"Sunlight carrying new (used) clothes for the kids."
UGANDA, BUSIA. Bulasio writes for Mama Josephine about the family.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Our cow is pregnant and we are soon expecting a calf…. Daniel and Patrick have malaria but are now on medicine and will be well soon. Students who finished high school in December 2018 are: Lazia, Richard, ‘Little Jackson’, Bulasio, Sharon N, and Zowena. They are working to save 1/3 of college fees. Their jobs are part-time. Their joint Savings Account is called ‘Sowers’ and has 400,000 shillings ($108). They also pay for their personal needs. Richard and Lazia saved 150,000 shillings ($40) from their part-time jobs.
“Joseph has ‘bush ulcers’ (sores) on his legs. He’s on antibiotics. Sylvia, Mama Josephine’s helper, visits her sick husband often so she brought in Nabwire who helps when Sylvia is away. May God bless you abundantly.”
Yours in love,
Bulasio
[Note: BTM sent money for school fees, Joseph’s meds, Sylvia’s pay and Christine’s rent.]
"Bulasio"
"Teachers & students complete the course. (Zawadi, middle first row standing, white top & floral skirt.)"
KENYA, KAKAMEGA. Pastor Bernard shares about his ministry.
Dear Bush Friends & Mama,
“Here’s what we do. 1) The Christian Community College offers vocational and technical skills, including a Bible program with diplomas in Christian Ministry. 2) This year we started a Medical Clinic. 3) The Children’s Home has 55 orphans and 25 homeless widows whom we care for. It’s located in our village in Bungoma County and supported by our church and BTM. 4) Our goal is also to plant churches and train pastors in western rural Kenya. 5) Finally, we support vulnerable women so they can start small businesses to support their families.
“To sustain projects and solve the water problem we put in a bore hole (well) early this year as well as water storage tanks to supply water to the Children’s Home and community. Also we bought 3 cows to produce milk for the Home and sell locally. We grow our own vegetables and sell the surplus. We plant food to feed the animals.
“We contracted a Mason to dig the well. He did a bad job and it sank. We lost money but after discussion, the Mason agreed to redo the work. Then he disappeared. Our cows are in calf. Upon calving we shall have enough milk to drink and sell. We bought bedding for the Home. We buy what we cannot grow.
“Needs: 1) Some orphans will begin high school in January 2020. We must plan for school fees. 2) We need to buy food for the animals during harvest season. 3) We need to build brick-walled structures with good floors for the Home. 4) We need educational supplies for the orphans. 5) We lost money from the well and must pay off the business loan. We are grateful to Bush Telegraph for your support.”
Pastor Bernard,
Kakamega, Uganda
SUDAN CONTAINER PROJECT. The Journey ended successfully! Enjoy a summary from our shipping partners:
8/21 – Container leaves Phoenix, Arizona. On a freighter at sea for 2½ months.
11/14 - Container off-loaded from the ship at Mombasa, Kenya’s, sea port. Heads to Mariakani with the driver.
11/15 - Heavy rains in Kenya slow the Container down but a few days later the driver resumed.
11/19 - Container cleared the Malaba border in Kenya.
11/22 - Container heading to Madopei border today.
11/25 - Container arrived at border Fri evening. Customs didn't work weekends. Clearing agent was at border at 11.00 AM Monday. Sunlight had his representative with Exemption Letter present by 2 PM.
11/26 - Clearing agent at border on Ugandan side. He is in contact with Sunlight’s representative.
11/27 - Clearance completed on Ugandan side. Truck presently on Sudan side.
11/29 - Pastor Sunlight: “The Container arrived in Torit, South Sudan, yesterday evening at 4 pm. We are thankful to God for the safety of all. Peter and our team are arranging to offload the cargo.”
"Dinner with Russ and Lynn and missionaries."
"Sharon N."
"Medical Clinic"
"Joseph's leg sores are healing."
