Sep-Dec 2020

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

"Mama Christine's family says Merry Christmas"

“THANK YOU LORD that my ‘teaching board’ flew out of the back of Mac’s pickup while in route to the airport. Did someone need it more than me? THANK YOU that Peter, at Caring For Kenya’s Kids, had my ‘back-up teaching board’ at his home which saved the day.”

"Heading home!" (Addis Ababa Int'l Airport, Ethiopia)

"Noela's new clothes on the left; Patrick's on the right."

2020

“THANK YOU LORD for keeping me COVID free, even though two friends I was with in Kenya both tested positive.

“THANK YOU LORD for your Word that kept me focused in the weeks and months that followed. The small, simple ‘challenges’ I mention now – plus many more serious ones that followed - didn’t deter me from what YOU had planned: a fruitful ministry throughout Kenya, Uganda and Congo as Rwanda and South Sudan were still in lock down.

“THANK YOU DEAR PRAYER PARTNERS for joining me ‘in spirit’ on this amazing Safari – and for your prayers, encouragement and support that got my Team and me through.

"Arriving safely at Flora Hostel, Nairobi, Kenya."

Hello BTM Family & Mama,

“We received your very generous donation. We waited for two areas to lift the ‘lockdown’ so we could minister to vulnerable people there. We have registered the families who will receive food. I preached to them as they were sitting down getting food. The money you sent helped us to double the food. We assisted 75 families who received 20 lb each of maize (corn) flour, sorghum, beans and potatoes. God bless BTM.”

Pastor Celestin & Guardian Angel Team

"Men's Conference represented over 80 rural churches."

CONGO, GOMA. Zawadi is very grateful for The Angels who donated to 100+ Bugamba Orphans.

Dear Friends & Mama,

“We thank God for Mr. and Mrs. B’s gift sent to the 100+ Bugamba Orphans…. One day they will reap marvelous seeds planted in God’s Kingdom. I cried tears of joy when you told me about the answer to my prayer. Sometimes the burden becomes heavy and you feel like you are alone. It is good to know that God is able and touches people far away to help lift burdens.”

Another burden was Noela and Patrick. They were two of the most vulnerable of the Bugamba orphans. When we arrived at their home we found Patrick's mother very sick. We gave her malaria tablets. She had no food and had not eaten in two days. She was desperate but our presence gave her hope and courage. Thank you again for the wonderful work you are doing for Christ. I am speechless, as words cannot express my gratitude.”

May God bless you,

Zawadi and the LSD (Living Sustainable Development) Team

"Little Elvis broke his hand."

“THANK YOU LORD that upon arrival at Phoenix Airport, a grim-faced Ticket Agent refused to process my ticket: 'You didn’t complete the On Line Questionnaire,' she blurted. I was not aware of that form. I phoned United Airlines where an agent quickly walked me through the 3-part questionnaire. She then asked to speak to the ticket agent who left her ‘on hold’ 10 minutes before taking the call. An opportunity to practice the fruits of the spirit?”

“THANK YOU LORD that when I checked in my two ‘free’ suitcases plus eight Army duffel bags of Supplies, the BTM Visa refused to work. I was forced to use precious dollars to pay the Excess Baggage fees – dollars reserved for projects on the field. It taught me to carefully manage every dollar and create a backup plan. I survived.”

“THANK YOU LORD that on the flight between Chicago, IL, and Frankfort, Germany, my cell phone and life-line to everybody - vanished. I spent the 7-hr layover at the German Airport Police Station; and have since filed many Lost-N-Found Reports. To date it hasn’t turned up. Did I ‘worship’ it too much? Did I trust my phone more than You?”

“THANK YOU LORD for giving me ‘favor’ at Nairobi Customs and Immigration, where all 10 bags of Relief Supplies entered Kenya Duty Free.”

“THANK YOU LORD for Jozeck and his driver, Sampson, who met me at the Nairobi airport at that late hour. There’s nothing worse than arriving in a foreign country and not being met. We arrived at Flora Hostel after midnight and the car did not turn into a pumpkin!

A MISSIONARY’S THANKSGIVING PRAYER AT CHRISTMAS. “Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.’’ Thes 5:18. Nearly four months have passed since Mac dropped me off early one September morning at Sky Harbor Int’l Airport, Phoenix, Arizona. I am now safely back home in the good ole USA. A nip is in the air as winter sets in. A pot of spiced apple cider is simmering on the stove, the tree is up – Christmas is here!

