The choir, dressed in red and white robes, was led by a young girl holding a ‘shaker’. Two drums joined in. Finally, Pastor Daniel, wearing gum boots and a worn, mismatched suit, brought the message. I held my breath as he pounded THE LEANING PULPIT OF LEER.

"Gideon, preaching at Pastor Andrew's church."

"The Ugandan government locked down schools last April so over 45 kids have been home since then. And 45 kids eat a lot!"

"Sunlight seen here with some of the happy Kiryandongo Refugee Camp kids we support."

We began with: ‘Maykol Can Joak’ – all 6 verses. I didn’t know the words so sang along mouthing the words to ‘Row Row Row Your Boat’. There followed prayers, chants, scripture readings, announcements and finally a familiar song, “Oh Happy Day.” But alas! It was in Nuer!

"Pastor Celestin preaching on the Beatitudes at the Musanze Church."

"Faye and Janice Rostvit, famous singing evangelist twins."

Dear Bush Family & Mama,

[Letter #2] “The previous money you sent November 16, 2020, was used to buy seeds for planting during the pandemic. There was no way to move from one place to the next. Thus we decided to distribute food to the most vulnerable people selected from several churches:

“Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Catholic, Muslims and those with no church. We selected 132 and Guardian Angel Ministries contributed. We keep a small budget and use it for that purpose. They got rice, cooking oil and maize (corn) flour. They are expensive especially during COVID. Families who benefited: 30 Africans; 18 Presbyterians; 27 Pentecostals; 11 Muslims; 25 Unbelievers; and 20 Saved Deacons/Evangelists. The above all received soap; 50 received maize flour; 132 received 10 lb beans. Evangelists and Deacons were served water during training.

Due to the pandemic, we will not distribute seeds even in planting season. We are distributing food to starving families made up of maize flour, beans, fruit, oil, bananas, pineapples, etc. We began again in September as well as Evangelism and Outreach. We ask BTM’s continued assistance in Musanze whom we could not reach last time.”

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Celestin, Guardian Angel
[Note: we sent funds to buy more food for Musanze.]

"Rice + beans = Happy Children."

"Pray for Laura, our dedicated Prayer Warrior and Email Correspondent."

"Michelle continues to heal."

"The cement tilting pulpit is seen in the center, a little to the right."

"Flooding in Leer, South Sudan, has left hundreds homeless."

"A month's supply of food for the family."

SOUTH SUDAN. Sunlight is mighty busy with several Kingdom-building projects including Street Kids. Pray!

Dear Bush Prayer Partners & Mama,

“Right now I am in Gulu, Uganda. I brought five children from Kiryandongo Refugee Camp to Gulu to be trained by the Bible Society of Uganda for five days in Trauma Counseling. The children will be empowered with skills and knowledge: John, David, Susan, Evaline and Sonia. The rest of the children received BTM’s monthly donation for food and supplies. Thanks for your support and prayers. Attached are receipts.”

Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight

"The boys are now sleeping in two large rooms with their new blankets, mattresses and mosquito nets."

Charlotte

No offering basket. Instead, a plastic bag was passed around. Beans, fruit, veggies, even a banana was placed inside. Michael explained, “The people have no money so they give what they have.” Tears came to my eyes as God convicted me of my lax attitude concerning tithing.

"Jack and Janine with Charlotte at ICOM (Int'l Conference On Missions)."

"Pastor Sunlight meets the guardians for a few of the boys."

"Gideon spends a lot of time at Immigration Headquarters, Nairobi, applying for necessary documents."

I observed that no one had their eyes on the speaker. Several were dozing; others were lost in thought with blank, frozen stares. Not one smile. I don’t mean to sound judgmental but TRAUMA was written all over their faces. War does that. That’s why I’d come – to bring Hope.

"My 'hut-sweet-hut' at the Leer Mission Compound."

"Mwavita, eldest girl, will soon finish Tailoring School."

"Abigail, Sarah and Deborah did very well in school."