CONGO, GOMA. Good news from Mama Zawadi
Dear Friends & Mama,
“Chantal and I looked for a school for her children. All schools were full and fee paying. After searching we found one by God's grace. I registered the children at Chamahame Adventist School free of charge. Please pray for Chantal’s children: 1) Wase Moza (age 13) in 3rd grade as she missed four years of school. 2) Jeannette Tumusifu (age 8) in 1st grade also missed four years. 3) Heshima Mutokambali (age 6) in 1st grade. The baby is too young. Chantal’s other children live with friends.
The school President promised to cover fees. The kids need uniforms, books, school bags, shoes and other supplies.”
God bless you,
Zawadi
[Note: BTM sent money to cover uniforms and school supplies.]
Spreading Love, Peace & the Gospel,
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27
TUESDAY
" ... and their 25 widowed Mamas who care for them!"
"Today Chantel has a 'Dry Fish' business in Goma."
Thankful for His Provision,
Charlotte
CONCLUSION. That’s it for now. The rest will have to wait until next time. Be encouraged:
"Mayfield Guest House."
"American Consulate."
Report
"Zaire, lf, with Zawadi."
[Letter #2]. Dear Mama & Friends,
“About our 35 orphans at Kiryandongo Refugee Camp: two 7th grade students started Final Exams yesterday. These two boys will begin Secondary School (high school) in January. The Senior II boys also started Final Exams…. The rest of the children stop school in two weeks - the end of 3rd term. We pray they will do well.
“Here are their needs: 1) charcoal for cooking was finished two days ago. They went without food yesterday. 2) Also they need soap for bathing and washing clothes; and 3) vegetables. My brother Toby is busy with Final Exams. You may send him the money. He will pick it up at Western Union on Saturday.
“I received news that the Container arrived in Madupi, Uganda and will be at Tseretenya border, South Sudan, tomorrow. Pastor Peter is on his way there to clear it. We trust God for a safe journey for Peter. We are happy to hear that sewing machines are coming in the Container. No student knows how to sew but will learn.
South Sudan’s Peace Treaty and the formation of a new government has been pushed to 100 days later. People are waiting for peace to return. We honor all our praying partners and donors who have tirelessly worked to bring this day. The driver of the Container arrived today. We appreciate every prayer and support.”
Thanks,
Pastor Sunlight
[Note: BTM sent money for the Kinyandongo orphans’ needs.]
"Pastor Peter (lf) met the Container at Ugandan/South Sudan border."
"Richard"
"Thank you for sewing machines so we can learn to sew."
"MAF airplane."
© Copyright 2019
Taximan Joe arrived in his little blue car after breakfast. We headed to the American Consulate. Joe: “The traffic is heavy … I fear we may miss the business hours it’s open.” We finally reached it by 10 am.
The gateman had bad news: “We are only open 8-10 am and 1-3 pm. Come back at 1 pm. We have shorter hours since the old American Embassy was bombed a few years back. Security is tight now.”
In tears I explained that this was an emergency. Eventually he let us through. Did it have anything to do with the fact that I told him hundreds of orphans were counting on me?
One more checkpoint to go. Eventually I found the right place. An American lady sat behind a glass window – like the ticket seller at the movies. She explained the process: “Go next door and have your photo taken. Get a certified copy of the Police Report; fill in these forms; and come back at 1 pm.”
I found the photo place. For .50 they took 3 photos. Joe waited in the car reading his newspaper. He then drove me to the Police Station with its crowds of victims. Again Joe took charge of the situation getting me quickly to the right people at the right desk. In no time we were on our way, Certified Police Report in hand.
Joe then contacted a Sudanese SPLA friend to learn the location of the Sudanese Embassy. He explained, “Mama, you must apply for a Visa.” The final destination was a large, double-story house on a dead-end street surrounded by a 12-ft wall. The Secretary behind the desk: “Have a seat….” Donny loaned me money for the Visa fee. I gave the secretary a small gift of lotion: “Thank you so much for your help.”
