our desires to desire what is pleasing to You and a blessing to our suffering brothers and sisters!’
"Power Cousin Reunion & friends, Thanksgiving Day."
"100,000,000 believers are at risk. North Korea prison guards hunt down an escapee."
[letter #3]. “Promise, age 5, is sick. I took her to the doctor for a malaria test but the result was negative. He says she has an infection. She doesn’t eat; sweats a lot; and cries of head pain. Promise is under treatment….
I borrowed money from a friend for tests and treatment. She needs treatment for 7 days and also good food and care. Widow Victoria is worried about Promise but I'm helping her with the children.”
“A few days later Miracle, the deaf boy, was admitted to the hospital with malaria and typhoid…. I borrowed 200,000 shillings ($55) for blood tests and a deposit at the hospital…. The orphans’ … house is in a wet land and it’s the rainy season. It’s cold with many mosquitoes. Please pray for them….”
Monicah, Kampala, Uganda
[Note. We sent money for medical fees and supplies for Widow Victoria.]
USA. WELCOME TO ICOM 2017 (Int’l Conference On Missions)!
Dear Prayer Partners,
“We just returned from ICOM in Peoria, Illinois - the most amazing experience (burrrrr … was it ever cold!). Mator, my guest, (former ‘Lost Boy of Sudan’) and I returned home inspired and are rearin’ to go for Jesus! Why, if I wasn’t a missionary already, I would become one. The theme was TOGETHER – God’s Plan To Redeem The World. Most appropriate for this dark and dying world, do you agree?
“My son John drove up from Chicago to meet Mom and Mator at the airport – a lovely surprise! He even helped set up our booth, visited by many of the 10,000+ mission-minded folks from around the world.
One couple, for example, shouted from a distance, ‘Charlotte’! I didn’t recognize them – at first. They helped me out, ‘It’s Mike and Carol from South Africa!’ Boy, had they gotten old (look who’s talking). Was my face red.
Anyway, it was wonderful renewing old friendships and making new ones. Speaking of Mator, I tried to find a room for him but the Conference was booked up. In desperation I randomly emailed churches in the Peoria area. Ann, Mission’s Director of Richwood Christian Church, responded.
Bottom line: they located and paid for Mator’s hotel stay – and they didn’t even know him! You’ll find his story below. As for me, Carol and Jean Marie, old friends from Colorado, shared their room with me. They represented Kulpahar Kids’ Home in India.
It rained cats and dogs on Saturday and there I was – no umbrella. Who carries an umbrella in Phoenix? Jean Marie to the rescue.
“One highlight was hosting a ‘Youth Prayer Encounter’. On Saturday afternoon a group of high school kids and their sponsors from Roy Christian Church came to our booth. Mator was present along with Missionary Chuck McDonald of Kenya. We had a wonderful time sharing and praying. I was deeply moved by the level of maturity and vision of these kids. May ICOM and God impact their hearts, minds and futures.”
“Christians are persecuted today because they’re considered part of the ‘imperial’ West. In many countries, Christians are the ones who speak out against the exploitation of the poor. Also Christianity is spreading rapidly in Muslim countries. Totalitarian leaders hate Christians because our ultimate allegiance is to God and not to a government.
“Laura McAlister writes on the blog site Ignitum Today, ‘the hidden reality behind all persecution’ is revealed in the book of Revelation: It teaches that Satan ‘makes war’ on ‘those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus.’
“It’s time for the Church to wake up, speak out and urge government leaders to do more to fight atrocities committed against innocent men, women, and children around the world. Above all, pray for them fervently and lift them up before God’s throne. That’s what persecuted Christians say they need most.”
In Christ,
Open Doors Staff
"Pray for school construction to be completed. It stopped when war began four years ago.""Food for the students."
"The orphans' house leaks and has no door."
CONGO, GOMA. At last! Our CAAP partner received the pallets of Relief Supplies!
Dear Mother & Bush Team,
“Thank you again for your commitment to serving the poorest. The 3 pallets of Relief Supplies are safe at CAAP’s warehouse. We have no words to express our gratitude. We will distribute aid to vulnerable people this Saturday November 25."
"Our province (state) is facing severe insecurity problems…. Please tell our sisters and brothers that we need your prayers. May our Heavenly Father bless you All.”