"The college has registered 150 students from 25 counties in Kenya, training rural pastors in ministry as well as other professions. Praise God!"

"The 19 street boys have a new home in Angaim Village."

"Mary, making my morning tea."

Thanking God this Thanksgiving for ALL pulpits – even crooked, broken ones,

"Pastor Captain Tembo, rt, volunteered to use his crane when our Container arrives."

After a cup of recycled black tea in my hut, Evangelist Michael and I walked over carrying two plastic chairs. At the front door a member was building small dykes to divert water from entering. The church yard was a sea of mud. I greeted those seated nearby as we made our way to the front, where visiting ‘guests’ sat.

KENYA, BUSIA. Pastor Patrick is now independent.

Dear Prayer Partners,

“BTM’s goal is for Church Leaders to become independent. Pastor Patrick has become ‘financially independent’. He works as a Broker and no longer needs BTM’s support. We praise God for this big step but will continue to share any Reports about the progress of his 7 precious orphans. Keep them in your prayers.”

In His Service,
Charlotte

"An elder placed a stone wedge to keep the top of the pulpit from toppling over."

"Meet Sunlight's new wife, Jane, and their new baby boy."

"No turkey today!"

"Pay day for teachers."

"Deborah, the 'bride-to-be', holding her dress - from BTM."

Today, no beautiful white cloth covered the alter table or stone pulpit. They were still drying on the wire fence. In their place were two dirty, aqua-colored cloths. A solid 4-ft high cement pulpit stood to the left front. I guessed it weighed about 1,000 lb. SOLID CEMENT. What concerned me was that the top part was a foot wider than the bottom and detached at the middle. It was damaged in a bombing raid by the Muslim North and leaned dangerously to the right. A gentle breeze could blow it over.

Children seated round, sitting at the base of the pulpit as I brought ‘greetings’ (which was really a ‘mini-message’). The kids moved about as kids do. The top of the pulpit wobbled. I was alarmed. “Lord … a child could be crushed if it tipped over!” As though reading my mind, a member casually walked up and placed a stone wedge on the right side to steady it.

"International Students from Arizona State University hear what God is doing in Africa.. Charles (far lf) and Tracy (front, white slacks) hosted the event."

November

"Mary Masista, an abused, disabled woman."

[Letter #3] Dear Bush Family & Mama,

“I started a new Ministry with 19 Street Boys in Torit. Their condition is unbearable. They break my heart. They sleep on the ground in the market or abandoned buildings. They have no blankets and wear the same clothes. There are 19. Of these, 11 are total orphans and 8 were abandoned and do not know where their parents are. Also they were all abused. They eat garbage from local hotels and often work without pay.

They use airplane fuel to dull the pain so they don’t feel cold at night; bugs biting at night; nor their empty stomachs. Their names and ages: Gabriel 11; Jima 10; James 11; Lorote 12; William 14; John 13; Peter 14; Nicolas 9; Joel 14; John A. 15; John L. 16. Angelo O. 14; Angelo M. 17; Sebit 13; Juma 15; Otwari – 16; James S. – 13; Joseph – 16; John O. – 16.

“These Street Kids lack a place to sleep, food to eat and care. Once they are given a helping hand, they will be a testimony. We play soccer in the morning and afterwards I teach them. They need mentoring. They fight a lot. For two months I have been dealing with them. I was ready to give up. A few responded and gave me hope. The challenge was lack of food, soap and basic needs.”

Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight

[Letter #2] Dear Mama & Bush Friends,

“I am back in Torit, Sudan. I gave the teacher's their pay. I am making sure the school construction is completed. The builder started roofing and will complete by the end of this week. He said that the wood is not enough. The carpenter needs 150 more pieces. We have them but due to sun and rain many pieces of wood were bent and some eaten by ants. We plan to add 150 pieces. This is the only delay for this week where we split the logs to walk a distance. The community carries the lumber on their heads to the construction site.