Back at the American Embassy, we passed the 1st and 2nd checkpoints using a copy of my old Passport. Now the little waiting room was full of about 30 people. The same lady sat behind the glass window. As I waited my turn I filled out more paperwork. Later: “Now go pay the cashier $65 …” which I did – thanks to Chuck and Ruth. The Deputy administered the Oath. “Your Passport will be ready in two weeks - June 20th.”
I prayed, “Lord … I can’t wait. It will take a miracle to enter Sudan without a valid Passport. I must try.”
We then found a nearby pharmacy where I purchased anti-malaria and diarrhea meds - the basics. Back at Mayfield both Donny and I paid Joe the going rate for spending the day with us. I fixed him a cup of tea, followed by a 2nd cup. “Joe, here’s two aqua Arizona T-shirts for you and your wife.” He was thrilled!
After Joe left I got busy on the phone looking for a free flight to Lokichogio (called ‘Loki’ for short), which borders Sudan. I first called Samaritan’s Purse. “We have a flight leaving early in the morning - but it’s full.”
Next I called AIM’s (African Inland Mission) air service. “We’re sorry but we have a Conference going on and are full the next few flights.” I went right down the list until I reached the last one, MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). I explained my situation – no money for airfare – and held my breath. “Yes … we have a seat but you’re not allowed to take more than 30 kg (60 lb).” This meant I could only take a few Relief Supplies and teaching materials. More challenges for God to work out. He did! Read on.
THE REST OF THE STORY. [Recap] It was Sunday afternoon. I had just arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. I walked to a nearby Internet Café to send a message home to my family: “Hi Kids … Mom arrived safely.” Upon finishing I looked down. Alas! My fanny pack containing Passport, money and documents had vanished! I alerted Paul, the manager/owner, and everyone else present what had happened.
Paul: “I saw a white lady with shoulder-length blond hair, about 5’ 7” in trousers and sport top, sitting by you. She left earlier very quickly without waiting for her change.”
A Chinese gentleman, also a regular, added, “When we arrived outside, I saw this same lady giving money to two street people. Then she hurriedly departed in a white taxi van with yellow stripes.” She became our key suspect as we eliminated the others. The Chinese customer reached in his pocket: “Here’s 200 shillings ($2) for your taxi fare.” My eyes teared up.
Paul, the Manager and Donny, my teammate and I hired a taxi – a beat-up blue car with a soccer ball logo on the door. The driver introduced himself, “I’m Joe Kadenga….” He turned out to be a famous former Kenyan sports’ star - a sort of ‘Michael Jordan’ only of soccer fame.
“Lord … thanks for leading us to Joe. He knows just about everyone - and everyone knows him. He gets things done! It’s a good thing because I don’t have a clue where to start.”
Joe: ”Madam, first we’ll go to the Police Station. There you will file a Report.” Upon arrival my heart sank. A large crowd clamored at the front window all shouting for attention. Joe ignored them and like Moses parting the Red Sea, pushed his way to the front. I meekly followed. Those in charge recognized Joe instantly and led us to a back room. In one corner I spotted yellowed dusty files piled high to the ceiling in disarray.
We spoke first to Police Detectives Felix and Philip. “We’ll go back with you to the crime scene to investigate….”
Meantime Donny, teammate: “I’ll email our USA Sunday School an ‘SOS’ to pray.”
Detectives Felix and Philip, taximan Joe, and Paul the Manager stayed with us the rest of the day. They were a great comfort. Paul insisted, “You may use our pay phones to call long distance and cancel your credit cards without charge.” I was moved by his compassion, me being a total stranger. Cancelling the credit cards was complicated but I finally succeeded.
At 5 pm Joe drove Donny and me back to Mayfield. We’d barely arrived when Ruth, American missionary, called: “Welcome to Africa … come for supper. Chuck will pick you up at 6.”
