It Takes a Village
"My name is Mulira Martin but everyone calls me Guta. I am from Kampala, Uganda, and I currently live in Sweden. I am now a father to 1 year old JJ, Jayden Jeremiah (named after Brother Jeremiah), and I thank God for this new season in my life. Bethlehem House Ministries, led by my daddy, Brother Jeremiah, has truly helped to turn my life around. Through his love, guidance, and teachings, both he and the ministry have had a deep impact on me. I am grateful for the transformation God has brought into my life through them!"
~ Guta
The work of our ministry in Africa started with Guta! Guta grew up in Kampala, Uganda. His upbringing was a sad one. Guta’s mother passed away when he was just beginning his teen years leaving him orphaned and homeless. We met Guta in 2019 while he was still struggling to survive on the streets of Kampala. Bethlehem House has been able to provide food, shelter, clothing and medicine to this fine young man over the past few years. Guta is a dancer and enjoys strutting his skills any opportunity he gets. In the absence of any father figure, Guta has adopted Brother Jeremiah as his "Dad."
Below, we have Muyis and friends in the pic on the left (first pic below) and Bakary along with his two younger brothers Baxso and Badembo in the pic on the right (second pic below) wishing Brother Jeremiah a happy birthday.
Muyis is a bright young man from Lagos, Nigeria. He is very fond of animals and enjoys his bond with 2 parrots that we've named Romeo and Juliet along with a host of chicks, roosters and chickens. He is a deeply spiritual person who is very committed to his faith and prayer life - so much so that we call him "the little monk." Muyis graduated from secondary school in 2015 but was unable to pursue his dream of attending the University because his family was unable to afford the required school fees. In August of 2021, Bethlehem House was able to assist Muyis enroll into the University of Agriculture in Nigeria and secure funds needed for all school related as well as living expenses.
Bakary, Baxso and Badembo live in The Gambia in a city called Brikama. Upon losing their mom in 2020, Bakary (the eldest of the 3 boys) took on the responsibility of looking out for his two younger brothers. Bakary dreams of establishing his very own business that will empower him to provide for his wife and two younger brothers. He has a few ideas about what type of business he'd like to venture into but the one thing holding him back is the money required for start-up costs. Meanwhile, Baxso is learning a tailoring skill. He wishes to be a fashion designer someday. We would like to assist Baxso in fulfilling his dream by providing the funds needed for his schooling and training. Badembo is presently being trained in masonry work. These 3 young brothers are ambitious, hardworking and incredibly resilient. They have goals but lack the financial resources that will take their efforts to the next level. Bethlehem House has assisted these brothers with food, medical treatment and shelter over the past few years. More recently, we were able to provide the brothers a safe place to live as their former home was badly damaged in a fire. The new addition to the family is Bakary's wife, Fatou "Buteh" Jobarteh. They were joined in marriage on May 3, 2025, and are expecting their first child.
Muyis and His Buddies
Meet Bakary and His Younger Brothers Badembo & Baxso
Walk With Us As Part Of This Village
Meet Aaron from Kenya
Aaron is another fine young man from Kenya who is doing his best to keep positive in the midst of difficult circumstances. Aaron recently completed a course of study to become a Barista. Unfortunately, he is working through a few health issues that keep him from being fully employed. Bethlehem House Ministries has worked closely with Aaron for several years now assisting him with housing, food, medical expenses as well as his course of study. We need to continue to support Aaron until he is able to support himself.
Guta and Joy Update
Here is Martin aka Guta once again and an update on this young man’s progress: Guta's dancing skills led him to meet a Swedish princess named Joy who also loves to dance. In 2021, Guta was able to secure a travel visa which enabled him to spend some time in Sweden with Joy while making other connections with other prominent dancers. After a long wait and much work, Guta has left Uganda and has begun a new life in Sweden with Joy. He is constantly expressing his deepest gratitude for how Bethlehem House has radically changed his life. His biggest aspiration is to one day visit the USA and meet the man that he calls his Abba (Daddy).
We are also proud to announce that Guta and Joy now have a child who was born on May 19, 2024. Jayden Jeremiah is the latest addition to the Bethlehem House Ministries family. Having obtained a long-term VISA, Guta is now able to celebrate the joys of fatherhood and forge deep bonds with his beautiful son, JJ in Sweden.