"Little Jackson is in the army in Western Uganda."

SOUTH SUDAN. Rev Stephen Reports on BTM’s Feeding Program in South Sudan.

Dear Friends & Mama,

“Thank you for partnering with us to distribute food in South Sudan. Heavy floods, the worst in 100 years, destroyed crops and left thousands homeless and hungry; and hundreds more dead. We bought 840 bags of sorghum at 1,100 South Sudanese Pounds each. Southwestern Upper Nile contains 15 churches and 44 sub-churches with a good number of members. All were fed.

“These are the villages and churches that were fed: 1. Leer County totaled 317 families (Tuocriak, Payak, Adok, Gandor); 2. Payinjiar County totaled 176 families (Ganyliel, Nyal, Kuerrietn); 3. Mayiendit County totaled 177 families (Rieri, Luom, Buoth); and 4. Koch County totaled 168 families (Koch, Mirmir, Buow). The Feeding Program was a huge success. All totaled 838 families were fed and thank God.”

Gratefully,
Rev. Stephen & Team

"The Children's Home: I did not get to visit them as roads were washed out."

"Pastor Celestin and Team feed 75 families."

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Prayer-N-Praise

KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Benard’s Children’s Home was damaged by heavy rain.

Hi BTM Friends & Mum,

“Heavy rains at the Children’s Home partly destroyed their house and caused sickness among the orphans. Harvesting food is a challenge as the maize (corn) crops are under water. Roads are washed out and closed. We request that BTM assist us financially. We will greatly appreciate it.”

[later] “I picked up the money from BTM and will collect supplies when I travel to the Children’s Home. We are grateful for the sacrifice you made in our hour of need. God bless you, your family and BTM.”

Yours,

Pastor Benard

[Note: repairs to the Home are now complete, thanks to BTM.]

"Feeding 317 families from 15 churches and 44 sub-churches."

THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION.

“In 2002, I joined International Baptist Theological Seminary of East Africa (today known as Mount Meru University in Arusha, Tanzania), but after 5 months of struggle, due to lack of school fees, I was forced out of school. I tried another school, The Joshua Leadership Missions, which I was assured of four years on scholarship. After one month, due to lack of a Congolese Passport and Student Visa, I couldn’t continue. I went to Dar-Es Salaam trying to secure a Passport, but it was difficult until I was sent to Kigoma Refugee Camp, Tanzania. There I suffered for three months due to lack of food.

“Finally I went to Nampula, Mozambique, where I lived for four years in a new Refugee Camp. As I passed through difficult times, I started going into the bush with my Bible to pray and meditate upon God. It was during this time that the LORD spoke to me: 'Though you were not able to spend your 4 years in school, you are in this Refugee Camp for a purpose.' By God’s grace, I began ministering to refugees; encouraging them in God’s word; and reaching out to the Makua tribe as well.

Miraculously, I was connected to Shawn and Sarah Gardner, USA Missionaries. They helped me leave the Refugee Camp and join Scott Theological College (now known as Scott Christian University) in Machakos, Kenya. I appreciate so much their sacrificial support.

MISSION WORK AMONG MUSLIMS.

         “I graduated in 2011 and served as an Evangelist with Africa Inland Church, Arusha. I then joined the Training in Ministry Outreach Team under AIM in Kondoa, Dodoma, Tanzania and Busi Village where my wife and I served 2 1/2 years. In this village we formed relationships with Muslims and started sharing the gospel. It was ground breaking since many knew nothing about Christianity, apart from lies taught by Muslim leaders. It was good to share the gospel in word and deed.

BACK TO SCHOOL.

           “After finishing our term with AIM/TIMO, my family and I came back to Kenya where we joined Christ The King Community Church to serve as an Associate Pastor. Rachel, my wife, led the Praise and Worship Team. During this time I did one-on-one evangelism, discipleship and visited an orphanage in Lucky Summer to encourage orphans with the word of God and distribute gifts. Due to difficulty of getting a Work Permit under this church, my family and I left after a few months.

    “I then joined Africa International University where I did a Master of Arts in Missions (Islamic emphasis). Rachel did an MA in Child Development and Family Study. During our studies, both Rachel and I were touched by the need to reach out to children as they are the most vulnerable in a crisis. This was seen in our research. I wrote about Madrasa (the Islamic Children’s School) and its missiology implications. Rachel wrote about the Psychological Impacts of War in The Lives of Children in Eastern Congo.