“Thank you Ruth, I’d love to!” Secretly, I wanted to be alone: “Lord … how can I travel the next four months in Africa without money? How will I reach Sudan, my first stop? My Passport; drivers’ license; credit cards; airline ticket home; and cash - gone! It’s in your hands.” Little did I know that Ruth and Chuck would play a part in the solution of my problems.
“Ruth, bad news….” I told her what had happened. “Come anyway!” She was very persuasive. Chuck picked Donny and me up soon after. It was wonderful to be in a home among familiar faces. After a tasty meatloaf dinner I gave them a few small gifts including a Pillsbury cake mix. Ruth’s eyes lit up.
Before we left that evening, Chuck handed me a check: “We talked about helping your mission…. Now seems to be the perfect time. Here … use this to pay for your stay to Mayfield – plus cash for the new Passport and other needs.” How I cried.
We returned at Mayfield. “Lord … I love these caring friends so much … thank you for allowing us to stay in touch all these years since the old days at Minnesota Bible College.”
"Dr. Tau, Charlotte & Physician's Assistant Kathy, took good care of me."
[Letter #2] Dear Friends & Mama,
“The people I am trying to help need prayer. Congo has a new program to encourage vulnerable women so I started an organization to help them. We now have legal documents…. I am also working on a Congo Women’s Project with a British organization. I am no longer with CAAP. By God's grace everything will be alright.
Thank you for your love, kindness and commitment to help Chantal and the Kids. They were so happy to go to school. They were overwhelmed with joy. May God bless our brothers and sisters who helped Chantal. Thanks to BTM she is now attending Adult Night School and working days selling dried fish in town. She is studying hard and learning.
“About Zaire who has prostate cancer that you are helping: his transport and control test will be $273 + medicine $63 = $336 total. Zaire doesn't speak English so it is hard for him to communicate. He thanks you a lot and prays for you daily. He is no longer a driver for CAAP. Also Chantal's rent is due. May the Lord make room for you to have enough to provide for people in need.”
God bless you,
Zawadi
[Note: BTM paid Zaire’s expenses; Chantal’s night school; and her rent.]
"Mamas & Widows learn to bake."
"Police station with Joe."
"Arial view from Nairobi to Loki airstrip, Kenya."
"Angaim Teachers."
"We love our 55 orphan children ...!"
Sept - Dec 2019
Thank you faithful friends for your love, encouragement and prayers this Christmas Season that allow BTM to march on, through ups and downs, ins and outs, with the Word of God in Africa.
UGANDA/SUDAN. Rev. Stephen shares news about his family, South Sudan, and the Container.
Dear Brothers, Sisters & Mama,
“I just returned from Paloriny and Aleera Refugee Camps. The service at Paloriny Camp was five Churches who came together from around that area. A few came with choirs and youth. About Leer, Unity State. I am collecting money to help transport Relief Supplies when the Container arrives in Sudan…. My new information is that two Christians in Leer wish to donate money to help….”
MONDAY
Bush Telegraph Missions
Unloading the Container - the 'loose' items come out first."
"35 kids live here thanks to BTM."
Charlotte Sinclair Barkley
"ACROSS compound."
"Little Jackson"
"Sunlight & Angaim pastors pray for a used motorbike."
"Stella (w/hubby Mac)"
"Services in Paloriny Refugee Camp."
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
"Widows learn how to bake bread."
"Dinner with missionaries Ruth and Chuck, Nairobi."
"Sudanese Embassy, Nairobi."
At 5 am I walked into the dining room. The table was set for Early Bird Breakfast. After coffee and cereal I prepared two P&J sandwiches for the road before waking Donny. The Mayfield van wasn’t back yet from their 4 am airport run. When they hadn’t arrived by 5:55 I became nervous as we had to be at Wilson Airport by 6 am. Just in the nick of time the van arrived. We loaded up. Luckily it was not far to Wilson Airport.