Meet Muyis and Abbey from Nigeria
With the help of Bethlehem House Ministries, our dear friend Muyis (on the left) has now entered into his final year of studies in the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. It hasn't been easy, but Muyis has been a diligent student who works hard and loves to learn. We continue to assist him with food, shelter, medical care and school-related expenses. He has great goals and ambitions. Muyis is determined to make good things happen for himself as well as for his loved ones. His dream is to live in the USA someday. He is deeply grateful for all that Bethlehem House has done to help turn his life around.
"Words truly fail me as I try to express what your kindness means to me. I cannot describe how much your help lifts a weight off my shoulders. Your generosity not only met my school related financial needs, but it also renewed my faith, restored my strength, and reminded me that God does provide through folks like you. To me, this assistance is like air in my lungs. People like you are the reason I have a safe place to call 'my home" while I pursue my studies. And it is the reason I can complete the final year project that stands between me and my degree...Everything I am today, and everything I hope to become, I owe to Bethlehem House Ministries...From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!"
~ Muyis
Muyis' best friend and brother is Abiodun Quadri, known as Abbey (on the right). Abbey is a fashion designer who makes a living by creating fashionable African attire. Bethlehem House Ministries has extended a hand to Abbey assisting him from time to time with living expenses. Recently, BHM, was able to enroll Abbey into a 3-month suit-making course which will enable him to expand his brand, HQ Styles, with traditional suit-making skills.
"I recently made the payment for my fashion training, and every day of training, I look forward to learning new skills and building a foundation for a future I once only dreamed of. I want to express how crucial your support has been in making this possible. The truth is, I simply would not have been able to enroll in this training and acquire these life-changing skills if it weren't for your generosity and the incredible support of Bethlehem House Ministries...Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate your kindness more than words can adequately express. I don't think you have any idea just how much this means to me."
~ Abbey
Meet “Prince” Arinze
"My name is Ndibe Augustine Arinzechukwu, and I'm from Njikoka LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. My life changed course when I first encountered Father Jerry (Brother Jeremiah) on Instagram in 2020. I was immediately drawn to his joyful posts featuring his freshly prepared meals and, more profoundly, his unwavering commitment to helping the less privileged.
As an orphan and a dedicated student, I was struggling to complete my education. In 2021, while in my second year (200L) studying Pharmacy at Enugu State University, I faced the very real possibility of dropping out due to outstanding tuition fees. I reached out to Father Jerry (Brother Jeremiah), desperately appealing for assistance. Despite his own limited resources, he responded with immense kindness, contributing the initial funds he could spare to help me continue my studies.
From that pivotal moment, Father Jerry and Bethlehem House became instrumental in securing my future. Their sustained support went far beyond that initial donation. They took responsibility for my subsequent tuition fees and even sponsored my vital final-year project.
Because of the compassion and generosity shown by Father Jerry and Bethlehem House, I was able to successfully complete my degree. They didn't just pay fees; they invested in my future.
I am certain that when I become successful, I will follow their noble footsteps, contributing to the lives of those who desperately need help. Their work is a beacon of hope, and I am a living testament to its power."
~ "Prince" Arinze
Meet Jean Georgio Renelus
Georgio is from Haiti who is studying computer network technology. He lives with his parents in Port au Prince and is very involved in the life of his parish Church. Bethlehem House Ministries has been providing Georgio assistance with transportation to and from school. Without this assistance, Georgio would not be able to continue with his studies. Recently, BHM was able to provide Georgio with a laptop, a necessary tool for his studies which was out of his reach to obtain. Georgio is so grateful for the support he is receiving from Bethlehem House.
Meet Favour Ayomide Oluwafemi
Favour is also from Nigeria. Like most young people in Nigeria, Favour is frustrated with the lack of opportunities, high unemployment rates, and an inept government that cares for no one but their own. He does have a job but the pittance it pays is dismal. We met Favour at a time where he truly needed a breakthrough and Bethlehem House Ministries was able to provide one.
Favour submitted a business proposal for a deep cleaning business into which he desired to venture. And the rest is history.
"I will now be able to start a small cleaning business I've been dreaming of for so long. This is not just money; it is hope, a fresh start, and a doorway to a better future for me and those around me...Thank you for believing in me...You are truly a light.""
~Favour