“Zion Primary School in Angaim Village has 278 pupils; 77 dropped out due to their situation. The school is attended by four neighboring villages. Today I only saw two villages: Angaim and Kirbrek. Due to the distance they do not go back to their homes each day but stay in Angaim. The situation needs to be improved. Keep them in prayers.

I'm invited to a training in Uganda from the Baptist Church in Luwero. Pastor Victor recommended that the pastor invite me. I will be with them for a 4-day Conference. I left the Street Kids with coworkers Asai and Andrew. They will continue with the training. Once again thank you for support.”

Thanks in Him,
Pastor Sunlight

‘THE LEANING PULPIT OF LEER’. Call me crazy, but this Thanksgiving I counted PULPITS among my list of things to be thankful for. Let me explain. Before the most recent war in South Sudan, BTM had a thriving ministry in Leer Village, Unity State.

Normally services began at 8 am, however, that morning, due to rain the night before, the sky was overcast. Locals had no sun to tell the time, so services began late.

[Letter #2] Dear Mama Charlotte,

“We thank God that our three daughters did well in their exams. Abigail was number 5 in her class; Sarah was number 1; and Deborah was number 2. Yesterday, two Congolese ladies whom Rachel is discipling came to visit and asked me to prepare a devotion on ‘Praise and Worship’. I shared Joshua 6, then we prayed. They are composing Christian songs with Rachel and hope to record them at a studio to share the Gospel.

"God answered your prayers for my Work Permit. I went to Kenyan Immigration Office. God gave me favor in the eyes of officials who issued my Work Permit. They also endorsed it in my Passport and endorsed Dependent Passes for Rachel and Esther. This is most unusual. Thanks for your prayers.”

In His Service & for His Glory,
Gideon

"The new homes that BTM is building on Mugunga's Plot are growing! This photo was taken in November 2020, after purchasing the plot. Seen here with Mama Zawadi and Zaire, driver/staff."

"Trauma was written all over their faces. War does that. Especially when you lose everything you own, which isn't very much, plus your whole family."

UGANDA, BUSIA Josephine’s Ugandan orphans have been in ‘lockdown’ since April.

Dear Mama and Friends,

“Here is how the money was used: maize & cassava flour = 200 lb; beans = 160 lb; sugar = 50 lbs; cooking oil = 5 liters; soap = 1 box; water bill; electric bill (they have solar; TV is extra); and Sylvia’s pay. Total = 1,450,000 shillings ($1,588). Mama Josephine also buys medicine and special food for her diabetes as well as for Joseph’s HIV diet and veggies for the family. Attached are stories and photos of the 19 new orphans.

We are receiving heavy rains. 10 Kenyan orphans are at school. Uganda schools are still in lockdown. Our cows, Mama Elsie and Junior, are doing well. Our latrine is full and needs to be drained by a professional service. We are having studies at home every day for all children. University students report back November 1st.”

Yours in love,
Bulasio for Mama Josephine
[Note: we sent extra funds to drain the latrine.]

"All faiths and even non-believers who were starving in Musanze received soap, maize (corn) flour, beans, cooking oil and fruit."

USA. CONTAINER UPDATE. Good news from our shipping agent about our 40 ft Container which began its journey from Phoenix, ARIZONA, USA, to Goma, CONGO, on August 18, 2021.

Hello BTM & Director Charlotte,

“Please be advised that your Container was discharged at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Nov 22.”

Thanks & Stay Safe,
John Smith,
Independent Ocean Services

[Note: Dar es Salaam is a sea port on the Indian Ocean where the Container arrived after 6 weeks at sea. Next it travels by land through Tanzania and Rwanda, arriving in Goma, Congo, in 2-3 weeks, God willing.]

[Letter #5] Dear Bush Friends,

“I did an Assessment of these Street Boys. I went to the homes of all the local kids. The others come from far away. They had nothing to eat in their homes and that is the reason they are in street. Some of these boys are total orphans - no mother, no father, no relatives. Others have a parent who abandoned them in North Sudan. Still others have relatives who brought them to Torit to abandon and suffer. Some stayed with a grandmother who also needs help and will die soon. Tomorrow we will buy them clothes and other items.