Upon arrival there was a mix-up about where we were to meet. Finally I spotted a tall Sudanese gentleman, also on our flight. We teamed up and eventually found the right location. Whew! We were 6 passengers in all. Each carried pieces of luggage, freight, cases and boxes to our plane. We boarded and strapped ourselves in.
Meantime the Sudanese gentleman explained, “I’m a pastor at Kurkok and am taking a doctor and two men from India into Sudan. Kurkok is a Samaritan’s Purse pioneer outpost clinic. We will do a survey and assess needs.”
About three hours later we touched down at the Loki Airstrip. Donny and I were met by Missionary Gordon of Canada (which I arranged). He was the same pilot who had flown Dr. Tweety, Nancy and I one year. In the twinkling of an eye, he whisked us past Immigration explaining, “They’re visiting here in Kenya.” No questions asked by officials. We loaded his black Land Rover and headed to his home at the ACROSS compound.
VISITORS AT MAYFIELD
"Zawadi, with Chantel (lf) & children at school"
"Zowena"
"Mamas earn Certificates upon completion of the course."
"Christian Community College."
USA. FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Prayer Partners,
“Your missionary has been MIA (Missing In Action)! As mentioned last time, my long silence is due to a battle with Cancer. Praise God! My family doctor caught it early - Stage 1 - a rare type found in women, located on my bottom. I made it through out-patient surgery; biopsies galore; Pet Scan; and 7 1/2 weeks of daily Radiation treatments (no Chemo). Due to Radiation burns and other side effects, plus round-the-clock skin care, my ‘get-up-and-go’, ‘got-up-and-left’. A strict cancer diet including special foods (good-bye sugar), teas and water; juicing; and nutritional supplements. Dr. Tau instructed: ‘You must walk ½ hr a day.’
“Lord … How can I walk when I feel like a crushed bag of potato chips? But I did it anyway.”
”Just about everyone I met on my ‘Cancer Journey’ had an inspiring story. Mine is teaching me valuable lessons: to be more sensitive and understanding towards others going through this. One ‘Survival Secret’? Even on my darkest days I brought it all to Jesus. Fears vanished. His peace reigned.
“I’m eager to get back to Africa. My heart is full; my ‘Thank You List’ has grown taller than an elephant! Thanks to ‘special angels’ Carol, Kim, Stella, Gail, Joyce, Ilene and Michelle who drove me to daily treatments. Or was it the fancy coffee machine in the waiting room that motivated them? Seriously, I’m humbled by the outpouring of love from you all!”
With a Grateful Heart,
Charlotte
"MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SUDAN!"
Meantime David Dau, a Sudanese friend dropped by Mayfield. We looked for a spot to chat but every corner was full. We ended up outside on the kitchen doorstep next to a 100 lb bag of potatoes. “I’m now married and have a 3-mo old daughter … working with an NGO that helps Sudan’s starving, imprisoned orphaned children.”
David continued, “I was drafted into the SPLA at age 9 and trauma followed. My father, an Anglican Priest, had a disagreement with a rival church leader, who sought revenge. This church leader had the SPLA arrest my father and forbid anyone in our village to feed my family. They were not even allowed to leave their hut. My 12-yr old sister starved to death. I interceded for my dad, got him released and out of Sudan. He now lives with me.”
“David, I’m so sorry for what your family suffered. Here are gifts for you: a calendar; Arizona T-shirt; and a tote bag of baby clothes.” He exploded with shouts of joy. He stayed for supper and I chuckled as he ate everything with a large soup spoon. David no sooner left when Klero, another Sudanese friend, arrived from Lohutok, Sudan, where I was headed. I told him about the problem of shipping supplies. “I don’t have room on my flight due to weight restrictions.”
Klero: “I know a pilot – he’ll drop them at Lohutok – no problem.” The Lord had solved that problem.