MINISTRY WITH THE NORTHERN REGION.

           “In January 2018, I was assigned to serve as AIM’s Regional Team Officer and Africa Mobilizer for Northern Region Office. During this time, I learned much how missions are done in creative access areas and about teams of missionaries in the field. I was touched to see the need of ‘missionary member care’ for resilient missionaries. In the Africa Mobilization, the emphasis is to mobilize Africa for mission work among unreached people groups and the Church to join them in this.

TRANSITION.

        “After prayer and consulting Rachel , we saw the need to transition to another ministry that serves refugees and those forgotten in Africa. We understand the gospel to be holistic in its approach to reach many. Someone said, ‘God’s character demonstrated through His grace, compassion, and righteousness is the starting point in knowing how God relates to refugees and the displaced.’ I agree. There are missiological implications as God allows people to live as refugees. We thank Charlotte and the BTM Board to work out our transition process. The LORD will lead all of us to make His Name known among those suffering in the African continent.

PRAYER & PRAISE.

"Pray for wisdom and a smooth transition for my family;

Pray for a fruitful ministry, unity and good collaboration as we serve together;

Praise God for leading us to a suitable house; finances for our daughters’ school; and that the LORD supplemented our family income. We look forward to meeting you all. May the LORD bless you.”

Yours in His service,
Gideon & Rachel

Unloading the U-Haul. "Thanks guys, well done!"

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RWANDA. Celestin and the Guardian Angel Team had a successful Feeding Program for 75 families!

Good evening Bush Mission & Mama,

“In spite of COVID and our country still in ‘lockdown’, we remain your partners to spread the Good News through Evangelism, Outreach, Christian Counseling and most recently the Food Program to starving families. We promised a number of families after assisting them with seeds for planting, because we are in the planting season. They ate the seeds during the lockdown as they had no other choice. They asked if we could provide potatoes, beans and maize (corn meal). All blessings wished to BTM."

Pastor Celestin & Guardian Angels Team

Dear BTM Team & Mum,

“I talked to Pastor Tim who will host Pastor Bob Bartlett, Chairman of BTM Board. He suggested that Bob come to Kakamega for the Pastors’ Conference on Monday, October 5th. Then go back to Gambogi with Pastor Tim in the evening for a Revival Meeting. We have 10 pastors near Gambogi who benefited from the Feeding Program that BTM sponsored. They will attend the Pastors’ Conference with Pastor Bob on October 3rd. For your Women’s Conference we suggest the week of October 5th.”

Yours,
Pastor Benard

[NOTE: details of the Women’s Conference are in December Christmas Letter.]

"Patrick can't believe that this new pair of jeans is his very own."

"Nereah and Baby Rose (seen here with mommy) were ill with Typhoid and malaria."

KENYA, BUSIA. A new church for Pastor Patrick!

Dear Prayer Partners & Mama,

“The government will reopen schools October 19 but it will only be for 7th and 8th graders. They will have school until April 2021. Then 8th graders will sit for Exams. Other children must wait until January 2021. Our church contributed 12,000 shillings ($120) to construct a simple church. Our aim is to get 150,000 ($1,500). The plan is for a 20 ft X 40 ft church. This will need 75 iron sheets for the roof and walls.”

"The orphans from Sunlight's Village at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Northern Uganda."

"Thank you Mac for taking me to the airport." (seen here with sweet wife Stella)

"The new outdoor church in Tobia Village."

USA – FROM THE MAILBOX. The Schroeder’s drove a U-Haul full of books (donated by a Christian school) from Grand Junction, CO to Phoenix, AZ - a very long 12-hour journey one way.

Hello all!!

“God is good!! Our trip to Phoenix with school books and other things (from Sweet Sewing Sisters) went without a hitch!! The weather was great; the truck performed flawlessly; the loading and unloading teams at both ends were wonderful; and the return trip to Colorado was more of the same.

“Beth and I want to start with a thank you to those who helped with the loading of the books onto the truck at Clifton Christian Church. It required moving heavy boxes of books from an upstairs storage room down a long staircase to the first floor, then onto the truck. Church deacons and Pastor Don were very helpful. Later, at Connie’s home we had additional help … to finish loading many boxes.

“In Phoenix, we again extend our thanks for the unloading team set up by Gail and Rick. Because we were able to place the truck ramp directly into the shipping container, the off-loading took only 20 minutes. Irene provided a very nice lunch and an energy booster - COOKIES!! There was a nice time of conversation before Beth and I headed off to make our way home to Colorado.