Transport. The Street Kids need to be transported to Angaim Village. We have only two rooms for 19 Street Kids. Therefore we need to construct two more rooms. We need to buy single mattresses. It’s best they stay in Angaim Village, not Torit town. We will hire a car to transport them and supplies for $150.

Bedding. 10 small mattresses; 2 adult mattresses; mosquito nets; bed sheets; blankets. Total = 391,000 Sudanese pounds. FOOD. Flour, rice, sugar, beans, silver fish, oil, onions and salt. Total = 196,400 Sudanese pounds. SUPPLIES. Saucepan; metal plates; metal cups = 50,000 pounds. Also soap, sandals, clothes, lotion, toothpaste/brushes, 4 rugs for 4 groups = 198,200 pounds. Total = 835,600 pounds or $2,256. Add transport = $150. Total $2,407. We will hire a car to transport the kids and supplies to Angaim Village.

“My marriage will be blessed in the church in December. I married my wife in the traditional way as my dowry was accepted by her parents. We have been together since last year and had a baby boy last month.”

Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight

[Note: God is miraculously supplying the budget for these boys.]

"Wayne, my son, (far rt) and Delena make a surprise visit to see Mom. Pictured here with Chaplains at their Conference booth."

"Zawadi's husband, Deo, has a big heart; even helps financially. Seen here with little Rosie who lives with Zawadi and Deo as she comes from a Muslim home."

RWANDA, KIGALI. Celestin reconnects after a long silence due to COVID.

How are you Mama & Bush Friends?

“It has been a long time since we communicated. Our first-born son is in his first year at University of Rwanda; my second son is in his second year at the University; my third son is in his first year of Secondary School (high school); and my daughter is in 2nd grade.

The years 2020-2021 were bad for us because of lockdowns. We can now resume. DELTA virus was very contagious. Many got infected and died. We stopped activities to stay safe and protect people. I'm attaching the Activity Report, which includes Leadership Training (Deacons and Evangelists), and Distribution of Food to people of Musanze from several churches. Some did not have churches but they were starving so we fed them too.”

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Celestin

[Letter #3] Dear Mama Charlotte,

“Uganda schools have been in lock-down since April. I asked Mama Christine’s kids what they are doing during this time. The older kids help Mama Christine when she works in the food store. They also carry bricks to help with construction and get money for basic needs.

Today I visited the Makimei Children's Home which is local. They finally got their own place. I spent time with the kids; sang songs; shared the Word; and prayed for their needs. I then gave them 32 lbs of rice and 20 lbs of beans. They were so happy.”

Blessings,
Gideon for BTM

"In Uganda, Mama Christine's orphans have been in 'lockdown' since April."

Report

CONGO. Letters from Mama Zawadi. The Bategejus are a ‘child led’ family of 7 whose parents died.

Dear Bush Mission & Mama,

“Mama Sifa’s family is living in their new home on the plot bought by BTM. They go to the church nearby. The Bategeju family’s house is almost finished: We have materials: wood, iron sheets, half the rafters, and we dug the latrine.

“Mwavita, the oldest Bategeju girl, is still learning to sew clothes. She was supposed to finish by now but we had a 4-mo COVID lockdown. I will give her one sewing machine from the Container when it comes.

Tuombe, the oldest Bategeju boy, is doing well in his studies. He needs $270 to finish his course. This does not include tools. I gave him my bags and Deo, my husband, bought books for him. We do what we can to help. We still need $698 to finish the Bategeju house. This includes doors, windows, grit and the latrine.”

God bless you,
Mama Zawadi

[Note: we sent funds to complete construction plus Tuombe’s fees.]

"Sunlight spends time with the boys; teaching them God's Word and playing soccer.

"Bulasio (ctr) reports back to University in Kampala. Seen here clowning with Dennis (lf) and Jackson (rt)."