I spent the night packing. Everything had to be divided into groups: 1) teaching supplies; 2) personal; 3) relief supplies; and 4) what to store at Mayfield. I used duck tape to secure and label everything. As I tore off strips I didn’t realize the ripping sound echoed through the cement walls in the still night.
Suddenly a tall, middle-aged man appeared in a bathrobe. Looking down at me sitting on the floor he muttered “Really?” If looks could kill! He turned and walked away. Embarrassed, I tore the rest of the duck tape in another room.
"Lazia"
"Sylvia visits her sick husband often."
"Photo taken before BTM stepped into Chantel's life."
"Gordon and Carol's home at ACROSS compound."
"Peter (lf), the driver and Sunlight (rt) welcome the Container in Torit, South Sudan."
"Our cow (a gift from BTM) is pregnant!"
"Our kids in Kiryandongo receive supplies."
Prayer-N-Praise
After introductions his wife Carol made lunch. Gordon: “I must fly back to Nairobi for a Pilot’s Retreat….” We waved good-by and he was gone. That night missionaries Russ and Lyn invited us for supper: “We’re involved in ESL in the mother tongue and work with ACROSS.”
Another guest, Leslie, an independent missionary and teacher was there with her guest, Olivia. Leslie explained, “I’ve been widowed since I was 21 – my husband was Navy and killed in action.” The spaghetti dinner, fresh green beans and fruit salad hit the spot.
That night I was given the guestroom while Donny stayed with an ACROSS missionary. Carol could not contain her excitement: “The generator is working! Quick! Plug in everything that needs charging. Charlotte, there is a fan your room - it’s working!” The fan was an added bonus as it was hot as blazes. I tossed and turned. Sounds from beating drums, African music and voices carried in the night. “Lord … do these people ever sleep?”
In the morning I explained our options to Donny: “We are on our own to figure out how to reach Lohutok, Sudan, by Friday. Today I’m walking into town to find an NGO driving to Sudan.” With that I set off down the dusty road. “Lord … we made it this far. Please guide me as I seek transport to Sudan where we’re expected in two days. Our brothers in Lohutok are waiting. Can you do another miracle? Amen.” [Conclusion next time]
[Letter #2] Dear Mama, Brothers & Sisters,
“We received the information about the Container difficulties you faced. It was supposed to pass through the border town of Nimule, then by road to Juba. But due to our government officials’ new policy, BTM was forced to reroute the Container at the last minute. It will now enter Sudan at a remote border arriving in Torit and not Juba. We continue praying that the Container will arrive safely and in good condition.”
Thanks and God bless you,
Rev Stephen
[Note: BTM will help transport their supplies to Unity State.]
SOUTH SUDAN. Letters from Pastor Sunlight, BTM Partner.
Hello Mama & Bush Friends,
“Yesterday Toby, my brother, received the money you sent to Uganda, since we cannot receive Western Union in Sudan. Some money was for Pastor Victor’s son who received treatment for a broken leg at Bidi-Bidi Refugee Camp, Uganda. Also money was to pay10 teachers at Angaim School which now has 235 students.
“About the Container. The Exemption Letter is under way. The Minister has finally agreed to process the document. We have a place to put our Container in Torit.
“Our greatest need is a motorbike in Angaim Village as we travel place to place. Now we rent one. BTM suggested we use our power saw to cut down trees to sell as a business. All trees are regulated by the government. We are only allowed to cut enough to construct the school. The Minister has approved 20 trees to cut down.
“Angaim Village is investing in agriculture to fight hunger and generate income. A few men are burning charcoal to sell in Torit. These are things we can do to support ourselves. Our goals: 1) finish school construction; 2) collect food from parents to feed students; and 4) burn charcoal to sell.
Thanks for your prayers and support.”
"David Dau & I visit on the step outside Mayfield's kitchen."
"Breakfast with Carol and Charlotte."