“Also, a big thanks for financial help from the Grace Project Program (Pastor Roger's Tues A.M. Bible study group), Deacons and the Aamolds. Your generosity paid the lion's share of the trip!! Charlotte, it sounds like the really hard work will begin after you return to Phoenix from Africa and begin sorting/shipping the treasures to Africa. We will be praying for that portion of the journey! Thanks again EVERYONE.”

In Christ,

Rob and Beth Schroeder

"Distributing Bibles from the last Container Project."

[later] “Thank you for buying the building materials when you and Gideon were in Busia, Kenya. Now our church can accommodate many. In the old church, because of ‘social distancing’, we only accommodated 11 people. Everyone is happy about the construction of our new church. We will have an Open House to celebrate on December 13. We wanted Missionaries Bill and Patricia to come but we learned that they are in the USA as Bill’s mother passed away.

“My uncle died. He was sick a long time. The funeral was in Kakamega. When I returned home to Busia I found Baby Rose and Nereah, my children, sick with malaria and typhoid. The rest of the children are fine. Four are at home and three at school. I paid 4,000 X 3 or 12,000 ($120) in school fees.

“Here is how BTM’s donation was used: gas = 1,500 shillings; rent = 9,000; maize flour (200 lb) = 7,000; rice (40 lb) = 3,000; beans (20 lb) = 3,500; cooking oil = 2,000; soap (3 long bars) = 1,000; electricity = 2,500; water = 1,500. Total = 32,000 shillings ($320). With the balance of 4,300 ($43) we bought veggies and tea.”

We send you prayers and love.”

Blessings,

Pastor Patrick

Report

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SUDAN. Sunlight planted a new church!

Dear Bush Friends & Mama,

“We planted a new church in Tobia Village, the first one after the bridge on the way to Angaim Village. We had fellowship last night. This pandemic has affected us in many ways but God is faithful. We distributed Bibles from the last Container to the new congregation. The photo was taken during the service.

“I will soon marry a woman to share the ministry. Her name is Jane Mark. She is a faithful, kind believer. It's my children’s hope to have a worthy mother. They feared Susan, who gave them birth. My future in-laws are asking for six cows and $2,000 as a dowry. Two cows were donated by my Uncle Laban and my father. I personally have four cows but need $870 more for the remaining Balance of cash. Please pray.

“The 25 orphans at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp received the money from BTM. They will buy food and other essentials that they desperately needed since monthly rations were cut by 50%. Thanks for your support and prayers towards their education. They appreciate your sacrifice.”

Many blessings,
Pastor Sunlight

[Note: Susan, Sunlight’s wife, was counseled for years. She also had psychiatric treatment but continued to act unstable, making violent threats. Her family did not feel safe. Sadly the marriage ended.]

"Zawadi handing Patrick's mother money to start her own business."

"Zawadi (center), James (far lf, back row, BTM Team), Patrick's mother, his brothers and sisters."

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Christmas in Africa

Sep-Dec 2020

"Pastor Bob Bartlett (rt) and I share a Men's Conference - what a coincidence!"

Bush Telegraph Missions

AFRICA/USA. Meet Gideon, a new face at BTM and fulltime missionary on the field!

Dear Charlotte, BTM Staff & Prayer Partners,

SALVATION AND CALLING.

“My name is Gideon Mashauri and I was born in Kiwanja-Ishasha village, Eastern Congo. I am married to Rachel and we are blessed with four daughters, Abigail (11-grade 6), Sarah (9-grade 4), Deborah (6-grade 2), and Esther 9 months. I come from a Christian background. My father was a deacon in the Baptist Community and my mom sang in the choir. After giving my life to Jesus at the age of 15, I started serving Him in my home church. My friend and I used to wake up at 3 am and move around our village preaching the gospel (in my village people wake up early to go to the fields).

“The same year I gave my life to the LORD, I committed times for praying, fasting and overnight prayers. During one of the overnight prayers, the LORD pointed to me Isaiah 55:5, 'Surely, you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has endowed you with splendor.' This was a confirmation that God had called me to work as a cross-cultural missionary. I did not know how this would happen. I kept on trusting Him to pave the way. Before serving as a full-time minister, I was enthusiastic to get prepared with a Theological education.

"After an all night service, the people stayed for the morning worship."

"The Widow Sarah now has a business."