"Gideon & Racahel"

That morning following the service I prayed, “Lord … encourage these brave believers – and thank You for safe pulpits.” May YOUR ‘thankful’ list, both material and spiritual, be special this Thanksgiving as together we spread the Great Commission at home and abroad.

"Tuombe, the eldest boy, just finished Electrician School."

"A white plastic bag was passed around for the offering: grains, veggies, even a banana were placed inside."

"Prayer time for teachers."

Bush Telegraph Missions

[letter #2] Dear Bush Team & Mama,

“Thank you again for buying Mugunga's plot. This makes me a mother of many kids and a sister to the widow. The more kindness we show people, the more we are acting like God. I forgot to include the cost for the painting which was $20 + $10 for labor. The money you sent was used for the house construction. Some was for the timber planks to put on the toilet. Only $84 is left to finish the toilet and $30 for the toilet itself.

“I pray that we finish the house so the kids can find new schools in time. This is a real blessing seeing how these orphans are coming from the pit. After they move in I will go to Bukavu to deal with the Container Exemption Letter. I spoke to Captain Pastor Tembo from Monusco. He volunteered to use his crane to unload the container for free. BTM would only have to buy fuel for the crane.”

God bless you,
Mama Zawadi

[Note: we wired funds to cover Custom’s fees required by Exemption Letter.]

[Letter #4] Dear Bush Friends,

“We have grouped the 19 Street Boys into 4 family units. Each group has a leader: 1) Group one - Minister of Health; 2) Group two - Minister of Agriculture; 3) Group Three - Minister of Sports; 4) Group four - Minister of Education. Tomorrow I will visit 6 street boys’ homes.

In Torit I asked Christians for a room in their house to keep a Street Boy but they refused. Only kind-hearted people let them in. I found a place in Angaim Village until we build them a house.”

Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight

"It's time to say good-by to Mumias town and head home to Nairobi."

October

"Part of their monthly food ration."

"Mama Safi and family attend this church."

"Craft materials BTM provided to help disabled women support their families."

"Two motor-bikes bring food and supplies to Angaim Village."

SOUTH SUDAN. Rev Stephen is struggling to buy food for flood victims in Leer.

Dear Bush Friends & Mama,

“I’ve been in Juba three weeks. The flood is very bad in Unity State. 56 people and pastors are occupying the Church Compound; Mary John Primary school; and the Mission Compound. Their life is horrible. Food from World Food Program is only for those who have cards and is for a short time. Some have no cards as they came from Khartoum, North Sudan.

Juba has Western Union but the exchange rate is low. If you send money, send to our partner, AMA, through their bank account. The people increase daily. We can buy some food locally: maize (corn) flour - 50-100 lb; and rice - 50-100 lb.”

Thanks,
Rev Stephen

[Note: due to logistics that are out of our control we aren’t able to send help now.]

"Bringing greetings to the children. A strong breeze blowing through the open windows did not help the flannelgraph figures."

GIDEON. Letters from our African Director

Dear Mama Charlotte,

“I made it to Kisumu where I was hosted at Pastor Andrew's home until Thursday. Then I go to Mumias to meet Francis and survey the garden where I will plant vegetables. Pastor Andrew’s wife is thankful for the wedding dress. Attached is a photo of Deborah, the bride who will be wearing it.

[later]. "Yesterday I preached at the church from Matthew 27:45-50 and shared the Gospel with the Ladies Bible Study. I will travel back to Nairobi tomorrow. With money left after buying my bus ticket, I will buy maize (corn) flour, beans, peanuts and grains for my wife Esther's delicious porridge.”

Blessings,
Gideon

September

2021

"The Bategeju family of 7 orphans are so happy to be in their new house."

KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Bernard & ‘The Wedding Closet Program’; the Disabled Center gets a new fence.

Dear Bush Team & Mama,

“The wedding dresses you left with my wife, Norah, are with Jacklyn, our Woman Leader. She’s in charge of churches in Mumiasi. I will share your email with her and other ministry leaders. In the last three months I presided over the weddings of three pastors using those beautiful wedding gowns.