Team Leader Louis for CAAP, Goma, Congo
"Our vulnerable women and their children are waiting."
[letter #2] “God is good. I found a widow named Victoria who accepted to stay with these 3 orphans.
She is 65 and lives a hard life with no help. She sells bananas for a living and pays rent of 30,000 shillings ($8.27).
She lives in a small grass house…. Victoria has no phone and ended her education at 4 th grade. She can't read and write because of poor eyesight. She is a Christian. “The orphans are: Miracle (age 14); Elisha (age 8); and Promise (age 5). Miracle has never been to school as he is deaf. Elisha stopped at 1 st grade. Promise has never been to school….
I can't oppress the poor but my desire is to help the needy and show them love because one day my own children may be like this. I don't want to do anything that will make my children suffer….
We love you and always pray for you.”
KENYA, GITHURAI. Pastor White tells about a special donation.
Dear Mama & Mission Friends,
“We bought 16,520 shillings ($160) of rice, maize (corn) flour, bars of soap and cooking fat. We also paid 34,000 shillings ($330) for two months’ rent; 8,480 ($82) to four teachers - 2,120 each ($20.56).
Our teachers are volunteers and not paid but they have families with needs. Total amount was 59,000 ($572). The kids are fine but miss you. Good news! Our kids performed very well at the Final National Exams.”
Be Blessed, Pastor White & Jane
"The teachers at Angaim Village received their pay."
"Peter's bike is almost beyond fixing."
"Pastor Patrick & Charlotte."
"Rev. Stephen (lf), with a Congo pastor, says, 'Thank you'!"
"Bulasio (rt), with Jackson, the eldest. Bulasio helps Mama Josephine write letters to us."
"Mator enjoyed ICOM."
[letter #2] Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Pray for Peter’s travel from Angaim Village to Torit that the Lord keeps him safe from harm. Thieves along the road kill innocent citizens.
The Ministry of Education called Peter to receive text books for Zion
School. One teacher from a closed school was jealous and told officials not to give books to Zion School as it’s a Christian school. The official refused and warned that teacher. The upper classes of Zion School are joining together with all schools for exams in Torit next month.
Peter is taking 7 students to Torit town to do joint exams. Each student must pay 7 X 100 = 700 Pounds for all. Pray that God may give them wisdom to do well during the exams. Last year we came second in Torit County….”
We love you!
Pastor Sunlight
KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Patrick updates us on Kenya’s political violence.
Dear Friends,
“The children closed their school term early, October 10, due to political violence. That same day I took them to my village away from Busia for safety. The past two days were bad in Busia as it’s a Nyanza [tribal] stronghold of the opposition. Youth are rioting; fighting police; and burning old tires everywhere. When they find older boys they force them to join.
“I will receive Report Cards when I pay monthly fees plus 1,000 shillings ($9.70) per child [Total = 6,000 or $58] to celebrate their promotion to new classes next year…. I borrowed from Pastor Nicholas 10,000 shillings ($97).
We used 3,000 for transport and 1,000 ($9.70) for coming back. I left 6,000 ($58) with the children for food…. I request help for these extra costs. Due to Kenya’s election my business is slow. Cover us in prayer as we see little peace in Kenya. We also pray for you.”
Blessings, Pastor Patrick
[Note. We sent money to Pastor Patrick for these needs.]
"Angaim School is #2 in Torit County."
"Above all, pray for persecuted Christians."
UGANDA/SUDAN. Rev. Stephen’s son had a serious operation.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“My son, Matgoanar, was admitted to the hospital and operated on today. He has an intestinal blockage. The hospital demanded 7,376,000 shillings [$2,036]. Friends promised to pay 5,000,000 ($1,377) so there
remains 2,376,000 shillings [$656]. I request your help and prayers for him…. Thanks for the encouraging
Bible verses. Also Tekuoth and Nyakuoth request your prayers as they face 7 th grade exams.”
Thanks, Rev Stephen
[Note. We sent the balance for $656 needed.]
[letter #2] Thank you very much for the money. I am not able to express myself. Why? Because my happiness for your concern over my son who had a serious surgery - and the encouraging Bible verses. I use them every night for family devotion, one by one. Acts 20:35 says, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Matgoanar was discharged from the hospital because of the money you give me…. We thank God for BTM.”
Thanks and God bless you, Rev. Stephen