“I used my own money to renovate the Disabled Center which was abandoned three years ago by the Kenyan government. Soon the hatchery will hatch baby chicks to support 2,000 disabled people in Malava. We are grateful for BTM’s donation to support Kabras Center for the Disabled. It will complete the fence and a secure gate for the Center. Today we visited a disabled mother who lives 2 km from the Center. Mary Masista, a disabled mother. She stays alone in a mud house and is sexually abused by men. We are bringing her to the Center.

“We registered a Private Vocational College which is training Christian ministers and other technical skills. We have 150 students fully sponsored who paid a monthly fee of $60. Since January 2021 we have reached 25 counties out of 47 in Kenya to train rural pastors in Christian ministry and occupational standards.”

His Servant,
Pastor Bernard, Kakamega

"The Leer Church Choir wearing red robes with red crosses embroidered on white collars, sang their hearts out."

"Pastor Patrick is now independent! Seen here with 6 of his 7 orphans."

"Pastor Bernard, ctr, with two disabled folks, standing in front of a renovated room at Kabras Disabled Center."

"Well folks, this is the only photo we have of Pastor Celestin's family. His little girl was born after this was taken. Today his sons are in college and high school. We await a new family photo."

"ICOM's theme this year was 'the CALL'."

"About 60 victims are living at the church, school and mission compound in Leer."

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

Facebook

"Praise God for the opportunity to attend the most beautiful outdoor wedding ever in Ohio. My precious niece, Katie Sinclair, married Keith, in Ohio. Family and friends were together after a very long absence."

"Pastor Edwin Okwero marries his beautiful bride, Sarah."

"Leadership Training and Distribution of Food in Musanze."

USA. HIGHLIGHTS.

• Pray for Laura Grgic, BTM Correspondence Secretary/Prayer Chairman, for healing of bladder cancer.

• Praise God for an inspiring International Conference On Missions in Richmond, VA. I shared a hotel room with famous singing evangelists, the Rostvit Twins. Back in the day they had lunch in our home in Livingstone, Zambia! Also a surprise visit from son Wayne & Delena at the conference. Orchids to Rick and Gail who graciously drove me to the airport in the wee hours for my midnight flight.

• Praise God for an invitation to share BTM’s ministry with amazing International Students at the home of Charles & Tracy Boyle, Directors. They were our missionary co-workers ‘back in the day’ in Cape Town, South Africa. Special thanks to Patti who accompanied me.

• Pray for Africa Plans. Michelle, my daughter, continues to heal and recover from side-effects of Radiation for breast cancer. Thus my return to Africa is delayed until January.

• Katie Sinclair, my niece, and Keith were married in Ohio. Family members gathered from far and wide to attend the most beautiful wedding ever.

• Happy Thanksgiving from our BTM family to yours. We’re thankful for your prayers & ministry support.

Prayer-N-Praise

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

USA – FROM THE MAILBOX.

Hi Laura & Charlotte,

“Thanks for the great Prayer-n-Praise Report! The photos add so much in putting names together with real people. God gets all the glory for the loaded container; a better place & house for Sifa and her children; the LSD ministry; a new roof for Angaim Village School; house-to-house evangelism/ministry to Pygmies; treatment of Laban's hip; and the distribution of food, clothes, & rations. We appreciate HOW God extends Himself through pastors, mamas, children, youth and adults from different places, in harmony with the King! We are happy to be part of supporting BTM in prayer. How SUPER good is how God is healing Michelle.”

With God's huge love and blessing,
Jack & Janine
Chile Mission

"Gideon visits the Makimei Children's Home."

"Five Kiryandongo youth attend the Bible Society Trauma Training Course in Gulu, Uganda."

"Two motor-bikes bring food and supplies to Angaim Village."

"Abdul, age 2, is one of the 19 new orphans. He arrived with burns all over his little body. Thanks to Mama Josephine's loving care, they have now healed."